4G LTE-M Global Quectel-QBG96

Skywire® Global LTE-M Embedded Modem

sku: NL-SW-LTE-QBG96

The Skywire NL-SW-LTE-QBG96 embedded modem offers LTE-M/NB-IoT connectivity for global applications with fallback to 2G, as well as an integrated GPS/GNSS radio. The NL-SW-LTE-QBG96 is compatible with many of the world’s LTE-M and NB-IoT networks.

Skywire embedded modems dramatically reduce the cost, risks and timelines of IoT product development. With known-good RF engineering and fully validated software, Skywire allows you to focus on your application and not engineering cellular radios. Standardized connectivity gives you flexibility to update and alternate radios for new geographies, carriers and technologies. Further, our embedded modems are “End-Device Certified”, meaning your end-product will not need to go through the complex process of carrier certification. This is critical for the first release of your product and each iteration as you obtain market feedback. Skywire modems significantly reduce time-to-market and are ideal for product development through large-scale production. All Skywire modems are patented and backed by industry leading documentation and expert-level product support.

NL-SW-LTE-QBG96 is now NRND, Not Recommended for New Design. The replacement part is the NL-SW-LTE-QBG96-B which is a firmware only, no HW change.

Nimbelink recommends all customer move to the new FW version part to take advantage of the updates and added features. See the PCN.

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Features

Advantages

Tech Specs

Features

Skywire Form-Factor
Global 4G LTE-M, NB-IoT with 2G fallback
All RF Engineering contained within the modem
Carrier End-Device certified
GNSS receiver for GPS, GLONASS, Beidou/Compass, Galileo, and QZSS location services
Solder down SIM onboard and removable SIM card slot
U.FL port for antenna flexibility
Direct module access via Serial UART or USB
Multi-carrier support on a single device
Skywire family pin compatibility
RoHS compliant
Development kits available

Advantages

Global LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 2G coverage in a single modem
Lower power & lower cost than LTE Cat 1-4 and 3G technologies
Pricing comparable to other LPWAN technologies
Easy to integrate – pin compatible with all Skywire modems
Bundled Data Plan Available

Tech Specs

Throughput: LTE-M 375Kbps Download/375Kbps Upload | NB-IoT 32Kbps Download/70Kbps Upload
Active Cell: 230mA (LTE) | 415mA (GSM)
Average: 130 mA
Peak: 900 mA
Idle: 19 mA
Sleep: 680 uA
Input Voltage: 3.4V-4.3V
I/O Voltage: 1.65V-5.5V
Temperature Range: -40º to 85ºC
Dimensions: 29mm x 33mm x 10.5mm
RoHS compliant

Deployable Region

Global

Carriers

AT&T, Orange, Telstra, Telus, T-Mobile, Verizon, Vodafone

Bands

LTE-M/NB-IoT
LTE-FDD: B1[2100], B2[1900] B3[1800], B4[1700], B5[850], B8[900], B12[700], B13[700], B18[850], B19[850], B20[800], B26[850], B28[700] | LTE-TDD: B39[1900] (LTE-M only)

GSM, EDGE,GPRS
2G Frequency Bands: GSM850, EGSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900

Documentation

Documents

Product Brief
Datasheet
QBG96 Quickstart Guide
Skywire Hardware Developer’s Guide
Skywire Software Developer’s Guide
Skywire Hardware Design Checklist
AT Command Manual
3D Mechanical Model
QBG96-B Product Change Notification

Development Kit Reference Design

NL-SWDK2

Product Brief
Datasheet
User Manual
Development Kit Schematic
Development Kit Altium Files

NL-SWDK Documentation

Application Notes

Sending and Receiving data with Socket Dials
Sending and Receiving SMS messages
Sending and Receiving data with PPP
Using GNSS Location Services
AWS IoT SSL/TLS Guide
Using Low Power Modes
Prototyping Considerations
Additional Quectel Resources

Files & Drivers

USB Drivers & Guide
Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) Update Procedure
NL-SW-LTE-QBG96 Windows Firmware Update Guide

Certifications

AT&T Certification
Telus Network Ready Certification
Verizon ODI Certification
PTCRB Certification
FCC Certification
IC Certification
CE Mark
ROHS Certificate of Compliance

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Skywire Cellular Embedded Modems are the fastest way to get cellular connectivity.

Development Kits

Skywire Development Kits allow direct Skywire embedded modem connection to your circuit board with everything you need for successful prototyping. Start developing today!

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Custom Solutions

Have an idea? Need help getting your product to market? NimbeLink has designed and manufactured hundreds of IoT products, and we can help you too!

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Cellular Data Plans

With our name the price tool, we can help you to build an IoT data plan that will fit your budget.

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Skywire Development Kits

NL-SWDK and NL-SWDK2

Quickly add cellular connectivity to your system or IoT product with the Skywire Development Kit and our Skywire Embedded Modems.

Our SWDK also includes an antenna, SIM Card, power supply, and debug cables so you can start developing faster.

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Farm Jenny Case Study

See How Our Customers Use Skywire

Farm Jenny’s founders had a vision: 24/7 horse monitoring. The inspiration for this product came from decades in the technology industry while owning a small horse farm.

From the start, they knew they wanted to use an embedded modem vs. a module in their design to obtain data on the movement and condition of the horses. They were seeking an end-device certified option that could be adapted to their unique needs. Farm Jenny also needed their product to be a simple purchasing experience for customers by offering a single product SKU with a wide range of carrier options.

Read Case Study