Quectel RMU500-EK User manual

RMU500-EK User Guide
5G Module Series
Version: 1.0
Date: 2020-11-23
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.
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:
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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
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except when the specific permission has been granted by Quectel. The Receiving Party shall not access
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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.

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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.

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About the Document
Revision History
Version
Date
Author
Description
-
2019-12-19
Tom TANG/
Shaky LIN
Creation of the document
1.0
2020-11-23
Tom TANG/
Shaky LIN
First official release

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Contents
About the Document...................................................................................................................................3
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................4
Table Index...................................................................................................................................................5
Figure Index.................................................................................................................................................6
1Introduction..........................................................................................................................................7
1.1. Safety Information ...................................................................................................................7
2General Overview.................................................................................................................................9
2.1. Key Features...........................................................................................................................9
2.2. Component Placement of the EVB .......................................................................................10
2.3. Top View of the EVB.............................................................................................................11
2.4. EVB Kit Accessories..............................................................................................................11
3Components/Interfaces.....................................................................................................................13
3.1. Components/Interfaces of the EVB.......................................................................................13
3.1.1. Power Supply (J101/J301).............................................................................................13
3.1.2. M.2 Interface (J201).......................................................................................................14
3.1.3. USB Interface (J301)......................................................................................................14
3.1.4. (U)SIM Interface (J401)..................................................................................................15
3.1.5. Status Indicator (D104/D107) ........................................................................................17
3.1.6. RF Cables and Antennas...............................................................................................18
3.1.6.1. Antenna Design....................................................................................................18
3.1.6.2. Antenna Efficiency................................................................................................18
3.1.6.3. Antenna Specification...........................................................................................19
3.2. Component Assembling Steps..............................................................................................20
4EVB Operation Procedures...............................................................................................................24
4.1. Turn on the Module...............................................................................................................24
4.2. Communication Via the USB Interface .................................................................................24
4.3. Firmware Upgrade.................................................................................................................25
4.4. Turn Off the Module ..............................................................................................................26
5Appendix References........................................................................................................................27

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Table Index
Table 1: Key Features.................................................................................................................................. 9
Table 2: Interfaces and Functions of the EVB........................................................................................... 10
Table 3: Accessories List...........................................................................................................................11
Table 4: Pin Definition of J401...................................................................................................................16
Table 5: Description of Status Indicator LEDs...........................................................................................17
Table 6: Antenna Specification ..................................................................................................................19
Table 7: Related Documents......................................................................................................................27
Table 8: Terms and Abbreviations............................................................................................................. 27

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Figure Index
Figure 1: Component Placement of the EVB (Top View)..........................................................................10
Figure 2: EVB Top View............................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 3: EVB Power Supply Interfaces.....................................................................................................13
Figure 4: M.2 Connector on the EVB......................................................................................................... 14
Figure 5: USB Connector........................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 6: Connection Between PC and EVB.............................................................................................15
Figure 7: Simplified Connecting Schematic for (U)SIM Card Connector J401.......................................... 15
Figure 8: Pin Assignment of (U)SIM Card Connector J401.......................................................................16
Figure 9: Status Indicators......................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 10: Reference Design for Antennas ...............................................................................................18
Figure 11: Antenna Efficiency at 700–960 MHz and 1.7–6 GHz............................................................... 18
Figure 12: Antenna Efficiency at 1.7–6 GHz.............................................................................................. 19
Figure 13: Assembling Step 1.................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 14: Assembling Step 2.................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 15: Assembling Step 3.................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 16: Assembling Step 4....................................................................................................................22
Figure 17: Assembling Step 5....................................................................................................................22
Figure 18: Assembling Step 6....................................................................................................................23
Figure 19: USB Ports................................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 20: COM Port Setting Field on QCOM (USB AT Port Connection)................................................25
Figure 21: Configurations for Firmware Upgrade......................................................................................25

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1Introduction
This document introduces the evaluation board RMU500-EK for RM500Q-GL, the assistant tool for
developers to develop and test the modules, and describes 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 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 signal and cellular network
cannot be guaranteed to connect in certain conditions, such as when the mobile bill
is unpaid or the (U)SIM card is invalid. When emergent help is needed in such
conditions, use emergency call if the device supports it. 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. In an emergency, the device with emergency call
function cannot be used as the only contact method considering network
connection cannot be guaranteed under all circumstances.

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The cellular terminal or mobile contains a transceiver. When it is ON, it receives
and transmits radio frequency signals. RF interference can occur if it is used close
to TV sets, radios, computers or other electric equipment.
In locations with explosive or potentially explosive atmospheres, obey all posted
signs and turn off wireless devices such as mobile phone or other cellular
terminals. Areas with explosive or potentially explosive atmospheres include
fuelling areas, below decks on boats, fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities,
and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or
metal powders.

