Quectel BC66 User manual

BC66&BC660K-GL
Compatible Design
NB-IoT Module Series
Version: 1.0
Date: 2021-02-18
Status: Released
www.quectel.com

NB-IoT Module Series
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Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2021. All rights reserved.

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About the Document
Revision History
Version
Date
Author
Description
-
2020-11-26
Clifton HE
Creation of the document
1.0
2021-02-18
Clifton HE
First official release

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Contents
About the Document...................................................................................................................................3
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................4
Table Index...................................................................................................................................................5
Figure Index.................................................................................................................................................6
1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................................7
1.1. Special Mark ...............................................................................................................................7
2 General Descriptions...........................................................................................................................8
2.1. Product Description.....................................................................................................................8
2.2. Features Overview......................................................................................................................9
2.3. Pin Assignment .........................................................................................................................11
3 Pin Description...................................................................................................................................12
4 Hardware Reference Design.............................................................................................................15
4.1. Power Supply............................................................................................................................15
4.1.1. Operating Voltage ..........................................................................................................15
4.1.2. Power Supply Reference Design...................................................................................15
4.2. Turn on......................................................................................................................................16
4.3. Turn off......................................................................................................................................18
4.4. Reset.........................................................................................................................................19
4.4.1. Reset BC66/BC660K-GL with Hardware Method..........................................................19
4.4.2. Reset BC66/BC660K-GL with Software Method ...........................................................20
4.5. Network Status Indication.........................................................................................................20
4.6. USB Interface............................................................................................................................21
4.7. USIM Interface..........................................................................................................................22
4.8. UART Interfaces........................................................................................................................23
4.9. ADC Interface............................................................................................................................24
4.10. RFAntenna Interface................................................................................................................25
5 Recommended Footprint and Stencil Design.................................................................................26
5.1. Recommended Compatible Footprint.......................................................................................26
5.2. Recommended Stencil Design .................................................................................................28
6 Appendix References........................................................................................................................29

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Table Index
Table 1: Special Mark................................................................................................................................... 7
Table 2: Module General Information...........................................................................................................8
Table 3: Features Overview .........................................................................................................................9
Table 4: I/O Parameters Definition.............................................................................................................12
Table 5: Pin Comparison between BC66 and BC660K-GL .......................................................................12
Table 6: Module Operating Voltage Range................................................................................................ 15
Table 7: Power Switching Circuit Design Based on Power Supply Type................................................... 16
Table 8: UART Interface Voltage Domain..................................................................................................23
Table 9:ADC Interface Information............................................................................................................24
Table 10: Related Documents.................................................................................................................... 29
Table 11: Terms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................29

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Figure Index
Figure 1: BC66 & BC660K-GL PinAssignment (Top View)........................................................................11
Figure 2: VBAT Voltage Waveform Diagram..............................................................................................15
Figure 3: Compatible Reference Design for Power Supply....................................................................... 16
Figure 4: Compatible Reference Design for BOOT/PWRKEY Controlled with a Button........................... 17
Figure 5: BC66 & BC660K-GL Turn-on Timing..........................................................................................17
Figure 6: Turning Off BC66 withAT Command..........................................................................................18
Figure 7: Turning off BC66/BC660K-GL by Disconnecting VBAT ............................................................. 19
Figure 8: Compatible Reference Design for Reset controlled with an OC/OD driver ...............................19
Figure 9: Timing of Module Reset..............................................................................................................20
Figure 10: Compatible Reference Design for NETLIGHT .........................................................................21
Figure 11: Compatible Reference Design for USB Interface.....................................................................21
Figure 12: Compatible Reference Design for USIM Interface................................................................... 22
Figure 13: Compatible Reference Design for Level Conversion Circuits..................................................23
Figure 14: Reference Design for RF Antenna Interface ............................................................................ 25
Figure 15: Bottom Views of BC66/BC660K-GL.........................................................................................26
Figure 16: Recommended Footprint of BC66/BC660K-GL (Unit: mm) .....................................................27
Figure 17: Installation Sketch for BC66&BC660K-GL...............................................................................28

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1Introduction
Quectel NB-IoT module BC66 is compatible with Quectel NB-IoT module BC660K-GL. This document
outlines the compatible design for the two modules.
1.1. Special Mark
Table 1: Special Mark
Mark
Definition
*
When an asterisk (*) is used after a function, feature, interface, pin name, AT command, or
argument, it indicates that the function, feature, interface, pin name, AT command, or
argument is under development and currently not supported, unless otherwise specified.

