Tachyon data sheet - Quectel SG560D-NA

Tachyon
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A quick comment regarding the SiP / SoC used in the Tachyon module.

Initially, I was somewhat confused seeing Quectel references in the couple of responses from the AT commands until it clicked that the Tachyon is a Quectel SG560D-NA modem SiP that integrates the Qualcomm QCM6490 octa-core 5G SoC.

As a FYI - The Tachyon data sheet, docs, and Particle Store should strictly be updated to acknowledge that the 5G modem is a Qucetel modem, otherwise some folks may be mistaken to conclude that the actual modem is from Qualcomm.

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That was an oversight. I added the radio module information to the Tachyon datasheet; it may take a little longer for it to be added to other locations.

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Hey zpm1066

We consider the SG560D-NA a smart module that integrates the Qualcomm silicon and modem into a SiP (system-in-package), and Quectel adds key value around RF design, manufacturing, and certification. So while the baseband/modem and application processor are Qualcomm’s (QCM6490), the module itself is a Quectel product, and you’re absolutely right that this distinction should be clearer in our documentation and store listing.

Thanks for pointing it out - we’ll make sure to update those materials to reflect the full picture more accurately.

For transparency, Quectel is partner of Particle’s (and a partner of Qualcomm!) and we use a lot of their modules in our products due to the excellent quality, manufacturing automation and system capabilities. They can manufacture modules in various geographies (including the US) and we are big fans of their Qualcomm expertise. Cellphone chipsets are not easy at all to work with.

Particle has access to the direct chip software from QCOM and we replace the entire contents of the device with software that we have built (as well as our own keys etc…) which is why this hasn’t popped up, but as Rick noted, we’ll fix quickly!

Thanks

Nick.

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Thanks @rickkas7 for updating the Tachyon datasheet.

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Hi @mrlambchop,
What I value the most in Particle, like many of your customers, is Particle’s proven design excellence coupled with genuine transparency and strong customer advocacy.

The Gen 3 devices - Boron LTE-M, Xenon, and Argon have been rock solid! Gen 4 devices are well on their way. The Tachyon (Gen 5?) is a huge step forward and there’s no doubt that it’ll prove to be Particle’s most successful endeavour.

Regarding the Quectel modem - The custom AT commands accepted by the 5G SG560D-xx SiP (“Smart Module”) are Quectel proprietary, from which one would infer that the modem is Quectel.

Although I’m not familiar with the Quectel 5G modems, more with the industry leading very low power LTE-M modems. The SG560D-xx SiP with QCM6490 is an impressive combination, as per your comments, an excellent choice all round for Particle’s next-gen devices.

Hopefully there are only minor Tachyon issues to iron out and the rest will be fine tuned.

Bring on the Tachyon Series! Thanks.

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Thanks zpm1066!

The RIL module was some reference code that Quectel had packaged up, based on the original QCOM code. I had not considered the use of the Quectel name in the API :slight_smile: I’ll take a look at it again - one of those details!

Thanks for the kind words - glad you are enjoying playing with this developer board. I still find it extremely cool that I can ssh into a device that is in my car, driving around the freeway :sweat_smile:

Nick.

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