Quectel BC66-TE-B User manual

BC66-TE-B User Guide
LPWA Module Series
Rev. BC66-TE-B_User_Guide_V2.1
Date: 2019-06-03
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]m
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
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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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THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS PROPRIETARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION OF
QUECTEL WIRELESS SOLUTIONS CO., LTD. TRANSMITTING, REPRODUCTION, DISSEMINATION
AND EDITING OF THIS DOCUMENT AS WELL AS UTILIZATION OF THE CONTENT ARE
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REGISTRATION OF A UTILITY MODEL OR DESIGN.
Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2019. All rights reserved.

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About the Document
History
Revision
Date
Author
Description
1.0
2018-08-01
Speed SUN
Initial
2.0
2018-10-23
Speed SUN
1. Updated the layout of BC66-TE-B’s components.
2. Updated the description of USB interface (increased
the number of UART interfaces into 4).
2.1
2019-06-03
Speed SUN
1. Updated USB-UART driver download link (Chapter
3.1.2).
2. Updated bottom view of BC66-TE-B (Figure 13).

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Contents
About the Document...................................................................................................................................2
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................3
Table Index...................................................................................................................................................4
Figure Index.................................................................................................................................................5
1Introduction..........................................................................................................................................6
1.1. Safety Information.......................................................................................................................6
2Product Concept..................................................................................................................................8
2.1. Key Features...............................................................................................................................8
2.2. Functional Diagram.....................................................................................................................9
2.3. Interface Distribution Diagram..................................................................................................10
2.4. Arduino Interface Definition.......................................................................................................12
3Operation Procedures.......................................................................................................................14
3.1. Operation Procedure with Single Board...................................................................................14
3.1.1. Interface Diagram of Using BC66-TE-B Alone ..............................................................15
3.1.2. Operation Procedures of Using BC66-TE-B Alone........................................................16
3.2. Operation Procedure with Multi Boards....................................................................................16
3.2.1. Interface Diagram of Using Multi Boards.......................................................................17
3.2.2. Operation Procedures of Using Multi Boards................................................................19
3.2.3. Description of Pin Connection........................................................................................19
4Electrical and Reliability Characteristics........................................................................................21
4.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings......................................................................................................21
4.2. Operation and Storage Temperatures.......................................................................................21
5Mechanical Dimensions....................................................................................................................23
5.1. Mechanical Dimensions of BC66-TE-B ....................................................................................23
5.2. Top/Bottom View of BC66-TE-B................................................................................................24
6BC66-TE-B Kit and Accessories.......................................................................................................25
6.1. BC66-TE-B Kit...........................................................................................................................25
6.2. BC66-TE-B KitAccessories......................................................................................................26
7Appendix A References.....................................................................................................................27

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Table Index
TABLE 1: KEY FEATURES OF BC66-TE-B........................................................................................................ 8
TABLE 2: INTERFACES OF BC66-TE-B .......................................................................................................... 12
TABLE 3: PIN CONNECTION BETWEEN BC66-TE-B AND STM32-L476RG MCU........................................ 19
TABLE 4: ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS .................................................................................................... 21
TABLE 5: OPERATION AND STORAGE TEMPERATURES OF BC66 MODULE ........................................... 21
TABLE 6: ACCESSORIES LIST........................................................................................................................ 26
TABLE 7: RELATED DOCUMENTS.................................................................................................................. 27
TABLE 8: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................................................ 27

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Figure Index
FIGURE 1: FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM OF BC66-TE-B...................................................................................... 10
FIGURE 2: INTERFACE DISTRIBUTION DIAGRAM OF BC66-TE-B...............................................................11
FIGURE 3: ARDUINO INTERFACE DEFINITION............................................................................................. 13
FIGURE 4: INTERFACE DIAGRAM OF USING BC66-TE-B ALONE............................................................... 15
FIGURE 5: UART PORTS DISPLAYED ON PC................................................................................................ 16
FIGURE 6: INTERFACE DIAGRAM OF USING MULTI BOARDS.................................................................... 17
FIGURE 7: STM32 NUCLEO-64 BOARD INTERFACE DIAGRAM (TOP VIEW)............................................. 18
FIGURE 8: STM32 NUCLEO-64 BOARD MODIFICATION DIAGRAM (BOTTOM VIEW)............................... 18
FIGURE 9: ST-LINK INTERFACE DISPLAYED ON PC.................................................................................... 19
FIGURE 10: PIN CONNECTION BETWEEN BC66-TE-B AND STM32-L476RG MCU ................................... 20
FIGURE 11: DIMENSIONS OF BC66-TE-B (TOP VIEW)................................................................................. 23
FIGURE 12: TOP VIEW OF THE BC66-TE-B................................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 13: BOTTOM VIEW OF THE BC66-TE-B........................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 14: BC66-TE-B KITASSEMBLY......................................................................................................... 25
FIGURE 15: BC66-TE-B AND THE ACCESSORIES........................................................................................ 26

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1Introduction
In order to help customers develop applications with Quectel BC66 module conveniently, Quectel
supplies corresponding development board (BC66-TE-B) to test the module. This document can help
customers quickly understand BC66-TE-B interface specifications, electrical and mechanical details and
know how to use it.
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 BC66 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.

