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Quectel FC21 Hardware Design

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FC21
Hardware Design
Wi-Fi&BT Module Series
Version: 1.0
Date: 2020-08-13
Status: Preliminary
www.quectel.com

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Summary of Contents for Quectel FC21

  • Page 1 FC21 Hardware Design Wi-Fi&BT Module Series Version: 1.0 Date: 2020-08-13 Status: Preliminary 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

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design About the Document Revision History Version Date Author Description 2020-08-13 Power JIN/Kris ZHANG Initial FC21_Hardware_Design 2 / 52...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 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 General Description ........................ 9 Key Features .......................... 9 Functional Diagram .......................
  • Page 5 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics ................. 34 4.1. General Description ......................34 4.2. Electrical Characteristics ....................... 34 4.3. I/O Interface Characteristics ....................35 4.4. Current Consumption ......................35 4.4.1. Wi-Fi Current Consumption ..................35 4.4.2.
  • Page 6 Table 2: Key Features ..........................9 Table 3: I/O Parameters Definition ......................15 Table 4: Pin Description of FC21 Module ....................15 Table 5: Power Supply Pins and GND Pins .................... 19 Table 6: Pin Definition of WAKE_ON_WIRELESS ................. 21 Table 7: Pin Definition of WLAN_EN ......................
  • Page 7 Figure 2: Pin Assignment of FC21 Module ..................... 14 Figure 3: Reference Circuit for VDD_3V3 ....................19 Figure 4: Timing of Turning on/off FC21 Module ..................20 Figure 5: Wi-Fi Interface Connection ..................... 20 Figure 6: SDIO Interface Connection ..................... 22 Figure 7: Block Diagram of BT Interface Connection ................

  • Page 8: Introduction

    Table 1: FC21 Module Module Wi-Fi FC21 2.4GHz and 5GHz BT 4.2 NOTE In this document, EC2x refers to Quectel EC25, EC21 and EC20 R2.1 modules and EG2x-G refers to Quectel EG21-G and EG25-G modules. FC21_Hardware_Design 7 / 52...

  • Page 9: 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 FC21 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.

  • Page 10: Product Concept

    Wi-Fi and UART&PCM interfaces for BT*, and also supports LTE/WLAN coexistence. 批注 [RL2]: 中文这里没加星 FC21 module is a SMT module, with 38 LCC pins and 14 LGA pins. The module package is compact and the size is only 16.6mm × 13mm × 2.1mm.
  • Page 11 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design  802.11n (20MHz): 7.2Mbps, 14.2Mbps, 21.7Mbps, 28.9Mbps, 43.3Mbps, 57.8Mbps, 65Mbps, 72.2Mbps  802.11n (40MHz): 15Mbps, 30Mbps, 45Mbps, 60Mbps, 90Mbps, 120Mbps, 150Mbps  802.11a: 6Mbps, 9Mbps, 12Mbps, 18Mbps, 24Mbps, 36Mbps, 48Mbps, 54Mbps  802.11ac: VHT20 (MCS0~MCS8), VHT40 (MCS0~MCS9), VHT80...

  • Page 12: Functional Diagram

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design 2.3 Functional Diagram The following figure shows a block diagram of FC21 module and illustrates the major functional parts:  Power supply  Wireless Connectivity Interfaces - Wi-Fi interface - BT interface - Coexistence interface ...

  • Page 13: Evaluation Board

    FC21 Hardware Design 2.4 Evaluation Board In order to help customers to develop applications with FC21 module, Quectel supplies an evaluation board (UMTS&LTE EVB), an RS-232 to USB converter cable, a USB data cable, a power adapter, 4 antennas and other peripherals to control or test the module. For details, please refer to document [1].

  • Page 14: Application Interfaces

    FC21 Hardware Design Application Interfaces 3.1. General Description FC21 module is equipped with 38 LCC pads and 14 LGA pads that can be connected to cellular application platform. The subsequent chapters will provide detailed descriptions of the following interfaces: ...

  • Page 15: Pin Assignment

    1. Please keep all RESERVED pins open. indicates that pins 7, 8, 10, 13~18 and 46 are BT function pins. BT function is under development. indicates that 32KHz_IN is reserved on FC21 module since the sleep function is under development.

