Quectel RM520N-GL Supplement

RM520N-GL_Hardware_Design 1 / 84
RM520N-GL
Hardware Design
5G Module Series
Version: 1.0.0
Date: 2022-03-22
Status: Preliminary

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Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2022. 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
-
2021-11-25
Wynna SHU/
Simon WANG
Creation of the document
1.0.0
2021-03-22
Juriyi XIE/
Wynna SHU/
Simon WANG
Preliminary

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Contents
Safety Information.......................................................................................................................................3
About the Document...................................................................................................................................4
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................5
Table Index...................................................................................................................................................8
Figure Index...............................................................................................................................................10
1Introduction........................................................................................................................................11
1.1. Introduction ...............................................................................................................................11
1.2. Reference Standard..................................................................................................................11
1.3. Special Mark .............................................................................................................................12
2Product Concept................................................................................................................................16
2.1. General Description..................................................................................................................16
2.2. Key Features.............................................................................................................................17
2.3. Evaluation Board.......................................................................................................................19
2.4. Functional Diagram...................................................................................................................20
2.5. Pin Assignment.........................................................................................................................20
2.6. Pin Description..........................................................................................................................21
3Operating Characteristics.................................................................................................................27
3.1. Operating Modes.......................................................................................................................27
3.1.1. Sleep Mode....................................................................................................................27
3.1.2. Airplane Mode................................................................................................................29
3.2. Communication Interface with a Host.......................................................................................29
3.3. Power Supply............................................................................................................................30
3.3.1. Decrease Voltage Drop..................................................................................................30
3.3.2. Reference Design for Power Supply..............................................................................31
3.3.3. Monitor the Power Supply..............................................................................................32
3.4. Turn on......................................................................................................................................32
3.5. Turn off......................................................................................................................................34
3.6. Reset.........................................................................................................................................35
4Application Interfaces .......................................................................................................................39
4.1. (U)SIM Interface........................................................................................................................39
4.1.1. Pin definition of (U)SIM..................................................................................................39
4.1.2. (U)SIM Hot-Plug.............................................................................................................40
4.1.3. Normally Closed (U)SIM Card Connector......................................................................41
4.1.4. Normally Open (U)SIM Card Connector........................................................................42
4.1.5. (U)SIM Card Connector Without Hot-Plug.....................................................................42
4.1.6. (U)SIM2 Card Compatible Design.................................................................................43
4.1.7. (U)SIM Design Notices...................................................................................................44
4.2. USB Interface............................................................................................................................44
4.3. PCIe Interface...........................................................................................................................46

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4.3.1. PCIe Operating Mode ....................................................................................................46
4.3.2. Pin Definition of PCIe.....................................................................................................47
4.3.3. Reference Design for PCIe............................................................................................48
4.4. Control and Indication Interfaces..............................................................................................50
4.4.1. W_DISABLE1#...............................................................................................................50
4.4.2. W_DISABLE2#*.............................................................................................................51
4.4.3. LED_WWAN#.................................................................................................................52
4.4.4. WAKE_ON_WAN#.........................................................................................................52
4.4.5. DPR* ..............................................................................................................................53
4.5. Cellular/WLAN COEX Interface*...............................................................................................54
4.6. Antenna Tuner Control Interface ..............................................................................................54
4.7. Configuration Pins.....................................................................................................................55
5RF Characteristics.............................................................................................................................56
5.1. Cellular Antenna Interfaces.......................................................................................................56
5.1.1. Pin Definition..................................................................................................................56
5.1.2. Rx Sensitivity..................................................................................................................57
5.1.3. Tx Power........................................................................................................................60
5.2. GNSS Antenna Interface ..........................................................................................................60
5.2.1. General Description .......................................................................................................60
5.2.2. GNSS Frequency...........................................................................................................60
5.2.3. GNSS Performance .......................................................................................................61
5.3. Antenna Connectors.................................................................................................................62
5.3.1. Antenna Connector Size................................................................................................62
5.3.2. Antenna Connector Location .........................................................................................63
5.3.3. Antenna Connector Installation......................................................................................63
5.3.4. Recommended RF Connector Installation.....................................................................65
5.3.4.1. Assemble Coaxial Cable Plug Manually.............................................................65
5.3.4.2. Assemble Coaxial Cable Plug with Jig ...............................................................66
5.3.5. Recommended Manufacturers of RF Connector and Cable.........................................67
5.4. Antenna Requirements.............................................................................................................67
6Electrical Characteristics and Reliability........................................................................................68
6.1. Power Supply Requirements ....................................................................................................68
6.2. Power Consumption..................................................................................................................68
6.3. Digital I/O Characteristic...........................................................................................................70
6.4. Electrostatic Discharge.............................................................................................................71
6.5. Thermal Dissipation ..................................................................................................................72
6.6. Absolute Maximum Ratings......................................................................................................73
6.7. Operating and Storage Temperatures......................................................................................74
6.8. Notification ................................................................................................................................74
6.8.1. Coating...........................................................................................................................74
6.8.2. Cleaning.........................................................................................................................74
7Mechanical Dimensions and Packaging .........................................................................................75
7.1. Mechanical Dimensions............................................................................................................75

