MC Technologies selects Quectel EC21 module for its own LTE router/gateway series
MC Technologies, a leading European provider of both industrial cellular and IoT hardware and software solutions has selected the Quectel EC21 IoT module in its various country variants. The module is used in the new LTE routers as well as in the gateway series of the MC100 family. In addition, the module is used in a wide range of other IoT products, such as the new MC9x gateway series.
The Quectel EC21 is an LTE Cat 1 module that offers a maximum download rate of 10 Mbps and an uplink of 5 Mbps. With its LCC form factor, it measures only 32.0 x 29.0 x 2.4mm and can be used in an extended temperature range of -40°C to +85°C thanks to various variants, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
“The EC21 is a proven, reliable LTE modem that we have deployed in the past across a broad range of customers,” said Frank Schmidt, managing director of MC Technologies. “The reliable LTE connection and stable data transmission is a clear plus in Quectel’s product line. The EC21 also supports the Quectel FC20 WLAN/Bluetooth module, which allows us to offer our customers a wider range of communication options.”
MC Technologies is a German family-owned company based in Hanover that has not only been a leader in IoT hardware and solutions for many years, but is also Quectel’s official distributor. MC Technologies’ broad portfolio includes cellular routers, gateways, terminals, and industrial PCs. In addition, the company has been supplying industrial connectors and cable assemblies for many years.
With the recent launch of the MC92, MC Technologies has added a versatile product family with advanced I/O capabilities that would have taken a long time to develop if conventional technology had been used. The integration of Quectel’s “QuecOpen” platform made it possible for MC Technologies to realize advanced cloud capabilities directly with the module and with significantly shorter development times than with a classic microcontroller architecture.
“Our solutions are used worldwide in remote maintenance, diagnostics, data logging and cloud integration,” explained Matthias Bannach, the company’s chief technical officer. “Our solutions offer easy connection of machines for remote maintenance, as well as integration of sensor data that can be configured either locally or in the cloud. With the firmware over the air (FotA) feature, our customers are always up to date on the latest software and advanced features that MC Technologies offers.”
Mobile network routers for remote monitoring
One of the key features that convinced MC Technologies of the EC21 is the seamless integration of WLAN and Bluetooth via the Quectel FC20 chipset, which offers real added value to the company’s customers. In addition, it was important to be able to use a wide range of modules with the same form factor, such as the EG25-G or the EG21, in order to be able to offer the customer an optimal solution for the task at hand. Last, but not least, MC Technologies also benefited from Quectel’s experience as the world’s leading manufacturer of well-known reliable modems and very high-performance RF technology.
“The integration of QuecOpen and WLAN/Bluetooth functionality and the wide choice of modules in the same form factor was a clear advantage of Quectel over tested solutions from other manufacturers” notes Frank Schmidt. “Quectel also provided us with excellent design assistance and support during the development period.”
“We are very pleased that MC Technologies, with whom we have a strong, long-standing relationship, is using our EC21 and its various regional variants in the new LTE routers and the versatile gateway series,” said Dominikus Hierl, SVP Sales EMEA, Quectel Wireless Solutions. „Diese Router und Gateways werden weltweit im Industriebereich eingesetzt, einem Segment, in dem die Kunden hohen Wert auf Performance und Verbindungssicherheit legen. We are pleased to help MC Technologies with our modules to produce devices that enable a smarter solution for industrial customers.”
