company Sixfab recently released a module or HAT with a 5G modem for the new Raspberry Pi 5.In this way, the SBC gets even better functionality thanks to the Quectel RM502Q-AE 5G Sub-6 Ghz in M.2 format module that can be used with any mobile data SIM card worldwide. except in China Because it is Incompatible. That is, you need a card and service. The same will happen with any 5G mobile device.
Must notice that Quectel RM50xQ module It may also support GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), but this is not implemented in the kit offered by Sixfab for the Raspberry Pi. USB 3.0 port of the Raspberry Pi 5 to use, which avoids the use of the standard PCIe FPC connector and makes installation easier.
However, you might think that by using a USB 3.0 port, you no longer need the header. GPIO 40 pinsAnd so it’s not a HAT as such, but the fact is that these pins are specifically needed to control the included fan to turn the Sixfab HAT on or off when not in use to save power. Select the SIM card ( NanoSIM or eSIM) for user control, status LED, and FCP that control the 5G module’s on and off sequence.
However, this is all optional, as Sixfab itself states so. USB is enough to work.Because it is not only compatible with Raspberry Pi 5, but also in other SBCs such as Beaglebone, ASUS Tinkerboard, NXP i.MX 8 development kit, Windows and Linux PCs, and even with its older brother NVIDIA Jetson board. And Some of these boards do not have GPIO or are not like the Pi.
Another interesting detail of this Sixfab 5G set is that it includes The antenna is on the PCB itself.So you don’t need an external antenna. This contradicts what we’ve seen in the 5G kit Waveshare already offers for the Raspberry Pi 4, which uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X55 and has a large external antenna…
That is, Sixfab is successful. Very tiny 5G helmetThis is important for projects where size matters. The kit can be installed in small spaces. Plus, if you’re interested, it’s currently available for around €450, which is quite a bargain. But what if you want your wireless device to connect to a 5G network without cables and at high speed? You will have no choice but to pay. Your carrier to get SIM and data rates…
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Why 5G?
You may be wondering Why You Might Want 5G on a Raspberry PiBut the truth is that there can be a lot to play with, such as:
- High speed connection: It takes advantage of 5G’s speed and low latency to provide high-speed connectivity in projects that require fast data transfer. This is especially important when we do not have a wired network or WiFi point to connect to. Because you can use your project anywhere. It may also be attractive for rural areas where fiber optics does not reach and you need a high performance connection.
- Internet of Things (IoT): If you’re about to experiment with an IoT project, this 5G module can also provide you with a lot of communication and connectivity conveniences. For example, you can program the Pi to act as a node with certain functions within a 5G network that you can Remotely controlled (Telemedicine, Robotics, Device Control, Edge/Fog Applications, IoT Control, Home Automation, etc.)…
- Streaming HD video: The SBC Raspberry Pi 5 was not built for this. But if you want to stream videos with recorded tutorials from the Pi to share, the high-speed, low-latency network will help you enjoy a smoother, faster experience. It’s as if what you’re looking for is to use the Pi 5 as a living room media center and enjoy streaming platforms.
- Remotely access resources: Having 5G bandwidth on your Raspberry Pi 5 also allows for quick access to remote resources and services. This could be useful in educational, research or development applications, uploading or downloading large amounts of data, etc. The truth is that the possibilities are many.
It is important to note that the availability and performance of these applications will depend on the 5G network infrastructure available in a specific location. So before investing 450 euros in this 5G HAT, you should make sure that it has Protection And that provider offers this type of connection?
Sixfab 5G series technical specifications
for Technical specifications From the new Sixfab 5G HAT kit for Raspberry Pi 5 we have the following:
- Sixfab 5G helmet:
- M.2 slot or slot for Quectel 5G module
- Nano SIM + eSIM slot
- The USB 3.0 connector is the communication interface, including a 40-pin GPIO to connect to the Raspberry Pi 5.
- User button
- LED lights show status, power, and user
- Programmable EEPROM memory
- 2 pin fan connector
- 5V power via USB-C
- Size 88.1×57.7×21.7mm
- FCC, IC, CE, UKCA certificates
- Quechtel RM502Q-AE:
- M.2 form factor to insert into Sixfab HAT slot
- 5G connectivity: 3GPP launches 15 NSA/SA, Sub-6 Ghz
- Type LTE DL Cat 20/UL Cat 18
- Maximum data range: 650 Mbps for 5G NSA Sub-6 UL and 5 Gbps for DL / 450 Mbps for 5G SA Sub-6 UL and 4.2 Gbps for DL
- USB 3.1 or PCIe 3.0 interface
- Size 52x30x2.3 mm
- Weight 8.4 grams
GPIO header, power adapter And a plastic spacer is included… So you will have everything you need to start working from the first moment. If you already have a Raspberry Pi 5 or one of the other compatible boards or devices, which I Mentioned earlier