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2General Descriptions
2.1. Product Description
BC66 and BC660K-GL are high-performance, low power consumption, multi-band NB-IoT modules
designed as compatible products to meet different user requirements. This compatible design manual
helps to ensure smooth migrations between the two modules in your products.
Table 2: Module General Information
Module
Appearance
Packaging
Dimensions (mm)
Description
BC66
44 LCC pins
14 LGA pins
17.7 ×15.8 ×2.0
Multi-band NB-IoT module
BC660K-GL
44 LCC pins
14 LGA pins
17.7 ×15.8 ×2.0
Multi-band NB-IoT module

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2.2. Features Overview
The following table compares the general properties and features of BC66 and BC660K-GL modules.
Table 3: Features Overview
Feature
BC66
BC660K-GL
Power Supply
2.1–3.63 V
Typ. 3.3 V
2.2–4.3 V
Typ. 3.3 V
Peak Current
VBAT: Max. 0.5 A
VBAT: Max. 0.5 A
Sleep Current
3.5 μA @ Deep Sleep (Typ.)
800 nA @ Deep Sleep (Typ.)
Frequency Bands
H-FDD:
B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B17/B18
/B19/B20/B25/B26*/B28/B66
H-FDD:
B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B14/B
17/B18/B19/B20/B25/B28/B66/B70/
B85
Temperature Range
Operating temperature range:
-35 to +75 °C 1)
Extended temperature range:
-40 to +85 °C 2)
Storage temperature range:
-40 to +90 °C
Operating temperature range:
-35 to +75 °C 1)
Extended temperature range:
-40 to +85 °C 2)
Storage temperature range:
-40 to +90 °C
UART Interface
Main UART Interface:
⚫When used for AT command
communication and data
transmission, the module is in
auto-baud mode by default, where
the UART port automatically
synchronizes within 115200 bps
its baud rate with that of the MCU,
which has to keep sendingAT
commands to the module during
the baud rate synchronization
process until OK is returned
indicating a successful
synchronization.After the module
is woken up from Deep Sleep
mode, its UART automatically
uses the previously synchronized
baud rate.
⚫When used for firmware upgrade,
Main UART interface:
⚫When used forAT command
communication and data
transmission, support baud
rates 2400 bps, 4800 bps, 9600
bps, 19200 bps, 38400 bps,
57600 bps, 115200 bps
(default), 230400 bps, and
460800 bps.
⚫When used for firmware
upgrade, support baud rate
921600 bps (default).
Debug UART interface:
Used for debugging and the
baud rate is 6 Mbps.
Signal level: 1.8/3.3 V

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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 voice, SMS, data
transmission, etc. There is no unrecoverable malfunction, nor effect on radio spectrum or harm to
radio network. Only one or more parameters like Pout might reduce in value and exceed the
specified tolerance. When the temperature returns to normal operating temperature levels, the
module will meet 3GPP specifications again.
support baud rate of 921600 bps
(default)
Debug UART interface:
Used for debugging and the default
baud rate is 115200 bps
Auxiliary UART interface:
Used for debugging and the default
baud rate is 115200 bps
Signal level: 1.8 V
USIM
1.8 V USIM card
1.8/3.0 V USIM card
ADC
ADC0
ADC0
RTC Backup
Not supported
Not supported
Firmware Upgrade
Main UART interface, DFOTA or USB
Main UART interface or DFOTA
NOTES

