Quectel MC90-TE-A User manual

MC90-TE-A User Guide
GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
Rev. MC90-TE-A_User_Guide_V1.0
Date: 2018-09-19
Status: Released
www.quectel.com

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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://www.quectel.com/support/sales.htm
For technical support, or to report documentation errors, please visit:
http://www.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
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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
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QUECTEL WIRELESS SOLUTIONS CO., LTD. TRANSMITTING, REPRODUCTION, DISSEMINATION
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Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2018. All rights reserved.

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About the Document
History
Revision
Date
Author
Description
1.0
2018-09-19
Tiger CHENG
Initial

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Contents
About the Document................................................................................................................................ 2
Contents.................................................................................................................................................... 3
Table Index ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure Index.............................................................................................................................................. 5
1Introduction....................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1. Safety Information ....................................................................................................................7
2Product Concept ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.1. MC90-TE-ATop and Bottom Views.......................................................................................... 8
3Interface Applications..................................................................................................................... 10
3.1. (U)SIM2 Card Connector........................................................................................................10
4MC90-TE-A Accessories Assembly............................................................................................... 12
5Illustration........................................................................................................................................ 13
5.1. Power on MC90-TE-A ............................................................................................................13
5.2. Communicate with GSM Part of the Module........................................................................... 14
5.3. Communicate with GNSS Part of the Module......................................................................... 15
5.3.1. Use Main UART (All-in-one Solution)........................................................................... 15
5.3.2. Use UART3 (Stand-alone Solution)............................................................................. 16
5.4. Firmware Upgrade through Main UART Port.......................................................................... 17
5.5. Compatible Design and Applications ......................................................................................18
6DIP Connector................................................................................................................................. 19
7Appendix A References.................................................................................................................. 21

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Table Index
TABLE 1: PINS OF (U)SIM2 CARD CONNECTOR.......................................................................................... 10
TABLE 2: RESISTOR TO BE MOUNTED WHEN USING DIFFERENT Wi-Fi ANTENNAS ............................. 18
TABLE 3: PIN DEFINITION OF THE 60-PIN DIP CONNECTOR..................................................................... 19
TABLE 4: RELATED DOCUMENTS.................................................................................................................. 21

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Figure Index
FIGURE 1: MC90-TE-ATOP VIEW..................................................................................................................... 8
FIGURE 2: MC90-TE-A BOTTOM VIEW............................................................................................................. 9
FIGURE 3: (U)SIM2 CARD CONNECTOR....................................................................................................... 10
FIGURE 4: MC90-TE-ATOOLKITACCESSORIES.......................................................................................... 12
FIGURE 5: CONNECTION BETWEEN MC90-TE-AAND GSM EVB............................................................... 13
FIGURE 6: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS INDICATION................................................................................... 14
FIGURE 7: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS ON MAIN UART WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH GSM PART... 14
FIGURE 8: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS ON UART3 WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH GSM PART........... 15
FIGURE 9: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS ON MAIN UART WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH GNSS PART. 16
FIGURE 10: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS ON UART3 WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH GNSS PART....... 16
FIGURE 11: USER INTERFACE OF POWERGPS TOOL................................................................................ 17
FIGURE 12: SWITCH S101/S102 TO ON STATE ............................................................................................ 17
FIGURE 13: R211 OR R213 TO BE MOUNTED WHEN USING DIFFERENT Wi-Fi ANTENNAS................... 18
FIGURE 14: DIP CONNECTOR OF MC90-TE-A.............................................................................................. 19

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1Introduction
In order to help customers develop applications with Quectel MC90 module conveniently, Quectel
supplies corresponding development board (MC90-TE-A) to test the module. This document can help
customers quickly understand MC90-TE-A interface specifications, electrical and mechanical details and
know how to use it.
MC90-TE-A is intended to be used in combination with GSM EVB for MC90 module testing and
evaluation. For detailed description of GSM EVB, please refer to document [4].

