Quectel 5G Module Series User manual

RMU500-EK User Guide
5G Module Series
Rev. RMU500-EK_User_Guide_V1.0
Date: 2020-02-18
Status: Preliminary
www.quectel.com

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Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.
Building 5, Shanghai Business Park Phase III (Area B), No.1016 Tianlin Road, Minhang District,
Shanghai, China 200233
Tel: [phone]
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Or our local office. For more information, please visit:
http://www.quectel.com/support/sales.htm
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GENERAL NOTES
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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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Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2020. All rights reserved.

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About the Document
Revision History
Version
Date
Author
Description
V1.0
2020-02-18
Tom TANG/
Shaky LIN
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
2General Overview.................................................................................................................................8
2.1. Key Features...........................................................................................................................8
2.2. Component Placement of EVB ...............................................................................................9
2.3. Top View of EVB ...................................................................................................................10
2.4. EVB Kit Accessories..............................................................................................................10
3EVB Components Application..........................................................................................................12
3.1. Power Supply ........................................................................................................................12
3.2. M.2 Interface..........................................................................................................................13
3.3. USB Interface........................................................................................................................13
3.4. (U)SIM Card Connector.........................................................................................................14
3.5. Status Indicator......................................................................................................................16
3.6. RF Cables & Antennas..........................................................................................................16
3.6.1. The Design for Antenna.................................................................................................16
3.7. Assembling Steps..................................................................................................................18
4Operation Procedures Illustration....................................................................................................22
4.1. Power on the Module ............................................................................................................22
4.2. Communication Via USB Interface........................................................................................22
4.3. Firmware Upgrade.................................................................................................................23
4.4. Power off the Module ............................................................................................................24
5Appendix A References.....................................................................................................................25

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Table Index
Table 1: Key Features.................................................................................................................................. 8
Table 2: Component Functions of the EVB .................................................................................................9
Table 3: Accessories List...........................................................................................................................10
Table 4: Pin Definition of J401................................................................................................................... 15
Table 5: Description of Status Indication LEDs .........................................................................................16
Table 6: Related Documents...................................................................................................................... 25
Table 7: Terms and Abbreviations.............................................................................................................25

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Figure Index
Figure 1: Component Placement of EVB (Top Side)................................................................................... 9
Figure 2: EVB Top View.............................................................................................................................10
Figure 3: EVB Power Supply Interfaces.....................................................................................................12
Figure 4: Connection Between RM500Q Module and EVB....................................................................... 13
Figure 5: USB Connector...........................................................................................................................13
Figure 6: Connection Between PC and EVB.............................................................................................14
Figure 7: Simplified Connector Schematic for (U)SIM Card Connector J401........................................... 14
Figure 8: Pin Assignment of (U)SIM Card Connector J401.......................................................................15
Figure 9: Status Indicators.........................................................................................................................16
Figure 10: Reference Design for Antenna .................................................................................................17
Figure 11: Antenna Efficiency at 700~960MHz and 1.7~6GHz................................................................. 17
Figure 12: Antenna Efficiency at 1.7~6GHz............................................................................................... 17
Figure 13: Assembling Step 1.................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 14: Assembling Step 2.................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 15: Assembling Step 3.................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 16: Assembling Step 4....................................................................................................................20
Figure 17: Assembling Step 5....................................................................................................................20
Figure 18: Assembling Step 6....................................................................................................................21
Figure 19: USB Ports................................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 20: COM Port Setting Field on QCOM (USB AT Port Connection)................................................ 23
Figure 21: Configurations for Firmware Upgrade......................................................................................23

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1Introduction
This document describes how to use the evaluation board of Quectel RM500Q module. It is an assistant
tool for engineers to develop and test the module.

