Semtech FX86E – A Compact 5G RedCap and 4G LTE modem for industrial IoT applications

Semtech FX86E is a 5G RedCap and 4G LTE cellular modem designed for industrial IoT applications such as rugged, long-range security cameras, heavy-duty vehicles, and various solar/battery-powered applications.

Based on the company’s EM8695 M.2 module powered by a Snapdragon X35 5G RedCap modem, the pre-certified modem supports public and private networks, boasts a MIL-STD-810H military-grade design, IP30 protection, E-Mark certification, and low power consumption.

Semtech FX86E specifications:

• SoC/Memory/Storage – TBD
• Cellular
  • 5G RedCap (Sub-6 Ghz) and LTE Cat-4
  • Frequency bands
    • 5G RedCap – 5G Sub-6 Ghz (FR1 1CC): n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n77, n78, n79
    • 4G LTE – LTE (Cat-4 DL / Cat-3 UL): B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B14, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B30, B34, B38, B39, B40, B41, B42, B43, B48, B66, B70, B71, B106
  • Nano SIM (4FF) slot
  • Antenna – Optional 5G/4G adhesive mount puck antenna
  • Approvals – FCC, PTCRB, IC, GCF, RED, RCM (Planned)
  • Telecom & Carrier – Telstra, DoCoMo, SoftBank, KDDI, Anterix, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
• Ethernet – 10/100Mbps Ethernet RJ45 port
• USB – Micro USB 2.0 port
• Misc
  • Signal LED, user LED
  • Mounting options – Bracket for screw/wall and DIN rail mounting
• Power Input – 4.75V to 32V DC
• Dimensions – 82 x 60 x 32 mm including connectors
• Weight – 158 grams
• Temperature  Range – -30°C to +75°C (MIL-STD-810H, test methods 501.7, 502.7)
• Humidity – 95% relative humidity over a temperature range of +20°C to +60°C  (MIL-STD-810H, test methods 507.7)
• IP Rating – IP30
• Vibration and Shock
  • MIL-STD-810H (test methods 503.7, 514.8, and 516.8)
  • SAEJ1455 (Sec 4.10.4.2 and 4.11.3.4)
• Vehicles certifications – E-Mark UN ECE Regulation No.10 Rev 7, CB IEC62368-1 and UL Listed SAEJ1455 (Sec 4.13.1, 4.13.2)
• ESD – 8KV contact discharge, 15KV air discharge
• Hazardous Locations – Class 1 Div 2 (C1D2); planned

On the software front, the system runs OpenWrt with an “intuitive, browser-based ” web UI interface for device configuration and network management. Semtech also mentions boot protection and firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates via secure HTTPS. Documentation is limited (non-existent) for the modem itself, but you can find some resources for the EM8695 module itself. including AT command set, firmware, Windows drivers, etc…

Semtech/Sierra Wireless didn’t provide pricing information for the FX86E 5G Red Cap modem, but it should now be available, considering it was sampling during Embedded World 2026, last March. For reference, the EM8695 M.2 module alone is sold for $152.90 on Techsip. Additional information about the FX86E modem can be found on the product page and in the press release.

Thanks to TLS for the tip.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.

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