NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU is a Cellular 4G LTE CAT-4 transceiver module from NimbeLink's Skywire® LTE CAT 4 2G/3G FB series, designed for European frequency bands. This RF TXRX module features U.FL antenna connector with through-hole mounting and supports 3G/2G fallback capability across 800MHz, 900MHz, 1.8GHz, 2.1GHz, and 2.6GHz frequency bands. The product is currently obsolete, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing system support and new designs requiring similar cellular connectivity specifications.

Substiute Parts

NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU

NimbeLink, LLCIn Stock: 1067NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG

NimbeLink, LLCIn Stock: 1665NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Manufacturer: NimbeLink, LLC (same product family ecosystem)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (PCB assembly compatibility)
• Package Type: 20-DIP Module (physical form factor)
• Serial Interfaces: UART, USB (system integration requirement)
• Antenna Connector: U.FL (RF interface standard)
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 85°C (environmental specification)
• Voltage Supply Range: Compatible with 4.6V ~ 4.3V nominal operation

Functional Compatibility Parameters:

• Data Rate: 150Mbps (throughput specification)
• RF Family/Standard: Cellular transceiver capability
• RoHS Compliance: Environmental and regulatory requirement

The substitute part NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG meets all mandatory compatibility parameters while maintaining functional equivalence for cellular RF transceiver applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG serves as the active substitute for the obsolete NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status Alignment: The NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG maintains active product status with NimbeLink, ensuring continued availability, technical support, and supply chain reliability for new designs and legacy system replacements.

Regulatory Compliance: Both parts maintain RoHS compliance with the substitute offering ROHS3 certification, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and deployment.

Physical and Electrical Compatibility: Identical 20-DIP module packaging, through-hole mounting configuration, and U.FL antenna interface ensure direct PCB layout compatibility. Voltage supply ranges (3.4V ~ 4.2V for substitute versus 4.6V ~ 4.3V for original) overlap sufficiently for standard 3.3V or 4.0V supply designs. Matching serial interface support (UART, USB) and operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) confirm system-level integration compatibility.

Performance Specifications: Both modules deliver 150Mbps data rate. The NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG provides documented power output (24.6dBm) and sensitivity (-112dBm) specifications, enabling precise link budget calculations for RF system design.

Functional Enhancement: The NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG incorporates integrated navigation capability (BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, GNSS, GPS) alongside cellular LTE functionality, providing additional system capabilities without compromising backward compatibility for cellular-only applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG directly replace the NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both modules share identical 20-DIP package geometry, through-hole mounting footprint, U.FL antenna connector, UART/USB serial interfaces, and -40°C to 85°C operating temperature range. Voltage supply ranges overlap (3.4V ~ 4.2V versus 4.6V ~ 4.3V), making the substitute compatible with standard 3.3V or 4.0V supply rails. No PCB redesign is required.

Q: What are the key differences between these two modules?

A: The primary differences are product status and integrated functionality. The NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU is obsolete, while the NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG is active. The substitute adds integrated GNSS/GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou navigation capability. The substitute provides documented RF specifications (24.6dBm output, -112dBm sensitivity) not listed for the original part.

Q: Are there frequency band differences between the two modules?

A: The NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU specifies European frequency bands (800MHz, 900MHz, 1.8GHz, 2.1GHz, 2.6GHz). The NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG does not list specific frequency bands in the provided specifications, indicating a global or multi-region frequency configuration. Verify regional frequency compliance requirements with NimbeLink technical documentation before deployment.

Q: What is the MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) difference?

A: The NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU carries MSL 1 (Unlimited moisture exposure tolerance). The NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG is listed as Not Applicable for MSL. Both ratings indicate minimal moisture sensitivity risk for standard PCB assembly and storage conditions.

Q: Does the addition of GNSS capability affect cellular performance?

A: No. The integrated GNSS functionality operates independently from cellular LTE transceiver circuits. Cellular performance remains equivalent to the original module. GNSS capability is optional and does not degrade cellular-only operation.

Q: What supply chain considerations apply to this substitution?

A: The NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU is obsolete with limited remaining inventory. The NL-SW-LTE-TC4WWG is actively manufactured and stocked, ensuring reliable long-term availability for production and support. Transition to the substitute is recommended for new designs and legacy system refreshes.