Data transfer is getting faster and faster. It was once a feat to download a large file, but now, you can easily move gigabytes of data in seconds. GIGABYTES.
It was also once a feat to transfer data over long distances, but now with the FT600/FT601 series of 4G LTE modems, that is no longer a problem. These two devices are one-of-a-kind and versatile in their ability to transfer data on the go and still be affordable for all home users. They are truly revolutionary for the 21st century!
The FT600 and FT601 are both a product of QUALCOMM, Inc. They offer several distinct features that set them apart from other mobile modems. For example, moving data over long distances and at fast speeds. Let’s talk about just how revolutionary these products are.
The FT600 and FT601 are the first modems to provide 4G LTE on a plane in the sky. Traditional data transfer had a hard time finding a way to move over long distances, but with FT600/FT601, all you have to do is turn it on, and you’re ready to go!
The FT600 utilizes UMTS, WCDMA, CDMA2000 1XRTT, EV-DO Rev.
Data Transfer Semantics
This series has many more features. They include Business Card Transfer, Contact Sheet, and Landscape Writing. These new features allow users to make data transfer easier and safer. It also enables users to print contacts on the same paper as their contact information. This would make it easier for other people to find their contact information.
The FT60X series has a wide vocabulary because it can work with various fonts, sizes, and styles.
We can customize most styles of fonts to suit the user’s needs. The FT60X series supports a wide variety of font styles and size options.
For instance, users can increase the size of their data and maximize their transfer speed. The FT60X series can also print different fonts when they are printing data. For example, you can choose to print your name in italic, which is easier to read at a glance and looks better on printed materials than regular text.
Its file manager is easy to use, too.
FT600/FT601 Features
Compared to its predecessor, a notable improvement of the machine is that you don’t have to remove the paper from the cartridge before it prints. Previously, you would have to take out the cartridge for the machine to print. This feature makes it easier for people with multiple pages on their machines or those trying to print labels and stuff.
Size
The ft600 is about the size of your average cell phone. The ft601 is about twice as small as that of a cell phone. So small, it is only about 1/4 inch thick and will fit in your pocket comfortably.
Display
The ft600 and ft601 display reads differently depending on the function. The FT600 displays the signal strength, while the FT601 displays the mode of operation or power.
Design
The ft600 and FT601 are both a product of QUALCOMM, Inc. They offer several distinct features that set them apart from other mobile modems. For example, moving data over long distances and at fast speeds.
The ft600 utilizes UMTS, WCDMA, CDMA2000 1XRTT, EV-DO Rev.1.
The ft601 utilizes WCDMA, CDMA2000 1XRTT, EV-DO Rev.1
UMTS:
UMTS is the primary mobile broadband data network in Japan and other countries such as India and China. WCDMA is the first mobile broadband data network to provide megabit rate (Mbps) data transfer speeds on a major global scale.
CDMA2000 1xRTT:
This is a network used in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. CDMA2000 1xRTT allows high-speed data transfer rates up to 28.8Mbps. It provides enhanced voice and video services with more capacity for mobile internet than earlier networks. EVDO Rev.1:
EV-DO Rev.1 is the first mobile broadband data network to provide speeds of 7.2Mbps using a single radio access technology. Broadband Forum has endorsed it and is the preferred mobile broadband technology in Japan, South Korea, and China.
WIFI:
You can wirelessly transfer your data to your PC or laptop using wifi!
GPS:
Allows you to use google maps and view your location on google maps on your computer.
Speeds
Speed depends on carrier and location, so that is Fast Enough for anyone from anywhere! A great note about speed is the transfer rate, and you want it to be fast and reliable, this modem can do that! In other words, there is no “normal” speed for these modems as everybody has a different environment and network to deal with. The FT600 and the FT601 can reach speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps download, up to 384 kbit/s uploads in the downlink, and 384 kbit/s in the uplink. The networks can handle even more data than that. However, they have a limit on spec depending on the upload speed.
Present with parallel FIFO interface that is either 16/32bit wide:
The ft600 and the FT601 are present with a parallel FIFO interface that is either a 16 or 32 bit wide, which means that large files will transfer faster. The large parallel FIFO interface helps increase the throughput of long data transfers. Here, we need to transfer multiple small files simultaneously.
