Quectel RM500Q-AE User manual

RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE
Hardware Design
5G Module Series
Version: 1.0.0
Date: 2020-10-22
Status: Preliminary
www.quectel.com

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 2 / 83
Our aim is to provide customers with timely and comprehensive service. For any assistance,
please contact our company headquarters:
Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.
Building 5, Shanghai Business Park Phase III (Area B), No.1016 Tianlin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai
200233, China
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]om
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 [e-mail].
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.
Disclaimer
While Quectel has made efforts to ensure that the functions and features under development are free
from errors, it is possible that these functions and features could contain errors, inaccuracies and
omissions. Unless otherwise provided by valid agreement, Quectel makes no warranties of any kind,
implied or express, with respect to the use of features and functions under development. To the maximum
extent permitted by law, Quectel excludes all liability for any loss or damage suffered in connection with
the use of the functions and features under development, regardless of whether such loss or damage
may have been foreseeable.
Duty of Confidentiality
The Receiving Party shall keep confidential all documentation and information provided by Quectel,
except when the specific permission has been granted by Quectel. The Receiving Party shall not access
or use Quectel’s documentation and information for any purpose except as expressly provided herein.
Furthermore, the Receiving Party shall not disclose any of the Quectel's documentation and information
to any third party without the prior written consent by Quectel. For any noncompliance to the above
requirements, unauthorized use, or other illegal or malicious use of the documentation and information,
Quectel will reserve the right to take legal action.

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 3 / 83
Copyright
The information contained here is proprietary technical information of Quectel wireless solutions co., ltd.
Transmitting, reproducing, disseminating and editing this document as well as using the content without
permission are forbidden. 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. 2020. All rights reserved.

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 4 / 83
About the Document
Revision History
Version
Date
Author
Description
-
2020-10-22
Jared WANG
/Hank LIU
Creation of the document
1.0.0
2020-10-22
Jared WANG
/Hank LIU
Preliminary

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 5 / 83
Contents
About the Document.................................................................................................................................45
Contents.....................................................................................................................................................56
Table Index...............................................................................................................................................712
Figure Index...........................................................................................................................................1015
1Introduction....................................................................................................................................1218
1.1. Safety Information.................................................................................................................1319
2Product Concept............................................................................................................................1420
2.1. General Description..............................................................................................................1420
2.2. Key Features.........................................................................................................................1521
2.3. Functional Diagram...............................................................................................................1723
2.4. Evaluation Board...................................................................................................................1824
3Application Interfaces ...................................................................................................................1925
3.1. Pin Assignment.....................................................................................................................2026
3.2. Pin Description......................................................................................................................2127
3.3. Operating Modes...................................................................................................................2632
3.4. Power Supply........................................................................................................................2633
3.4.1. Decrease Voltage Drop..............................................................................................2733
3.4.2. Reference Design for Power Supply..........................................................................2834
3.5. Turn on and off Scenarios.....................................................................................................2935
3.5.1. Turn on the Module....................................................................................................2935
3.5.2. Turn off the Module....................................................................................................3039
3.5.2.1. Turn off the Module through FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF#..........................3039
3.5.2.2. Turn off the Module through AT Command....................................................3140
3.6. Reset the Module..................................................................................................................3242
3.7. (U)SIM Interface....................................................................................................................3444
3.8. USB Interface........................................................................................................................3649
3.9. PCIe Interface.......................................................................................................................3951
3.9.1. PCIe Operating Mode................................................................................................3952
3.9.2. USB and PCIe Modes................................................................................................4257
3.10. PCM Interface*......................................................................................................................4362
3.11. Control and Indication Interfaces..........................................................................................4564
3.11.1. W_DISABLE1#*.........................................................................................................4564
3.11.2. W_DISABLE2#*.........................................................................................................4665
3.11.3. WWAN_LED#*...........................................................................................................4766
3.11.4. WAKE_ON_WAN#* ...................................................................................................4867
3.11.5. DPR* ..........................................................................................................................4868
3.11.6. STATUS*....................................................................................................................4968
3.12. Cellular/WLAN Interface*......................................................................................................4968
3.13. Antenna Tuner Control Interface*.........................................................................................5069
3.14. Configuration Pins.................................................................................................................5070