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7.2. Top and Bottom Views..............................................................................................................76
7.3. M.2 Connector...........................................................................................................................76
7.4. Packaging .................................................................................................................................76
7.4.1. Blister Tray.....................................................................................................................76
7.4.2. Packaging Process ........................................................................................................78
8Appendix A References.....................................................................................................................79
9Appendix B Operating Frequency....................................................................................................82

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Table Index
Table 1: Special Mark.................................................................................................................................12
Table 2: Frequency Bands & MIMO & GNSS Systems.............................................................................16
Table 3: Key Features of RM520N-GL ...................................................................................................... 17
Table 4: Definition of I/O Parameters......................................................................................................... 22
Table 5: Pin Description.............................................................................................................................22
Table 6: Overview of Operating Modes.....................................................................................................27
Table 7: Definition of VCC and GND Pins.................................................................................................30
Table 8: Definition of FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF#.................................................................................32
Table 9: Trun-on Timing of the Module...................................................................................................... 34
Table 10: Turn-off Timing of the Module through FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF#.....................................35
Table 11: Definition of RESET# Pin........................................................................................................... 36
Table 12: Reset Timing of the Module’s Warm Reset...............................................................................37
Table 13: Reset Timing of the Module’s Hard Reset.................................................................................38
Table 14: Pin Definition of (U)SIM Interface.............................................................................................. 39
Table 15: Pin Definition of USB Interface..................................................................................................44
Table 16: USB Trace Length Inside the Module........................................................................................46
Table 17: Pin Definition of PCIe Interface.................................................................................................. 47
Table 18: PCIe Trace Length Inside the Module.......................................................................................49
Table 19: Pin Definition of Control and Indication Interfaces.....................................................................50
Table 20: RF Function Status ....................................................................................................................50
Table 21: GNSS Function Status...............................................................................................................51
Table 22: Network Status Indications of LED_WWAN#............................................................................ 52
Table 23: State of the WAKE_ON_WAN#................................................................................................. 52
Table 24: Function of the DPR Signal........................................................................................................53
Table 25: Pin Definition of COEX Interface ............................................................................................... 54
Table 26: Pin Definition of Antenna Tuner Control Interface..................................................................... 54
Table 27: Configuration Pins List of M.2 Specification.............................................................................. 55
Table 28: Configuration Pins of the Module...............................................................................................55
Table 29: RM520N-GL Pin Definition of Antenna Interfaces.....................................................................56
Table 30: RM520N-GL Conducted Receiving Sensitivity (Unit: dBm).......................................................57
Table 31: Cellular Output Power................................................................................................................60
Table 32: GNSS Frequency....................................................................................................................... 60
Table 33: GNSS Performance ...................................................................................................................61
Table 34: Major Specifications of the RF Connector................................................................................. 62
Table 35: Antenna Requirements.............................................................................................................. 67
Table 36: Power Supply Requirements .....................................................................................................68
Table 37: Averaged Current Consumption................................................................................................68
Table 38: Logic Levels of 1.8 V Digital I/O.................................................................................................70
Table 39: Logic Levels of 3.3 V Digital I/O.................................................................................................70
Table 40: (U)SIM 1.8 V I/O Requirements.................................................................................................70
Table 41: (U)SIM 3.0V I/O Requirements.................................................................................................. 71

