Quectel LTE-A&5G Series User manual

PCIe Card EVB
User Guide
LTE-A&5G Module Series
Version: 1.1
Date: 2020-12-26
Status: Released
www.quectel.com

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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
1.0
2020-09-15
Archibald JIANG
Initial
1.1
2020-12-26
Archibald JIANG
1. Deleted the EM161R-GL in Table 1.
2. Added the switch S104 in Chapter 2.1, Chapter
2.2 and Chapter 4.6.
3. Updated Figures 1, 4, 6, 8, 15, 16, 19, and 31.

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Contents
About the Document.................................................................................................................................. 3
Contents...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Table Index.................................................................................................................................................. 5
Figure Index................................................................................................................................................ 6
1Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1. Safety Information...................................................................................................................... 8
2General Overview................................................................................................................................ 9
2.1. Key Features.............................................................................................................................. 9
2.2. Interface Overview................................................................................................................... 10
2.3. Top View of PCIe Card EVB .................................................................................................... 12
2.4. EVB KitAccessories ................................................................................................................ 13
3EVB and Accessories Assembly..................................................................................................... 15
4Interface Application ........................................................................................................................ 16
4.1. Power Supply (J801/J401/J803/J501)..................................................................................... 16
4.2. M.2 Interface (J101)................................................................................................................. 18
4.3. USB Interface (J401) ............................................................................................................... 18
4.4. (U)SIM Interfaces (J301/J302)................................................................................................. 21
4.5. UART Interface (J601)............................................................................................................. 22
4.6. Switches and Button (S101/S102/S103/S104*)...................................................................... 24
4.7. Status Indicators (D101/D102)................................................................................................. 25
4.8. Test Points (J102/J103/J602/J603/J802)................................................................................. 26
5Operation Procedures Illustration................................................................................................... 29
5.1. Power on the Module............................................................................................................... 29
5.2. Communication........................................................................................................................ 30
5.2.1. Communication via USB Type-B Interface ................................................................... 30
5.2.2. Communication Via PCIe Interface............................................................................... 31
5.3. Firmware Upgrade................................................................................................................... 32
5.3.1. USB Firmware Upgrade via USB.................................................................................. 32
5.3.2. Firmware Upgrade via PCIe.......................................................................................... 33
5.4. Reset the Module..................................................................................................................... 35
5.5. Power off the Module............................................................................................................... 35
5.6. Current Consumption Test....................................................................................................... 36
6Appendix References....................................................................................................................... 37

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Table Index
Table 1:Applicable Modules......................................................................................................................... 7
Table 2: Key Features of PCIe Card EVB.................................................................................................... 9
Table 3: Component Functions of PCIe Card EVB....................................................................................10
Table 4:Accessories List............................................................................................................................ 13
Table 5: PinAssignment of J401................................................................................................................ 19
Table 6: Pin Definition of J301/302 ............................................................................................................21
Table 7: Pin Definition of J601....................................................................................................................23
Table 8: Description of Switches and Button .............................................................................................24
Table 9: Description of Status Indicators.................................................................................................... 25
Table 10: Pin Definition of J102, J103, J602, J603 and J802.................................................................... 27
Table 11: Indication of D101 and D102......................................................................................................29
Table 12: Related Documents....................................................................................................................37
Table 13: Terms and Abbreviations............................................................................................................ 37

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Figure Index
Figure 1: Overview of PCIe Card EVB Interface........................................................................................ 10
Figure 2: PCIe Card EVB Top View........................................................................................................... 12
Figure 3: EVB Kit Accessories ...................................................................................................................13
Figure 4: PCIe Card EVB andAccessoriesAssembly............................................................................... 15
Figure 5: EVB Power Supply Block Diagram.............................................................................................16
Figure 6: EVB Power Supply Interface ......................................................................................................17
Figure 7: Power Plug Design .....................................................................................................................17
Figure 8: Connection between the Module and the EVB...........................................................................18
Figure 9: Pin Assignment of J401 ..............................................................................................................19
Figure 10: Diagram for Module and USB Type-B Receptacle Connection................................................20
Figure 11: Pin Assignment of J301 and J302 ............................................................................................ 21
Figure 12: Simplified Interface Schematic for (U)SIM Card Connector..................................................... 21
Figure 13: UART Block Diagram................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 14: Pin Assignment of J601 ............................................................................................................23
Figure 15: Switch S101 and Button S102..................................................................................................24
Figure 16: Switch S103.............................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 17: Status Indicators .......................................................................................................................25
Figure 18: Test Points of J102 and J103.................................................................................................... 26
Figure 19: Test Points of J602 J603 and J802........................................................................................... 26
Figure 20: USB Ports .................................................................................................................................30
Figure 21: COM Port Setting Field on QCOM (USBAT Port Connection)................................................ 30
Figure 22: EVB and Desktop Computer Connection via PCIe Interface...................................................31
Figure 23: PCIe Ports.................................................................................................................................31
Figure 24: COM Port Setting Field on QCOM (AT Port Connection) ........................................................32
Figure 25: Configurations for Firmware Upgrade ......................................................................................32
Figure 26: First Step of Firmware Upgrade via PCIe................................................................................. 33
Figure 27: Second Step of Firmware Upgrade via PCIe............................................................................33
Figure 28: Third Step of Firmware Upgrade via PCIe................................................................................34
Figure 29: Fourth Step of Firmware Upgrade via PCIe .............................................................................34
Figure 30: Location of R814....................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 31: Location of J803........................................................................................................................ 36

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1Introduction
This document introduces Quectel evaluation board for PCIe cards, the assistant tool for engineers to
develop and test Quectel modules, and how to use it.
Table 1: Applicable Modules
Quectel modules listed above may include multiple models. Please refer to the corresponding module
Specifications for more specific information.
Module Series
Applicable Modules
LTE-Advanced
EM120R-GL/ EM121R-GL/ EM160R-GL
5G
RM500Q Series/ RM510Q-GL
NOTE

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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 Quectel modules. 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 emergent 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 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 mobile 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.

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2General Overview
Quectel supplies PCIe Card EVB to engineers to help with the application development. This chapter
offers an overview of this EVB.
2.1. Key Features
The following table describes the detailed features of PCIe Card EVB.
Table 2: Key Features of PCIe Card EVB
Features
Description
M.2 Interface
Standard PCI Express M.2 interface
(U)SIM Interfaces
Support (U)SIM card insertion detection
Support (U)SIM card: 3.0/1.8 V
UART Interface
UART interface for debugging purpose
USB Interface
USB Type-B (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0)
Status Indication
2 LEDs available for signal indication
Switches and Button
Switches: Power Switch (S103), PWRKEY (S101), PCIe/USB Switch* (S104)
Button: RESET (S102)
Physical Characteristics
Size: 101.8 mm ×112.0 mm
“*” means under development. Currently the PCIe/USB Switch does not work no matter to which side the
switch is switched.
NOTE