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 6 / 83
4GNSS Receiver...............................................................................................................................5272
4.1. General Description..............................................................................................................5272
4.2. GNSS Performance..............................................................................................................5272
5Antenna Interfaces.........................................................................................................................5474
5.1. RF Antenna Interfaces..........................................................................................................5474
5.1.1. Antenna Pin Definition................................................................................................5474
5.1.2. RF Antenna Port Mapping .........................................................................................5575
5.1.3. Operating Frequency .................................................................................................5576
5.1.4. Reference Design of RF Antenna Interface...............................................................5677
5.2. GNSS Antenna Interface ......................................................................................................5778
5.3. Reference Design of RF Layout ...........................................................................................5779
5.4. Antenna Connectors.............................................................................................................5982
5.4.1 RF Bands Supported by Antenna Connectors................................................................6183
5.5. Antenna Installation ..............................................................................................................6184
5.5.1. Antenna Requirements..............................................................................................6184
5.5.2. Recommended RF Connector for Antenna Installation.............................................6285
6Reliability, Radio and Electrical Characteristics........................................................................6688
6.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings..................................................................................................6688
6.2. Power Supply Requirements ................................................................................................6688
6.3. I/O Requirements..................................................................................................................6789
6.4. Operating and Storage Temperatures..................................................................................6789
6.5. Current Consumption............................................................................................................6890
6.6. RF Output Power ..................................................................................................................7095
6.7. RF Receiving Sensitivity.......................................................................................................7196
6.8. ESD Characteristics..............................................................................................................7398
6.9. Thermal Dissipation ..............................................................................................................7399
7Mechanical Dimensions and Packaging ...................................................................................76102
7.1. Mechanical Dimensions of the Module...............................................................................76102
7.2. Top and Bottom Views of the Module.................................................................................77104
7.3. M.2 Connector.....................................................................................................................78105
7.4. Packaging ...........................................................................................................................78106
8Appendix References..................................................................................................................80110

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 7 / 83
Table Index
Table 1: Frequency Bands and GNSS Type of RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Module............................1412
Table 2: Key Features of RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE...........................................................................1513
Table 3: Definition of I/O Parameters.....................................................................................................2219
Table 4: Pin Description.........................................................................................................................2219
Table 5: Overview of Operating Modes.................................................................................................2623
Table 6: Definition of VCC and GND Pins.............................................................................................2624
Table 7: Definition of FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF# Pin.......................................................................2926
Table 8: Definition of RESET_N Pin......................................................................................................3229
Table 9: Pin Definition of (U)SIM Interfaces ..........................................................................................3431
Table 10: Pin Definition of USB Interface..............................................................................................3734
Table 11: Pin Definition of PCIe Interface..............................................................................................3936
Table 12: Pin Definition of PCM Interface..............................................................................................4441
Table 13: Pin Definition of Control and Indication Interfaces.................................................................4542
Table 14: RF Function Status ................................................................................................................4643
Table 15: GNSS Function Status...........................................................................................................4643
Table 16: Network Status Indications of WWAN_LED#........................................................................4845
Table 17: State of the WAKE_ON_WAN#.............................................................................................4845
Table 18: Function of the DPR Signal....................................................................................................4946
Table 19: Pin Definition of COEX Interface ...........................................................................................4946
Table 20: Pin Definition of Antenna Tuner Control Interface.................................................................5047
Table 21: Definition of Configuration Pins..............................................................................................5047
Table 22: Configuration Pins List of M.2 Specification..........................................................................5148
Table 23: GNSS Performance ...............................................................................................................5249
Table 24: RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Pin Definition of RF Antenna Interfaces....................................5451
Table 25: RM500Q-AE & RM502Q-AE RF Antenna Mapping..............................................................5552
Table 26: RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Module Operating Frequencies.................................................5552
Table 27: GNSS Frequency...................................................................................................................5755
Table 28: RF Bands Supported by RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Antenna Connectors..........................6159
Table 29: Antenna Requirements..........................................................................................................6260
Table 30: Major Specifications of the RF Connector.............................................................................6361
Table 31: Absolute Maximum Ratings...................................................................................................6664
Table 32: Power Supply Requirements .................................................................................................6664
Table 33: I/O Requirements...................................................................................................................6765
Table 34: Operating and Storage Temperatures...................................................................................6765
Table 35: RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Current Consumption................................................................6866
Table 36: RF Output Power ...................................................................................................................7171
Table 37: RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Conducted RF Receiving Sensitivity.........................................7171
Table 38: Electrostatic Discharge Characteristics (Temperature: 25 ºC , Humidity: 40 %)...................7374
Table 39: Related Documents................................................................................................................8081
Table 40: Terms and Abbreviations.......................................................................................................8081
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 1: Frequency Bands and GNSS Type of

