Quectel BC68-TE-B User manual

BC68-TE-B User Guide
NB-IoT Module Series
Rev. BC68-TE-B_User_Guide_V1.0
Date: 2017-11-24
Status: Released
www.quectel.com

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 1 / 22
Our aim is to provide customers with timely and comprehensive service. For any
assistance, please contact our company headquarters:
Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.
7th Floor, Hongye Building, No.1801 Hongmei Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200233, China
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Or our local office. For more information, please visit:
http://quectel.com/support/sales.htm
For technical support, or to report documentation errors, please visit:
http://quectel.com/support/technical.htm
Or Email to: [email protected]
GENERAL NOTES
QUECTEL OFFERS THE INFORMATION AS A SERVICE TO ITS CUSTOMERS. THE INFORMATION
PROVIDED IS BASED UPON CUSTOMERS’ REQUIREMENTS. QUECTEL MAKES EVERY EFFORT
TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF THE INFORMATION IT MAKES AVAILABLE. QUECTEL DOES NOT
MAKE ANY WARRANTY AS TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND DOES NOT ACCEPT
ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED BY USE OF OR
RELIANCE UPON THE INFORMATION. ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
COPYRIGHT
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS PROPRIETARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION OF
QUECTEL CO., LTD. TRANSMITTING, REPRODUCTION, DISSEMINATION AND EDITING OF THIS
DOCUMENT AS WELL AS UTILIZATION OF THE CONTENT ARE FORBIDDEN WITHOUT
PERMISSION. OFFENDERS WILL BE HELD LIABLE FOR PAYMENT OF DAMAGES. ALL RIGHTS
ARE RESERVED IN THE EVENT OF A PATENT GRANT OR REGISTRATION OF A UTILITY MODEL
OR DESIGN.
Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2017. All rights reserved.

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 2 / 22
About the Document
History
Revision
Date
Author
Description
1.0
2017-11-24
Brooke
Initial

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 3 / 22
Contents
About the Document................................................................................................................................ 2
Contents.................................................................................................................................................... 3
Table Index ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure Index.............................................................................................................................................. 5
1Introduction....................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1. Safety Information...................................................................................................................6
2Product Concept ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.1. Key Features...........................................................................................................................8
2.2. Functional Diagram.................................................................................................................9
2.3. Interface Distribution Diagram...............................................................................................10
2.4. Arduino Interface Definition....................................................................................................11
3 Operation Procedures .................................................................................................................... 12
3.1. Operation Procedures with Single Board..............................................................................12
3.1.1. Interface Diagram of Using BC68-TE-B Alone.............................................................12
3.1.2. Operation Procedures of Using BC68-TE-B Alone ...................................................... 13
3.2. Operation Procedures with Multi Boards...............................................................................13
3.2.1. Interface Diagram of Using Multi Boards.....................................................................14
3.2.2. Operation Procedures of Using Multi Boards...............................................................15
3.2.3. Description of Pin Connection...................................................................................... 16
4 Electrical and Reliability................................................................................................................. 18
4.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings ..................................................................................................18
4.2. Operating and Storage Temperatures...................................................................................18
5 Mechanical Dimensions.................................................................................................................. 20
5.1. Mechanical Dimensions of BC68-TE-B................................................................................. 20
5.2. Design Effect Drawings of BC68-TE-B..................................................................................21
6 Appendix A References.................................................................................................................. 22

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 4 / 22
Table Index
TABLE 1: KEY FEATURES OF BC68-TE-B........................................................................................................ 8
TABLE 2: INTERFACES OF BC68-TE-B .......................................................................................................... 10
TABLE 3: PIN CONNECTION BETWEEN BC68-TE-B AND STM32-L476RG MCU........................................ 16
TABLE 4:ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS.................................................................................................... 18
TABLE 5: OPERATING AND STORAGE TEMPERATURES............................................................................ 18
TABLE 6: RELATED DOCUMENTS.................................................................................................................. 22
TABLE 7: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................................................ 22

