ChipScout

Communication

BC26

NB-IoT module used for low-power cellular sensor applications.

China-madeQuectelActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing NB-IoT and Low power with a commonly available communication part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

BC26 is indexed as a communication part from Quectel. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

FunctionNB-IoTSource: Quectel
InterfaceUARTSource: Quectel
NetworkNB-IoTSource: Quectel
Working Voltage3.1V - 4.2VSource: Quectel

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
UART
Wireless
NB-IoT
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity72% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.quectel.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Datasheethttps://www.quectel.com/QuectelLibraryBC26 Arduino library lookupArduino

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
TXMCU RXCross TX to RX between the module and controller.
RXMCU TXCheck whether the module is 3.3V logic before connecting to 5V boards.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

TX

Cross TX to RX between the module and controller.

RX

Check whether the module is 3.3V logic before connecting to 5V boards.

Arduino Example

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println("BC26 GPIO wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace with the maintained BC26 library or module protocol.
  Serial.println("Read or toggle the connected signal pin.");
  delay(1000);
}
BC26 Arduino library lookup

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

A7670CCommunicationThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.
ATGM336HCommunicationThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.
CC1101CommunicationThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.
CH340GCommunicationThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.

Common Questions

What is BC26 best used for?

Projects needing NB-IoT and Low power with a commonly available communication part.

Does BC26 support Arduino or MicroPython?

BC26 has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does BC26 use?

BC26 lists UART; wireless support is NB-IoT.

Compare BC26 vs A7670C

Alternatives and Related Parts

A7670C

SIMCom

4G Cat.1 cellular module used in low-cost IoT telemetry products.

China-madeCommunication74% confidence

ATGM336H

Zhongke Micro

China-made GNSS module commonly used as a low-cost GPS receiver in maker projects.

China-madeCommunication74% confidence

CC1101

Texas Instruments

Sub-GHz transceiver used in low-power wireless links and RF experimentation.

China-madeCommunication82% confidence

CH340G

WCH

USB-to-UART bridge chip used on many low-cost Arduino-compatible and ESP development boards.

China-madeCommunication86% confidence