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Table 42: Electrostatic Discharge Characteristics (Temperature: 25 ºC , Humidity: 40 %)....................... 71
Table 43: Absolute Maximum Ratings.......................................................................................................73
Table 44: Operating and Storage Temperatures....................................................................................... 74
Table 45: Related Documents....................................................................................................................79
Table 46: Terms and Abbreviations...........................................................................................................79
Table 47: Operating Frequencies (5G)...................................................................................................... 82
Table 48: Operating Frequencies (2G + 3G + 4G).................................................................................... 84

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Figure Index
Figure 1: Functional Diagram.....................................................................................................................20
Figure 2: Pin Assignment...........................................................................................................................21
Figure 3: DRX Run Time and Current Consumption in Sleep Mode.........................................................28
Figure 4: Sleep Mode Application with USB Remote Wakeup.................................................................. 28
Figure 5: Power Supply Limits during Radio Transmission.......................................................................30
Figure 6: Reference Circuit for VCC.......................................................................................................... 31
Figure 7: Reference Circuit for Power Supply ...........................................................................................31
Figure 8: Turn on the Module with a Host GPIO........................................................................................33
Figure 9: Turn-on Timing of the Module.....................................................................................................33
Figure 10: Turn-off Timing through FULL_CARD_POWER_OFF#........................................................... 35
Figure 11: Reference Circuit of RESET# with NPN Driver Circuit.............................................................36
Figure 12: Reference Circuit of RESET# with a Button.............................................................................36
Figure 13: Reset Timing of the Module’s Warm Reset..............................................................................37
Figure 14: Reset Timing of the Module’s Hard Reset................................................................................38
Figure 15: Reference Circuit for Normally Closed (U)SIM Card Connector..............................................41
Figure 16: Reference Circuit for Normally Open (U)SIM Card Connector................................................ 42
Figure 17: Reference Circuit for a 6-Pin (U)SIM Card Connector............................................................. 43
Figure 18: Recommended Compatible Design for (U)SIM2 Interface....................................................... 43
Figure 19: Reference Circuit of USB 3.1 & 2.0 Interface........................................................................... 45
Figure 20: PCIe Interface Reference Circuit..............................................................................................48
Figure 21: W_DISABLE1# and W_DISABLE2# Reference Circuit...........................................................51
Figure 22: LED_WWAN# Reference Circuit..............................................................................................52
Figure 23: WAKE_ON_WAN# Signal Reference Circuit........................................................................... 53
Figure 24: Recommended Circuit of Configuration Pins ...........................................................................55
Figure 25: RF Connector Dimensions (Unit: mm)...................................................................................... 62
Figure 26: RM520N-GL Antenna Connectors............................................................................................ 63
Figure 27: Specifications of Mating Plugs Using Ø 0.81 mm Coaxial Cables...........................................64
Figure 28: Connection Between RF Connector and Mating Plug Using Ø 0.81 mm Coaxial Cable.........64
Figure 29: Connection Between RF Connector and Mating Plug Using Ø 1.13 mm Coaxial Cable.........65
Figure 30: Plug in a Coaxial Cable Plug.................................................................................................... 65
Figure 31: Pull out a Coaxial Cable Plug................................................................................................... 66
Figure 32: Install the Coaxial Cable Plug with A Jig..................................................................................66
Figure 33: Thermal Dissipation Area Inside and on Bottom Side of the Module ......................................72
Figure 34: Placement and Fixing of the Heatsink......................................................................................73
Figure 35: Mechanical Dimensions of the Module (Unit: mm)...................................................................75
Figure 36: RM520N-GL Top and Bottom Views........................................................................................76
Figure 37: Blister Tray Dimension Drawing............................................................................................... 77
Figure 38: Packaging Process................................................................................................................... 78

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1Introduction
1.1. Introduction
The document introduces RM520N-GL module and describes its air interface and hardware interfaces
which are connected to your applications.
This document helps you quickly understand the interface specifications, electrical and mechanical
details, as well as other related information of the module. To facilitate its application in different fields,
reference design is also provided for reference. Associated with application notes and user guides,
customers can use the module to design and set up mobile applications easily. You can also view the
RM520N-GL reference design to understand the module hardware architecture.
1.2. Reference Standard
The module complies with the following standards:
⚫PCI Express M.2 Specification Revision 4.0, Version 1.0
⚫PCI Express Base Specification Revision 4.0
⚫Universal Serial Bus 3.1 Specification
⚫ISO/IEC 7816-3
⚫MIPI Alliance Specification for RF Front-End Control Interface version 2.0
⚫3GPP TS 27.007 and 3GPP TS 27.005