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1.1. Safety Information
The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, such as usage, service
or repair of any cellular terminal or mobile incorporating MC90 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
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. Please comply with laws and regulations
restricting the use of wireless devices while driving.
Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile before boarding an aircraft. The operation
of wireless appliances in an aircraft is forbidden to prevent interference with
communication systems. If the device offers an Airplane Mode, then it should be
enabled prior to boarding an aircraft. Please consult the airline staff for more
restrictions on the use of wireless devices on boarding the aircraft.
Wireless devices may cause interference on sensitive medical equipment, so
please be aware of the restrictions on the use of wireless devices when in
hospitals, clinics or other healthcare facilities.
Cellular terminals or mobiles operating over radio signals and cellular network
cannot be guaranteed to connect in all possible conditions (for example, with
unpaid bills or with an invalid (U)SIM card). When emergent help is needed in such
conditions, please remember using emergency call. In order to make or receive a
call, the cellular terminal or mobile must be switched on in a service area with
adequate cellular signal strength.
The cellular terminal or mobile contains a transmitter and receiver. When it is ON, it
receives and transmits radio frequency signals. 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. MC90-TE-A Top and Bottom Views
Figure 1: MC90-TE-A Top View
A: Serial port selection switch
B: GSM antenna interface
C: GNSS antenna interface
D: Wi-Fi antenna interface
E: LED indicator
F: USB interface
F: Wi-Fi antenna

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Figure 2: MC90-TE-A Bottom View
G: (U)SIM2 card connector

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3Interface Applications
3.1. (U)SIM2 Card Connector
Figure 3: (U)SIM2 Card Connector
Table 1: Pins of (U)SIM2 Card Connector
Pin No.
Signal
I/O
Description
1
CD1
Connect to ground
2
CD2
Reserved
3
SIM_DATA
I/O
(U)SIM card data input/output
4
SIM_CLK
O
(U)SIM card clock signal
5
VPP
Reserved

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6
SIM_RST
O
(U)SIM card reset signal
7
GND
Ground
8
SIM_VDD
Power supply for (U)SIM card
9
GND
Ground
10
GND
Ground

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4MC90-TE-A Accessories Assembly
Figure 4: MC90-TE-A Toolkit Accessories
A: GNSS antenna
B: Driver disk
C: RF cable (for GNSS antenna connection)

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5Illustration
MC90-TE-A kit is intended to be used in combination with GSM EVB for MC90 module testing and
evaluation. The connection between MC90-TE-A and GSM EVB can refer to the following figure.
Figure 5: Connection between MC90-TE-A and GSM EVB
5.1. Power on MC90-TE-A
Power-on procedures of MC90-TE-A is controlled by GSM EVB. Please refer to document [4] for detailed
power-on procedures.

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5.2. Communicate with GSM Part of the Module
(1) If the main UART is used for communication with GSM part of MC90 module, please turn the S101
and S102 switch to ON state on MC90-TE-A, and then connect the main UART of EVB to PC’s USB
port with the USB to UART converter cable. This is the recommended method. Switch status
description is available in the following figures.
Figure 6: S101/S102 Switch Status Indication
Figure 7: S101/S102 Switch Status on Main UART When Communicating with GSM Part
If the UART3 is used for communication with the GSM part, please turn the S101 switch to OFF and S102
switch to ON state on MC90-TE-A, and then connect the UART3 on EVB to PC’s USB port with the USB
to UART converter cable. Currently, the software does not support this method.

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Figure 8: S101/S102 Switch Status on UART3 When Communicating with GSM Part
(2) Open the QCOM (AT command window) on PC. Set appropriate Baud Rate (such as 115200bps) and
COM number which can be checked by the Device Manager on PC.
(3) Connect the antenna to the GSM_ANT on MC90-TE-A with an RF cable.
(4) Insert an (U)SIM card into the (U)SIM1 card connector.
(5) Insert earphone or handset into audio interface.
(6) For power-on procedures, please refer to document [4].
(7) After waiting for 2~3 seconds, customers should first input “AT” or “at” string once or more until
receiving “OK” from the module in the HyperTerminal.
The module is set to autobauding mode in default configuration. This operation is to synchronize the
baud rate between the computer and the module.
(8) Input AT command and the corresponding functions will be executed.
5.3. Communicate with GNSS Part of the Module
5.3.1. Use Main UART (All-in-one Solution)
(1) Turn the S101 and S102 switch to ON state on MC90-TE-A, and then connect the main UART of EVB
to PC’s USB port with the USB to UART converter cable. This is the recommended method.

