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Navigating Module Shortages: Cavli Alternatives for Quectel and u-blox

The mobile communications module market is facing significant disruptions. Discontinuation of u-blox product lines and trade restrictions impacting Chinese manufacturers like Quectel are creating challenges for many businesses. At Alpha Micro Components, we understand these difficulties and are here to help you find viable solutions. Our partner, Cavli, offers a range of excellent alternatives for mobile communication modules, including both pin-to-pin and functionally compatible options.

This blog post outlines some key Cavli alternatives to popular Quectel and u-blox modules, providing you with a starting point for your search.

Pin-to-Pin Compatible Cavli Replacements for Quectel:

For seamless integration, Cavli offers several pin-to-pin compatible replacements for Quectel modules, simplifying the transition process:

  • Replacing Quectel EC21/EG21 (MDM9207 Chipset): The Cavli CQ10 is a perfect drop-in replacement. Offering Cat 1/2G connectivity, the same MDM9207 chipset, and optional GNSS, it supports both regional and global SKUs.
  • Replacing Quectel EC25/EG25 (MDM9207 Chipset): The Cavli CQ20 provides Cat 4/2G connectivity, utilizes the MDM9207 chipset, includes optional GNSS, and is available in regional and global SKUs. For those looking for 5G Redcap, the Cavli CQM220 (LTE Cat 4, GNSS, Global SKU) is also a compatible option.
  • Replacing Quectel SC200E (QCM2290 Chipset): Consider the Cavli CQS290, an LTE Cat 4 Smart Module with GNSS and regional SKUs.

Functionally Compatible Cavli Alternatives for Quectel (Similar Functionality, Not Pin-to-Pin):

While not direct replacements, these Cavli modules offer similar functionality to the Quectel counterparts:

  • Replacing Quectel BG95/EG915U/EG915Q: The Cavli C16QS (Cat 1bis, QCX216 Chipset, optional GNSS (L1), regional and global SKUs) and the Cavli C17QS (Cat 1bis, QCX217 Chipset, optional GNSS (L1+L5), regional and global SKUs) provide excellent alternatives.

Functionally Compatible Cavli Alternatives for u-blox (Similar Functionality, Not Pin-to-Pin):

Cavli also offers functional replacements for u-blox modules:

  • Replacing u-blox Lexi-R10 (QCX216 Chipset): Choose from the Cavli CQ16 (Cat 1bis, QCX216 Chipset, no GNSS, regional SKUs), the Cavli C16QS (Cat 1bis, QCX216 Chipset, optional GNSS (L1), regional and global SKUs), or the Cavli C17QS (Cat 1bis, QCX217 Chipset, optional GNSS (L1+L5), regional and global SKUs).
  • Replacing u-blox Lara-R6/Lara-L6 (MDM9207 Chipset): The Cavli CQ10 (Cat 1/2G, MDM9207 Chipset, optional GNSS, regional and global SKUs) and the Cavli CQ20 (Cat 4/2G, MDM9207 Chipset, optional GNSS, regional and global SKUs) offer comparable performance.

Need More Help?

This is just a selection of available Cavli alternatives. We understand that every project has unique requirements. Our team at Alpha Micro Components is ready to discuss your specific needs and explore other potential solutions. Contact us today to learn more and find the perfect Cavli module for your application.