Quectel NB-IoT Module Series User manual

BC660K-GL-TE-B
User Guide
NB-IoT Module Series
Version: 1.0
Date: 2021-01-08
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: [e-mail]
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
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Copyright
The information contained here is proprietary technical information of Quectel. 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. 2021. All rights reserved.

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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 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 emergency 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.
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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About the Document
Revision History
Version
Date
Author
Description
-
2021-01-04
Winks WANG
Creation of the document
1.0
2021-01-08
Winks WANG
First official release

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Contents
Safety Information...................................................................................................................................... 3
About the Document.................................................................................................................................. 4
Contents...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Table Index.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Figure Index................................................................................................................................................ 7
1Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 8
2Product Concept................................................................................................................................. 9
2.1. Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 9
2.2. Block Diagram.......................................................................................................................... 10
2.3. Interface Distribution Diagram ..................................................................................................11
2.4. Arduino Interface Definition...................................................................................................... 13
3Operation Procedures...................................................................................................................... 14
3.1. Operation Procedure with a Single Board ............................................................................... 14
3.1.1. Interface Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B Used Alone.................................................... 15
3.1.2. Operation Procedures for Using a Single Board .......................................................... 15
3.2. Operation Procedure with Multiple Boards.............................................................................. 17
3.2.1. Interface Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B Used with STM32 Nucleo-64........................ 17
3.2.2. Operation Procedure for Using Multi-Boards................................................................ 19
3.2.3. Description of Pin Connection....................................................................................... 20
3.3. Operation Procedure of Power Consumption Test .................................................................. 22
3.3.1. Prepare Test Tools......................................................................................................... 22
3.3.2. Modify BC660K-GL-TE-B.............................................................................................. 22
3.3.3. Test Power Consumption .............................................................................................. 23
4Reliability and Electrical Characteristics....................................................................................... 24
4.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings ..................................................................................................... 24
4.2. Operating and Storage Temperatures ..................................................................................... 24
5Mechanical Dimensions................................................................................................................... 26
5.1. Mechanical Dimensions of BC660K-GL-TE-B......................................................................... 26
5.2. Top and Bottom Views of BC660K-GL-TE-B ........................................................................... 27
6BC660K-GL-TE-B Kit and Accessories........................................................................................... 28
6.1. BC660K-GL-TE-B Kit ............................................................................................................... 28
6.2. BC660K-GL-TE-B Kit Accessories........................................................................................... 29
7Appendix A References.................................................................................................................... 30

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Table Index
Table 1: Specifications of BC660K-GL-TE-B ...............................................................................................9
Table 2: Interfaces of BC660K-GL-TE-B.....................................................................................................12
Table 3: Pin Connection between BC660K-GL-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU .................................... 20
Table 4: Absolute Maximum Ratings.......................................................................................................... 24
Table 5: Operating and Storage Temperatures of BC660K-GL Module ....................................................24
Table 6: Accessories List............................................................................................................................29
Table 7: Related Documents...................................................................................................................... 30
Table 8: Terms and Abbreviations ..............................................................................................................30

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Figure Index
Figure 1: Block Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B .......................................................................................... 10
Figure 2: Interface Distribution Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B...................................................................11
Figure 3: Arduino Interface Definition.........................................................................................................13
Figure 4: Interface Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B Used Alone..................................................................15
Figure 5: UART Ports Displayed on PC.....................................................................................................16
Figure 6: Interface Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B Used with STM32 Nucleo-64...................................... 17
Figure 7: Interface Diagram of STM32 Nucleo-64 Used with BC660K-GL-TE-B (Top View)....................18
Figure 8: Interface Diagram of STM32 Nucleo-64 Used with BC660K-GL-TE-B (Bottom View)..............19
Figure 9: ST-LINK Interface Displayed on PC ...........................................................................................20
Figure 10: Pin Connection between BC660K-GL-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU.................................21
Figure 11: Schematic Diagram of BC660K-GL-CN-TE-B Before Modification..........................................22
Figure 12: BC660K-GL-TE-B Wiring Diagram........................................................................................... 23
Figure 13: Dimensions of BC660K-GL-TE-B (Top View)...........................................................................26
Figure 14: Top View of BC660K-GL-TE-B .................................................................................................27
Figure 15: Bottom View of BC660K-GL-TE-B............................................................................................27
Figure 16: BC660K-GL-TE-B Kit Assembly ...............................................................................................28
Figure 17: BC660K-GL-TE-B and Accessories.......................................................................................... 29

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1Introduction
Quectel supplies the development board BC660K-GL-TE-B to help you develop applications with the
BC660K-GL module conveniently. Consult this document to learn about the interface specifications and
electrical and mechanical details of the board as well as how to use it.