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Figure 9: S101/S102 Switch Status on Main UART When Communicating with GNSS Part
(2) Open the QCOM (AT command window) on PC. Set appropriate Baud Rate (such as 115200bps) and
COM number which can be checked by the Device Manager on PC.
(3) Connect the antenna to the GNSS_ANT on MC90-TE-Awith an RF cable.
(4) For power on procedure, please refer to document [4].
(5) After waiting for 2~3 seconds, customers should first input “AT” or “at” string once or more until
receiving “OK” from the module in the HyperTerminal.
(6) Send corresponding AT commands to turn on/off the GNSS part. When GNSS is turned on, the LED
D102 on MC90-TE-Awill be lighted and NMEA data will be output. For details of the correspondingAT
commands, please refer to document [1].
5.3.2. Use UART3 (Stand-alone Solution)
(1) Turn the S101 switch to ON and S102 switch to OFF state on MC90-TE-A, and then connect the main
UART and UART3 of EVB to PC’s USB ports with the USB to UART converter cables.
Figure 10: S101/S102 Switch Status on UART3 When Communicating with GNSS Part
(2) Connect the antenna to the GNSS_ANT on MC90-TE-Awith an RF cable.

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(3) Insert the plug of the 5V power adapter. Turn the S202 switch to ON state on the EVB. The LED D503
on the EVB will be lighted.
(4) Send AT+QGNSSC=1 command via main UART to turn on the GNSS part, and the LED D102 on
MC90-TE-A will be lighted. For details of the corresponding AT commands, please refer to document
[1].
(5) NMEA data will be received via UART3 and PMTK commands can be sent via UART3.
(6) The PowerGPS tool can be used to view the status of GPS&GLONASS receiver conveniently. When
the tool is opened, the user interface shown as below will be displayed.
Figure 11: User Interface of PowerGPS Tool
5.4. Firmware Upgrade through Main UART Port
(1) Switch the S101 and S102 on MC90-TE-A to ON state.
Figure 12: Switch S101/S102 to ON State

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(2) Start the firmware upgrade tool on PC.
(3) Press the START button in the firmware upgrade tool.
(4) Switch the S201 and S202 on the EVB to ON state. For details, please refer to document [4].
5.5. Compatible Design and Applications
When testing the Wi-Fi function, a built-in Wi-Fi antenna of MC90-TE-A is recommended to be used. In this
case, resistor R213 (0Ω, 0402 package) needs to be mounted, while resistor R211 (0Ω, 0402 package)
does not need to be mounted. If an external Wi-Fi antenna is used, then R213 needs to be mounted and
R211 does not need to be mounted.
Table 2: Resistor to be Mounted when Using Different Wi-Fi Antennas
Figure 13: R211 or R213 to be Mounted when Using Different Wi-Fi Antennas
Resistor
Use Built-in Wi-Fi Antenna
Use External Wi-Fi Antenna
R211
NM
0R
R213
0R
NM

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6DIP Connector
Figure 14: DIP Connector of MC90-TE-A
Table 3: Pin Definition of the 60-pin DIP Connector
Pin No.
Pin Name
I/O
Pin No.
Pin Name
I/O
1
VBAT
I
2
GND
3
VBAT
I
4
GND
5
VBAT
I
6
GND
7
VBAT
I
8
GND
9
VBAT
I
10
GND
11
12
ADC
I
13
14
15
VDD_EXT
O
16
NETLIGHT
O
17
PWRKEY
I
18
GPIO0
I/O