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2General Overview
Quectel supplies RMU500-EK for designers to develop applications based on RM500Q-GL module and to
test basic functionalities of it.
2.1. Key Features
The following table describes the detailed features of RMU500-EK.
Table 1: Key Features
Features
Description
Power Supply
DC supply: +5 V/ 2.5 A for the EVB
M.2 Interface
Support RM500Q-GL
(U)SIM Interface
Support (U)SIM card: 2.95/1.8 V
USB Interface
USB 3.1 & USB 2.0
Status Indication
2 LEDs available for signal indication
Physical Characteristics
Size: 100 mm ×60 mm

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2.2. Component Placement of the EVB
Shielding Cover
J301
J101 Shielding
Cover
J401 Type-B
D104 D107
Figure 1: Component Placement of the EVB (Top View)
Table 2: Interfaces and Functions of the EVB
Interfaces
Reference Designators
Description
Power Supply
J101 (Power Jack)
The power jack on the EVB
Typical supply voltage: +5 V/ 2.5 A
J301 (Type-C USB)
Type-C USB interface
Typical supply voltage: +5 V/ 2 A
M.2 Interface
J201
The M.2 connecter for the module
USB Interface
J301
USB interface
(U)SIM Interface
J401
(U)SIM card connector
Indicator LEDs
D104 (POWER_LED)
Power indicator, indicating whether the module’s power
supply is ready.
D107 (WWAN_LED)
RF status indicator
DDd
D10
4

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2.3. Top View of the EVB
Top view of the EVB is exhibited by the figure below.
Figure 2: EVB Top View
2.4. EVB Kit Accessories
All accessories for the EVB are listed in the following table.
Table 3: Accessories List
Items
Description
Quantity
Cables
Type-C to dual Type-A cable
1
RF cables
4
Antennas
Antennas with brackets
4

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Silicone
Silicone soft pad
1
Heatsink
Black anodized AL6063
1
USB Flash Drive
Including the related documents, tools, and
drivers for the module and RMU500-EK.
1
Screws
Used to clamp the module, antennas and
heatsink on the EVB
19

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3Components/Interfaces
3.1. Components/Interfaces of the EVB
This chapter mainly describes the application of the following EVB interfaces:
⚫Power supply
⚫M.2 interface
⚫USB interface
⚫(U)SIM interface
⚫RF cables and antennas
It also provides information about the status indicator LEDs to help you use the EVB.
3.1.1. Power Supply (J101/J301)
The EVB can be powered by an external power adapter through the power jack (J101) on the EVB. It can
be also powered by the USB interface through the power jack (J301) on the EVB.
The following figure shows the power supply interfaces of the EVB.
Figure 3: EVB Power Supply Interfaces

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3.1.2. M.2 Interface (J201)
The M.2 connector is designed to accommodate the module. The following figure shows the M.2
connector on RMU500-EK..
Figure 4: M.2 Connector on the EVB
3.1.3. USB Interface (J301)
The EVB provides a Type-C USB connector J301 for the connection with a host.
Figure 5: USB Connector

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Figure 6: Connection Between PC and EVB
One end of Type-A is connected to the computer, and, when necessary (e.g. when power supply from the
Type-A connected to the PC is inadequate), the other end is connected to the auxiliary power supply.
3.1.4. (U)SIM Interface (J401)
The EVB has an 8-pin push-push type (U)SIM card (1.8/2.95 V) connector J401. The following figure
shows a simplified connecting schematic for J401.
(U)SIM card connector
USIM_VDD
USIM_CLK
USIM_DATA
USIM_RST
Module
J401
C1
C5
C6
C2
Push-Push
USIM_VDD
USIM_DATA
USIM_RST
USIM_CLK
USIM_DET
GND
USIM_DET
C3
C7
C4
C8
CD
GND
VPP
RESERVED
RESERVED
Figure 7: Simplified Connecting Schematic for (U)SIM Card Connector J401

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The figure and table below illustrate the pin assignment and pin definition of (U)SIM card connector J401.
Figure 8: Pin Assignment of (U)SIM Card Connector J401
Table 4: Pin Definition of J401
Pin No.
Pin Name
I/O
Function
C1
USIM_VDD
PO
(U)SIM card power supply
C2
USIM_RST
DO
(U)SIM card reset
C3
USIM_CLK
DO
(U)SIM card clock
C4
RESERVED
-
Not connected
C5
GND
-
Ground
C6
VPP
-
Not connected
C7
USIM_DATA
I/O
(U)SIM card data
C8
RESERVED
-
Not connected
CD
USIM_DET
DI
(U)SIM card insertion detection1)
1) USIM_DET function of RM500Q-GL module is under development.
NOTE

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3.1.5. Status Indicator (D104/D107)
The EVB provides two status indicator LEDs D104 and D107. The following figure shows the positions of
these indicators.
Figure 9: Status Indicators
Table 5: Description of Status Indicator LEDs
Reference Designators
Description
D104
Indicates whether the power supply for the module is ready.
Light on: Power on
light off: Power off
D107
RF status indicator for the module.
Light on: RF function is enabled;
light off: RF function is disabled.

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3.1.6. RF Cables and Antennas
3.1.6.1. Antenna Design
The following figure is a typical reference design for the antennas.
ANT R1 0R
C1
NM
C2
NM
Module
Figure 10: Reference Design for Antennas
The matching circuit is composed of C1, C2 and R1 for antenna impedance modification. By default, the
value of R1 is 0 Ω, while C1 and C2 are not mounted.
3.1.6.2. Antenna Efficiency
Figure 11: Antenna Efficiency at 700–960 MHz and 1.7–6 GHz

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Figure 12: Antenna Efficiency at 1.7–6 GHz
3.1.6.3. Antenna Specification
The specification of antennas are provided in the following table.
Table 6: Antenna Specification
All measurements are done for the antenna mounted on RMU500-EK PCB with VNA Agilent 5071C and
OTA chamber.
Antenna
Specification
Ant.0
Frequency Range: 0.7–6 GHz
Input Impedance: 50 Ω
Ant.1
Frequency Range: 1.7–6 GHz
Input Impedance: 50 Ω
Ant.2
Frequency Range: 1.7–6 GHz
Input Impedance: 50 Ω
Ant.3
Frequency Range: 0.7–6 GHz
Input Impedance: 50 Ω
NOTE