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1.3. Special Mark
Table 1: Special Mark
CE Statement
Regulatory Conformance
Hereby, [Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.] declares that the radio equipment type [RM520N-GL] is in
compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU.
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address:
http://www.quectel.com
The device could be used with a separation distance of 20cm to the human body.
UK Statement
Regulations 2017 (SI 2017/1206)
Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, [Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.] declares that [RM520N-GL] is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (SI
2017/1206).
Product Marketing Name:Quectel RM520N-GL
FCC Certification Requirements
According to the definition of mobile and fixed device is described in Part 2.1091(b), this device is a
mobile device.
And the following conditions must be met:
1. This Modular Approval is limited to OEM installation for mobile and fixed applications only. The antenna
installation and operating configurations of this transmitter, including any applicable source-based
timeaveraging duty factor, antenna gain and cable loss must satisfy MPE categorical Exclusion
Requirements of 2.1091.
2. The EUT is a mobile device; maintain at least a 20 cm separation between the EUT and the user’s
body and must not transmit simultaneously with any other antenna or transmitter.
3. A label with the following statements must be attached to the host end product: This device contains
Mark
Definition
*
Unless otherwise specified, when an asterisk (*) is used after a function, feature, interface,
pin name, AT command, or argument, it indicates that the function, feature, interface, pin,
AT command, or argument is under development and currently not supported; and the
asterisk (*) after a model indicates that the sample of the model is currently unavailable.

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FCC ID: XMR2023RM520NGL
4. To comply with FCC regulations limiting both maximum RF output power and human exposure to RF
radiation, maximum antenna gain (including cable loss) must not exceed:
radiation, maximum antenna gain
(including cable loss) must not exceed:
Operating Band
FCC Max Antenna Gain(dBi)
IC Max Antenna Gain(dBi)
WCDMA B2
8.00
8.00
WCDMA B4
5.00
5.00
WCDMA B5
9.42
11.92
LTE B2/CA_2C
8.00
8.00
LTE B4
5.00
5.00
LTE B5/CA_5B
9.41
11.92
LTE B7/CA_7C
8.00
8.00
LTE B12
8.70
11.92
LTE B13
9.16
11.92
LTE B14
9.23
11.92
LTE B17
8.74
11.92
LTE B25
8.00
8.00
LTE B26(814-824)
9.36
NA
LTE B26(824-849)
9.41
11.92
LTE B30
-1.02
-1.02
LTE B38/CA_38C
5.00
5.00
LTE B41/CA_41C
5.00
5.00
LTE B42/ CA_42C
2.00
2.00
LTE B43/ CA_43C
2.00
2.00
LTE B48/CA_48C (3550-3700)
-2.00
NA
LTE B48/CA_48C (3550-3650)
NA
5.00
LTE B48/CA_48C (3650-3700)
NA
5.00
LTE B66/CA_66B/ CA_66C
5.00
5.00
LTE B71
8.48
11.92
NR Band n2
8.00
8.00
NR Band n5
9.42
11.92
NR Band n7
8.00
8.00
NR Band n12
8.71
11.92
NR Band n13
9.16
11.92
NR Band n14
9.23
11.92
NR Band n25
8.00
8.00
NR Band n26(814-824)
9.37
NA
NR Band n26(824-849)
9.42
11.92
NR Band n30
-1.02
-1.02
NR Band n38/n38 MIMO
5.00
5.00
NR Band n41
5.00
5.00

