Chinese IoT manufacturer Quectel Wireless Solutions has launched its first Matter over Thread module, as the company seeks to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the smart home market — the lack of cross-platform compatibility.
The new KGM133S module, built on Silicon Labs’ EFR32MG24 chip and supporting the latest Matter 1.4 protocol, is designed for use in connected devices such as smart locks, lighting, and sensors.
It combines Thread, Zigbee 3.0, and Bluetooth LE 6.0 in a single compact design aimed at reducing power consumption and improving connectivity efficiency.
The launch marks Quectel’s first entry into the Matter ecosystem, a connectivity standard jointly backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung to ensure interoperability between smart home devices. By supporting multiple ecosystems — including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings — the KGM133S aims to simplify integration for developers and manufacturers.
“Protocol fragmentation remains one of the biggest obstacles to seamless smart device connectivity, and the Matter protocol is the key to overcoming it,” said Delbert Sun, Deputy General Manager at Quectel. “With our new Matter over Thread modules, we are helping the industry achieve true interoperability.”
Thread, the networking technology underpinning Matter, is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and supports IPv6 addressing for direct, low-latency internet connections without the need for gateways. Quectel said this design choice simplifies network architecture and improves reliability while maintaining low power consumption — essential for battery-powered smart devices.
The KGM133S series features an ARM Cortex-M33 processor running at up to 78MHz, with 256KB of SRAM and flash options ranging from 1.5MB to 3.5MB to accommodate firmware upgrades and future protocol updates. It is available in two sizes, with either an onboard PCB antenna or an IPEX/pin connector, allowing flexibility for manufacturers working on compact devices.
The modules also offer up to 26 general-purpose input/output pins that can be configured for I²C, UART, SPI, or I²S interfaces. They support transmission power up to 19.5 dBm and an operating temperature range between -40°C and +105°C.
In addition to Matter over Thread, the KGM133S integrates Zigbee 3.0 and Bluetooth LE 6.0, and includes Silicon Labs’ Secure Vault technology for enhanced data protection.
Quectel said the new module would form part of a wider portfolio of Matter-based products under development, as the company expands its focus on interoperability and secure connectivity within the smart home market.
The Shanghai-based firm, which employs more than 5,800 people worldwide, offers a range of IoT hardware including cellular, GNSS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite modules, as well as antennas and system integration services.
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