Quectel Wireless Solutions 201403GC10 User Manual

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

Rev. GC10_Hardware_Design_V2.0

Date: 2014-01-09

www.quectel.com

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

Our aim is to provide customers with timely and comprehensive service. For any assistance, please contact our company headquarters:

Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.

Room 501, Building 13, No.99, Tianzhou Road, Shanghai, China, 200233

Tel: +86 21 5108 6236

Mail: info@quectel.com

Or our local office, for more information, please visit:

http://www.quectel.com/support/salesupport.aspx

For technical support, to report documentation errors, please visit:

http://www.quectel.com/support/techsupport.aspx

GENERAL NOTES

QUECTEL OFFERS THIS 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. ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED HEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO

CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

COPYRIGHT

THIS INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS PROPRIETARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION OF

QUECTEL CO., LTD. TRANSMITTABLE, REPRODUCTION, DISSEMINATION AND EDITING OF THIS

DOCUMENT AS WELL AS UTILIZATION OF THIS CONTENTS ARE FORBIDDEN WITHOUT

PERMISSION. OFFENDERS WILL BE HELD LIABLE FOR PAYMENT OF DAMAGES. ALL RIGHTS ARE

RESERVED IN THE EVENT OF A PATENT GRANT OR REGISTRATION OF A UTILITY MODEL OR

DESIGN.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 1 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

About the Document

History

Revision Date Author Description

1.0 2013-12-09 King HAO Initial

GSM/GPRS Module Series

2.0 2014-01-09 King HAO

1. Updated Figure 2: Pin assignment.

2. Modified the mechanical dimensions and the

recommended footprint of the module in Chapter 6.

3. Updated SIM card detection function.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 2 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

Contents

About the Document ................................................................................................................................... 2

Contents ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Table Index ................................................................................................................................................... 5

Figure Index ................................................................................................................................................. 6

1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 8

1.1. Safety Information ................................................................................................................... 8

2 Product Concept ................................................................................................................................ 10

2.1. General Description ............................................................................................................... 10

2.2. Directives and Standards ...................................................................................................... 10

2.3. Key Features ......................................................................................................................... 11

2.4. Functional Diagram ............................................................................................................... 13

2.5. Evaluation Board ................................................................................................................... 14

3 Application Interface ......................................................................................................................... 15

3.1. Pin of Module ......................................................................................................................... 16

3.2. Operating Modes ................................................................................................................... 21

3.3. Power Supply ........................................................................................................................ 22

3.4. Power On and Down Scenarios ............................................................................................ 24

3.5. Power Saving Technology ..................................................................................................... 31

3.6. RTC Backup .......................................................................................................................... 32

3.7. Serial Interfaces ..................................................................................................................... 34

2.2.1. FCC Statement ............................................................................................................... 10

2.2.2. FCC Radiation Exposure Statement .............................................................................. 11

3.1.1. Pin Assignment .............................................................................................................. 16

3.1.2. Pin Description ............................................................................................................... 17

3.3.1. Power Features of Module ............................................................................................. 22

3.3.2. Decrease Supply Voltage Drop ...................................................................................... 22

3.3.3. Reference Design for Power Supply .............................................................................. 23

3.3.4. Monitor Power Supply .................................................................................................... 24

3.4.1. Power On ....................................................................................................................... 24

3.4.2. Power Down ................................................................................................................... 26

3.4.2.1. Power Down Module by the PWRKEY Pin ....................................................... 27

3.4.2.2. Power Down Module by AT Command ............................................................. 28

3.4.2.3. Over-voltage or Under-voltage Automatic Shutdown ........................................ 28

3.4.2.4. Emergency Shutdown by EMERG_OFF Pin .................................................... 29

3.4.3. Restart ............................................................................................................................ 30

3.5.1. Minimum Functionality Mode ......................................................................................... 31

3.5.2. Sleep Mode .................................................................................................................... 31

3.5.3. Wake Up Module from Sleep Mode ............................................................................... 32

3.5.4. Summary of State Transition .......................................................................................... 32

3.7.1. UART Port ...................................................................................................................... 36

3.7.1.1. The Features of UART Port ............................................................................... 36

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 3 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.7.1.2. The Connection of UART .................................................................................. 37

3.7.2. Debug and Upgrade Port ............................................................................................... 38

3.7.3. UART Application ........................................................................................................... 39

3.8. Audio Interfaces ..................................................................................................................... 41

3.8.1. Decrease TDD Noise and Other Noises ........................................................................ 42

3.8.2. Microphone Interfaces Design ....................................................................................... 43