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NR Band n41 MIMO
3.00
3.00
NR Band n48/n48 MIMO (3550-3700)
-2.00
NA
NR Band n48/n48 MIMO (3550-3650)
NA
5.00
NR Band n48/n48 MIMO (3650-3700)
NA
5.00
NR Band n66
5.00
5.00
NR Band n70
5.00
NA
NR Band n71
8.48
11.92
NR Band n77
2.00
2.00
NR Band n77 MIMO
0.00
0.00
NR Band n78
2.00
2.00
NR Band n78 MIMO
0.00
0.00
5. This module must not transmit simultaneously with any other antenna or transmitter
6. The host end product must include a user manual that clearly defines operating requirements and
conditions that must be observed to ensure compliance with current FCC RF exposure guidelines.
For portable devices, in addition to the conditions 3 through 6 described above, a separate approval is
required to satisfy the SAR requirements of FCC Part 2.1093
If the device is used for other equipment that separate approval is required for all other operating
configurations, including portable configurations with respect to 2.1093 and different antenna
configurations.
For this device, OEM integrators must be provided with labeling instructions of finished products.
Please refer to KDB784748 D01 v07, section 8. Page 6/7 last two paragraphs:
A certified modular has the option to use a permanently affixed label, or an electronic label. For a
permanently affixed label, the module must be labeled with an FCC ID - Section 2.926 (see 2.2
Certification (labeling requirements) above). The OEM manual must provide clear instructions explaining
to the OEM the labeling requirements, options and OEM user manual instructions that are required (see
next paragraph).
For a host using a certified modular with a standard fixed label, if (1) the module’s FCC ID is not visible
when installed in the host, or (2) if the host is marketed so that end users do not have straightforward
commonly used methods for access to remove the module so that the FCC ID of the module is visible;
then an additional permanent label referring to the enclosed module: “Contains Transmitter Module FCC
ID: XMR2023RM520NGL” or “Contains FCC ID: XMR2023RM520NGL”must be used. The host OEM
user manual must also contain clear instructions on how end users can find and/or access the module
and the FCC ID.
The final host / module combination may also need to be evaluated against the FCC Part 15B criteria for
unintentional radiators in order to be properly authorized for operation as a Part 15 digital device.
The user’s manual or instruction manual for an intentional or unintentional radiator shall caution the user
that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment. In cases where the manual is provided only in a form other
than paper, such as on a computer disk or over the Internet, the information required by this section may
be included in the manual in that alternative form, provided the user can reasonably be expected to have
the capability to access information in that form.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
To ensure compliance with all non-transmitter functions the host manufacturer is responsible for ensuring
compliance with the module(s) installed and fully operational. For example, if a host was previously
authorized as an unintentional radiator under the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity procedure without
a transmitter certified module and a module is added, the host manufacturer is responsible for ensuring
that the after the module is installed and operational the host continues to be compliant with the Part 15B
unintentional radiator requirements.
Manual Information To the End User
The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to install or
remove this RF module in the user’s manual of the end product which integrates this module. The end
user manual shall include all required regulatory information/warning as show in this manual.
IC Statement
IRSS-GEN
"This device complies with Industry Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device."
The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or antenna.
or "Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; 2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement."
Déclaration sur l'exposition aux rayonnements RF
L'autre utilisépour l'émetteur doit être installépour fournir une distance de séparation d'au moins 20 cm
de toutes les personnes et ne doit pas être colocaliséou fonctionner conjointement avec une autre
antenne ou un autre émetteur.
The host product shall be properly labeled to identify the modules within the host product.
The Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada certification label of a module shall be
clearly visible at all times when installed in the host product; otherwise, the host product must be labeled
to display the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada certification number for the
module, preceded by the word “Contains” or similar wording expressing the same meaning, as follows:
“Contains IC: 10224A-022RM520NGL” or “where: 10224A-022RM520NGL is the module’s certification
number”.
Le produit hôte doit être correctement étiquetépour identifier les modules dans le produit hôte.
L'étiquette de certification d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada d'un module
doit être clairement visible en tout temps lorsqu'il est installédans le produit hôte; sinon, le produit hôte
doit porter une étiquette indiquant le numéro de certification d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement
économique Canada pour le module, précédédu mot «Contient»ou d'un libellésemblable exprimant la
même signification, comme suit:
"Contient IC: 10224A-022RM520NGL " ou "où: 10224A-022RM520NGL est le numéro de certification du
module".