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 8 / 83
RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Module.................. 错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。10
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 2: Key Features of RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE..错误!未定义书
签。错误!未定义书签。11
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 3: Definition of I/O Parameters......错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。17
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 4: Pin Description..........................错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。17
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 5: Definition of VCC and GND Pins错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。21
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 6: Definition of FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF# Pin错误!未定义书签。错误!未
定义书签。24
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 7: Definition of RESET_N Pin .......错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。28
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 8: Pin Definition of (U)SIM Interfaces 错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。
30
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 9: Pin Definition of USB Interface..错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。33
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 10: Pin Definition of PCIe Interface错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。35
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 11: Pin Definition of PCM Interface*错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。40
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 12: Pin Definition of Control and Indication Interfaces错误!未定义书签。错误!
未定义书签。41
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 13: RF Function Status..................错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。41
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 14: GNSS Function Status............错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。42
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 15: Network Status Indications of WWAN_LED# Signal错误!未定义书签。错
误!未定义书签。43
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 16: State of the WAKE_ON_WAN# Signal错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书
签。44
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 17: Function of the DPR Signal..... 错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。44
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 18: Pin Definition of COEX Interface错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。45
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 19: Pin Definition of Antenna Tuner Control Interface错误!未定义书签。错误!
未定义书签。45
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 20: Definition of Configuration Pins错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。46
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 21: Configuration Pins List of M.2 Specification错误!未定义书签。错误!未定
义书签。47
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 22: GNSS Performance ................错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。48
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 23: RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Pin Definition of RF Antenna
Interfaces ...............................................................................错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。50
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 24: RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE RF Antenna Mapping..错误!未
定义书签。错误!未定义书签。51
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 25: RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Module Operating Frequencies
...............................................................................................错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。51
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 26: GNSS Frequency....................错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。53
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 27: RF Bands Supported by RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE
Antenna Connectors..............................................................错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。57
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 28: Antenna Requirements ........... 错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。57
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 29: Major Specifications of the RF Connector错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义
书签。58
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 30: Absolute Maximum Ratings.... 错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。61
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 31: Power Supply Requirements...错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。61

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 9 / 83
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 32: I/O Requirements.................... 错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。62
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 33: Operation and Storage Temperatures错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书
签。62
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 34: RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Current Consumption..错误!未
定义书签。错误!未定义书签。63
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 35: RF Output Power.....................错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。68
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 36: RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Conducted RF Receiving
Sensitivity............................................................................... 错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。68
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 37: Electrostatic Discharge Characteristics (Temperature: 25 ºC , Humidity:
40 %)...................................................................................... 错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。71
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 38: Related Documents.................错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。78
错误!超链接引用无效。Table 39: Terms and Abbreviations........ 错误!未定义书签。错误!未定义书签。78