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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
BC66-TE-B is a NB-IoT development board which supports Arduino interface. Designed in 70.0mm ×
74.0mm × 1.6mm form factor, BC66-TE-B can be used either alone or in conjunction with STM32
Nucleo-64 development board, so as to develop and debug applications which communicate with
infrastructures of mobile network operators through NB-IoT radio protocols in 3GPP Rel. 13.
2.1. Key Features
The following table describes the detailed features of BC66-TE-B.
Table 1: Key Features of BC66-TE-B
Feature
Details
Power Supply
USB interface:
Supply voltage range: 4.75V~5.25V
Typical supply voltage: 5.0V
Arduino interface:
Supply voltage range: 4.75V~5.25V
Typical supply voltage: 5.0V
Transmitting Power
23dBm±2dB
Temperature Range
Operation temperature range: -35°C ~ +75°C 1)
Extended temperature range: -40°C ~ +85°C 2)
Storage temperature range: -40°C ~ +90°C
USIM Interface
Support 1.8V external USIM card
UART Switch
Used to switch the communication object of BC66 main UART port
USB Interface
Support three UART ports
Main UART (Interface0):
Used forAT command communication and data transmission.
By default, the module is in auto-baud mode, and it supports
automatic baud rates not exceeding 115200bps. When powering on
the module, the MCU has to send AT command consecutively to
synchronize baud rate with the module. When OK is returned, it

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1. 1) Within operation temperature range, the module is 3GPP compliant.
2. 2) Within extended temperature range, the module remains the ability to establish and maintain an
SMS*, data transmission, etc. There is no unrecoverable malfunction. There are also no effects on
radio spectrum and no harm to radio network. Only one or more parameters like Pout might reduce in
their value and exceed the specified tolerances. When the temperature returns to the normal
operating temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again.
3. “*” means under development.
2.2. Functional Diagram
The following figure shows a block diagram of BC66-TE-B.
indicates the baud rate has been synchronized successfully. When
the module is woken up from PSM or idle mode, the baud rate
synchronized during start-up will be used directly.
Also can be used for firmware upgrade, and in such case, the baud
rate is 921600bps by default.
Auxiliary UART (Interface1):
Used for firmware debugging
Default baud rate: 115200bps
Debug UART (Interface2):
Used for firmware debugging
Default baud rate: 115200bps
Reserved UART (Interface3)
Arduino Interface
Used for connection with STM32 Nucleo-64 development board
RESET Button
Used to reset BC66 module
PWRKEY Button
Used for power on and off BC66 module
Physical Characteristics
Size: (70.0±0.15)mm ×(74.0±0.15)mm ×(1.6±0.15mm)
Firmware Upgrade
Firmware upgrade via main UART port or DFOTA
Antenna Interface
50Ω characteristic impedance
NOTES

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BC66
U101
Micro USB
J301
USB-UART
Bridge
U301
Switch
J302
J308
DC-DC
U201
(U204-NM)
USIM
J401
RF
J304
J306
Arduino
LDO U203
U302/U303
Voltage-level
Translator
Micro USB Debug
J111
LDO U202
Figure 1: Functional Diagram of BC66-TE-B
2.3. Interface Distribution Diagram
The following figure shows the interface distribution diagram of BC66-TE-B.

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J309
J305
S103
J201
J301
J302
J308
J106
J105
S102
J303
J307
S101
J104
J306D203
J202
J304
Figure 2: Interface Distribution Diagram of BC66-TE-B

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Table 2: Interfaces of BC66-TE-B
2.4. Arduino Interface Definition
The following figure shows the Arduino interface definition of BC66-TE-B.
Interface
Designator
Description
Power Supply Interfaces
J301
USB power supply interface
J202
External power supply interface
J306
Arduino power supply interface
USB-UART Interface
J301
Support 3 UART ports: Interface 0/1/2
USIM Interface
J303
Micro-SIM card connector
USB Interface
J104
Get BC66 USB log
Arduino Interfaces
J305, J306,
J307, J308
Standard Arduino interfaces
RFAntenna Interface
J304
RF SMA connector
UART Switch
J302
Used to select the communication object of BC66’s main
UART: “MAIN UART TO USB” or “MAIN UART TO MCU”
PWRKEY Button
S101
Used to turn on BC66 module
RESET Button
S102
Used to reset BC66 module
PSM Wakeup Button
S103
Used to wake up BC66 from PSM mode
Power Indicator
D203
Used to indicate the power on/off status
JTAG Interface
J309
Used to debug firmware

