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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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
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Copyright
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disseminating and editing this document as well as using the content without permission are forbidden.
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or registration of a utility model or design.
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

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2.2. Interface Overview
M.2 Module
J803
S101
S102
USB Type-B
J401
Power Supply
Power
Switch
RESET
D101
PWRKEY
S103
J101
D102
J801
WWAN_LED POWER
J603
J602 J103 J102
J601
(U)SIM1
(U)SIM2
EX_Power
ANT_MAIN
ANT_MIMO1
ANT_MIMO2
ANT_DIV
DBG_UART
J301
J302
J501
J802
S104
Figure 1: Overview of PCIe Card EVB Interface
Table 3: Component Functions of PCIe Card EVB
Functions
Reference No.
Description
Power Supply 1)
J801
The power jack on the EVB
Typical supply voltage: +5 V
J401
USB Type-B interface
Typical supply voltage: +5 V

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J803
External power supply
Typical supply voltage: +3.7 V
J501
PCIe card interface
Typical supply voltage: +3.3 V
Power Switch
S103
VCC ON/OFF control
PWRKEY
S101
Power key
Turn on/off the module
RESET
S102
Reset button (push button)
Reset the module
PCIe/USB Switch*
S104
PCIe/USB interface Switch
USB Type-B
J401
USB device interface
Supply power for the EVB
(U)SIM1
J301
(U)SIM card connector 1
(U)SIM2
J302
(U)SIM card connector 2
UART
J601
Debug UART port
Status Indicators
D101
Indicate power ON/OFF status of the EVB
D102
Indicate whether RF function is enabled or not
Connectors
J101
M.2 standard connector for the module
J501
PCIe Card connector for the EVB
Test Points
J102, J103, J602,
J603, J802
Test pins
1. 1) The power supply information in the table above is for the module. Refer to Chapter 4.1 for detailed
information about the power supply,
2. “*” means under development. Currently the PCIe/USB Switch does not work no matter to which side
the switch is switched.
NOTES

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2.3. Top View of PCIe Card EVB
The top view of the PCIe Card EVB is shown below.
Figure 2: PCIe Card EVB Top View

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2.4. EVB Kit Accessories
All accessories of the PCIe Card EVB kit are listed as below.
USB to RS-232 Converter Cable
USB Type-B Cable
RF Cables
Antennas
Driver Disk
Bolts and Nuts
Instruction Sheet
Silicone Soft
Pad
Power
Adapter
Adapter
plug CN
Adapter
plug BS
Adapter
plug US
Adapter
plug EU
Heatsink
Figure 3: EVB Kit Accessories
Table 4: Accessories List
Items
Description
Quantity
Cables
USB to UART converter cable
1
USB Type-B cable
1
RF cables
4
Antennas
Antennas
4

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The four antennas are identical and each of them can be used for main, diversity and GNSS reception.
Driver disk
⚫USB 2.0 to RS-232 driver
⚫USB driver
⚫QUD driver and UDE driver
⚫Related tools for modules
1
Silicone soft pad
Thermal conductive gasket
1
Others
Bolts and nuts for EVB assembling
4 + 4 for the EVB, 6 for
the module and heat sink
Instruction sheet
One-sheet instruction manual for the EVB
connection, details of EVB accessories, etc.
1
Heat sink
Heat sink above the module
1
Power adapter
Power adapter 5 V/ 3 A
1
Adapter plug
Adapter plug type BS
1
Adapter plug type EU
1
Adapter plug type US
1
Adapter plug type CN
1
NOTE

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3EVB and Accessories Assembly
The following figure shows the assembly of the EVB and its accessories.
Figure 4: PCIe Card EVB and Accessories Assembly

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4Interface Application
This chapter describes the following hardware interfaces, as well as the switches, button, status indicators
and test points, of the PCIe Card EVB:
⚫Power supply
⚫M.2 interface
⚫USB interface
⚫(U)SIM interfaces
⚫UART interface
4.1. Power Supply (J801/J401/J803/J501)
The PCIe Card EVB can be powered by an external power adapter through the power jack (J801) or USB
Type-B receptacle (J401) on the EVB. The power adapter is designed to be connected to a step-down
converter that converts the supplied voltage into proper voltage (VCC) for the module.
The power can also be supplied by inserting the EVB J501 into PCIe Card slot of the desktop computer.
The module can be directly powered by an external power source through connecting with the power jack
(J803), and this type of power supply is generally used for current consumption test.
The following two figures show the simplified power supply block diagram and the power interface of
Quectel PCIe Card EVB.
J801
S103
Power
supply
Power
switch
Step-down
converter U802
TPS54319 VCC
Power supply for
M.2 module
1.8 V
VCC
U203
LDO
J401
USB Type-B
interface
VCC_
MODULE
U201
LDO
3.3 V
J501
PCIe interface
J803
EX_POWER
Figure 5: EVB Power Supply Block Diagram

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5 V DC Power Supply3.7 V DC Power Supply
3.3 V DC Power Supply
Figure 6: EVB Power Supply Interface
When using the power jack for power supply, the power plug design of the adapter is shown as
below.
Inner contact
Outer contact
Figure 7: Power Plug Design

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4.2. M.2 Interface (J101)
The M.2 interface is designed to accommodate the modules. The module is connected to the EVB via
BTB connector J101. This interface allows customers to easily test functionalities of the module or
develop applications based on the module.
The following figure shows the connection between the module and the EVB.
Figure 8: Connection between the Module and the EVB
4.3. USB Interface (J401)
The PCIe Card EVB provides a USB Type-B receptacle J401 for the connection with a host device. The
VBUS lines can be used for USB connection detection and EVB power supply.

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1
42 3
56789
10
11
Figure 9: Pin Assignment of J401
Table 5: Pin Assignment of J401
Pin No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Pin Name
VBUS
USB_DM
USB_DP
GND
TX-
TX+
GND
RX-
RX+
GND
GND