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Quectel BC66 Hardware Design

Nb-iot module series
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BC66
Hardware Design
NB-IoT Module Series
Rev. BC66_Hardware_Design_V1.3
Date: 2019-12-18
Status: Released
www.quectel.com

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Summary of Contents for Quectel BC66

  • Page 1 BC66 Hardware Design NB-IoT Module Series Rev. BC66_Hardware_Design_V1.3 Date: 2019-12-18 Status: Released www.quectel.com...
  • Page 2 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 ANY WARRANTY 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.

  • Page 3: About The Document

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design About the Document Revision History Revision Date Author Description Speed SUN/ 2018-08-24 Initial Newgate HUA Updated supported bands and involved RF parameters of 2018-11-14 Newgate HUA BC66. Reserved pins 3~6 and deleted the description of SPI interface.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Contents About the Document ........................... 2 Contents ............................... 3 Table Index ..............................5 Figure Index ..............................6 Introduction ............................7 1.1. Safety Information ........................8 Product Concept ..........................9 2.1. General Description ........................9 2.2.
  • Page 5 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 4.5. Antenna Requirements ......................40 4.6. RF Output Power ........................40 4.7. RF Receiving Sensitivity ......................41 4.8. Recommended RF Connector for Antenna Installation ............42 Electrical and Reliability Characteristics ..................45 5.1. Operation and Storage Temperatures ..................45 5.2.
  • Page 6 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Table Index TABLE 1: FREQUENCY BANDS OF BC66 MODULE ..................9 TABLE 2: BC66 KEY FEATURES ........................10 TABLE 3: I/O PARAMETERS DEFINITION ....................... 15 TABLE 4: PIN DESCRIPTION ........................... 15 TABLE 5: AP OPERATING MODES ........................18 TABLE 6: MODEM OPERATING MODES ......................
  • Page 7 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Figure Index FIGURE 1: FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM ....................... 12 FIGURE 2: PIN ASSIGNMENT ......................... 14 FIGURE 3: MODULE POWER CONSUMPTION IN DIFFERENT MODES (MODEM) ........20 FIGURE 4: TIMING OF WAKING UP MODULE FROM DEEP SLEEP ............20 FIGURE 5: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR POWER SUPPLY ................

  • Page 8: Introduction

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Introduction This document defines the BC66 module and describes its air interface and hardware interface which are connected with the customers’ applications. This document helps customers quickly understand the interface specifications, electrical and mechanical details, as well as other related information of the module.

  • Page 9: Safety Information

    BC66 module. Manufacturers of the cellular terminal should notify users and operating personnel of the following safety information by incorporating these guidelines into all manuals supplied with the product. If not so, Quectel assumes no liability for any user’s failure to observe these precautions.

  • Page 10: Product Concept

    H-FDD B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B17/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26*/B28/B66 BC66 is an SMD type module with LCC and LGA package, and has an ultra-compact profile of 17.7mm × 15.8mm × 2.0mm. These make it can be easily embedded into size-constrained applications and provide reliable connectivity with the applications.

  • Page 11: Key Features

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 2.2. Key Features The following table describes the detailed features of BC66 module. Table 2: BC66 Key Features Feature Details  Supply voltage: 2.1V ~ 3.63V Power Supply  Typical supply voltage: 3.3V ...

  • Page 12: Functional Diagram

    3GPP. When the temperature returns to the normal operation temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again. "*" means under development. 2.3. Functional Diagram The following figure shows a block diagram of BC66 and illustrates the major functional parts.  Radio frequency ...

  • Page 13: Development Board

    Figure 1: Functional Diagram 2.4. Development Board Quectel provides a complete set of development tools to facilitate the use and testing of BC66 module. The development tool kit includes the TE-B board, USB cable, antenna and other peripherals. For more details, please refer to document [1].

  • Page 14: Application Interfaces

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Application Interfaces 3.1. General Description BC66 is equipped with a total of 58 pins, including 44 LCC pins and 14 LGA pins. The subsequent chapters will provide detailed descriptions of the following functions/pins/interfaces:  PSM_EINT ...

  • Page 15: Pin Assignment

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 3.2. Pin Assignment RF_ANT RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED BC66 RESERVED RESERVED Top View PWRKEY TXD_AUX USB_MODE RXD_AUX RESERVED ADC0 SIM_GND RESERVED SIM_DATA RESERVED SIM_RST VDD_EXT SIM_CLK RESERVED POWER UART USIM RESERVED...