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RI GND GND 3.3V 3.3V 5V
PSM_EINT_N PWRKEY_N RESET_N GND
UART_MCU_RX UART_MCU_TX
Figure 3: Arduino Interface Definition
hy

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3Operation Procedures
This chapter mainly illustrates the operation procedures of BC66-TE-B. BC66-TE-B can be used alone to
upgrade firmware and debug applications based on BC66 module. Also, it can be used in conjunction with
an STM32 Nucleo-64 development board via Arduino interface to develop NB-IoT applications based on
STM32. The following describes the operation procedures of BC66-TE-B in different operation modes.
3.1. Operation Procedure with Single Board
This chapter elaborates the operation procedure of using the BC66-TE-B alone.

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3.1.1. Interface Diagram of Using BC66-TE-B Alone
J301
J302 J303
J104
J304
Figure 4: Interface Diagram of Using BC66-TE-B Alone

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3.1.2. Operation Procedures of Using BC66-TE-B Alone
1. Install USB-UART driver which can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.silabs.com/products/development-tools/software/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers.
2. Insert a Micro-SIM card into J303, and please note that a NB-IoT USIM card should be selected.
3. Connect the rod antenna with SMA connector on J304 (RF antenna connector).
4. Switch J302 (UART Switch) to “MAIN UART TO USB” state.
5. Connect the J301 (USB power supply interface) with PC via Micro USB cable. After turning on
BC66-TE-B, UART port information will be shown on “Device Manager” of PC. Interface0 is the main
UART port and can be used for AT command communication, data transmission and firmware
upgrading. Interface1/2 are auxiliary UART and debug UART respectively, both of which can be
used to output log for firmware debugging. For details of UART configuration, please refer to
Quectel_BC66_Hardware_Design.
Figure 5: UART Ports Displayed on PC
In the procedure, S101 can be used to turn on BC66 module, S102 can be used to reset the module, and
S103 can be used to wake up the module from PSM.
3.2. Operation Procedure with Multi Boards
This chapter elaborates the operation procedure of using the BC66-TE-B in conjunction with an STM32
Nucleo-64 development board.
NOTE

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3.2.1. Interface Diagram of Using Multi Boards
J309
J305
S103
J201
J301
J302
J308
J106
J105
S102
J303
J307
S101
J104
J306D203
J202
J304
Figure 6: Interface Diagram of Using Multi Boards

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Figure 7: STM32 Nucleo-64 Board Interface Diagram (Top View)
Figure 8: STM32 Nucleo-64 Board Modification Diagram (Bottom View)
SB62
SB13 SB14
SB63
CN6
CN
5
CN8
CN
9
CN1
CN
22J
203
JP6
JP5

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3.2.2. Operation Procedures of Using Multi Boards
1. Install driver for STM32 Nucleo-64 board, which can be downloaded from the following link:
http://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/products/evaluation-tools/product-evaluation-tools/mcu-eval-to
ols/stm32-mcu-eval-tools/stm32-mcu-nucleo/nucleo-l476rg.html;
2. Install USB-UART driver which can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.silabs.com/products/development-tools/software/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers.
3. Remove the two 0Ω resistors (SB13 and SB14) by soldering iron, and then solder them onto SB62
and SB63 respectively;
4. Short-circuit pin 1 & 2 of CN2, pin 3 & 4 of CN2, pin 1 & 2 of JP5 and pin 1 & 2 of JP6;
5. Insert a Micro-SIM card into J303, and please note that a NB-IoT USIM card should be selected;
6. Connect the rod antenna with SMA connector on J304 (RF antenna connector);
7. Switch J302 (UART Switch) to “MAIN UART TO MCU” state;
8. Connect BC66-TE-B with STM32 Nucleo-64 board via Arduino interface, and please connect J305,
J306, J307 and J308 of BC66-TE-B to CN5, CN6, CN8 and CN9, respectively.
9. Connect CN1 of STM32 Nucleo-64 board with PC via Mini USB cable. After powering on BC66
module, device information will be shown on the “Device Manager” of PC.
Figure 9: ST-LINK Interface Displayed on PC
3.2.3. Description of Pin Connection
The table below shows the pin connection between BC66-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU, one kind of
STM32 Nucleo-64 board.
Table 3: Pin Connection between BC66-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU
No.
MCU (Morpho)
Arduino
BC66-TE-B
Remark
1
PA2
D1
CN9-2
UART_MCU_TX
Main UART port RX
2
PA3
D0
CN9-1
UART_MCU_RX
Main UART port TX