DPTechnic Expands Walter Cellular IoT Module Lineup with New Cat 1 Bis Addition

Key Takeaways

DPTechnics is launching a crowdfunding campaign for the Walter Cat 1 Bis, an IoT system-on-module offering cellular connectivity.
The new model includes an upgraded Sequans GC02S1 LTE Cat 1 bis modem certified for global use, replacing the original’s Monarch GM02SP.
Applications for the Walter Cat 1 Bis include asset tracking, vehicle telematics, and smart-city initiatives.

Introduction of Walter Cat 1 Bis

DPTechnics is set to launch its second crowdfunding campaign featuring the Walter Cat 1 Bis, a new member of its Walter cellular system-on-module (SoM) lineup. According to Daan Pape from DPTechnics, the Walter Cat 1 Bis is a compact IoT solution that supports worldwide LTE Cat 1 bis technology, utilizing the powerful ESP32-S3 System-on-Chip (SoC) from Espressif.

This model builds upon the original Walter, which debuted three years ago with an Espressif ESP32-S3 microcontroller paired with a Sequans Monarch GM02SP for both cellular functionality and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities. The initial crowdfunding effort successfully raised nearly $70,000 before the board reached production.

Technical Specifications

The Walter Cat 1 Bis retains the reliable system-on-module format, keeping the same ESP32-S3 microcontroller along with its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 capabilities. However, it upgrades the cellular component to the Sequans GC02S1 LTE Cat 1 bis modem. This new modem, compliant with global standards, supports 3GPP LTE Release 14 and offers a maximum download speed of 10Mb/s and upload speed of 5Mb/s.

Features of the Walter Cat 1 Bis include a nano-SIM slot that supports SGP.32 physical SIM cards and pre-SGP.42 eSIMs, as well as an ultra-low-power deep-sleep mode. The module also incorporates 24 general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins, which can be configured for various communication protocols such as UART, SPI, and I2C. Additionally, it includes analog-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analog converters (DAC), and a physical reset button.

Applications and Future Plans

Pape emphasizes that the Walter Cat 1 Bis is ideal for any IoT application requiring cellular connectivity. Potential use cases include asset tracking, vehicle telematics, security systems, payment processing, wearables, smart-city applications, and scientific measurement equipment.

Currently, DPTechnics is awaiting the global version of the Sequans GC02S1 modem to finalize the project. They have conducted initial testing with the European version and plan to begin the crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply after completing their internal testing. Before the launch, the schematics for the Walter Cat 1 Bis will be made available, continuing DPTechnics’ commitment to open hardware, similar to the original Walter model.

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