3.8.3. Receiver Interface Design .............................................................................................. 44

3.8.4. Earphone Interface Design ............................................................................................ 46

3.8.5. Audio Characteristics ..................................................................................................... 46

3.9. SIM Card Interface ................................................................................................................ 47

3.9.1. SIM Card Application ...................................................................................................... 47

3.9.2. SIM Cassette .................................................................................................................. 49

3.10. PCM Interface ........................................................................................................................ 52

3.11. Behaviors of the RI ................................................................................................................ 52

3.12. Network Status Indication ...................................................................................................... 53

4 Antenna Interface ............................................................................................................................... 55

4.1. RF Reference Design ............................................................................................................ 55

4.2. RF Output Power ................................................................................................................... 56

4.3. RF Receiving Sensitivity ........................................................................................................ 56

4.4. Operating Frequencies .......................................................................................................... 57

4.5. RF Cable Soldering ............................................................................................................... 57

5 Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics ............................................................................ 58

5.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings................................................................................................... 58

5.2. Operating Temperature ......................................................................................................... 59

5.3. Power Supply Ratings ........................................................................................................... 59

5.4. Current Consumption ............................................................................................................ 60

5.5. Electro-static Discharge ........................................................................................................ 61

6 Mechanical Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 63

6.1. Mechanical Dimensions of Module ....................................................................................... 63

6.2. Recommended Footprint ....................................................................................................... 65

7 Storage and Manufacturing .............................................................................................................. 66

7.1. Storage .................................................................................................................................. 66

7.2. Soldering ............................................................................................................................... 67

7.3. Packaging .............................................................................................................................. 68

7.3.1. Tape and Reel Packaging .............................................................................................. 68

8 Appendix A Reference ....................................................................................................................... 70

9 Appendix B GPRS Coding Scheme ................................................................................................. 74

10 Appendix C GPRS Multi-slot Class .................................................................................................. 76

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 4 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Table Index

TABLE 1: MODULE KEY FEATURES ................................................................................................................ 11

TABLE 2: CODING SCHEMES AND MAXIMUM NET DATA RATES OVER AIR INTERFACE ........................ 13

TABLE 3: PIN DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................... 17

TABLE 4: OVERVIEW OF OPERATING MODES ............................................................................................. 21

TABLE 5: SUMMARY OF STATE TRANSITION ............................................................................................... 32

TABLE 6: LOGIC LEVELS OF THE UART INTERFACES ................................................................................ 35

TABLE 7: PIN DEFINITION OF THE UART INTERFACES .............................................................................. 35

TABLE 8: PIN DEFINITION OF AUDIO INTERFACE ....................................................................................... 41

TABLE 9: TYPICAL ELECTRET MICROPHONE CHARACTERISTICS ........................................................... 46

TABLE 10: TYPICAL AUDIO OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS .......................................................................... 46

TABLE 11: PIN DEFINITION OF THE SIM INTERFACE .................................................................................. 47

TABLE 12: PIN DESCRIPTION OF AMPHENOL SIM CARD HOLDER ........................................................... 50

TABLE 13: PIN DESCRIPTION OF MOLEX SIM CARD HOLDER .................................................................. 51

TABLE 14: BEHAVIOURS OF THE RI .............................................................................................................. 52

TABLE 15: WORKING STATE OF THE NETLIGHT .......................................................................................... 53

TABLE 16: PIN DEFINITION OF THE RF_ANT ................................................................................................ 55

TABLE 17: THE MODULE CONDUCTED RF OUTPUT POWER .................................................................... 56

TABLE 18: THE MODULE CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY ....................................................... 56

TABLE 19: THE MODULE OPERATING FREQUENCIES ................................................................................ 57

TABLE 20: ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS .................................................................................................. 58

TABLE 21: OPERATING TEMPERATURE ........................................................................................................ 59

TABLE 22: THE MODULE POWER SUPPLY RATINGS .................................................................................. 59

TABLE 23: THE MODULE CURRENT CONSUMPTION .................................................................................. 60

TABLE 24: THE ESD ENDURANCE (TEMPERATURE: 25℃, HUMIDITY: 45 %) ........................................... 62

TABLE 25: RELATED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................................ 70

TABLE 26: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................... 71

TABLE 27: DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT CODING SCHEMES .................................................................. 74

TABLE 28: GPRS MULTI-SLOT CLASSES ...................................................................................................... 76

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 5 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure Index

FIGURE 1: MODULE FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM ............................................................................................... 14