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 10 / 83
Figure Index
Figure 1: Functional Diagram.....................................................................................................................18
Figure 2: Pin Assignment...........................................................................................................................21
Figure 3: Power Supply Limits during Radio Transmission.......................................................................27
Figure 4: Reference Circuit of VCC Pins ...................................................................................................28
Figure 5: Reference Design of Power Supply............................................................................................28
Figure 6: Turn-on Timing of the Module.....................................................................................................29
Figure 7: Turn on the Module with a Host GPIO........................................................................................30
Figure 8: Turn-off Timing through FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF#............................................................. 31
Figure 9: Turn-off Timing through AT Command and FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF#.............................. 31
Figure 10: Reference Circuit of RESET_N with NPN Driving Circuit ........................................................ 32
Figure 11: Reference Circuit of RESET_N with NMOS Driving Circuit.....................................................33
Figure 12: Reference Circuit of RESET_N with Button...................................................错误!未定义书签。
Figure 13: Resetting Timing of the Module................................................................................................ 33
Figure 14: Reference Circuit for Normally Closed (U)SIM Card Connector.............................................. 35
Figure 15: Reference Circuit for Normally Open (U)SIM Card Connector................................................ 35
Figure 16: Reference Circuit for a 6-Pin (U)SIM Card Connector.............................................................36
Figure 17: Reference Circuit of USB 3.1 & 2.0 Interface........................................................................... 38
Figure 18: PCIe Interface Reference Circuit.............................................................................................. 40
Figure 19: PCIe Power-on Timing Requirements of M.2 Specification.....................................................41
Figure 20: PCIe Power-on Timing Requirements of the Module...............................................................41
Figure 21: Primary Mode Timing................................................................................................................ 43
Figure 22: Auxiliary Mode Timing ..............................................................................................................44
Figure 23: W_DISABLE1# and W_DISABLE2# Reference Circuit...........................................................47
Figure 24: WWAN_LED# Reference Circuit..............................................................................................47
Figure 25: WAKE_ON_WAN# Signal Reference Circuit........................................................................... 48
Figure 26: Recommended Circuit of Configuration Pins ........................................................................... 51
Figure 27: RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Reference Circuit of RF Antenna................................................. 56
Figure 28: Microstrip Design on a 2-layer PCB ......................................................................................... 58
Figure 29: Coplanar Waveguide Design on a 2-layer PCB.......................................................................58
Figure 30: Coplanar Waveguide Design on a 4-layer PCB (Layer 3 as Reference Ground).................... 58
Figure 31: Coplanar Waveguide Design on a 4-layer PCB (Layer 4 as Reference Ground).................... 59
Figure 32: RM500Q-AE Antenna Connectors ...........................................................................................60
Figure 33: RM502Q-AE Antenna Connectors ...........................................................................................60
Figure 34: RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE RF Connector Dimensions (Unit: mm)......................................... 63
Figure 35: Specifications of Mating Plugs Using Ø0.81 mm Coaxial Cables............................................64
Figure 36: Connection between RF Connector and Mating Plug Using Ø0.81 mm Coaxial Cable..........64
Figure 37: Connection between RF Connector and Mating Plug Using Ø1.13 mm Coaxial Cable.......... 65
Figure 38: Thermal Dissipation Area on Bottom Side of Module ..............................................................74
Figure 39: Mechanical Dimensions of the Module (Unit: mm)................................................................... 76
Figure 40: RM500Q-AE Top View and Bottom view ................................................................................. 77
Figure 41: RM502Q-AE Top View and Bottom View.................................................................................77

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 11 / 83
Figure 42: Tray Size (Unit: mm)................................................................................................................. 78
Figure 43: Tray Packaging Procedure....................................................................................................... 79