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2.3. Pin Assignment
The following figure shows the pin assignment of BC66 and BC660K-GL.
15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 36
37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
RESERVED
ADC0
USIM_GND
USIM_DATA
GND
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
GND
RESERVED
RESERVED
VDD_EXT
RESERVED
RESERVED
RI
PSM_EINT
MAIN_RXD
MAIN_TXD
NETLIGHT
RESET_N
USIM_VDD
VBAT
45
46
47
48
49 50 51
52
53
54
55
565758
VBAT GND
14
ANT_RF
GND GND GND RESERVED DBG_TXD DBG_RXD
USIM_RST
USIM_CLK
RESERVED
BOOT
RESERVED
GND
BC66/
BC660K-GL
Top View
GPIO1
GPIO3
GPIO4
RESERVED
RESERVED
GRFC2
VIO_SEL
GPIO2
GRFC1
RESERVED
ADC0
SIM_GND
SIM_DATA
SIM_RST
SIM_CLK
PWRKEY
RESERVED
GND
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
Red：BC66
Black：BC660K-GL
RESERVED
RI
PSM_EINT
RXD
TXD
NETLIGHT
RESET
SIM_VDD
RESERVED
GND
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
GND
RESERVED
RESERVED
VDD_EXT
RESERVED
RF_ANT
TXD_AUX
RXD_AUX
VBAT_RF VBAT_BB GND GND GND GND RESERVED TXD_DBG RXD_DBG
USB_MODE
VUSB_3V3
USB_DP
USB_DM
RESERVED
RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
GND
GND GND
RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
RESERVED
Figure 1: BC66 & BC660K-GL Pin Assignment (Top View)
1. The pin names marked in red are defined for the BC66 module.
2. The pin names marked in black are defined for the BC660K-GL module.
3. Keep all reserved and unused pins disconnected.
NOTES

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3Pin Description
This chapter describes and compares the pins of BC66 and BC660K-GL.
Table 4: I/O Parameters Definition
Table 5: Pin Comparison between BC66 and BC660K-GL
Type
Description
AI
Analog Input
DI
Digital Input
DIO
Digital Input/Output
DO
Digital Output
PI
Power Input
PO
Power Output
Pin No.
BC66
BC660K-GL
Pin Name
I/O
Description
Pin Name
I/O
Description
3
RESERVED
-
-
GPIO1
DIO
General-purpose
input/output
4
RESERVED
-
-
GPIO2
DIO
General-purpose
input/output
5
RESERVED
-
-
GPIO3
DIO
General-purpose
input/output
6
RESERVED
-
-
GPIO4
DIO
General-purpose
input/output
7
PWRKEY
DI
Turn on/off the
module
BOOT
DI
Makes module enter
download mode
9
ADC0
AI
General-purpose
ADC interface
ADC0
AI
General-purpose ADC
interface

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10
SIM_GND
Dedicated ground
for USIM card
USIM_GND
Dedicated Ground for
USIM card
11
SIM_DATA
DIO
USIM card data
USIM_DATA
DIO
USIM card data
12
SIM_RST
DO
USIM card reset
USIM_RST
DO
USIM card reset
13
SIM_CLK
DO
USIM card clock
USIM_CLK
DO
USIM card clock
14
SIM_VDD
PO
USIM card power
supply
USIM_VDD
PO
USIM card power supply
15
RESET
DI
Reset the module
RESET_N
DI
Reset the module
16
NETLIGHT
DO
Indicate the
module's network
activity status
NETLIGHT*
DO
Indicate the module's
network activity status
17
TXD
DO
Main UART transmit
MAIN_TXD
DO
Main UART transmit
18
RXD
DI
Main UART receive
MAIN_RXD
DI
Main UART receive
19
PSM_EINT
DI
External interrupt
pin dedicated to
waking up the
module from Deep
Sleep mode.
PSM_EINT
DI
External interrupt pin
dedicated to waking up
the module from Deep
Sleep/Light Sleep mode.
20
RI
DO
Ring indication
RI
DO
Ring indication
24
VDD_EXT
PO
Provide 1.8 V
voltage for external
circuits.
No voltage output in
Deep Sleep mode.
VDD_EXT
PO
Provide 1.8/3.3 V
voltage for external
circuits.
No voltage output in
Deep Sleep/Light Sleep
mode.
28
RXD_AUX
DI
Auxiliary UART
receive
RESERVED
-
-
29
TXD_AUX
DO
Auxiliary UART
transmit
RESERVED
-
-
35
RF_ANT
DIO
Antenna interface
ANT_RF
DIO
Antenna interface
38
RXD_DBG
DI
Debug UART
receive
DBG_RXD
DI
Debug UART receive
39
TXD_DBG
DO
Debug UART
transmit
DBG_TXD
DO
Debug UART transmit
42
VBAT_BB
PI
Power supply for the
module’s baseband
part
VBAT
PI
Power supply for the
module