  • Page 16: Pin Description

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 3.3. Pin Description Table 3: I/O Parameters Definition Type Description Analog input Analog output Digital input Digital output Bidirectional Power input Power output Table 4: Pin Description Power Supply Pin Name Pin No. Description...
  • Page 17 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Power Key Interface Pin Name Pin No. Description DC Characteristics Comment Pull down max=0.3*VBAT PWRKEY PWRKEY to turn min=0.7*VBAT on the module Reset Interface Pin Name Pin No. Description DC Characteristics Comment RESET Reset the module Active low.
  • Page 18 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Pin Name Pin No. Description DC Characteristics Comment Receive data RXD_AUX from TXD of DTE 1.8V power domain. Transmit data to TXD_AUX RXD of DTE Debug UART Port Pin Name Pin No. Description DC Characteristics...

  • Page 19: Operating Modes

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Pin Name Pin No. Description DC Characteristics Comment Pull down the pin to achieve USB USB_MODE download function USB power VUSB_3V3 Vnorm=3.3V supply USB differential Conform to USB 1.1 USB_DP data (+) specifications. Request 90 Ω...

  • Page 20: Deep Sleep

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Table 6: Modem Operating Modes Mode Description Network-registered. The network is connected and the module supports data Connected transmission. In such a case, the modem can switch to DRX/eDRX mode. Network-registered. The modem is in idle mode, and downlink data can be received DRX/eDRX during PTW only.
  • Page 21 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Idle Idle T3324 T3412 UE inactive time Figure 3: Module Power Consumption in Different Modes (Modem) When the modem remains in PSM and the AP is in idle mode, the module will enter Deep Sleep mode.

  • Page 22: Power Supply

    Power design for a module is critical to its performance. It is recommended to use a low quiescent current LDO with output current capacity of 0.5A as the power supply for BC66. Alkaline batteries can also be used as the power supply. The supply voltage of the module ranges from 2.1V to 3.63V. When the module is working, please make sure its input voltage will never drop below 2.1V;...

  • Page 23: Turn On/Off Scenarios

    100μF tantalum capacitor is recommended. 3.7. Turn on/off Scenarios 3.7.1. Turn on BC66 can be turned on by driving PWRKEY low for at least 500ms. Table 9: PWRKEY Pin Definition Pin Name Pin No.
  • Page 24 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design PWRKEY 4.7K Turn on pulse Figure 6: Turn on the Module Using Driving Circuit Another way to control the PWRKEY is using a button directly. When pressing the key, electrostatic strike may generate from the finger. Therefore, a TVS component is indispensable to be placed nearby the button for ESD protection.

  • Page 25: Turn Off

    PWRKEY cannot be pulled down all the time, otherwise the module will not be able to enter into Deep Sleep. 3.7.2. Turn off BC66 can be turned off though any of the following methods:  Power off by AT+QPOWD=0. ...

  • Page 26: Reset

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 3.7.3. Reset Driving RESET low for at least 50ms will reset the module. Table 10: Reset Pin Definition Pin Name Pin No. Description Reset Pull-down Time Reset the module. ≥50ms RESET Active low. The recommended circuits of resetting the module are shown below. An open drain/collector driver or button can be used to control the RESET pin.

  • Page 27: Usb Interface

    Figure 13: Reset Timing 3.8. USB Interface The USB interface of BC66 module conforms to USB 1.1 specifications and supports full speed (12Mbps) mode. The interface can be used for software debugging and software upgrading, and supports USB serial driver under Windows/Linux operating systems.

  • Page 28: Uart Interfaces

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Module 3.3V ESD Array VUSB_3V3 USB_DM USB_DM USB_DP USB_DP Figure 14: USB Interface Reference Design In the circuit design of USB interface, in order to ensure the performance of USB, the following principles are suggested in the circuit design: ...

  • Page 29: Main Uart Port

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Table 12: Pin Definition of UART Interfaces Interface Pin Name Pin No. Description Comment Transmit data to RXD of DTE Main UART Port Receive data from TXD of DTE RXD_DBG Receive data from TXD of DTE...

  • Page 30: Debug Uart Port

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Module (DCE) Main port Serial port Figure 15: Reference Design for Main UART Port 3.9.2. Debug UART Port Through debug tools, the debug UART port can be used to output logs for firmware debugging. Its baud rate is 115200bps by default.