TPE (User Interface)
The ft600 and the FT601 utilize a GUI-based user interface that makes it easy for users to control their modems. This software provides access to all modem functions. The GUI-based interface enables the FT600 and the FT601 we need to use as a modem without any configuration. The ft600 supports a configurable site, preferred access mode, and data transfer speed.
The ft601 does not have a GUI-based user interface, and they lock it to carrier settings.
Data Rate
The ft600 and the FT601 can limit data transfer speeds. Your carrier’s network determines this, meaning you cannot go over 7.2Mbps in download or 384 kbit/s uploads. The ft600 and the FT601 only handle the minimum data transfer rate specified by the carrier you purchase from.
As of now, there are no plans to release any new mainline firmware for the ft600and the ft601.
Up to 8 configurable endpoints:
The ft600 and the FT601 can handle up to 8 configurable endpoints. It means that you can set up your device with multiple connections.
You can also use an over-the-air configuration to configure your modem with any parameters you want. This will allow users to customize their modem.
Users can access 4G LTE worldwide, as long as a carrier supports 4G LTE in the area where they reside.
The ft600/601 is also network-dependent and needs activation. It requires an account with the carrier or other service provider.
Users of the modem will need to purchase a USB cable. The ft600 and the FT601 will connect through a standard-A USB cable.
Built-in 16kB FIFO data buffer RAM
The ft600 and the FT601 have a built-in 16kB FIFO data buffer RAM. This allows users to store data while they are transferring new files. This will enable users to partially complete file transfers without stopping and restarting the process.
The ft600 and the FT601 operate using USB 1.1, which is not USB 2 compatible. Most USB 2 devices will work with the ft600 and the FT601. However, older USB 1 devices and some types of external hard drives will not function properly.
Capability of Supporting multi-voltage I/O: the 1.8V, the 2.5V, and the 3.3V
The ft600 and the FT601 both support multi-voltage I/O, and this means that your computer can operate on the 1.8V, the 2.5V, or 3.3V power sources. This is great if you have a device that requires different power voltages to work properly. For example, a battery-operated device or an external hard drive needs a higher voltage than the computer provides.
The ft600 and the FT601 both support 1kbit/s full-duplex speeds.
Configurable GPIO support
The ft600 and the FT601 both support configurable GPIO, which means that you can use your modem to control external devices. The GPIO port is an input/output port similar to the ports on a computer. Also, the user can configure this port to control almost anything battery-operated.
Configurable power mode
The ft600 and the FT601 have configurable power modes; you can control how your device powers up when it’s turned on. If your modem isn’t powering on when you turn on your computer, you can set it to begin powering up as soon as you plug in the USB cord.
The ft600 and the FT601 have many similarities, such as:
USB 1.1 interface and thus not USB 2 compatible; transfer rates have less capability due to the carrier networks. Both modems support up to 8 configurable endpoints; both modems utilize 1kbit/s full-duplex speeds.
The ft600 is capable of handling up to 5.
Provides USB Battery Charger Detection
The ft600 and the FT601 both provide USB Battery Charger Detection. This allows users to charge their devices while connected to either modem.
The ft600 and the FT601 both charge via the USB interface, meaning that you need a USB cable when using either modem.
The difference between the ft600 and the ft601
The ft600 and the FT601 are identical in hardware, and they have a FIFO buffer of 16kB RAM, a fast USB 1.1 interface, and multi-voltage I/O (1.8V to 3.3V). The ft600 has a GUI-based user interface, supports eight configurable endpoints, and an energy-saving mode that suspends current activity once the modem is inactive for a long period (configurable timeout). Neither the ft600 nor the FT601 supports a boot loader.
The ft600 and the FT601 both utilize USB 1.1. It means that USB 2 devices will not work with either modem.
The modem firmware controls the I/O functions, meaning that a user’s device does not directly control these functions.
Both modems support an energy-saving mode. However, when in energy-saving mode, both modems automatically disable their power outputs if you connect them to a computer where you power off the activity.
