4G chipmaker Sequans Communications S.A. announced availability of the VZ20M and VZ21M modules, the newest members of its EZLinkLTE™ family of single-mode LTE modules. The VZ20M, recently certified by Verizon Wireless, is a complete M.2* connectivity solution for the design of tablets, notebooks, and laptop computers, and is the second module to be released by Sequans following the VZ20Q, a surface-mountable QFN module, which was introduced in Q2 and certified by Verizon Wireless in September. Sequans also offers the VZ21M, a variant of the VZ20M that includes GNSS (global network satellite system), for those designers who want to include location services. Sequans’ EZLinkLTE modules give device makers plug-and-play LTE connectivity solutions that significantly reduce development cost and time. Sequans’ EZLinkLTE modules are the first Verizon Wireless certified, single-mode LTE modules in the industry to support both LTE bands 4 and 13.

“Our EZLinkLTE modules provide real benefits to device makers because everything is included and each one is pre-integrated, pre-tested, and pre-certified,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “EZLinkLTE modules are powerful yet simple solutions for adding LTE connectivity to just about any type of device—we now offer VZ20Q for consumer electronics and M2M devices, VZ20M for notebooks and laptops, and VZ21M for designs with GPS capability.”

Sequans’ EZLinkLTE modules are based on Sequans Mont Blanc LTE platform and SQN3120 baseband chip. The chip is compliant with 3GPP release 9 and delivers category 4 throughput of up to 150 Mbps in the downlink. The modules include the baseband and all other elements necessary for a complete LTE modem system. These include an LTE-optimized RF transceiver and a complete dual-band RF front-end for bands 4 and 13, key interfaces, LP-DDR SDRAM, embedded boot Flash, and VC-TCXO, all in a single, compact package. EZLinkLTE modules support all major operating systems, including Windows, Android, Linux, Google Chrome, and MAC OS for maximum versatility.

EZLinkLTE Modules:

VZ20Q. For CE and M2M devices. 17x24x2 mm QFN package. Verizon Wireless certified.
VZ20M. For notebooks, laptops, tablets and other portable computers with M.2 interface. 30x42x2.3 mm. Verizon Wireless certified.
VZ21M. VZ20M variant includes GNSS. M.2 interface. 30x42x2.3 mm.

“The rise of LTE everywhere is driving a great amount of innovation in the development of new types of LTE devices,” said Karam. “With EZLinkLTE modules we are helping to accelerate this market.”