Quectel EC20 R2.1 Supplement

EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe
Hardware Design
LTE Standard Module Series
Rev. EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design_V1.1
Date: 2019-09-10
Status: Released
www.quectel.com

LTE Standard Module Series
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe Hardware Design
EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 1 / 51
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,
China 200233
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:
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 ANYWARRANTY 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.
COPYRIGHT
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS PROPRIETARYTECHNICALINFORMATION OF QUECTEL
WIRELESS SOLUTIONS CO., LTD. TRANSMITTING, REPRODUCTION, DISSEMINATION AND
EDITING OF THIS DOCUMENT AS WELL AS UTILIZATION OF THE CONTENT ARE FORBIDDEN
WITHOUT PERMISSION. 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. 2019. All rights reserved.

LTE Standard Module Series
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe Hardware Design
EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 2 / 51
About the Document
History
Revision
Date
Author
Description
1.0
2017-12-22
Woody WU/
Niko WU
Initial
1.1
2019-09-10
Lorry XU/
Niko WU
1. Added LTE-TDD band B34 (Table 1, 19, 20, 23, 24
and 26).
2. Updated key features of EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe
module (Table 2).
3. Updated names of pin 3 and 5 from RESERVED to
COEX_UART_RX and COEX_UART_TX
respectively (Figure 2).
4. Updated pin definition and description of
COEX_UART_RX and COEX_UART_TX (Table 4).
5. Updated reference circuit of USB interface (Figure 5).
6. Added description of COEX UART interface (Chapter
3.6.2).
7. Updated reference circuit of (U)SIM interface with an
8-pin (U)SIM card connector (Figure 7).
8. Updated description of PCM interface (Chapter 3.9).
9. Updated description of W_DISABLE# (Chapter
3.10.3).
10. Added note for antenna requirements (Chapter 5.2).
11. Updated thermal consideration (Chapter 6.6).

LTE Standard Module Series
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe Hardware Design
EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 3 / 51
Contents
About the Document...................................................................................................................................2
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................3
Table Index...................................................................................................................................................5
Figure Index.................................................................................................................................................6
1Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................7
1.1. Safety Information......................................................................................................................8
2Product Concept..................................................................................................................................9
2.1. General Description...................................................................................................................9
2.2. Key Features ...........................................................................................................................10
2.3. Functional Diagram .................................................................................................................13
3Application Interfaces .......................................................................................................................14
3.1. Pin Assignment........................................................................................................................14
3.2. Pin Description.........................................................................................................................15
3.3. Operating Modes.....................................................................................................................18
3.4. Power Saving...........................................................................................................................18
3.4.1. Sleep Mode....................................................................................................................18
3.4.2. Airplane Mode................................................................................................................19
3.5. Power Supply...........................................................................................................................19
3.6. UART Interfaces......................................................................................................................20
3.6.1. Main UART Interface......................................................................................................20
3.6.2. COEX UART Interface*..................................................................................................21
3.7. USB Interface ..........................................................................................................................21
3.8. (U)SIM Interface ......................................................................................................................22
3.9. PCM and I2C Interfaces..........................................................................................................24
3.10. Control and Indication Signals.................................................................................................27
3.10.1. RI Signal.........................................................................................................................27
3.10.2. DTR Signal.....................................................................................................................28
3.10.3. W_DISABLE# Signal......................................................................................................28
3.10.4. PERST# Signal..............................................................................................................28
3.10.5. LED_WWAN# Signal .....................................................................................................29
3.10.6. WAKE# Signal................................................................................................................30
4GNSS Receiver...................................................................................................................................31
4.1. General Description.................................................................................................................31
4.2. GNSS Performance.................................................................................................................31
4.3. GNSS Frequency.....................................................................................................................32
5Antenna Connection..........................................................................................................................33
5.1. Antenna Connectors................................................................................................................33
5.1.1. Operating Frequency .....................................................................................................33
5.2. Antenna Requirements............................................................................................................34

LTE Standard Module Series
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe Hardware Design
EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 4 / 51
5.3. Recommended Mating Plugs forAntenna Connection...........................................................35
6Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics .........................................................................37
6.1. General Description.................................................................................................................37
6.2. Power Supply Requirements...................................................................................................37
6.3. I/O Requirements.....................................................................................................................38
6.4. RF Characteristics...................................................................................................................38
6.5. ESD Characteristics ................................................................................................................40
6.6. Thermal Consideration............................................................................................................40
6.7. Current Consumption ..............................................................................................................42
7Dimensions and Packaging..............................................................................................................46
7.1. General Description.................................................................................................................46
7.2. Mechanical Dimensions of EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe...................................................................46
7.3. Standard Dimensions of Mini PCI Express .............................................................................47
7.4. Packaging Specifications.........................................................................................................48
8Appendix A References.....................................................................................................................49