FIGURE 2: PIN ASSIGNMENT ......................................................................................................................... 16

FIGURE 3: VOLTAGE DROP DURING TRANSMITTING ................................................................................. 22

FIGURE 4: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR THE VBAT INPUT ........................................................................... 23

FIGURE 5: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR POWER SUPPLY ............................................................................ 24

FIGURE 6: REFERENCE DIAGRAM FOR SWITCHING POWER CONVERTER ........................................... 24

FIGURE 7: TURN ON THE MODULE WITH AN OC DRIVER .......................................................................... 25

FIGURE 8: TURN ON THE MODULE WITH A BUTTON .................................................................................. 25

FIGURE 9: TURN-ON TIMING .......................................................................................................................... 26

FIGURE 10: TURN-OFF TIMING ...................................................................................................................... 27

FIGURE 11: AN OC DRIVER FOR EMERG_OFF ............................................................................................ 29

FIGURE 12: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR EMERG_OFF BY BUTTON .......................................................... 29

FIGURE 13: TIMING OF RESTARTING SYSTEM ............................................................................................ 30

FIGURE 14: TIMING OF RESTARTING SYSTEM AFTER EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN ................................ 30

FIGURE 15: RTC SUPPLIED FROM A NON-CHARGEABLE BATTERY ......................................................... 33

FIGURE 16: RTC SUPPLIED FROM A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY ............................................................. 33

FIGURE 17: RTC SUPPLIED FROM A CAPACITOR ....................................................................................... 33

FIGURE 18: CHARGING CHARACTERISTICS OF SEIKO’S XH414H-IV01E ................................................ 34

FIGURE 19: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR FULL-FUNCTION UART ................................................................ 37

FIGURE 20: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR UART PORT ................................................................................... 38

FIGURE 21: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR UART PORT WITH HARDWARE FLOW CONTROL .................... 38

FIGURE 22: THE CONNECTION OF FIRMWARE DEBUGGING AND UPGRADE......................................... 39

FIGURE 23: LEVEL MATCH DESIGN FOR 3.3V SYSTEM .............................................................................. 39

FIGURE 24: LEVEL MATCH DESIGN FOR 5V SYSTEM ................................................................................. 40

FIGURE 25: LEVEL MATCH DESIGN FOR RS-232 ......................................................................................... 41

FIGURE 26: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR AIN1&AIN2 ..................................................................................... 43

FIGURE 27: REFERENCE RECEIVER INTERFACE DESIGN OF AOUT1 ..................................................... 44

FIGURE 28: SPEAKER INTERFACE WITH AMPLIFIER CONFIGURATION OF AOUT1................................ 44

FIGURE 29: REFERENCE RECEIVER INTERFACE DESIGN OF AOUT2 ..................................................... 45

FIGURE 30: SPEAKER INTERFACE WITH AMPLIFIER CONFIGURATION OF AOUT2................................ 45

FIGURE 31: EARPHONE INTERFACE DESIGN .............................................................................................. 46

FIGURE 32: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR 8-PIN SIM CARD HOLDER .......................................................... 48

FIGURE 33: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR 6-PIN SIM CARD HOLDER .......................................................... 49

FIGURE 34: AMPHENOL C707 10M006 512 2 SIM CARD HOLDER .............................................................. 50

FIGURE 35: MOLEX 91228 SIM CARD HOLDER ............................................................................................ 51

FIGURE 36: RI BEHAVIOUR OF VOICE CALLING AS A RECEIVER ............................................................. 52

FIGURE 37: RI BEHAVIOUR AS A CALLER ..................................................................................................... 53

FIGURE 38: RI BEHAVIOUR OF URC OR SMS RECEIVED ........................................................................... 53

FIGURE 39: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR NETLIGHT ..................................................................................... 54

FIGURE 40: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR RF .................................................................................................. 55

FIGURE 41: RF SOLDERING SAMPLE ........................................................................................................... 57

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 6 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

FIGURE 42: GC10 MODULE TOP AND SIDE DIMENSIONS (UNIT: MM) ....................................................... 63

FIGURE 43: GC10 MODULE BOTTOM DIMENSIONS (UNIT: MM) ................................................................ 64

FIGURE 44: RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT (UNIT: MM) ................................................................................ 65

FIGURE 48: RAMP-SOAK-SPIKE REFLOW PROFILE .................................................................................... 68

FIGURE 49: DIMENSIONS OF TAPE ............................................................................................................... 69

FIGURE 50: DIMENSIONS OF REEL ............................................................................................................... 69

FIGURE 51: RADIO BLOCK STRUCTURE OF CS-1, CS-2 AND CS-3 ........................................................... 74

FIGURE 52: RADIO BLOCK STRUCTURE OF CS-4 ....................................................................................... 75

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 7 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

1

This document defines the GC10 module and describes its hardware interface which are connected with

your application and the air interface.