The ft600 can handle up to 5 while limiting the ft601 to 4.
Both modems do not support boot loading, meaning that the modem will not retain settings when a power cycle occurs.
The FT600 and the FT601 share similar features such as:
When a modem is active, there are several different power modes that the modem can be in. This allows the user to save energy when they are not using it.
The ft600 and the FT601 each have an energy-saving mode, allowing users to suspend power output until needed.
This is useful if a user needs to conserve power with their modem.
Some manufacturers like RayMing PCB and Assembly have a TCP/IP-based data port that allows the modem to work as a router and bridge. This is useful if you want to route data through multiple modems and use a device that already has an IP address but does not need to use the modem’s IP address (i.e., accessing the internet from a laptop).
Some manufactures offer a GUI-based user interface. This is necessary if you want to configure your modem in any other way than through your computer’s operating system.
The ft600 and the FT601 both support an optional GUI-based user interface. This user interface allows users to access their devices as long as they have a connection to the internet. It is helpful for users who want quick access to their devices and do not wish to search online for configuration options or information.
We can configure the ft600 and the FT601 to connect to a computer with a connected modem. You must follow instructions specific to your operating system.
This is useful for connecting your modem to a different computer or utilizing the same internet connection.
This may allow the modem to use its MAC address as an identifier. However, this depends on the individual configuration of each device.
Applications
1. Writing/word processing
We can also use this series to make short writing and word processing durations. This series can process various fonts, including Arial, Tahoma, Times New Roman, and other common fonts. It can also handle spaces between words and paragraphs correctly, making the writing experience easier than ever before.
This series isn’t very popular in this era of technology because newer models can hold a larger amount of memory and take up less space than these machines.
2. High Bandwidth Data Transfer
This series can transfer a wide range of data, including high-definition images. It has features that allow users to transfer data quickly and easily.
This series is not very popular because newer models can hold more data than these machines can handle.
3. Building Control and Security
This series helps build control and security to transfer information between sensors. The machine will print signs and security passes, making it easier for the user to get a stamp or signature on those documents.
4. Data Logging
We use this series in the shipping industry to log data on the documents one is sending. It can record the weights and readings of any documents, making it easy for people to keep track of their shipments.
This series isn’t very popular because newer models can hold more data than these machines can handle.
5. Environmental Control
We use this series in the oil and gas industry to print out environmental documents. It can record the quality of air and emissions for all shipments.
This series isn’t very popular because newer models can hold more data than these machines can handle.
6. Medical and Laboratory
We use this series in the medical industry to transfer information between documents. It can take accurate readings of any samples and has many features that allow safer data transfers. This includes features like a safety device that prevents exposure to radiation if you contaminate the sample.
7. Home Automation
We use this series in the home automation industry to transfer information between light switches and thermostats. We can connect the machine to other devices like a refrigerator and air condition.
This machine isn’t very popular because these machines aren’t as widely spread in homes as these models are.
8. I/O Expansion
We use this series to expand the machine’s capabilities without buying new cartridges. It can also be helpful to connect the printer to other USB devices.
This series isn’t very popular, partly because newer models can handle more data than these machines can handle.
9. Industrial Control / Monitoring
We use this series in the industrial control and monitoring industry to transfer information between documents. Machines like these help monitor factories’ environments and prevent catastrophes by providing an early warning. This machine isn’t very popular, mainly because newer models can handle more data than these machines can handle.
10. IoT / Sensor interfacing
Companies use this series to transfer information from sensors. We can also connect the FT60X to a temperature sensor or a light sensor. It can also connect other devices, like pressure gauges or water level monitors.
11. High-Resolution Video Transfer
We use this device in the film industry. It allows you to transfer high-definition videos through Bluetooth. It makes it easier for people to send videos over long distances without losing quality.
12. Retail
Major retail companies like Target, Best Buy, and Staples use this series. It allows them to transfer data from security tags with barcode readers. This machine is not very popular because some newer models can hold more data than these machines can handle.
FT600/FT601 series boards
Key Device Features include:
- Extended operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C
- Integrated power-on-reset circuit
- Provides USB Battery Charger Detection (BC1.2.)