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 12 / 83
1Introduction
The hardware design defines RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE and describes the air and hardware interfaces
which are connected with customers’ applications.
This document helps you quickly understand the interface specifications, electrical and mechanical
details, as well as other related information of RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE. To facilitate its application in
different fields, reference design is also provided for reference. Associated with application notes and
user guides, customers can use the module to design and set up mobile applications easily.
This document is applicable to the RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE*models:
“*” means under development
NOTE

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 13 / 83
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 the module. Manufacturers of the cellular terminal
should notify users and operating personnel of the following safety information by incorporating these
guidelines into all manuals of the product. Otherwise, Quectel assumes no liability for customers’ failure to
comply with these precautions.
Full attention must be paid 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 there is an Airplane Mode, it should be enabled prior to
boarding an aircraft. Please consult the airline staff for more restrictions on the use
of wireless devices on an 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 emergency help is needed in
such conditions, use 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 mobile 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.

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 14 / 83
2Product Concept
2.1. General Description
RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE isare a 5G NR/LTE-FDD/LTE-TDD/WCDMA wireless
communication moduleswith receive diversity. It They providesdata connectivity on 5G NR SA and NSA,
LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+, HSDPA, HSUPA and WCDMA networks with standard PCI
Express M.2 interface.
It They supportsembedded operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Android, and also provides
GNSS and voice functionality to meet specific application demands.
The following table shows the frequency bands and GNSS type of the module.
Table 1: Frequency Bands and GNSS Type of RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Module
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE can be applied in the following fields:
⚫Rugged tablet PC and laptop computer
⚫Remote monitor system
⚫Smart metering system
⚫Wireless router and switch
Mode
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE
5G NR
n2/n5/n7/n12/n25/n41/n66/n71/n77
LTE-FDD
B2/eB4/B5/B7/B12/B13/B14/B17/B25/B26/B30/B66/B71
LTE-TDD
B38/B41/B48
WCDMA
B2/B4/B5
GNSS
GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 15 / 83
⚫Other wireless terminal devices
2.2. Key Features
The following table describes key features of RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE.
Table 2: Key Features of RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE
Feature
Details
Function Interface
PCI Express M.2 Interface
Power Supply
⚫Supply voltage: 3.135–4.4 V
⚫Typical supply voltage: 3.7 V
Transmitting Power
⚫Class 3 (24 dBm +1/-3 dB) for WCDMA bands
⚫Class 3 (23 dBm ±2 dB) for LTE bands
⚫Class 3 (23 dBm ±2 dB) for 5G NR bands
⚫Class 2 (26 dBm ±2 dB) for LTE B38/B40/B41/B42/B43 bandsHPUE 1)
⚫Class 2 (26 dBm +2/-3 dB) for 5G NR n41/n77/n78/n79 bands HPUE 1)
5G NR Features
⚫Support 3GPP Rel-.15
⚫Modulations:
Uplink: π/2-BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM and 256QAM
Downlink: QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM and 256QAM
⚫Support downlink 4 ×4 MIMO on: n2/n7/25/n41/n66/n77
⚫Support SCS 15 kHz 2) and 30 kHz 2)
⚫Supports 5G NR refarmed band bandwidth ≤20 MHz
⚫Supports 5G NR n41/n77 bandwidth ≤100 MHz
⚫Support SA and NSA operation modes
⚫Support Option 3x, 3 Aa, and Option 2
⚫Max. transmission data rates 3):
RM500Q-AE
NSA : Max 2.5 Gbps(DL)/ 650 Mbps (UL)
SA : Max 2.1 Gbps(DL)/ 450 Mbps (UL)
RM502Q-AE
NSA : Max 5 Gbps(DL)/ 650 Mbps (UL)
SA : Max 4.2 Gbps(DL)/ 450 Mbps (UL)
LTE Features
⚫Supports 3GPP Rel-15
⚫Support up to CA Cat 16 FDD and TDD
⚫Supported modulations:
Uplink: QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM and 256QAM