  • Page 16: Pin Description

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design 3.3. Pin Description The following tables show the pin definition of FC21 module. Table 3: I/O Parameters Definition Type Description Digital input Digital output Bidirectional Power input Table 4: Pin Description of FC21 Module...
  • Page 17 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design pin open. min=-0.3V Wi-Fi function max=0.54V 1.8V power domain. WLAN_EN control min=1.26V Active high. max=2.0V max=0.18V min=1.62V min=-0.3V SDIO_D3 SDIO data bus D3 1.8V power domain max=0.54V min=1.26V max=2.0V max=0.18V min=1.62V 1.8V power domain.
  • Page 18 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design min=-0.3V 1.8V power domain. max=0.54V Active high. BT_EN BT function control min=1.26V If unused, keep this max=2.0V pin open. 1.8V power domain. Active low. BT_WAKE_ max=0.18V BT wake up the host Pulled up internally.
  • Page 19 NOTES indicates that SDIO_D2 is a boot strap signal, which must be kept at high level for normal operation during power on. indicates that 32KHz_IN is reserved on FC21 module since the sleep function is still to be developed. FC21_Hardware_Design...

  • Page 20: Power Supply

    的 3.4.1 引脚介绍， 是否要加上 3.4.1. Pin Introduction The following table shows the power supply pins and the ground pins of FC21. The VIO power supply is recommended to be powered by VDD_EXT of EC2x&EG2x-G modules. Table 5: Power Supply Pins and GND Pins Pin Name Pin No.

  • Page 21: Wireless Connectivity Interfaces

    Figure 4: Timing of Turning on/off FC21 Module 3.5. Wireless Connectivity Interfaces FC21 support a low-power SDIO 3.0 interface for WLAN, and UART&PCM interfaces for BT function. 3.5.1. Wi-Fi Interface The following figure shows the WLAN interface connection between FC21 and EC2x&EG2x-G.

  • Page 22: Wake_On_Wireless

    1.8V. If unused, keep this pin open. 3.5.1.2. WAKE_EN WLAN_EN is used to control the WLAN function of FC21. When WLAN_EN is at high level voltage, Wi-Fi function will be enabled. Table 7: Pin Definition of WLAN_EN Pin Name Pin No.

  • Page 23: Sdio Interface

    SDIO data bus D0 1.8V power domain. SDIO_CLK SDIO bus clock 1.8V power domain. SDIO_CMD SDIO bus command 1.8V power domain. The following figure shows the SDIO interface connection between FC21 and EC2x&EG2x-G. EC2x&EG2x-G FC21 SD1_CLK SDIO_CLK SD1_CMD SDIO_CMD SD1_D0...

  • Page 24: Bt Interface

    2. PIN3 of EC2x / EG2x-G can be used as an interrupt GPIO. 3.5.2.1. BT_EN BT_EN is used to control the BT function of FC21. When BT_EN is at high level voltage, BT function will be enabled. Table 9: Pin Definition of BT_EN Pin Name Pin No.

  • Page 25: Bt_Wake_Host

    3.5.2.3. PCM Interface FC21 provides a PCM interface for BT application. The following table shows the pin definition of PCM interface. The PCM interface is not needed when a BLE function is used. Table 11: Pin Definition of PCM Interface Pin Name Pin No.

  • Page 26: Bt_Uart Interface

    Figure 8: Reference Design for PCM Interface 批注 [RL9]: 中文是 3.5.2.4. BT_UART Interface BT_UART，这里是否需要改为 一致 FC21 provides a dedicated UART interface for BT application. The following table shows the pin definition 批注 [RL10R9]: of UART interface. Table 12: Pin Definition of UART Interface Pin Name Pin No.

  • Page 27: Coexistence Interface

    Description Comment LTE/Wi-Fi&BT LTE_UART_TXD coexistence signal 1.8V power domain. If unused, keep these pins open. LTE/Wi-Fi&BT LTE_UART_RXD coexistence signal The following figure shows the coexistence interface connection between FC21 and EC2x&EG2x-G. Figure 10: Coexistence Interface Connection FC21_Hardware_Design 26 / 52...