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1. The pins in red are compatible pins of different functions.
2. The pins in black are compatible pins of the same functions.
3. Keep all reserved and unused pins disconnected.
4. 1) When VIO_SEL is grounded and VBAT ˂3.3 V, VDD_EXT = VBAT;
When VIO_SEL is grounded and VBAT ≥3.3 V, VDD_EXT = 3.3 V;
When VIO_SEL is floating, VDD_EXT = 1.8 V.
43
VBAT_RF
PI
Power supply for the
module’s RF part
VBAT
PI
Power supply for the
module
47
USB_MODE
DI
Pull down the pin
to enable USB
download function
RESERVED
-
-
49
VUSB_3V3
PI
USB power supply
RESERVED
-
-
50
USB_DP
DIO
USB differential
data (+)
RESERVED
-
-
51
USB_DM
DIO
USB differential
data (-)
RESERVED
-
-
52
RESERVED
-
-
VIO_SEL
DI
IO Voltage selection 1)
54
RESERVED
-
-
GRFC1*
DO
Generic RF controller
55
RESERVED
-
-
GRFC2*
DO
Generic RF controller
56
RESERVED
-
-
GND
-
Ground
57
RESERVED
-
-
GND
-
Ground
58
RESERVED
-
-
GND
-
Ground
1, 27,
34, 36,
37, 40,
41
GND
-
Ground
GND
-
Ground
2, 8,
21–23,
25–26,
30–33,
44–46,
48, 53
RESERVED
-
-
RESERVED
-
-
NOTES

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4Hardware Reference Design
The following chapters describe the compatible design of BC66 and BC660K-GL in terms of their main
application functions and interfaces.
4.1. Power Supply
4.1.1. Operating Voltage
The power supply ranges of BC66/BC660K-GL are listed below:
Table 6: Module Operating Voltage Range
When considering the compatible design of the modules, make sure the input voltage is 2.2–3.63 V.
Ensure the module’s input voltage never drops below 2.2 V during operation.
Vdrop
VBAT
Figure 2: VBAT Voltage Waveform Diagram
4.1.2. Power Supply Reference Design
Power design for a module is critical to its performance. It is recommended to use a low quiescent current
LDO with an output capacity of 0.5 A to regulate the power supply for both BC66 and BC660K-GL.
To ensure better power supply performance and compatibility, the recommended input voltage is 3.3 V.
Also, it is recommended to add 100 μF, 100 nF, 100 pF and 22 pF capacitors near the VBAT pins of BC66
Module
Power Supply Pins
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
Conditions
BC66
VBAT_BB &
VBAT_RF
2.1
3.3
3.63
V
The actual input voltages must
stay between the minimum and
maximum values.
BC660K-GL
VBAT
2.2
3.3
4.3
V