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

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2.2. Component Placement of EVB
Shielding Cover
J301
J101 Shielding
Cover
J401 Type-B
D104 D107
Figure 1: Component Placement of EVB (Top Side)
Table 2: Component Functions of the EVB
Functions
Component No.
Description
Power Supply
J101
The power jack on the EVB
Typical supply voltage: +5V/2.5A
J301
USB Type-C interface
Typical supply voltage: +5V/2A
USB
J301
USB device receptacle
(U)SIM
J401
(U)SIM card connector
POWER_LED
D104
D104 (power ON/OFF indicator) indicates whether the module
power supply is ready.
WWAN_LED
D107
D107 indicates network status of the module.
DDd
D10
4

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2.3. Top View of EVB
Top view of the EVB is shown as below.
Figure 2: EVB Top View
2.4. EVB Kit Accessories
All accessories of the EVB are listed as below.
Table 3: Accessories List
Items
Description
Quantity
Cables
Type-C to dual Type-A cable
1
RF cables
4
Antennas
Antenna bracket
4
Silicone
Silicone Soft Pad
1

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Heatsink
Heatsink AL6063 black anodized
1
USB Flash Drive
Including module’s related documents, tools,
drivers, etc.
1
Screws
Used to clamp RM500Q, antennas and
heatsink to EVB
19

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3EVB Components Application
This chapter mainly describes the following EVB components application:
Power supply
USB interface
M.2 interface
(U)SIM interface
RF cables & antennas
It also provides information about status indication LEDs to help customers use the EVB.
3.1. Power Supply
The EVB can be powered by an external power adapter through connecting with the power jack (J101) on
the EVB. The EVB can be also powered by the USB interface through connecting with the power jack
(J301) on the EVB.
The following two figures show the power supply interfaces of the EVB.
Figure 3: EVB Power Supply Interfaces

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3.2. M.2 Interface
The M.2 connector is designed to accommodate the module. The following figure shows the connection
between RM500Q module and EVB.
Figure 4: Connection Between RM500Q Module and EVB
3.3. USB Interface
The EVB provides a Type-C USB connector J301 for 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 the other end is connected to the auxiliary power
supply.
3.4. (U)SIM Card Connector
The EVB has an 8-pin push-push type (U)SIM card (2.95V or 1.8V) connector J401. The following figure
shows the simplified connector 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 Connector 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
IO
(U)SIM card data
C8
RESERVED
/
Not connected
CD
USIM_DET
DI
(U)SIM card insertion detection
USIM_DET function of RM500Q module is under development.
NOTE

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3.5. Status Indicator
The EVB provides two status indication LEDs. The following figure shows the positions of these LED
indicators.
Figure 9: Status Indicators
Table 5: Description of Status Indication LEDs
3.6. RF Cables & Antennas
3.6.1. The Design for Antenna
The following figure is a typical reference design for antenna.
Reference No.
Description
D104
Indicates whether the power supply for the module is ready.
Red: Power ON
Extinct: Power OFF
D107
RF status indicator for the module.
Bright: RF function is enabled;
Extinct: RF function is disabled.

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Figure 10: Reference Design for Antenna
The matching circuit is composed of C1, C2 and R1 for antenna impedance modification. By default,
value of R1 is 0Ω, while C1 and C2 are not mounted.
Figure 11: Antenna Efficiency at 700~960MHz and 1.7~6GHz
Figure 12: Antenna Efficiency at 1.7~6GHz
Module
ANT
Antenna
Π matching circuit
0Ω
R1
C1
C2

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Table 6: Recommended Antenna Specifications
All measurements are done of the antenna mounted on the recommended PCB with VNA Agilent 5071C
and OTA chamber.
3.7. Assembling Steps
Follow these steps to assemble the product.
1. Insert four RF cables.
Figure 13: Assembling Step 1
Antenna
Specification
700-6G-1
Size: TBD
Frequency Range: 0.7~6GHz
Input Impedance: 50Ω
700-6G-2
Size: TBD
Frequency Range: 0.7~6GHz
Input Impedance: 50Ω
1700-6G-1
Size: TBD
Frequency Range: 1.7~6GHz
Input Impedance: 50Ω
1700-6G-2
Size: TBD
Frequency Range: 1.7~6GHz
Input Impedance: 50Ω

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2. Stick the thermal pad, insert the module and lock the screw.
Figure 14: Assembling Step 2
3. Connect the EVB and module with RF cables in accordance with the figure below.
Figure 15: Assembling Step 3