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2Product Concept
2.1. General Description
RM520N-GL is a 5G NR/LTE-FDD/LTE-TDD/WCDMA wireless communication module with receive
diversity. It provides data connectivity on 5G NR SA and NSA, LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+,
HSDPA, HSUPA and WCDMA networks. RM520N-GL is standard M.2 Key-B WWAN module. For more
details, see PCI Express M.2 Specification Revision 4.0, Version 1.0
RM520N-GL supports embedded operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Android, and also
provides GNSS and voice*functionality to meet specific application demands.
RM520N-GL is an industrial-grade module for industrial and commercial applications only.
The following table shows the frequency bands, MIMO and GNSS systems supported by the module.
Table 2: Frequency Bands & MIMO & GNSS Systems
Mode
Frequency Bands
5G NR SA
n1/n2/n3/n5/n7/n8/n12/n13/n14/n18/n20/n25/n26/n28/n29/n30/n38/n40/n41/n48/
n66/n70/n71/n75/n76/n77/n78/n79
DL 4 ×4 MIMO: n1/n2/n3/n7/n25/n30/n66/n38/n40/n41/n48/n70/n77/n78/n79
UL 2 ×2 MIMO: n38/n41/n48/n77/n78/n79
5G NR NSA
n1/n2/n3/n5/n7/n8/n12/n13/n14/n18/n20/n25/n26/n28/n29/n30/n38/n40/n41/n48/
n66/n70/n71/n75/n76/n77/n78/n79
DL 4 ×4 MIMO: n1/n2/n3/n7/n25/n30/n66/n38/n40/n41/n48/n70/n77/n78/n79
LTE-FDD
FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B13/B14/B17/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26/B28/B29/
B30/B32/B66/B71
TDD: B34/B38/B39/B40/B41/B42/B43/B46(LAA)/B48
DL 4 ×4 MIMO: B1/B2/B3/B4/B7/B25/B30/B38/B40/B41/B42/B43/B48/B66
WCDMA
B1/B2/B4/B5/B8/B19
GNSS
GPS/GLONASS/BDS/Galileo/QZSS

5G Module Series
RM520N-GL_Hardware_Design 17 / 84
The module can be applied to the following fields:
⚫Rugged tablet PC and laptop computer
⚫Remote monitor system
⚫Smart metering system
⚫Wireless CPE
⚫Smart TV
⚫Outdoor live devices
⚫Wireless router and switch
⚫Other wireless terminal devices
2.2. Key Features
Table 3: Key Features of RM520N-GL
Feature
Details
Function Interface
PCI Express M.2 Interface
Power Supply
⚫Supply voltage: 3.135–4.4 V
⚫Typical supply voltage: 3.7 V
(U)SIM Interface
⚫Compliant with ISO/IEC 7816-3, ETSI and IMT-2000
⚫Supported (U)SIM card: Class B (3.0 V) and Class C (1.8 V)
⚫(U)SIM1 and (U)SIM2 interfaces
⚫Dual SIM Single Standby
eSIM
eSIM function is optional
USB Interface
⚫Compliant with USB 3.1 Gen2 and USB 2.0 specifications
⚫Maximum transmission rates:
-USB 3.1 Gen2: 10 Gbps
-USB 2.0: 480 Mbps
⚫Used for AT command communication, data transmission, firmware
upgrade (USB 2.0 only), software debugging, GNSS NMEA sentence
output and voice over USB*
⚫Supported USB serial drivers:
-Windows 7/8/8.1/10,
-Linux 2.6–5.15
-Android 4.x–12.x
PCIe Interface
⚫Complaint with PCIe Gen 4
⚫PCIe ×1 lane, supporting up to 16 Gbps
⚫Used for AT command communication, data transmission, firmware
upgrade, software debugging, GNSS NMEA sentence output

