Quectel BC95 Supplement

BC95 Hardware Design
NB-IoT Module Series
Rev. BC95_Hardware_Design_V1.3
Date: 2017-06-15
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Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2017. All rights reserved.
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About the Document
History
Revision
Date
Author
Description
1.0
2016-11-30
Bryant CHEN/
Mark ZHANG
Initial
1.1
2017-01-24
Bryant CHEN/
Mark ZHANG
1. Modified module’s current consumption in PSM.
2. Changed the name of BC95 variants from BC95
-CM/BC95-SL/BC95-VF to BC95-B8/BC95-B5/B
C95-B20.
3. Enabled main port to upgrade firmware.
4. Updated current consumption in Table 23.
1.2
2017-03-15
Bryant CHEN/
Mark ZHANG
1. Deleted information of SWD interface.
2. Modified typical supply voltage of the module.
3. Added the power saving information.
4. Modified the UART level match circuit.
5. Updated bottom dimensions of the module.
1.3
2017-06-15
Ewent LU/
Mark ZHANG
1. Added Band 28 in Table 1.
2. Updated data transmission feature and module
weight in Table 2.
3. Updated the description of operating modes in
Chapter 3.4.
4. Updated the description of resetting the module
in Chapter 3.6.3.
5. Updated the description of power saving mode
in Chapter 3.7.
6. Added information about electrostatic discharge
characteristics in Table 23.
7. Updated the description of installing the antenna
with RF connector in Chapter 4.7.
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Contents
About the Document...................................................................................................................................2
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................3
Table Index...................................................................................................................................................5
Figure Index.................................................................................................................................................6
1Introduction..........................................................................................................................................7
1.1. Safety Information...................................................................................................................8
2Product Concept..................................................................................................................................9
2.1. General Description.................................................................................................................9
2.2. Key Features.........................................................................................................................10
2.3. Functional Diagram............................................................................................................... 11
2.4. Evaluation Board...................................................................................................................12
3Application Functions.......................................................................................................................13
3.1. General Description...............................................................................................................13
3.2. Pin Assignment......................................................................................................................14
3.3. Pin Description ......................................................................................................................15
3.4. Operating Modes...................................................................................................................18
3.5. Power Supply ........................................................................................................................18
3.5.1. Power Supply Pins.........................................................................................................18
3.5.2. Reference Design for Power Supply..............................................................................19
3.6. Power on and down Scenarios .............................................................................................19
3.6.1. Power on........................................................................................................................19
3.6.2. Power down....................................................................................................................20
3.6.3. Reset the Module...........................................................................................................20
3.7. Power Saving ........................................................................................................................21
3.8. UART Interfaces....................................................................................................................22
3.8.1. Main Port........................................................................................................................23
3.8.2. Debug Port.....................................................................................................................24
3.8.3. UARTApplication...........................................................................................................25
3.9. USIM Card Interface..............................................................................................................26
3.9.1. USIM Card Application...................................................................................................26
3.10. ADC Interface*.......................................................................................................................28
3.11. Behaviors of RI*.....................................................................................................................28
3.12. Network Status Indication* ....................................................................................................29
4Antenna Interface...............................................................................................................................31
4.1. RFAntenna Reference Design .............................................................................................31
4.2. Reference Design of RF Layout............................................................................................32
4.3. RF Output Power...................................................................................................................34
4.4. RF Receiving Sensitivity........................................................................................................34
4.5. Operating Frequencies..........................................................................................................35