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2Product Concept
BC660K-GL-TE-B is a NB-IoT development board which supports Arduino interface. Designed in the form
factor of 70.0 mm × 74.0 mm × 1.6 mm, BC660K-GL-TE-B can be used alone or in conjunction with an
STM32 Nucleo-64 development board to develop and debug applications which communicate with the
infrastructure of mobile network operators through NB-IoT radio protocols in 3GPP Rel-13 and Rel-14.
2.1. Specifications
Table 1: Specifications of BC660K-GL-TE-B
Features
Details
Power Supply
USB interface:
Supply voltage range: 4.75–5.25 V
Typical supply voltage: 5.0 V
Arduino interface:
Supply voltage range: 4.75–5.25 V
Typical supply voltage: 5.0 V
Power adapter interface:
Supply voltage range: 4.75–5.25 V
Typical supply voltage: 5.0 V
Transmitting Power
23 dBm ±2 dB
Temperature Range
Operating temperature range: -35 °C to +75 °C 1)
Extended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C 2)
Storage temperature range: -40 °C to +90 °C
USIM Interface
Support 1.8/3.0 V external USIM card
UART Switch
Used to switch the communication object of BC660K-GL’s main UART port
between USB and MCU
USB Interface
Support two UART ports
Main UART (USB Serial Converter A):
⚫Used for AT command communication and data transmission, where
the baud rate is 115200 bps by default. For more details, see
document [1].
⚫Used for firmware upgrade, where the baud rate is 921600 bps by
default.

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1. 1) Within operating temperature range, the module is 3GPP compliant.
2. 2) Within extended temperature range, the module maintains functions such as SMS and data
transmission, without any unrecoverable malfunction. Radio spectrum and radio network will not be
influenced, while one or more specifications, such as Pout, may exceed the specified tolerances of
3GPP. When the temperature returns to the normal operating levels, the module will meet 3GPP
specifications again.
3. “*” means under development.
2.2. Block Diagram
BC660K-GL
U101
Micro USB
J301
USB-UART
Bridge
U301
Switch
J302
J308
DC-DC U201
USIM
J303
ANT_RF
J304
J306
Arduino
LDO U203
U303/U304
Voltage-level
Translator
LDO U202
DC JACK
J206
Figure 1: Block Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B
Debug UART (USB Serial Converter C):
⚫Used for debugging, where the baud rate is 6 Mbps by default.
Arduino Interface
Used for connection with the STM32 Nucleo-64 development board
RESET Button
Used to reset the BC660K-GL module
BOOT Button
Make the module enter download mode
PSM_EINT Button
Wake up the module from Deep Sleep/Light Sleep mode
Physical Characteristics
Size: (70.0 ±0.15) mm ×(74.0 ±0.15) mm ×(1.6 ±0.2) mm
Firmware Upgrade
⚫Upgrade firmware via the main UART port
⚫Upgrade firmware via DFOTA
Antenna Interface
50 Ωcharacteristic impedance
SMS*
Text and PDU mode
NOTES

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2.3. Interface Distribution Diagram
The following figure shows the interface distribution of BC660K-GL-TE-B.
J305 J308
S103
J106
J201
J304
J105
J301
D304
J202
J206
D203
J302
J306 J307
S101 S102
J303
Figure 2: Interface Distribution Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B