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or BC660K-GL. Additionally, it is recommended to add a TVS diode on the VBAT traces (near the VBAT
pins) to improve surge voltage withstand capability.
Battery
OUTGND VBAT
0 Ω
DC Power Supply
OUTGND
DC-DC
100 μF100 nF 22 pF
TVS 100 pF
Figure 3: Compatible Reference Design for Power Supply
Depending on the type of power supply (battery or DC power supply), the reference design for power
switching circuit in the above dashed box will be different. The details are illustrated in the table below.
Table 7: Power Switching Circuit Design Based on Power Supply Type
4.2. Turn on
The methods of turning on BC66 and BC660K-GL are different:
⚫BC66: It can be turned on by driving its PWRKEY pin low for at least 500 ms. It is recommended to
use an open drain/collector driver or a button to control the PWRKEY.
⚫BC660K-GL: After the module VBAT is powered on, keep RESET_N and BOOT high (default), and
the module will turn on automatically.
For BC660K-GL, drive and keep the BOOT pin low during module reset or powering on, and the module
will enter the download mode. In the download mode, firmware can be downloaded through the main
UART interface.After the download is completed, the module needs to be reset to exit from this mode.
Power Supply Type
Component Used for the Power Switching Circuit
BC66 (VBAT = 2.1–3.63 V)
BC660K-GL (VBAT = 2.2–4.3 V)
Li-SOCl2 Battery
0 ΩResistor
0 ΩResistor
Li-MnO2 Battery
0 ΩResistor
0 ΩResistor
DC Power Supply
DC-DC Converter
DC-DC Converter

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An open drain/collector driver or a button can be used to control the BOOT pin for BC660K-GL and the
PWRKEY pin for BC66.
BC660K-GL BOOT
S1
Close to S1
TVS
BC66 PWRKEY
Figure 4: Compatible Reference Design for BOOT/PWRKEY Controlled with a Button
The turn-on timing of BC66 and BC660K-GL is illustrated below.
VBAT
VDD_EXT
PWRKEY
BC66 OFF BOOTING RUNNING
BC66: 42 ms
BC66 ≥500 ms
RESET_N/BOOT
OFF BOOTING RUNNING
BC660K-GL
VBAT
VDD_EXT
BC660K-GL ˃500 ms
Figure 5: BC66 & BC660K-GL Turn-on Timing
1. For BC66: Ensure that VBAT_ BB and VBAT_RF are stable before driving low PWRKEY to turn on
NOTES

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BC66 and that PWRKEY is not kept low all the time as otherwise the module cannot enter Deep
Sleep mode.
2. For BC660K-GL: After the module is powered off, it can be turned on again only after its VBAT
voltage drops below 0.7 V. The actual discharging time of VBAT needs to be determined based on
circuit tests and enough time margin should be left to avoid abnormal module startup. After VBAT is
powered on, RESET_N and BOOT automatically rise to high level due to internal pull-ups.
3. The red part in the above figure is for BC66.
4. The black part in the above figure is for BC660K-GL.
4.3. Turn off
The methods of turning off BC66 and BC660K-GL are also different:
⚫BC66 can be turned off by executing AT+QPOWD=0 or by cutting off the VBAT power supply;
⚫BC660K-GL can only be turned off by cutting off the VBAT power supply.
The turn-off timing is illustrated in the figure below.
VBAT
VDD_EXT
RUNNING OFF
Module
Status
AT+QPOWD=0 1.02s
Figure 6: Turning Off BC66 with AT Command

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VBAT
RUNNING OFF
BC66
˃5 ms
RUNNING OFF
BC660K-GL
˃5 ms
VBAT
Figure 7: Turning off BC66/BC660K-GL by Disconnecting VBAT
1. The red part in the above figure is for BC66.
2. The black part in the above figure is for BC660K-GL.
4.4. Reset
BC66 and BC660K-GL can be reset with hardware and software methods, which are illustrated below.
4.4.1. Reset BC66/BC660K-GL with Hardware Method
Driving the RESET/RESET_N low for at least 50 ms resets BC66/BC660K-GL. The reference design for
resetting the module is shown below. An open drain/collector driving circuit or button can be used to
control the RESET/RESET_N pin.
4.7 kΩ
47 kΩ
BC66/BC660K-GL
RESET/RESET_N
Q1R1
R2
Reset pulse
NM
100 nF
C1
Figure 8: Compatible Reference Design for Reset controlled with an OC/OD driver
NOTES