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4.6. Antenna Requirement ...........................................................................................................35
4.7. Install theAntenna with RF Connector..................................................................................36
5Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics............................................................................38
5.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings...................................................................................................38
5.2. Operating Temperature .........................................................................................................38
5.3. Current Consumption............................................................................................................39
5.4. Electrostatic Discharge..........................................................................................................40
6Mechanical Dimensions....................................................................................................................41
6.1. Mechanical Dimensions of the Module.................................................................................41
6.2. Recommended Footprint.......................................................................................................43
6.3. Design Effect Drawings of the Module..................................................................................44
7Storage, Manufacturing and Packaging..........................................................................................45
7.1. Storage..................................................................................................................................45
7.2. Manufacturing and Soldering................................................................................................46
7.3. Packaging..............................................................................................................................47
7.3.1. Tape and Reel Packaging..............................................................................................47
8Appendix A References.....................................................................................................................49
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Table Index
TABLE 1: FREQUENCY BANDS OF BC95 SERIES MODULE.......................................................................... 9
TABLE 2: BC95 KEY FEATURES ..................................................................................................................... 10
TABLE 3: I/O PARAMETERS DEFINITION....................................................................................................... 15
TABLE 4: PIN DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................... 15
TABLE 5: OVERVIEW OF OPERATING MODES............................................................................................. 18
TABLE 6: VBAT AND GND PINS....................................................................................................................... 18
TABLE 7: RESET CHARACTERISTICS ........................................................................................................... 21
TABLE 8: PIN DEFINITION OF THE UART INTERFACES .............................................................................. 23
TABLE 9: LOGIC LEVELS OF THE UART INTERFACES................................................................................ 23
TABLE 10: PIN DEFINITION OF THE USIM CARD INTERFACE.................................................................... 26
TABLE 11: PIN DEFINITION OF THE ADC....................................................................................................... 28
TABLE 12: BEHAVIORS OF RI......................................................................................................................... 28
TABLE 13: WORKING STATE OF THE NETLIGHT.......................................................................................... 29
TABLE 14: PIN DEFINITION OF THE RF ANTENNA INTERFACE.................................................................. 31
TABLE 15: RF OUTPUT POWER (UPLINK QPSK AND BPSK MODULATION).............................................. 34
TABLE 16: RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY (THROUGHPUT ≥95%)................................................................ 34
TABLE 17: OPERATING FREQUENCIES ........................................................................................................ 35
TABLE 18: ANTENNACABLE REQUIREMENT............................................................................................... 35
TABLE 19: ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................................... 35
TABLE 20: ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS .................................................................................................. 38
TABLE 21: OPERATING TEMPERATURE........................................................................................................ 38
TABLE 22: CURRENT CONSUMPTION........................................................................................................... 39
TABLE 23: ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................. 40
TABLE 24: RELATED DOCUMENTS................................................................................................................ 49
TABLE 25: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS...................................................................................................... 49
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Figure Index
FIGURE 1: FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM ................................................................................................................11
FIGURE 2: PIN ASSIGNMENT ......................................................................................................................... 14
FIGURE 3: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR THE VBAT INPUT ........................................................................... 19
FIGURE 4: TURN-ON TIMING.......................................................................................................................... 20
FIGURE 5: TURN-OFF TIMING........................................................................................................................ 20
FIGURE 6: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF RESET BY USING DRIVING CIRCUIT............................................. 21
FIGURE 7: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF RESET BY USING BUTTON............................................................. 21