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 16 / 83
Downlink: QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM and 256QAM
⚫Supports 1.4/3/5/10/15/20 MHz RF bandwidth
⚫Support downlink 4 ×4 MIMO on: B2/B4/B7/B25/B30/B38/B41/B48/B66
⚫Max. transmission data rates 3):
RM500QA-AE
LTE: Max 1.0 Gbps(DL)/ 200 Mbps (UL)
RM502QA-AE
LTE: 2.0 Gbps (DL) /200 Mbps (UL)
UMTS Features
⚫Support 3GPP R8 DC-HSDPA, HSPA +, HSDPA, HSUPA and WCDMA
⚫Support QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM modulation
⚫Max. transmission data rates 2):
DC-HSDPA: Max 42 Mbps (DL)
HSUPA: Max 5.76 Mbps (UL)
WCDMA: Max 384 kbps (DL)/384 kbps (UL)
Internet Protocol
Features
⚫Support QMI/NTP* protocols
⚫Support the protocols PAP and EIRP usually used for PPP connections
SMS
⚫Text and PDU modes
⚫Point-to-point MO and MT
⚫SMS cell broadcast
⚫SMS storage: ME by default
(U)SIM Interface
⚫Support (U)SIM card: Class B (3.0 V) and Class C(1.8 V)
⚫(U)SIM interface
⚫Support Single (U)SIM
USB Interface
⚫Compliant with USB 3.1 and 2.0 specifications, with maximum transmission
rates up to 10 Gbps on USB 3.1 and 480 Mbps on USB 2.0.
⚫Used for AT command communication, data transmission, firmware
upgrade, software debugging, GNSS NMEA sentence output.
⚫Support USB serial drivers for: Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Linux 2.6–5.4, Android
4.x/5.x/6.x/7.x/8.x/9.x/10
PCIe ×1 Interface
⚫Complaint with PCIe GEN3, support 8 Gbps per lane, PCIe ×1.
⚫Used for AT command communication, data transmission, firmware
upgrade, software debugging, GNSS NMEA sentence output
Rx-diversity
⚫Support 5G NR/LTE/WCDMA Rx-diversity
GNSS Features
⚫Gen9 Lite of Qualcomm
⚫Protocol: NMEA 0183
⚫Data Update Rate: 1 Hz
AT Commands
⚫Compliant with 3GPP TS 27.007, 27.005 and Quectel enhanced AT
commands
Antenna Interfaces
⚫ANT0, ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3_GNSSL1
Physical
Characteristics
⚫Size: (52.0 ±0.15) mm ×(30.0 ±0.15) mm ×(2.3 ±0.2) mm
⚫Weight: approx. 8.7

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 17 / 83
1. 1) HPUE is only for single carrier.
2. 2) 5G NR FDD bands only support 15 kHz SCS, NR TDD bands only support 30 kHz SCS.
3. 3) The maximum rates are theoretical and the actual values refer to the network configuration.
4. 4) To meet this operating temperature range, you need to ensure effective thermal dissipation, for
example, by adding passive or active heatsinks, heat pipes, vapor chambers, etc. Within this range,
the module can meet 3GPP specifications.
5. 54) Within extended temperature range, the module remains the ability to establish and maintain
functions such as voice, SMS, data transmission without any unrecoverable malfunction. Radio
spectrum and radio network will not be influenced, while one or more specifications, such as Pout may
undergo a reduction in value, exceeding the specified tolerances of 3GPP. When the temperature
returns to the normal operating temperature level, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again.
6. “*” means under development.
2.2.2.3. Functional Diagram
The following figure shows a block diagram of RM500Q-AERM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE.
⚫Power management
⚫Baseband
⚫DDR + NAND flash
⚫Radio frequency
⚫M.2 Key-B interface
Temperature Range
⚫Operating temperature range: -20 to +60 °C 4)
⚫Restricted Operating temperature range: -30 to -20 °C, +60 to +75 °C
⚫Extended temperature range: -40 to -30 °C, +75 to +85 °C 5)
⚫Storage temperature range: -40 to +90°C
Firmware Upgrade
⚫USB 2.0 interface, PCIe interface and DFOTA
RoHS
⚫All hardware components are fully compliant with EU RoHS directive
NOTES