5G Module Series
RM520N-GL_Hardware_Design 18 / 84
1
HPUE is only for single carrier.
2
5G NR FDD bands only support 15 kHz SCS, and NR TDD bands only support 30 kHz SCS.
3
See document [1] for bandwidth supported by each frequency band in the NSA and SA modes.
4
The maximum rates are theoretical and the actual values refer to the network configuration.
5
525 Mbps is the typical value; while 550 Mbps is the theoretical data rate when the UL 256QAM of both LTE and 5G NR
are enabled (LTEUL 256QAM in EN-DC is disabled by default and has not been deployed by operators, and it is not fully
tested).
Transmitting Power
⚫5G NR bands: Class 3 (23 dBm ±2 dB)
⚫5G NR n38/n40/n41/n77/n78/n79 bands HPUE: Class 2 (26 dBm +2/-3 dB)
⚫LTE bands: Class 3 (23 dBm ±2 dB)
⚫LTE B38/B41/B42/B43 bandsHPUE 1: Class 2 (26 dBm ±2 dB)
⚫WCDMA bands: Class 3 (24 dBm +1/-3 dB)
5G NR Features
⚫Supports 3GPP Rel-16
⚫Supported modulations:
- Uplink: π/2-BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM and 256QAM
- Downlink: QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM and 256QAM
⚫Supports SCS 15 kHz 2 and 30 kHz2
⚫Supports SA 3 and NSA3 operation modeson all the 5G band
⚫Supports Option 3x, 3a, 3 and Option 2
⚫Max. transmission data rates 4:
NSA: 3.2 Gbps (DL)/525/550 5 Mbps (UL)
SA: 2.4 Gbps (DL)/ 900 Mbps (UL)
LTE Features
⚫Supports 3GPP Rel-16
⚫LTE Category:
DL Cat 19/ UL Cat 18
⚫Supported modulations:
- Uplink: QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM and 256QAM
- Downlink: QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM and 256QAM
⚫Supports 1.4/3/5/10/15/20 MHz RF bandwidth
⚫Max. transmission data rates4:
LTE: 1.6 Gbps (DL)/ 200 Mbps (UL)
UMTS Features
⚫Supports 3GPP Rel-9 DC-HSDPA, HSPA +, HSDPA, HSUPA and WCDMA
⚫Supports QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM modulation
⚫Max. transmission data rates4:
- DC-HSDPA: 42 Mbps (DL)
- HSUPA: 5.76 Mbps (UL)
- WCDMA: 384 kbps (DL)/ 384 kbps (UL)
Rx-diversity
⚫Supports 5G NR/LTE/WCDMA Rx-diversity
GNSS Features
⚫Protocol: NMEA 0183
⚫Data Update Rate: 1 Hz
Antenna Interfaces
⚫ANT0, ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3
AT Commands
⚫Compliant with 3GPP TS 27.007 and 3GPP TS 27.005
⚫Quectel enhanced AT commands

5G Module Series
RM520N-GL_Hardware_Design 19 / 84
2.3. Evaluation Board
To help you develop applications conveniently with the module, Quectel supplies an evaluation board
(5G-M2 EVB), a USB to RS-232 converter cable, a USB type-C cable, antennas, and other peripherals to
control or test the module. For more details, see document [2].
6
To meet this operating temperature range, you need to ensure effective thermal dissipation, for example, by adding
passive or active heatsinks, heat pipes, vapor chambers, etc. Within this range, the module can meet 3GPP specifications.
7
To meet this extended temperature range, you need to ensure effective thermal dissipation, for example, by adding
passive or active heatsinks, heat pipes, vapor chambers, etc. Within this range, the module remains the ability to establish
and maintain functions such as voice*, SMS, emergency call*, etc., without any unrecoverable malfunction. Radio spectrum
and radio network are not influenced, while one or more specifications, such as Pout, may undergo a reduction in value,
exceeding the specified tolerances of 3GPP. When the temperature returns to the normal operating temperature level, the
module will meet 3GPP specifications again.
Internet Protocol
Features
⚫Supports NITZ, PING and QMI protocols
⚫Supports PAP and CHAP for PPP connections
Firmware Upgrade
⚫USB 2.0 interface
⚫PCIe interface
⚫(D)FOTA (support A/B system)
SMS
⚫Text and PDU modes
⚫Point-to-point MO and MT
⚫SMS cell broadcast
⚫SMS storage: ME by default
Physical
Characteristics
⚫M.2 Key-B
⚫Size: 30.0 mm ×52.0 mm ×2.3 mm
⚫Weight: approx. 8.7 g
Temperature Range
⚫Operating temperature range: -30 °C to +75 °C 6
⚫Extended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C 7
⚫Storage temperature range: -40 °C to +90°C
RoHS
All hardware components are fully compliant with EU RoHS directive
Table of contents
Other Quectel Wireless Router manuals