FIGURE 8: DIAGRAM FOR POWER CONSUMPTION.................................................................................... 22
FIGURE 9: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR MAIN PORT..................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 10: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR DEBUG PORT ............................................................................... 24
FIGURE 11: LEVEL MATCH DESIGN FOR 3.3V SYSTEM.............................................................................. 25
FIGURE 12: SKETCH MAP FOR RS-232 INTERFACE MATCH...................................................................... 26
FIGURE 13: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR USIM INTERFACE WITH 6-PIN USIM CARD CONNECTOR...... 27
FIGURE 14: BEHAVIORS OF RI WHEN A URC OR SMS IS RECEIVED ....................................................... 29
FIGURE 15: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR NETLIGHT ..................................................................................... 30
FIGURE 16: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR RF .................................................................................................. 31
FIGURE 17: MICROSTRIP LINE DESIGN ON A 2-LAYER PCB...................................................................... 32
FIGURE 18: COPLANAR WAVEGUIDE LINE DESIGN ON A 2-LAYER PCB.................................................. 32
FIGURE 19: COPLANAR WAVEGUIDE LINE DESIGN ON A 4-LAYER PCB (LAYER 3 AS REFERENCE
GROUND).......................................................................................................................................................... 33
FIGURE 20: COPLANAR WAVEGUIDE LINE DESIGN ON A 4-LAYER PCB (LAYER 4 AS REFERENCE
GROUND).......................................................................................................................................................... 33
FIGURE 21: DIMENSIONS OF THE UF.L-R-SMT CONNECTOR (UNIT: MM)................................................ 36
FIGURE 22: MECHANICALS OF UF.L-LP CONNECTORS ............................................................................. 36
FIGURE 23: SPACE FACTOR OF MATED CONNECTOR (UNIT: MM) ........................................................... 37
FIGURE 24: MODULE TOPAND SIDE DIMENSIONS..................................................................................... 41
FIGURE 25: MODULE BOTTOM DIMENSIONS (BOTTOM VIEW)................................................................. 42
FIGURE 26: RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT (TOP VIEW).............................................................................. 43
FIGURE 27: TOP VIEW OF THE MODULE...................................................................................................... 44
FIGURE 28: BOTTOM VIEW OF THE MODULE.............................................................................................. 44
FIGURE 29: REFLOW SOLDERING THERMAL PROFILE.............................................................................. 46
FIGURE 30: TAPE DIMENSIONS..................................................................................................................... 47
FIGURE 31: REEL DIMENSIONS..................................................................................................................... 48
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1Introduction
This document defines the BC95 module and describes its air interface and hardware interface which are
connected with customers’ applications.
This document can help customers to quickly understand module interface specifications, electrical and
mechanical details. Associated with application note and user guide, customers can use BC95 module to
design and set up mobile applications easily.
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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 BC95 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.
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.
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2Product Concept
2.1. General Description
BC95 is a series of NB-IoT module which contains four variants: BC95-B8, BC95-B5, BC95-B20 and
BC95-B28*. It is designed to communicate with mobile network operators’ infrastructure equipment
through the NB-IoT radio protocol (3GPP Rel-13). The following table shows the frequency bands of
BC95 series module.
Table 1: Frequency Bands of BC95 Series Module
BC95 is an SMD type module with LCC package, with an ultra-compact profile of 19.9mm ×23.6mm ×
2.2mm, which can be easily embedded into applications. It provides hardware interfaces such as ADC
and UART interfaces, and can meet almost all the requirements for IoT applications, such as smart
metering, bike sharing, smart parking, smart city, security and asset tracking, home appliances,
agricultural and environmental monitoring, etc.
Designed with power saving technique, the BC95 consumes an ultra-low current of 5uA in PSM (Power
Saving Mode).
The module fully complies with the RoHS directive of the European Union.
“*” means under development.
Mode
BC95-B8
BC95-B5
BC95-B20
BC95-B28*
H-FDD
Band 8
Band 5
Band 20
Band 28
NOTE
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2.2. Key Features
The following table describes the detailed features of BC95 module.
Table 2: BC95 Key Features
Feature
Details
Power Supply
Supply voltage: 3.1V ~ 4.2V
Typical supply voltage: 3.6V
Power Saving Mode
Maximum power consumption in PSM: 5uA
Transmitting Power
23dBm±2dB
Temperature Range
Operation temperature range: -30°C ~ +75°C1)
Extended temperature range: -40°C ~ +85°C2)
USIM Interface
Only support USIM card: 3.0V
UART Interfaces
Main port:
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
Debug port:
Debug port is used for debugging
Only support 921600bps baud rate
Internet Protocol Features
Support IPV4/IPV6*/UDP/CoAP
SMS*
Text and PDU mode
Point to point MO and MT
Data Transmission Feature
Single tone with 15kHz subcarrier: 24kbps (DL), 15.625kbps (UL)
AT Commands
Compliant with 3GPP TS 27.005, 27.007 and Quectel enhanced AT
commands
Physical Characteristics
Size: (19.9±0.15)mm ×(23.6±0.15)mm ×(2.2±0.2mm)
Weight: 1.8g±0.2g
Firmware Upgrade
Firmware upgrade via main port or DFOTA*
Antenna Interface
Connected to antenna pad with 50 Ohm impedance control
RoHS
All hardware components are fully compliant with EU RoHS directive
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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.
3. “*” means under development.
2.3. Functional Diagram
The following figure shows a block diagram of BC95 and illustrates the major functional parts.