  • Page 28: Other Interfaces

    The 32KHz clock is used in low power mode such as IEEE power saving mode and sleep mode. It serves as a timer to determine when to wake up FC21 module to receive beacons in various power saving schemes, and to maintain basic logic operations in sleep mode.

  • Page 29: Antenna Interface

    2.402~2.48 3.7.3. Reference Designs FC21 module provides an RF antenna pad for Wi-Fi/BT antenna connection. The RF trace in host PCB connected to the module’s RF antenna pad should be microstrip line or other types of RF trace, with characteristic impendence close to 50Ω. FC21 module comes with grounding pads which are next to the antenna pad in order to give a better grounding.

  • Page 30: Reference Design Of Rf Layout

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design FC21 RF_ANT Figure 11: Reference Circuit for RF Antenna Interface Another type of reference circuit for the RF antenna interface is shown below. It is designed for vehicle applications. It is recommended to reserve two notch filter circuits and a π-type matching circuit for better RF performance.
  • Page 31 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Figure 13: Microstrip Design on a 2-layer PCB Figure 14: Coplanar Waveguide Design on a 2-layer PCB Figure 15: Coplanar Waveguide Design on a 4-layer PCB (Layer 3 as Reference Ground) FC21_Hardware_Design 30 / 52...

  • Page 32: Antenna Requirements

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Figure 16: 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 33: Recommended Rf Connector For Antenna Installation

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Table 19: Antenna Requirements Type Requirements 2.412GHz~2.472GHz Frequency Range 5.180GHz~5.825GHz VSWR < 2:1 recommended Gain (dBi) Typically 1 Max Input Power (W) Input Impedance (Ω) Polarization Type Vertical 3.7.6. 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...
  • Page 34 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Figure 18: Mechanicals of U.FL-LP Connectors The following figure describes the space factor of mated connector. Figure 19: Space Factor of Mated Connector (Unit: mm) For more details, please visit http://www.hirose.com. FC21_Hardware_Design 33 / 52...

  • Page 35: Electrical, Reliability And Radio Characteristics

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics 4.1. General Description This chapter mainly introduces the electrical and the radio frequency characteristics of FC21 module, which are listed in detail in the following chapters:  Electrical characteristics ...

  • Page 36: I/O Interface Characteristics

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Table 21: Recommended Operating Conditions Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Unit VDD_3V3 3.14 3.46 1.71 3.46 4.3. I/O Interface Characteristics The following table shows the general DC electrical characteristics over recommended operating conditions (unless otherwise specified).
  • Page 37 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design TX 11 Mbps RX 1 Mbps RX 11 Mbps TX 6 Mbps TX 54 Mbps 802.11g RX 6 Mbps RX 54 Mbps TX HT20-MCS0 TX HT20-MCS7 TX HT40-MCS0 TX HT40-MCS7 802.11n RX HT20-MCS0 RX HT20-MCS7...

  • Page 38: Ble Current Consumption

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design RX VHT20 MCS0 RX VHT20 MCS8 RX VHT40 MCS0 RX VHT40 MCS9 RX VHT80 MCS8 RX VHT80 MCS9 NOTES OFF state: Executing AT+QWIFI=0 command will make the module enter this state. Under the state, the sleep clock is disabled and no data is saved.
  • Page 39 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design 802.11g 6Mbps 802.11g 54Mbps 802.11n, HT20 MCS0 802.11n, HT20 MCS7 802.11n, HT40 MCS0 802.11n, HT40 MCS7 Table 26: Conducted RF Output Power at 5GHz Standard Data Rate Typ. Unit 802.11a 6 Mbps 802.11a 54 Mbps 802.11n，HT20...

  • Page 40: Ble Performance

    802.11ac，VHT20 MCS0 802.11ac，VHT20 MCS8 802.11ac，VHT40 MCS0 802.11ac，VHT40 MCS9 4.5.2. BLE Performance The following table shows the BLE transmitting and receiving performance of FC21 module. Table 29: BLE Transmitting and Receiving Performance Channel Transmitting Power Receiving Sensitivity FC21_Hardware_Design 39 / 52...

  • Page 41: Electrostatic Discharge

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design 4.6. Electrostatic Discharge The module is not protected against Electrostatic 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 followed throughout the processing, handling and operation of any application that involves the module.