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 18 / 83
Baseband
PMIC
Sub-6 GHz
Transceiver
ANT0
ANT3_GNSSL1
ANT2
ET
VCC
RESET_N
38.4M
XO
SPMI
IQ
Control
Tx
PRx
MIPI/G
RFC
PCI Express M.2 Key-B Interface
FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF#
W_DISABLE2#
USB 2.0 & USB 3.1
(U)SIM1
WWAN_LED#
WAKE_ON_WAN#
NAND Flash 4Gb x8
LPDDR4X SDRAM 4Gb x16
RFFE
W_DISABLE1#
GPIOs
Tx/Rx Blocks
ANT1
PCIe ×1
GND
DRx
GNSS
Figure 1: Functional Diagram
2.3.2.4. Evaluation Board
To help with the development of applications conveniently with RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE, Quectel
supplies the evaluation board (PCIe Card EVB), a USB to RS-232 converter cable, a USB type-C cable,
antennas and other peripherals to control or test the module. For more details, see document [1].

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 19 / 83
3Application Interfaces
The physical connections and signal levels of RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE comply with PCI Express M.2
specification. This chapter mainly describes the definition and application of the following interfaces/pins
of the module:
⚫Power supply
⚫(U)SIM interfaces
⚫USB interface
⚫PCIe interface
⚫PCM interface*
⚫Control and indication interfaces*
⚫COEX UART interface*
⚫Antenna tuner control interface*
⚫Configuration pins
“*” means under development.
NOTE

5G Module Series
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE Hardware Design
RM500Q-AE&RM502Q-AE_Hardware_Design 20 / 83
3.1. Pin Assignment
The following figure shows the pin assignment of the module. The top side contains module and antenna
connectors.
PIN2
PIN74
BOT
PIN1
PIN75
TOP
Pin Name No.
CONFIG_2 75
GND 73
GND 71
CONFIG_1 69
RESET_N 67
RFFE_VIO_1V8 65
ANTCTL2 63
ANTCTL1 61
LAA_TX_EN 59
GND 57
PCIE_REFCLK_P 55
PCIE_REFCLK_M 53
GND 51
PCIE_RX_P 49
PCIE_RX_M 47
GND 45
PCIE_TX_P 43
PCIE_TX_M 41
GND 39
USB_SS_RX_P 37
USB_SS_RX_M 35
GND 33
USB_SS_TX_P 31
USB_SS_TX_M 29
GND 27
DPR 25
WAKE_ON_WAN# 23
CONFIG_0 21
Notch
Notch
Notch
Notch
GND 11
USB_DM 9
USB_DP 7
GND 5
GND 3
CONFIG_3 1
PIN11
PIN10
No. Pin Name
74 VCC
72 VCC
70 VCC
68 AP2SDX_STATUS
66 USIM_DET
64 COEX_TXD
62 COEX_RXD
60 WLAN_TX_EN
58 RFFE_DATA
56 RFFE_CLK
54 PCIE_WAKE_N
52 PCIE_CLKREQ_N
50 PCIE_RST_N
48 NC
46 NC
44 NC
42 NC
40 NC
38 SDX2AP_STATUS
36 USIM_VDD
34 USIM_DATA
32 USIM_CLK
30 USIM_RST
28 PCM_SYNC
26 W_DISABLE2#
24 PCM_DOUT
22 PCM_DIN
20 PCM_CLK
Notch
Notch
Notch
Notch
10 WWAN_LED#
8 W_DISABLE1#
6FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF#
4 VCC
2 VCC