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 5 / 22
Figure Index
FIGURE 1: FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM OF BC68-TE-B........................................................................................ 9
FIGURE 2: INTERFACE DISTRIBUTION DIAGRAM OF BC68-TE-B.............................................................. 10
FIGURE 3: ARDUINO INTERFACE DEFINITION..............................................................................................11
FIGURE 4: INTERFACE DIAGRAM OF USING BC68-TE-B ALONE............................................................... 12
FIGURE 5: UART PORTS DISPLAYED ON PC................................................................................................ 13
FIGURE 6: INTERFACE DIAGRAM OF USING MULTI BOARDS.................................................................... 14
FIGURE 7: STM32-NUCLEO INTERFACE DIAGRAM (TOP VIEW)................................................................ 14
FIGURE 8: STM32-NUCLEO MODIFICATION DIAGRAM (BOTTOM VIEW).................................................. 15
FIGURE 9: ST-LINK INTERFACE DISPLAYED ON PC.................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 10: PIN CONNECTION BETWEEN BC68-TE-B AND STM32-L476RG MCU ................................... 17
FIGURE 11: DIMENSIONS OF BC68-TE-B (TOP VIEW)................................................................................. 20
FIGURE 12: TOP VIEW OF THE BC68-TE-B................................................................................................... 21
FIGURE 13: BOTTOM VIEW OF THE BC68-TE-B........................................................................................... 21

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 6 / 22
1Introduction
In order to help customers to develop applications with Quectel BC68 module, Quectel supplies
corresponding TE-B evaluation board to test the module. This document can help customers quickly
understand BC68-TE-B interface specifications, electrical and mechanical details and know how to use it.
1.1. Safety Information
The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of the operation, such as usage,
service or repair of any cellular terminal or mobile incorporating BC68 module. Manufacturers of the
cellular terminal should send the following safety information to users and operating personnel, and
incorporate these guidelines into all manuals supplied with the product. If not so, Quectel assumes no
liability for the customers’ failure to comply with these precautions.
Full attention must be given to driving at all times in order to reduce the risk of an
accident. Using a mobile while driving (even with a handsfree kit) causes
distraction and can lead to an accident. You must comply with laws and regulations
restricting the use of wireless devices while driving.
Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile before boarding an aircraft. Make sure it is
switched off. The operation of wireless appliances in an aircraft is forbidden, so as
to prevent interference with communication systems. Consult the airline staff about
the use of wireless devices on boarding the aircraft, if your device offers an
Airplane Mode which must be enabled prior to boarding an aircraft.
Switch off your wireless device when in hospitals, clinics or other health care
facilities. These requests are desinged to prevent possible interference with
sensitive medical equipment.
Cellular terminals or mobiles operating over radio frequency signal and cellular
network cannot be guaranteed to connect in all conditions, for example no mobile
fee or with an invalid (U)SIM card. While you are in this condition and need
emergent help, please remember using emergency call. In order to make or
receive a call, the cellular terminal or mobile must be switched on and in a service
area with adequate cellular signal strength.

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 7 / 22
Your cellular terminal or mobile contains a transmitter and receiver. When it is ON,
it receives and transmits radio frequency energy. RF interference can occur if it is
used close to TV set, radio, computer or other electric equipment.
In locations with potentially explosive atmospheres, obey all posted signs to turn
off wireless devices such as your phone or other cellular terminals. Areas with
potentially explosive atmospheres include fuelling areas, below decks on boats,
fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities, areas where the air contains
chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or metal powders, etc.

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 8 / 22
2Product Concept
BC68-TE-B is a NB-IoT evaluation board which supports Arduino interface. Designed in 74.0mm ×
70.0mm × 1.6mm form factor, BC68-TE-B can be used either alone or in conjunction with STM32
Nucleo-64 development board, in order to develop and debug applications for communication with mobile
network operators’ infrastructure equipment through the NB-IoT radio protocol (3GPP Rel-14).
2.1. Key Features
The following table describes the detailed features of BC68-TE-B.
Table 1: Key Features of BC68-TE-B
Feature
Details
Power Supply
USB interface:
Supply voltage: 4.75V~5.25V, typical supply voltage: 5.0V
Arduino interfaces:
Supply voltage: 4.75V~5.25V, typical supply voltage: 5.0V
Transmitting Power
23dBm±2dB
Temperature Range
Operation temperature range: -35°C ~ +75°C1)
Extended temperature range: -40°C ~ +85°C 2)
Storage temperature range: -40°C ~ +90°C
USIM Interface
Support 1.8V/3.0V external Class B USIM card
USB Interface
Support two UART ports
Main port (Ch A):
Used for AT command communication and data transmission, and
the baud rate is 9600bps
Main port can also be used for firmware upgrading, and the baud rate
is 115200bps
When the module is communicating with MCU, please keep Ch A
unconnected.
Debug port (Ch B):
Debug port is used for debugging
Only support 921600bps baud rate