  • Page 42: Mechanical Dimensions

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Mechanical Dimensions This chapter describes the mechanical dimensions of FC21 module. All dimensions are measured in millimeter (mm), and the dimensional tolerances are ±0.05mm unless otherwise specified. 5.1. Mechanical Dimensions of the Module Pin 1...
  • Page 43 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Figure 21: Bottom Dimensions NOTE The package warpage level of the module conforms to JEITA ED-7306 standard. FC21_Hardware_Design 42 / 52...

  • Page 44: Recommended Footprint And Stencil Design

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design 批注 [RL15]: 中文分开的两章 5.2. Recommended Footprint and Stencil Design 结，是否需要分开 Figure 22: Recommended Footprint FC21_Hardware_Design 43 / 52...
  • Page 45 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design The recommended stencil design for FC21 is shown below. To ensure the module soldering quality, the thickness of stencil for the module is recommended to be 0.18mm. Figure 23: Recommended Stencil Design NOTE For easy maintenance of the module, please keep about 3mm between the module and other components on host PCB.

  • Page 46: Top And Bottom Views Of The Module

    5.3. Top and Bottom Views of the Module Figure 24: Top View of the Module Figure 25: Bottom View of the Module NOTE These are renderings of FC21 modules. For authentic appearance, please refer to the module provided by Quectel. FC21_Hardware_Design 45 / 52...

  • Page 47: Storage, Manufacturing And Packaging

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Storage, Manufacturing and Packaging 6.1. Storage The module is provided with vacuum-sealed packaging. MSL of the module is rated as 3. The storage requirements are shown below. 1. Recommended Storage Condition: The temperature should be 23 ±5 °C and the relative humidity should be 35%–60%.

  • Page 48: Manufacturing And Soldering

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design NOTES This floor life is only applicable when the environment conforms to IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033. 2. To avoid blistering, layer separation and other soldering issues, it is forbidden to expose the modules to the air for a long time. If the temperature and moisture do not conform to IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033 or the relative moisture is over 60%, It is recommended to start the solder reflow process within 24 hours after the package is removed.
  • Page 49 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Table 31: Recommended Thermal Profile Parameters Factor Recommendation Soak Zone Max slope 1–3 °C/s Soak time (between A and B: 150 °C and 200 °C) 70–120 s Reflow Zone Max slope 2–3 °C/s Reflow time (D: over 220°C) 45–70 s...

  • Page 50: Packaging

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design 6.3. Packaging FC21 module is packaged in a vacuum-sealed bag which is ESD protected. The bag should not be opened until the devices are ready to be soldered onto the application. Figure 27: Tape Dimensions...

  • Page 51: Appendix A References

    Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Appendix A References Table 32: Related Documents Document Name Remark Quectel_UMTS&LTE_EVB_User_Guide UMTS&LTE EVB user guide Quectel_EC25_Reference_Design EC25 reference design Quectel_EC21_Reference_Design EC21 reference design Quectel_EC20_R2.1_Reference_Design EC20 R2.1 reference design Quectel_EG25-G_Reference_Design EC25-G reference design Quectel_EG21-G_Reference_Design EC21-G reference design...
  • Page 52 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design Input/Output IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Input Leakage Current Long Term Evolution Mbps Million Bits Per Second Modulation and Coding Scheme Minimum Order Quantity Manufacture Product Printed Circuit Board Quadrature Amplitude Modulation...
  • Page 53 WLAN Wireless Local Area Network Hereby, [Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.] declares that the radio equipment type [FC21] 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.
  • Page 54 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design 802.11ac HT20 5.05 802.11ac HT40 5.05 802.11ac HT80 5.05 802.11a 4.54 802.11n HT20 4.54 Wi-Fi 5G 802.11n HT40 4.54 U-NII-3 802.11ac HT20 4.54 802.11ac HT40 4.54 802.11ac HT80 4.54 Bluetooth 3.00 The use for 5GHz WLAN band is restricted to indoor use. This restriction will be applied to all Member States of European Union listed in the label.
  • Page 55 Wi-Fi&BT Module Series FC21 Hardware Design 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).

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