FC20-Q73 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The FC20-Q73 is a Bluetooth and WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac transceiver module manufactured by Quectel, designed for surface mount applications in 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. This module integrates dual-band wireless connectivity with Bluetooth v4.2 protocol support and operates across industrial temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C.

The FC20-Q73 is classified as obsolete. Identification of equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications currently utilizing this module.

Substiute Parts

FC20-Q73

QuectelIn Stock: 1158FC20-Q73 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

FC20-Q93

QuectelIn Stock: 810FC20-Q93 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the FC20-Q73 is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• RF Family/Standard: Bluetooth and WiFi capability
• Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz operation
• Voltage Supply Range: 3.14V ~ 3.46V
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C
• Package Type: Module format
• Packaging Format: Tape & Reel (TR)
• RoHS Compliance: Required
• Moisture Sensitivity Level: 3 (168 Hours)

Compatible Parameter Variations: Substitute parts may include enhanced protocol versions (Bluetooth v5.0 versus v4.2), improved sensitivity specifications, expanded modulation support, and additional serial interface options, provided all mandatory parameters remain within specified tolerances.

The FC20-Q93 qualifies as a direct substitute based on full alignment with all mandatory parameters while offering enhanced Bluetooth protocol support and improved receiver sensitivity.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

FC20-Q93 as Primary Substitute:

The FC20-Q93 is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete FC20-Q73. This substitution is supported by:

1. Electrical Compatibility: Identical voltage supply range (3.14V ~ 3.46V), current consumption (66mA receive/transmit), and output power (17.5dBm) ensure direct replacement without power supply or thermal management modifications.

2. Mechanical Compatibility: Identical mounting type (Surface Mount), package format (Module), and packaging specification (Tape & Reel) permit direct PCB layout reuse without redesign.

3. Frequency and Protocol Alignment: Both modules operate across 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands with 433Mbps data rate capability. The FC20-Q93 extends protocol support to Bluetooth v5.0 and includes additional modulation schemes (16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM, BPSK, CCK, QPSK).

4. Environmental Compliance: Both modules maintain identical operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C), RoHS compliance status, and moisture sensitivity level (MSL 3, 168 Hours).

5. Product Status: The FC20-Q93 maintains active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturer support, whereas the FC20-Q73 is obsolete.

6. Enhanced Performance: The FC20-Q93 provides improved receiver sensitivity (-95dBm versus -92dBm) and expanded serial interface support (PCM addition to existing SDIO and UART).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the FC20-Q93 directly replace the FC20-Q73 without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. Both modules share identical mounting type (Surface Mount), package format (Module), and physical specifications. PCB layout and footprint remain compatible without redesign.

Q: Are the power supply requirements identical between FC20-Q73 and FC20-Q93?

A: Yes. Both modules operate within the identical voltage supply range of 3.14V ~ 3.46V and draw 66mA during receive and transmit operations. Existing power delivery circuits require no modification.

Q: What is the difference in Bluetooth protocol support?

A: The FC20-Q73 supports Bluetooth v4.2, while the FC20-Q93 supports Bluetooth v5.0. Bluetooth v5.0 provides extended range and improved throughput. Existing Bluetooth v4.2 applications remain compatible with the FC20-Q93.

Q: Does the FC20-Q93 support the same WiFi standards as the FC20-Q73?

A: Both modules support 802.11a/b/g bands. The FC20-Q73 explicitly supports 802.11n/ac, while the FC20-Q93 specification indicates 802.11a/b/g/-c. Both operate across 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands with identical 433Mbps data rate.

Q: Are serial interface changes significant for system integration?

A: The FC20-Q93 adds PCM interface support while retaining SDIO and UART interfaces present in the FC20-Q73. Existing SDIO and UART implementations remain fully compatible. PCM support is optional and does not require implementation.

Q: What is the inventory status for each part?

A: The FC20-Q73 (obsolete) has 1095 units in stock. The FC20-Q93 (active) has 793 units in stock. The active status of FC20-Q93 ensures continued availability for future orders.

Q: Are environmental operating conditions identical?

A: Yes. Both modules operate across -40°C ~ 85°C temperature range, maintain RoHS compliance, and share identical moisture sensitivity level (MSL 3, 168 Hours).

Q: What is the significance of the improved sensitivity specification in FC20-Q93?

A: The FC20-Q93 provides -95dBm sensitivity compared to -92dBm in the FC20-Q73. This 3dB improvement in receiver sensitivity enhances signal detection capability in low-signal environments without requiring circuit modifications.