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Interface Designator Description
Power Supply Interfaces
J301 USB power supply interface
J202 External power supply interface
J206 Power adapter power supply interface
J306 Arduino power supply interface
USB-UART Interface J301 Support 2 UART ports
USIM Interface J303 Micro-SIM card connector
Arduino Interfaces J305, J306,
J307, J308 Standard Arduino interfaces
RF Antenna Interface J304 RF SMA connector
UART Switch J302
Used to select the communication object of BC660K-GL’s
main UART: “MAIN UART TO USB” or “MAIN UART TO
MCU”
BOOT Button S101 Make the module enter download mode
RESET Button S102 Reset the BC660K-GL module
PSM_EINT Button S103 Wake up BC660K-GL from Deep Sleep/Light Sleep mode
Power Indicator D203 Indicate the power on/off status
NETLIGHT D304 Indicate the status of network connection
Test Points J105、J106、
J201、J202 Basic function to test the module
Table 2: Interfaces of BC660K-GL-TE-B

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2.4. Arduino Interface Definition
The following figure shows the Arduino interface definition of BC660K-GL-TE-B.
PSM_EINT_N
BOOT_N RESET_EN GND UART_MCU_RX UART_MCU_TX
3.3 V
3.3 V
5 V
GND
GND
RI
Figure 3: Arduino Interface Definition
hy

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3Operation Procedures
The BC660K-GL-TE-B development board can be used alone to upgrade firmware and debug applications
developed based on the BC660K-GL module. It can also be used in conjunction with an STM32 Nucleo-
64 development board via the Arduino interface to develop NB-IoT applications based on STM32. In such
two cases, the assembly procedures are different.
Besides, when you use the board to test the power consumption of the BC660K-GL module, the operation
procedure is different from that in other cases as certain modifications need to be made.
This chapter illustrates in turn how to operate or modify BC660K-GL-TE-B for its being used alone, in
conjunction with a STM32 Nucleo-64 board, or to test the power consumption of the BC660K-GL module.
3.1. Operation Procedure with a Single Board
This section elaborates the operation procedure for using BC660K-GL-TE-B alone.

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3.1.1. Interface Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B Used Alone
J301
J302
J303
J304
J206
Figure 4: Interface Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B Used Alone
3.1.2. Operation Procedures for Using a Single Board
1. Install a USB-UART driver, which can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

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2. Insert a Micro-SIM card into J303; a NB-IoT USIM card should be selected.
3. Connect the rod antenna with the SMA connector on J304 (RF antenna connector).
4. Switch J302 (UART Switch) to the “MAIN UART TO USB” state.
5. Connect the J301 (USB power supply interface) with your PC via a Micro USB cable. After turning on
BC660K-GL-TE-B, UART port information will be displayed on the “Device Manager” of the PC (as
shown in the following figure).
Figure 5: UART Ports Displayed on PC
Among the ports displayed, "USB Serial Port (COM35)" (corresponding to USB Serial Converter A) is
connected with the main serial port of BC660K-GL and can be used for AT command transmission,
data transmission and firmware upgrade; "USB Serial Port (COM37)" (corresponding to USB Serial
Converter C) is connected with the debug serial port of BC660K-GL to output debug log information.
For details of UART configurations, see document [1].
S102 can be used to reset the module, and S103 can be used to wake up the module from Deep Sleep or
Light Sleep.
NOTE

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3.2. Operation Procedure with Multiple Boards
This chapter elaborates the assembly procedure for using BC660K-GL-TE-B in conjunction with an STM32
Nucleo-64 development board.
3.2.1. Interface Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B Used with STM32 Nucleo-64
J304
J309
J308J305
S103
J201
J301
J202
J206
D203
J306
J302
J307
S101 S102
J303
J105
J106
Figure 6: Interface Diagram of BC660K-GL-TE-B Used with STM32 Nucleo-64

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CN2 CN1
JP5
JP6
CN9
CN5
CN8
CN6
Figure 7: Interface Diagram of STM32 Nucleo-64 Used with BC660K-GL-TE-B (Top View)

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SB63
SB62
SB14SB13
Figure 8: Interface Diagram of STM32 Nucleo-64 Used with BC660K-GL-TE-B (Bottom View)
3.2.2. Operation Procedure for Using Multi-Boards
1. Install a driver for STM32 Nucleo-64 board; the driver can be downloaded from the following link:
http://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/products/evaluation-tools/product-evaluation-tools/mcu-eval-
tools/stm32-mcu-eval-tools/stm32-mcu-nucleo/nucleo-l476rg.html;
2. Install a USB-UART driver, which can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
3. Remove the two 0 Ω resistors (SB13 and SB14) with a soldering iron, and then solder them onto SB62
and SB63 respectively;