  • Page 31: Uart Application

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Module TXD_AUX RXD_AUX Figure 17: Reference Design of Auxiliary UART Port 3.9.4. UART Application The module provides 1.8V UART interfaces. A level translator should be used if the application is equipped with a 3.3V UART interface. A level translator TXS0108EPWR provided by Texas Instruments (please visit http://www.ti.com for more information) is recommended.
  • Page 32 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 4.7K VDD_EXT VDD_EXT Module VDD_EXT VCC_DTE 4.7K RXD_DBG TXD_DBG TXD_DBG RXD_DBG RXD_AUX TXD_AUX TXD_AUX RXD_AUX GPIO Figure 19: Reference Circuit with Transistor Circuit The following circuit shows a reference design for the communication between the module and a PC with standard RS-232 interface.

  • Page 33: Usim Interface

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design NOTES Transistor circuit solution is not suitable for applications with high baud rates exceeding 460Kbps. “ ” represents the test point of UART interfaces. It is also recommended to reserve the test points of VBAT and PWRKEY, for convenient firmware upgrade and debugging when necessary.
  • Page 34 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design SIM_GND 100nF USIM Card Connector SIM_VDD SIM_RST Module SIM_CLK SIM_DATA 33pF33pF 33pF 33pF Figure 21: Reference Circuit for USIM Interface with a 6-pin USIM Card Connector more information USIM card connector, please visit http://www.amphenol.com http://www.molex.com.

  • Page 35: Adc Interface

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 3.11. ADC Interface The module provides a 10-bit ADC input channel to read the voltage value. The interface is available in active mode only. In sleep modes, the module has to be woken up first to ensure the availability of the interface.

  • Page 36: Netlight Interface

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design NOTE The default RI pin state can be configured with AT+QCFG="ripin"[,(0,1)] command. 3.13. NETLIGHT Interface NETLIGHT can be used to indicate the network status of the module. The following table illustrates the module status indicated by NETLIGHT.

  • Page 37: Antenna Interface

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Antenna Interface The pin 35 is the RF antenna pad. The antenna port has an impedance of 50Ω. 4.1. Pin Definition Table 17: Pin Definition of NB-IoT Antenna Interface Pin Name Pin No. Description...

  • Page 38: Rf Antenna Reference Design

    50Ω.  BC66 comes with ground pads which are next to the antenna pad in order to give a better grounding.  In order to achieve better RF performance, it is recommended to reserve a π type matching circuit and place the π-type matching components (R1/C1/C2) as close to the antenna as possible.

  • Page 39: Reference Design Of Rf Layout

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design R1 0R RF_ANT Module Figure 24: Reference Design of NB-IoT Antenna Interface 4.4. Reference Design of RF Layout For users’ PCB, the characteristic impedance of all RF traces should be controlled to 50Ω. The impedance of the RF traces is usually determined by the trace width (W), the materials’...
  • Page 40 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Figure 27: Coplanar Waveguide Design on a 4-layer PCB (Layer 3 as Reference Ground) Figure 28: Coplanar Waveguide Design on a 4-layer PCB (Layer 4 as Reference Ground) In order to ensure RF performance and reliability, the following principles should be complied with in RF layout design: ...

  • Page 41: Antenna Requirements

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 4.5. Antenna Requirements To minimize the loss on RF trace and RF cable, please pay attention to the antenna design. The following tables show the requirements on NB-IoT antenna. Table 19: Antenna Cable Insertion Loss Requirements...

  • Page 42: Rf Receiving Sensitivity

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm B26* 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm 23dBm± 2dB <-39dBm NOTES The design conforms to the NB-IoT radio protocols in 3GPP Rel.13.

  • Page 43: Recommended Rf Connector For Antenna Installation

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design ≤-129dBm ≤-129dBm ≤-129dBm ≤-129dBm ≤-129dBm ≤-129dBm ≤-129dBm ≤-129dBm B26* ≤-129dBm ≤-129dBm NOTE “*” means under development. 4.8. Recommended RF Connector for Antenna Installation If RF connector is used for antenna connection, it is recommended to use the U.FL-R-SMT connector provided by HIROSE.
  • Page 44 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Figure 29: Dimensions of the U.FL-R-SMT Connector (Unit: mm) U.FL-LP serial connectors listed in the following figure can be used to match the U.FL-R-SMT. Figure 30: Mechanicals of U.FL-LP Connectors BC66_Hardware_Design 43 / 59...
  • Page 45 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design The following figure describes the space factor of mated connector. Figure 31: Space Factor of Mated Connector (Unit: mm) For more details, please visit http://www.hirose.com. BC66_Hardware_Design 44 / 59...

