Antmicro, a software-driven technology company that develops open source-based edge computing systems for various branches of industry such as robotics, defense, semiconductors, automotive, medical and broadcasting, has selected the Quectel SA800U-WF system on module (SoM) for its open-source Snapdragon 845 baseboard. The baseboard allows companies to quickly prototype new proof of concepts for a variety of commercial projects including smart mobile devices, kiosks, assistants and advertising displays using Antmicro’s engineering services.

With cross-competence in software, hardware, FPGA and ASIC development, and edge to cloud AI, Antmicro provides commercial engineering services around its open-source tools and platforms to deliver practical solutions to customers looking to innovate by embracing cutting-edge technologies. With headquarters in Europe, the company operates globally to serve customers in Europe, the US, Singapore, Japan, Australia and beyond.

The Quectel SA800U-WF is a new-generation smart module with built-in Android OS, based on Qualcomm’s octa-core 64-bit Kryo 385 processor, with built-in Adreno 630 GPU. This high-performance module supports various multimedia functions, making it ideal for both industrial and consumer applications which require high data rates. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology allows the module to greatly minimize errors and optimize data speeds. The SA800U-WF supports 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, 2 × 2 Wi-Fi MIMO, BT 5.0 and Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0.

Quectel’s SA800U-WF smart module: an ideal match for open-source baseboards

“We are using the Quectel SA800U-WF SoM because it is a well-priced high-performance device with a wide array of connectivity options,” says Peter Katarzynski, Engineering Manager, Hardware at Antmicro. “A notable subset of our customers requires high performance processing at a good unit price, which is what the SA800U provides. The onboard wireless connectivity is also a welcome feature which helps reduce complexity. Based on those recurring needs, we developed the open-source baseboard to serve as a starting point for projects of this kind.”

Katarzynski adds that the SoM provides a good processing core for the company’s open-source Snapdragon 845 Baseboard which has been designed to kickstart new projects aimed at the mass market and smart devices that require rapid development. Together with a variety of compatible and open video accessories created by Antmicro, the board provides an easily adaptable open-source solution that can help companies productize their innovations.

Antmicro selected the Quectel SA800U-WF because of its small mechanical outline, its modularity, software availability and support, and the price versus performance it offers. “Quectel offers compact-sized and affordable modules with good support,” confirms Katarzynski. “Using the Quectel SA800U-WF SoM, we have built a flexible solution that enables fast prototyping of novel proof-of-concepts for a wide range of applications.”

Dominikus Hierl, SVP Europe at Quectel, said: “We’re delighted to be supplying the Quectel SA800U-WF to Antmicro to enable its Snapdragon 845 Baseboard which is delivering an open-source solution to help innovators productize their ideas. We’re pleased to see our system-on-module play its part in technology that is simplifying and accelerating how proof of concepts are conducted across a wide array of verticals and use cases.”