Quectel Wireless Solutions, an end-to-end global IoT solutions provider, has introduced the KCMCA6S series sub-GHz Wireless M-Bus (WM-Bus) modules. Based on the Silicon Labs EFR32FG23 chipset, the modules operate in the 868 MHz, 169 MHz and 433 MHz bands and feature an ARM Cortex-M33 processor with a frequency of up to 78 MHz. Following the inclusion of WM-Bus into the KG200Z module, this module series continues the support of the WM-Bus protocol, alongside other wireless proprietary protocols based on Sub-GHz, and complies with the EN13757-4 standard, making them ideal for smart metering and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system deployments as well as a broad range of additional applications.
Quectel launches KCMCA6S series Wireless M-Bus modules with variable Sub-GHz frequency support. Image Credit: Quectel
The KCMCA6S series offers a compact, all-in-one WM-Bus solution with an integrated MCU, Sub-GHz transceiver, built-in software stack, and flexible configuration modes, eliminating the need for third-party protocol stack integration and ideal for space-constrained metering applications. The key distinction between the two variants in the series, the KCMCA6S (with SAW) and the KCMCA6S-N (without SAW), lies in the inclusion of a built-in Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filter, which helps minimize interference from cellular communications, particularly important for devices integrating both WM-Bus and cellular technologies such as NB-IoT or Cat-1.
WM-Bus technology has become a widely-adopted standard for deployments of smart meters in the water, electricity, gas and heat sectors across Europe and some countries in the Middle East, notably as a connectivity enabler for AMI systems. This installed base for the technology demonstrates its wide applicability to other IoT connectivity scenarios. The KCMCA6S series has been launched to support developers’ needs for modules that offer connectivity in the variable Sub-GHz frequency plus multiple interfaces, an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C and compact size.
“The KCMCA6S series WM-Bus modules are well-suited for smart metering use cases in the well-established European smart metering and AMI systems market and we also foresee a wide range of potential applications across other IoT connectivity scenarios,” commented Delbert Sun, Vice General Manager and Product Head, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “We’re proud to bring these compact modules with multiple interfaces to the market to deliver stable network connections with strong anti-interference and reliable data transmission.”
The KCMCA6S series will support multiple WM-Bus communication modes, including T,C,S,R,N and F. The modules have been designed to deliver efficient transmission through a low-power architecture with dynamic multi-mode switching and flexible frequency configuration alongside integrated multi-later security mechanisms.
The modules are in an LCC form factor with highly compact dimensions of 25.4 mm x 14.0 mm x 2.9 mm to help developers and designers optimize the cost of their end products. In addition, the modules incorporate integrated 32 KB RAM and 256 KB Flash memory.