- Integrated 1V regulator
- Programmable ROM
- Supports Remote Wake-up capability
- Configurable GPIO support
- Supporting multi-voltage I/O: the 1.8V, the 2.5V, and the 3.3V (USB-106 supports only 3.3V)
- Built-in 16kB FIFO data buffer RAM
- Up to 8 configurable endpoints (pipes)
- Supports multi-channel FIFO interface
- Capability of supporting two parallel slave FIFO bus protocols, that have up to 200Mbps of data bursting rate
- Available with 16bit wide parallel FIFO interface
- Supporting USB3.0 SuperSpeed, USB 2.0 Full Speed and USB High Speed transfer
[EDA-013] Intel Cyclone 10 LP USB-FPGA board, FTDI USB 3.0 FT601
- 10CL0120YF780C8G: 100 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Board), 525 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Device), 4 PLLs, 288 18 by 18 multipliers, 432 Memory: M9K (kb), and 119088 Logic Elements/Parts
- 10CL080YF780C8G: 100 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Board), 423 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Device), 4 PLL, 244 18 by 18 multipliers, 305 Memory: M9K (kb), 81264 Logic Elements/Parts
[EDA-009] Altera Cyclone V USB-FPGA board, FTDI USB 3.0 FT600
- Altera 5CEBA4F23C8N: 100 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Board), 224 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Device), 16 Global Clock Systems/Networks, 4 PLLs, 132 18 by 18 multipliers, 3,383 Embedded memory (Kbits), and 49 K Logic Elements/Parts
[EDX-009] Xilinx Kintex-7 USB-FPGA board, FTDI USB 3.0 FT600
- XC7K160T-1FBG484C: 100 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Board), 400 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Device), 8 CMT (MMCMx1+PLLx1), 600 DSP Slice, 11,700 Max Block RAM (kb), 2,188 Max Distributed RAM (kb), 25,350 Slice, and 162,240 Logic Cell
- XC7K70T-1FBG484C: 100 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Board), 300 Maximum user Input/Output pins(Device), 6 CMT (MMCMx1+PLLx1), 240 DSP Slice, 4,860 Max Block RAM (kb), 838 Max Distributed RAM (kb), 10,250 Slice, and 65,600 Logic Cell
[USB-107] FT601 Evaluation Board and [USB-106] FT600 Evaluation Board
Specifications (USB-107/106)
- Made In Japan
- Non-use of 6 Restricted substances of RoHS directive
- Four-layer PCB with Immersion gold
- DIL 80-pin header for user I/F
- USB3.0 Cable (1.0m)
- Power-on reset IC
- On-board 3.3V regulator
- Operate from 5.0V or 3.3V power supply
- 40-pin user interface
- USB3.0 B Connector
Specifications for (FT600/601)
- Extended operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C
- Integrated power-on-reset circuit
- Provides USB Battery Charger Detection
- Supports Remote Wake-up capability
- Configurable GPIO support
- Support for multi-voltage Input/Output: the 1.8V, the 2.5V, and the 3.3V
- Built-in 16kB FIFO data buffer RAM
- Up to 8 configurable endpoints (pipes)
- Supports multi-channel FIFO interface
- Supporting 2 parallel slave FIFO bus protocols, that have to 400Mbps max of data bursting rate
- Obtainable with a parallel FIFO interface that has a width of either 16bit/32bit
- Supporting the USB3.0 SuperSpeed (5Gbps), 12Mbps USB 2.0 Full Speed, and 480Mbps USB High Speed transfer
Conclusion
The ft600 and the FT601 are almost identical, the difference being the GUI and the energy-saving mode. They add GUI for user convenience but can be a hassle if your computer requires you to use a different port than your modem. I would recommend an ft600 if you want up to 8 endpoints. However, if you want to power off your computer without powering your modem, I would go with the FT601.
The ft600 and the FT601 are excellent choices for anybody looking for a cheap, portable modem. With either modem, you can access the internet anywhere, as long as you have service.
The ft600 and the FT601 will provide a lifetime of maintenance-free, on-the-go internet access. They are reliable and rugged even in harsh environments. You will get a fast connection and connect to multiple devices with both modems.