This document can help you quickly understand module interface specifications, electrical and

mechanical details. Associated with application notes and user guide, you can use GC10 module to

design and set up mobile applications easily.

Introduction

1.1. Safety Information

The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of the operation, such as usage,

service or repair of any cellular terminal or mobile incorporating GC10 module. Manufacturers of the

cellular terminal should send the following safety information to users and operating personnel and to

incorporate these guidelines into all manuals supplied with the product. If not so, Quectel does not take on

any liability for your failure to comply with these precautions.

Full attention must be given to driving at all times in order to reduce the risk of an

accident. Using a mobie while driving (even with a handsfree kit) cause distraction

and can lead to an accident. You must comply with laws and regulations restrcting

the use of wireless devices while driving.

Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile before boarding an aircraft. Make sure it

switched off. The operation of wireless appliances in an aircraft is forbidden to

prevent interference with communication systems. Consult the airline staff about

the use of wireless devices on boarding the aircraft. If your device offers a Flight

Mode which must be enabled prior to boarding an aircraft.

Switch off your wireless device when in hospitals or clinics or other health care

facilities. These requests are desinged to prevent possible interference with

sentitive medical equipment.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 8 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM cellular terminals or mobiles operate over radio frequency signal and cellular

network and cannot be guaranteed to connect in all conditions, for example no

mobile fee or an invalid SIM card. While you are in this condition and need

emergent help, please remember using emergency call. In order to make or

receive call, the cellular terminal or mobile must be switched on and in a service

area with adequate cellular signal strength.

Your cellular terminal or mobile contains a transmitter and receiver. When it is ON ,

it receives and transmits radio frequency energy. RF interference can occur if it is

used close to TV set, radio, computer or other electric equipment.

In locations with potencially explosive atmospheres, obey all posted signs to turn

off wireless devices such as your phone or other cellular terminals. Areas with

potencially exposive atmospheres including fuelling 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.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 9 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

2

Product Concept

2.1. General Description

GC10 is a Quad-band GSM/GPRS engine that works at frequencies of GSM850MHz, GSM900MHz,

DCS1800MHz and PCS1900MHz. The GC10 features GPRS multi-slot class 10 and supports the GPRS

coding schemes CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4. For more details about GPRS multi-slot classes and coding

schemes, please refer to the Appendix B&C.

With a tiny profile of 19mm×16.9mm×2.35mm, the module can meet almost all the requirements for M2M

applications, including Vehicles and Personal Tracking, Security System, Wireless POS, Industrial PDA,

Smart Metering, and Remote Maintenance & Control, etc.

GC10 is an SMD type module, which can be easily embedded into applications through its 44-pin pads. It

provides abundant hardware interfaces like Audio and UART Interface.

Designed with power saving technique, the current consumption of GC10 is as low as 1.3mA in sleep

mode when DRX is 5.

GC10 is integrated with Internet service protocols, such as TCP/UDP, HTTP and PPP. Extended AT

commands have been developed for you to use these Internet service protocols easily.

The module fully complies with the RoHS directive of the European Union.

2.2. Directives and Standards

The GC10 module is designed to comply with the FCC statements. FCC ID: XMR201403GC10

The Host system using GC10, should have label indicated FCC ID: XMR201403GC10.

2.2.1. FCC Statement

1. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:

a) This device may not cause harmful interference.

b) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 10 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

operation.

2. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could

void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

2.2.2. FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator and

your body as well as kept minimum 20cm from radio antenna depending on the Mobile status of this

module usage. This module should NOT be installed and operating simultaneously with other radio.

The manual of the host system, which uses GC10, must include RF exposure warning statement to

advice user should keep minimum 20cm from the radio antenna of GC10 module depending on the

Mobile status.

Note: If a portable device (such as PDA) uses GC10 module, the device needs to do permissive change

and SAR testing.

The following list of antenna is indicating the maximum permissible antenna gain.

Part Number

3R007A

Frequency

Range (MHz)

PCS1900:1850~1990

GSM850:824-894

Peak Gain

(XZ-V)

Average Gain

(XZ-V)

VSWR Impedance

1 dBi typ. 1 dBi typ. 3 max 50Ω

2.3. Key Features

The following table describes the detailed features of GC10 module.