Radio frequency
Power management
Peripheral interfaces
RF_ANT
Switch
RX_SAW
RF_PA
TX
Filter
VBAT Load
Switch APT DCDC
PMU
DCDC
32K
LDO
RF Transceiver
and Analogue
VDD_EXT
TCXO
38.4M
XTAL
Driver
Baseband
RESET
Main UART
Debug UART
USIM
Flash
SRAM
SPI
SPI Flash
(Optional)
NETLIGHT
ADC
Figure 1: Functional Diagram
NOTES
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2.4. Evaluation Board
In order to help customers to develop applications with BC95, Quectel supplies the evaluation board
(EVB), RS-232 to USB cable, power adapter, antenna and other peripherals to control or test the module.
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3Application Functions
3.1. General Description
BC95 is equipped with 54-pin 1.1mm pitch SMT pads plus 40-pin ground/reserved pads. The following
chapters provide detailed descriptions of these pins:
Power supply
UART interfaces
USIM card interface
ADC interface*
Network status indication*
RF interface
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3.2. Pin Assignment
44 45 46 47
48
51 52 53 54
50
49
43
42
41
40
39
38
35
36
37
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17
9
8
7
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESET
RESERVED
1
2
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
RESERVED
RESERVED
NETLIGHT*
DBG_RXD
DBG_TXD
ADC*
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
VDD_EXT
RESERVED
USIM_CLK
USIM_DATA
USIM_RST
USIM_VDD
RI*
RESERVED
RESERVED
TXD
RXD
RESERVED
USIM_GND
GND
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
GND
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
GND
RF_ANT
GND GND
RESERVED
VBAT
VBAT
GND
GND
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
55
56
57
58
59
60
75
76
77
78
79
80
90
89
88
87
86
85
70
69
68
67
66
65
83 84
81 82
63 64
61 62
72 71
74 73
92 91
94 93
POWER ADC UART USIM OTHERSGND RESERVED
ANT
Figure 2: Pin Assignment
“*” means under development.
NOTE
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3.3. Pin Description
The following tables show the pin definition and description of BC95.
Table 3: I/O Parameters Definition
Type
Description
IO
Bidirectional
DI
Digital input
DO
Digital output
PI
Power input
PO
Power output
AI
Analog input
AO
Analog output
OD
Open drain
Table 4: Pin Description
Power Supply
Pin Name
Pin No.
I/O
Description
DC Characteristics
Comment
VBAT
45, 46
PI
Main power supply of
the module:
VBAT=3.1V~4.2V
Vmax=4.2V
Vmin=3.1V
Vnorm=3.6V
The power supply
must be able to
provide sufficient
current up to 0.5A.
VDD_
EXT
26
PO
Supply 3.0V voltage for
external circuit
Vnorm=3.0V
IOmax=20mA
If unused, keep this
pin open.
Recommend to add a
2.2~4.7uF bypass
capacitor when using
this pin for power
supply.
GND
2, 43,
47, 48,
51, 52,
Ground
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54,
59~66,
71~74,
81~83,
92~94
Reset Interface
Pin Name
Pin No.
I/O
Description
DC Characteristics
Comment
RESET
15
DI
Reset the module
RPU≈78kΩ
VIHmax=3.3V
VIHmin=2.1V
VILmax=0.6V
Pull up internally.
Active low.
Network Status Indicator
Pin Name
Pin No.
I/O
Description
DC Characteristics
Comment
NETLIGHT*
18
DO
Network status
indication
VOLmax=0.4V
VOHmin=2.4V
If unused, keep this
pin open.
ADC Interface
Pin Name
Pin No.
I/O
Description
DC Characteristics
Comment
ADC*
21
AI
General purpose analog
to digital converter
interface
Input voltage range:
0V to VBAT
If unused, keep this
pin open.
UART Port
Pin Name
Pin No.
I/O
Description
DC Characteristics
Comment
RXD
29
DI
Receive data
VILmax=0.6V
VIHmin=2.1V
VIHmax=3.3V
3.0V power domain.
TXD
30
DO
Transmit data
VOLmax=0.4V
VOHmin=2.4V
3.0V power domain.
