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Designers chasing compact, low-power wireless modules have a fresh option that checks both Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth boxes without ballooning the bill of materials. Quectel’s FCS950R brings dual-radio connectivity into a tiny footprint, making it a practical fit for space-limited products from smart home gear to wearables—and even peripherals that orbit gaming and VR ecosystems.

Small footprint, big utility

At just 12 x 12 x 2.35 mm, the FCS950R is engineered for tight layouts where every millimeter counts. The land grid (LCC) form factor supports standard surface-mount assembly and uses laser-engraved markings for clean identification on automated lines. In short: it’s built for scale as much as it’s built for size.

Dual-radio, one module

The headline here is convenient two-in-one connectivity. The module delivers Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with peak throughput up to 433.3 Mbps in 802.11ac mode, while Bluetooth 4.2 covers both classic and BLE profiles. That split lets teams dedicate Wi‑Fi to higher-bandwidth tasks—firmware updates, media transfers, larger datasets—while leaning on Bluetooth for local links such as sensors, provisioning flows, accessories, or audio. For consumer devices in gaming or XR, that’s a sensible division of labor: Wi‑Fi for content and system chatter, Bluetooth for controllers and companion devices.

Integration that doesn’t fight you

The interface story is refreshingly straightforward. Wi‑Fi rides over SDIO, while Bluetooth communicates via UART/PCM. This pairing maps neatly to common microcontroller and application processor setups, often eliminating the need for exotic glue logic or complex redesigns. The result: faster prototyping, fewer integration snags, and a shorter march to production.

Performance that holds up

While Wi‑Fi 6 and 6E get the headlines, a stable 433 Mbps ceiling on Wi‑Fi 5 is still more than sufficient for most embedded and edge applications—especially when the real test is consistency under typical interference, not bragging rights on a spec sheet. For devices that don’t need multigig backbones, the FCS950R’s bandwidth leaves room to spare, and the dual-band support helps navigate noisy RF environments.

Where it fits

• Smart home hubs and gateways: Handles local Bluetooth accessories while backhauling heavier Wi‑Fi data to the network.
• Embedded controllers and industrial IoT: Compact LCC packaging and robust throughput suit dashboards, data loggers, and node controllers.
• Wearables and peripherals: Low profile is ideal for compact enclosures; Bluetooth for device pairing, Wi‑Fi for updates and telemetry.
• Gaming and XR adjacencies: Think accessory bridges, sensor nodes, or companion modules where Bluetooth keeps inputs responsive and Wi‑Fi manages bulk transfers.

Built for production

Beyond the radio stack, the hardware is designed to survive manufacturing realities. The surface-mount LCC package encourages automated placement and reliable reflow, while durable markings aid downstream traceability. For teams scaling from pilot to mass production, those details save headaches.

Why it matters

Combining Wi‑Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 in a single, ultra-compact module removes a common trade-off: sacrificing space or raising complexity to support two radios. Here, the FCS950R compresses the RF puzzle into one component, balances bandwidth with power and footprint, and lands on broadly supported host interfaces. It’s not about chasing the absolute cutting edge—it’s about what’s practical, stable, and ready for real products now.

Key takeaways

• Ultra-compact module: 12 x 12 x 2.35 mm LCC for tight layouts and automated assembly.
• Dual-band Wi‑Fi 5: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with up to 433.3 Mbps in 802.11ac mode.
• Bluetooth 4.2: Supports both classic and BLE for broad peripheral compatibility.
• Straightforward integration: SDIO for Wi‑Fi; UART/PCM for Bluetooth.
• Production-ready: Surface-mount design with clear, laser-engraved markings.

For compact, cost-sensitive designs that still demand dependable wireless, the FCS950R offers a sensible blend of size, performance, and simplicity—exactly the kind of ingredient that helps small devices punch above their weight.