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 9 / 22
1. 1) Within operation temperature range, the module is 3GPP compliant.
2. 2) Within extended temperature range, the module remains the ability to establish and maintain an
SMS, data transmission, etc. There is no unrecoverable malfunction. There are also no effects on
radio spectrum and no harm to radio network. Only one or more parameters like Pout might reduce in
their value and exceed the specified tolerances. When the temperature returns to the normal
operating temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again.
2.2. Functional Diagram
The following figure shows a block diagram of BC68-TE-B.
BC68
U101
Micro USB
J301
USB-UART
Bridge
U301
Switch
J302
J308
DC-DC
U201
USIM
J303
RF
J304
J306
Arduino
LDO U203
Voltage-
level
Translator
U303
Figure 1: Functional Diagram of BC68-TE-B
Arduino Interfaces
Used to connect with STM32 Nucleo-64 development board
RESET Button
Used to reset BC68 module
Physical Characteristics
Size: (74.0±0.15)mm ×(70.0±0.15)mm ×(1.6±0.15mm)
Firmware Upgrade
Firmware upgrade via main port or DFOTA
Antenna Interface
Connected to antenna pad with 50Ωimpedance control
NOTES

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 10 / 22
2.3. Interface Distribution Diagram
The following figure shows an interface distribution diagram of BC68-TE-B.
Figure 2: Interface Distribution Diagram of BC68-TE-B
The table below shows the description of BC68-TE-B interfaces.
Table 2: Interfaces of BC68-TE-B
Interface
Designator
Description
Power Supply
J301
Power supply for USB interface
J306
Power supply for Arduino interfaces
USB Interface
J301
Support two UART ports

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 11 / 22
2.4. Arduino Interface Definition
The following figure shows the Arduino interface definition of BC68-TE-B.
Figure 3: Arduino Interface Definition
USIM Interface
J303
Micro USIM card connector
Arduino Interfaces
J305, J306, J307, J308
Standard Arduino interfaces
RF Antenna Interface
J304
RF SMA connector
UART Switch
J302
Used to switch communication objects of BC68
main port (MCU←→USB(Ch A))
RESET Button
S102
Used to reset BC68 module
LED Indicator
D203
Used to indicate power status
LED Indicator
D304
Used to indicate network status
Test Points
J101, J103, J105, J106,
J201
Used to test the basic functionalities of BC68
module
hy

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 12 / 22
3Operation Procedures
This chapter mainly illustrates the operation procedures of BC68-TE-B. BC68-TE-B can be used alone to
upgrade and debug NB-IoT applications based on BC68-TE-B. Meanwhile, it can also be used in
conjunction with an STM32 Nucleo-64 development board via Arduino interface to develop NB-IoT
applications based on STM32. The following part describes the two ways of using BC68-TE-B in detail.
3.1. Operation Procedures with Single Board
This section elaborates the operation procedures of using the BC68-TE-B alone.
3.1.1. Interface Diagram of Using BC68-TE-B Alone
Figure 4: Interface Diagram of Using BC68-TE-B Alone

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 13 / 22
3.1.2. Operation Procedures of Using BC68-TE-B Alone
1. Install USB-UART driver, which can be downloaded from the following address:
https://www.exar.com/product/interface/uarts/usb-uarts/xr21v1412;
2. Insert Micro USIM card into J303, please choose an appropriate USIM card according to hardware
versions of BC68 module.
3. Connect a rod antenna with SMA connector on J304;
4. Switch “UART_SWITCH”to “MAIN UART TO USB” state;
5. Connect the J301 with PC via Micro USB cable. After turning on BC68-TE-B, UART port information
will be shown on device manager of PC. CH A is the main port and can be used for AT command
communication and firmware upgrading. CH B is the debug port and can be used to view log. For
details of port configuration, please refer to document [1].
Figure 5: UART Ports Displayed on PC
In this process, S102 can be used to reset the BC68 module.
3.2. Operation Procedures with Multi Boards
This section elaborates the operation procedures of using the BC68-TE-B in conjunction with an STM32
Nucleo-64 development board.
NOTE