RI*
34
DO
Ring indicator
VOLmax=0.4V
VOHmin=2.4V
3.0V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.
Debug Port
Pin Name
Pin No.
I/O
Description
DC Characteristics
Comment
DBG_
RXD
19
DI
Receive data
VILmax=0.6V
VIHmin=2.1V
VIHmax=3.3V
If unused, keep these
pins open.
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DBG_
TXD
20
DO
Transmit data
VOLmax=0.4V
VOHmin=2.4V
If unused, keep these
pins open.
USIM Interface
Pin Name
Pin No.
I/O
Description
DC Characteristics
Comment
USIM_
VDD
38
DO
Power supply for USIM
card
Vnorm=3.0V
All signals of USIM
interface should be
protected against ESD
with a TVS diode
array.
Maximum trace length
from the module pad
to USIM card
connector is 200mm.
USIM_
RST
39
DO
USIM card reset
VOLmax=0.4V
VOHmin=2.4V
USIM_
DATA
40
IO
USIM card data
VOLmax=0.4V
VOHmin=2.4V
VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.6V
VIHmin=2.1V
VIHmax=3.3V
USIM_
CLK
41
DO
USIM card clock
VOLmax=0.4V
VOHmin=2.4V
USIM_
GND
42
USIM card ground
RF Interface
Pin Name
Pin No.
I/O
Description
DC Characteristics
Comment
RF_ANT
53
IO
RF antenna pad
Impedance of 50Ω
RESERVED Pins
Pin Name
Pin No.
I/O
Description
DC Characteristics
Comment
RESERVED
1, 3~14,
16, 17,
22, 23,
24, 25,
27, 28,
31~33,
35~37,
44, 49,
50,
55~58,
67~70,
75~80,
84~91
Reserved
Keep these pins
unconnected.
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“*” means under development.
3.4. Operating Modes
BC95 module has three operating modes, which can determine availability of functions for different levels
of power-saving.
Table 5: Overview of Operating Modes
3.5. Power Supply
3.5.1. Power Supply Pins
BC95 provides two VBAT pins for connection with an external power supply.
The following table shows the VBAT pins and ground pins.
Table 6: VBAT and GND Pins
Pin Name
Pin No.
Description
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
VBAT
45, 46
Power supply for the module
3.1
3.6
4.2
V
Mode
Function
Normal Operation
Active
In active mode, all functions of the module are available and all
processors are active. Radio transmission and reception can be
performed. Transitions to idle mode or PSM can be initiated in active
mode.
Idle
In idle mode, the module is in light sleep and network connection is
maintained; paging messages can be received; transitions to active
mode or PSM can be initiated in idle mode.
PSM
In PSM, only the 32kHz RTC is working. The network is disconnected,
and paging messages cannot be received either. When MO (Mobile
Originated) data are sent or the periodic TAU (Tracking Area Update)
timer T3412 expires, the module will be woken up.
NOTE
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GND
2, 43, 47, 48, 51, 52,
54, 59~66, 71~74,
81~83, 92~94
Ground
-
0
-
V
3.5.2. Reference Design for Power Supply
The power design for the module is very important, as the performance of the module largely depends on
the power source. A Low quiescent current LDO which can provide sufficient input current up to 0.5A can
be used as the power supply. Meanwhile, Li-SOCI2 batteries can also be used to supply power for the
module. The power supply range of the module is from 3.1V to 4.2V. Please make sure that the input
voltage will never drop below 3.1V even in burst transmission. If the power voltage drops below 3.1V, the
module will be abnormal.
For better power performance, it is recommended to place a 100uF tantalum capacitor with low ESR
(ESR=0.7Ω) and three ceramic capacitors with 100nF, 100pF and 22pF near the VBAT pin. A reference
circuit is illustrated in the following figure. In principle, the longer the VBAT trace is, the wider it will be.
VBAT
C2C1
+C3 C4
GND
100uF 100nF 100pF 22pF
0402 0402
VBAT
Module
GND
Figure 3: Reference Circuit for the VBAT Input
3.6. Power on and down Scenarios
3.6.1. Power on
The module can be automatically turned on by supplying power source to VBAT pins.
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