  • Page 46: Electrical And Reliability Characteristics

    3GPP. When the temperature returns to the normal operation temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again. 5.2. Current Consumption The table below lists the current consumption of BC66 under different states. BC66_Hardware_Design 45 / 59...
  • Page 47 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Table 24: Module Current Consumption (3.3V VBAT Power Supply) Power OFF (AT+QPOWD=0) AP Mode Modem Mode Min. Typ. Max. Unit µA Deep Sleep AP Mode Modem Mode Min. Typ. Max. Unit μA Idle Light Sleep...
  • Page 48 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design B20 @ 23dBm B25 @ 23dBm B26* @ TBD B28 @ 23dBm B66 @ 23dBm B1 @ 23dBm B2 @ 23dBm B3 @ 23dBm B4 @ 23dBm B5 @ 23dBm B8 @ 23dBm B12 @ 23dBm...

  • Page 49: Electrostatic Discharge

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 5.3. Electrostatic Discharge The module is not protected against electrostatics discharge (ESD) in general. Consequently, it is subject to ESD handling precautions that typically apply to ESD sensitive components. Proper ESD handling and packaging procedures must be applied throughout the processing, handling and operation of any application that incorporates the module.

  • Page 50: Mechanical Dimensions

    This chapter describes the mechanical dimensions of the module. All dimensions are measured in millimeter (mm), and the dimensional tolerances are ± 0.05mm unless otherwise specified. 6.1. Mechanical Dimensions Pin 1 Figure 31: BC66 Top and Side Dimensions (Unit: mm) BC66_Hardware_Design 49 / 59...
  • Page 51 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Figure 32: Module Bottom Dimension (Bottom View) BC66_Hardware_Design 50 / 59...

  • Page 52: Recommended Footprint

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 6.2. Recommended Footprint Figure 33: Recommended Footprint (Unit: mm) NOTE For easy maintenance of the module, it is recommended to keep about 3mm between the module and other components on the motherboard. BC66_Hardware_Design 51 / 59...

  • Page 53: Top And Bottom Views

    6.3. Top and Bottom Views Figure 32: Top View of the Module Figure 33: Bottom View of the Module NOTE These are renderings of BC66 module. For authentic appearance, please refer to the module that you receive from Quectel. BC66_Hardware_Design 52 / 59...

  • Page 54: Storage, Manufacturing And Packaging

    Storage, Manufacturing and Packaging 7.1. Storage BC66 module is stored in a vacuum-sealed bag. It is rated at MSL 3, and storage restrictions are shown as below. 1. Shelf life in the vacuum-sealed bag: 12 months at <40º C/90%RH. 2. After the vacuum-sealed bag is opened, devices that will be subjected to reflow soldering or other high temperature processes must be: ...

  • Page 55: Manufacturing And Soldering

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design 7.2. Manufacturing and Soldering Push the squeegee to apply the solder paste on the surface of stencil, thus making the paste fill the stencil openings and then penetrate to the PCB. The force on the squeegee should be adjusted properly so as to produce a clean stencil surface on a single pass.

  • Page 56: Packaging

    NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Reflow Zone Max slope 2 to 3° C/sec Reflow time (D: over 220° C) 40 to 60 sec Max temperature 238° C ~ 245° C Cooling down slope 1 to 4° C/sec Reflow Cycle...
  • Page 57 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Figure 34: Tape Dimensions (Unit: mm) Figure 35: Reel Dimensions (Unit: mm) BC66_Hardware_Design 56 / 59...

  • Page 58: Appendix A References

    Table 27: Related Documents Document Name Remark Quectel_BC66-TE-B_User_Guide BC66-TE-B User Guide Quectel_RF_Layout_Application_Note RF Layout Application Note Quectel_BC66&BC66-NA_AT_Commands_Manual BC66/BC66-NA AT Commands Manual Quectel_Module_Secondary_SMT_User_Guide Module Secondary SMT User Guide Table 28: Terms and Abbreviations Abbreviation Description Analog-to-Digital Converter CoAP Constrained Application Protocol...
  • Page 59 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Input/Output kbps Kilo Bits Per Second Light Emitting Diode Li-MnO2 Lithium-manganese Dioxide Li-2S Lithium Sulfur Long Term Evolution LwM2M Lightweight M2M MQTT Message Queuing Telemetry Transport NB-IoT arrow Band- Internet of Things Out of Service...
  • Page 60 NB-IoT Module Series BC66 Hardware Design Unsolicited Result Code USIM Universal Subscriber Identification Module VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio Vmax Maximum Voltage Value Vnorm Normal Voltage Value Vmin Minimum Voltage Value Maximum Input High Level Voltage Value Minimum Input High Level Voltage Value...

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