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 14 / 22
3.2.1. Interface Diagram of Using Multi Boards
Figure 6: Interface Diagram of Using Multi Boards
Figure 7: STM32-Nucleo Interface Diagram (Top View)

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 15 / 22
Figure 8: STM32-Nucleo Modification Diagram (Bottom View)
3.2.2. Operation Procedures of Using Multi Boards
1. Install driver for STM32-Nucleo board, which can be downloaded from the following address:
http://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/products/evaluation-tools/product-evaluation-tools/mcu-eval-to
ols/stm32-mcu-eval-tools/stm32-mcu-nucleo/nucleo-l476rg.html;
2. Install USB-UART driver, which can be downloaded from the following address:
https://www.exar.com/product/interface/uarts/usb-uarts/xr21v1412;
3. Remove 0 ohm resistors of SB13 and SB14 by soldering iron, and then solder them onto SB62 and
SB63 respectively;
4. Short-circuit pin 1 & 2 of CN2, pin 3 & 4 of CN2, pin 1 & 2 of JP5 and pin 1 & 2 of JP6;
5. Insert Micro USIM card into J303, and please choose an appropriate USIM card according to
hardware versions of BC68 module.
6. Connect rod antenna with SMA connector on J304;
7. Switch “UART_SWITCH” to “MAIN UART TO MCU” state;
8. Connect Arduino interface to STM32-Nucleo board, and connect J305, J306, J307 and J308 of
BC68-TE-B to CN5, CN6, CN8 and CN9 respectively.
9. Connect CN1 of STM32-Nucleo board with PC via Mini USB cable. After powering on BC68 module,
device information will be shown on the device manager of PC.

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 16 / 22
Figure 9: ST-LINK Interface Displayed on PC
3.2.3. Description of Pin Connection
The table below shows the pin connection between BC68-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU.
Table 3: Pin Connection between BC68-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU
No.
MCU (Morpho)
Arduino
BC68-TE-B
Remark
1
PA2
D1
CN9-2
MCU_TX
Main port RX
2
PA3
D0
CN9-1
MCU_RX
Main port TX
3
PA1
A1
CN8-2
POWER_EN
DC-DC enable
4
PA5
D13
CN5-6
RESET_N
Active high
5
PA0
A0
CN8-1
ADC
6
+3V3
+3V3
CN6-2, 4
+3.3V
3.3V power supply
7
+5V
+5V
CN6-5
+5V
5.0V power supply
8
GND
GND
CN5-7, CN6-6, 7
GND
Ground

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 17 / 22
The following figure shows the pin connection between BC68-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU.
Figure 10: Pin Connection between BC68-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 18 / 22
4Electrical and Reliability
4.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings
Absolute maximum ratings for power supply and voltage on digital and analog pins of the BC68 module
are listed in the following table.
Table 4: Absolute Maximum Ratings
4.2. Operating and Storage Temperatures
The operating and storage temperatures are listed in the following table.
Table 5: Operating and Storage Temperatures
Parameter
Min.
Max.
Unit
+5V
-0.3
6
V
VBAT
-0.3
+4.25
V
Current of Power Supply
0
0.3
A
Voltage at Digital Pins
-0.3
+3.3
V
Voltage at Analog Pins
-0.3
+4.25
V
Voltage at Digital/Analog Pins in Power Down Mode
-0.25
+0.25
V
Parameter
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
Operation Temperature Range1)
-35
+25
+75
ºC
Extended Temperature Range2)
-40
+85
ºC

NB-IoT Module Series
BC68-TE-B User Guide
BC68-TE-B_User_Guide 19 / 22
1. 1) Within operation temperature range, the module is 3GPP compliant.
2. 2) Within extended temperature range, the module remains the ability to establish and maintain an
SMS, data transmission, etc. There is no unrecoverable malfunction. There are also no effects on
radio spectrum and no harm to radio network. Only one or more parameters like Pout might reduce in
their value and exceed the specified tolerances. When the temperature returns to the normal
operating temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again.
Storage Temperature Range
-40
+90
ºC
NOTES