LTE Standard Module Series
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe Hardware Design
EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 5 / 51
Table Index
TABLE 1: SUPPORTED BANDS OF EC20 R2.1 MINI PCIE.............................................................................. 9
TABLE 2: KEY FEATURES OF EC20 R2.1 MINI PCIE..................................................................................... 10
TABLE 3: I/O PARAMETERS DEFINITION....................................................................................................... 15
TABLE 4: PIN DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................... 15
TABLE 5: OVERVIEW OF OPERATING MODES............................................................................................. 18
TABLE 6: DEFINITION OF POWER SUPPLY INTERFACE............................................................................. 19
TABLE 7: PIN DEFINITION OF MAIN UART INTERFACE............................................................................... 20
TABLE 8: PIN DEFINITION OF COEX UART INTERFACE.............................................................................. 21
TABLE 9: PIN DEFINITION OF USB INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 21
TABLE 10: PIN DEFINITION OF (U)SIM INTERFACE ..................................................................................... 22
TABLE 11: PIN DEFINITION OF PCM AND I2C INTERFACES ....................................................................... 25
TABLE 12: PIN DEFINITION OF CONTROLAND INDICATION SIGNALS...................................................... 27
TABLE 13: AIRPLANE MODE CONTROLLED BY HARDWARE METHOD..................................................... 28
TABLE 14: AIRPLANE MODE CONTROLLED BY SOFTWARE METHOD ..................................................... 28
TABLE 15: INDICATIONS OF NETWORK STATUS (AT+QCFG="LEDMODE",0, DEFAULT SETTING)......... 29
TABLE 16: INDICATIONS OF NETWORK STATUS (AT+QCFG="LEDMODE",2) ........................................... 30
TABLE 17: GNSS PERFORMANCE ................................................................................................................. 31
TABLE 18: GNSS FREQUENCY....................................................................................................................... 32
TABLE 19: OPERATING FREQUENCIES ........................................................................................................ 33
TABLE 20: ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................................... 34
TABLE 21: POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................. 37
TABLE 22: I/O REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................................... 38
TABLE 23: EC20 R2.1 MINI PCIE CONDUCTED RF OUTPUT POWER ........................................................ 38
TABLE 24: EC20 R2.1 MINI PCIE CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY........................................... 39
TABLE 25: ESD CHARACTERISTICS OF EC20 R2.1 MINI PCIE................................................................... 40
TABLE 26: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC20 R2.1 MINI PCIE................................................................ 42
TABLE 27: GNSS CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC20 R2.1 MINI PCIE..................................................... 45
TABLE 28: RELATED DOCUMENTS................................................................................................................ 49
TABLE 29: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS...................................................................................................... 49

LTE Standard Module Series
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe Hardware Design
EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 6 / 51
Figure Index
FIGURE 1: FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM ............................................................................................................... 13
FIGURE 2: PIN ASSIGNMENT ......................................................................................................................... 14
FIGURE 3: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF POWER SUPPLY .............................................................................. 19
FIGURE 4: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF POWER SUPPLY .............................................................................. 20
FIGURE 5: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF USB INTERFACE .............................................................................. 22
FIGURE 6: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF (U)SIM INTERFACE WITH AN 8-PIN (U)SIM CARD CONNECTOR 23
FIGURE 7: R REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF (U)SIM INTERFACE WITH A 6-PIN (U)SIM CARD CONNECTOR24
FIGURE 8: TIMING IN PRIMARY MODE.......................................................................................................... 25
FIGURE 9: TIMING IN AUXILIARY MODE........................................................................................................ 26
FIGURE 10: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF PCM APPLICATION WITH AUDIO CODEC.................................... 26
FIGURE 11: RI BEHAVIORS............................................................................................................................. 27
FIGURE 12: TIMING OF RESETTING MODULE ............................................................................................. 29
FIGURE 13: LED_WWAN# SIGNAL REFERENCE CIRCUIT DIAGRAM ........................................................ 29
FIGURE 14: WAKE# BEHAVIOR...................................................................................................................... 30
FIGURE 15: DIMENSIONS OF THE RECEPTACLE RF CONNECTORS (UNIT: MM).................................... 35
FIGURE 16: MECHANICALS OF U.FL-LP MATING PLUGS ........................................................................... 35
FIGURE 17: SPACE FACTOR OF MATING PLUGS (UNIT: MM)..................................................................... 36
FIGURE 18: REFERENCED HEATSINK DESIGN ........................................................................................... 41
FIGURE 19: MECHANICAL DIMENSIONS OF EC20 R2.1 MINI PCIE............................................................ 46
FIGURE 20: STANDARD DIMENSIONS OF MINI PCI EXPRESS................................................................... 47
FIGURE 21: DIMENSIONS OF THE MINI PCI EXPRESS CONNECTOR (MOLEX 679100002).................... 48

LTE Standard Module Series
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe Hardware Design
EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 7 / 51
1Introduction
This document defines EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe module, and describes its air interfaces and hardware
interfaces which are connected with customers’ applications.
This document helps customers quickly understand module interface specifications, electrical
characteristics, mechanical specifications and other related information of the module. To facilitate
application designs, it also includes some reference designs for customers’ reference. The document,
coupled with application notes and user guides, makes it easy to design and set up wireless applications
with EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe.

LTE Standard Module Series
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe Hardware Design
EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 8 / 51
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 EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe 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 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.

LTE Standard Module Series
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe Hardware Design
EC20_R2.1_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 9 / 51
2Product Concept
2.1. General Description
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe module provides data connectivity on LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+,
HSDPA, HSUPA, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, EVDO, CDMA, EDGE and GPRS networks with PCI Express
Mini Card 1.2 standard interface. It supports embedded operating systems such as Linux, Android, etc.,
and also provides audio, high-speed data transmission and GNSS functionalities for customers’
applications.
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe module can be applied in the following fields:
PDA and Laptop Computer
Remote Monitor System
Vehicle System
Wireless POS System
Intelligent Meter Reading System
Wireless Router and Switch
Other Wireless Terminal Devices
Table 1: Supported Bands of EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe
1. EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe contains Telematics version and Data-only version. Telematics version
supports voice and data functions, while Data-only version only supports data function.
Module
Description
EC20 R2.1 Mini PCIe
LTE-FDD (with receive diversity) 1): B1/B3/B5/B8
LTE-TDD (with receive diversity)1): B34/B38/B39/B40/B41
WCDMA(with receive diversity)1): B1/B8
TD-SCDMA: B34/B39
EVDO/CDMA: BC0
GSM: 900/1800MHz
GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou/Compass, Galileo, QZSS 2)
Support digital audio 3)
NOTES
SS