Table 1: Module Key Features

Feature Implementation

Power Supply

Power Saving

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 11 / 76

Single supply voltage: 3.3V~4.6V

Typical supply voltage: 4.0V

Typical power consumption in sleep mode: 1.3 mA@ DRX=5

1.1 mA@ DRX=9

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

 Quad-band: GSM850/GSM900/DCS1800/PCS1900

Frequency Bands

 The module can search these frequency bands automatically

 Compliant to GSM Phase 2/2+

Transmitting Power

GPRS Connectivity

 Class 4 (2W) at GSM850/GSM900

 Class 1 (1W) at DCS1800/PCS1900

 GPRS multi-slot class 10

 GPRS mobile station class B

 Normal operation: -35°C~ +80°C

Temperature Range

 Restricted operation: -40°C ~ -35°C and +80°C ~ +85°C 1)

 Storage temperature: -45°C ~ +90°C

 GPRS data downlink transfer: max. 85.6kbps

 GPRS data uplink transfer: max. 42.8kbps

DATA GPRS

 Coding scheme: CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4

 Internet service protocols TCP/UDP, PPP, HTTP

 Support Packet Broadcast Control Channel (PBCCH)

USSD Support Unstructured Supplementary Service Data

SMS

 MT/MO, Text and PDU mode

 SMS storage: SIM card

SIM Interface Support SIM card: 1.8V/3.0V

Speech codec modes:

 Half Rate (ETS 06.20)

 Full Rate (ETS 06.10)

Audio Features

 Enhanced Full Rate (ETS 06.50/06.60/06.80)

 Echo Suppression

 Echo Cancellation

 Noise Reduction

UART Port:

 Seven lines on UART port interface

 Used for AT command, GPRS data

 Support fixed baud rate from 2400bps to 460800bps

UART Interfaces

 Support autobauding from 4800bps to 115200bps

Debug Port:

 Two lines on debug port interface DBG_TXD and DBG_RXD

 Used for firmware debugging and log output

 Used for firmware upgrade

 The baud rate is fixed at 921600bps

Phonebook Management Support phonebook types: SM/ON/FD/LD

SIM Application Toolkit Support SAT class 3, GSM 11.14 Release 99

Real Time Clock Supported

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 12 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Physical Characteristics

Size: 19±0.15×16.9±0.15×2.35±0.2mm

Weight: Approx.1.3g

Firmware Upgrade Firmware upgrade via debug port

Antenna Interface Connected to antenna pad with 50 Ohm impedance control

NOTE

When the module works within this temperature range, the deviations from the GSM specification may

occur. For example, the frequency error or the phase error will be increased.

Table 2: Coding Schemes and Maximum Net Data Rates over Air Interface

Coding Scheme 1 Timeslot 2 Timeslot 4 Timeslot

CS-1 9.05kbps 18.1kbps 36.2kbps

CS-2 13.4kbps 26.8kbps 53.6kbps

CS-3 15.6kbps 31.2kbps 62.4kbps

CS-4 21.4kbps 42.8kbps 85.6kbps

2.4. Functional Diagram

The following figure shows a block diagram of GC10 and illustrates the major functional parts.

 Radio frequency part

 Power management

 Memory

 The peripheral interface

—Power supply

—Turn-on/off interface

—UART interfaces

—Audio interfaces

—SIM interface

—PCM interface

—RTC interface

—RF interface

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 13 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 1: Module Functional Diagram

2.5. Evaluation Board

In order to help you to develop applications with GC10, Quectel supplies an evaluation board (EVB) with

RS-232 to USB cable, power adapter, antenna, firmware upgrade cable (UART to USB cable) and other

peripherals to control or test the module. For details, please refer to the document [11].

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 14 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

3

The module adopts 44-pin pads with LCC package. The following chapters provide detailed descriptions

about these pins below.

 Power supply (Please refer to chapter 3.3)

 Power on/down (Please refer to chapter 3.4)

 Power saving technology (Please refer to chapter 3.5)

 RTC (Please refer to chapter 3.6)

 Serial interfaces (Please refer to chapter 3.7)

 Audio interfaces (Please refer to chapter 3.8)

 SIM interface (Please refer to chapter 3.9)

 PCM interface (Please refer to chapter 3.10)

Application Interface

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 15 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.1. Pin of Module

3.1.1. Pin Assignment

Figure 2: Pin Assignment

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 16 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.1.2. Pin Description

Table 3: Pin Description

Power Supply

Pin Name

NO.

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

VBAT 33,34 I

VRTC 13 I/O

VDD_EXT 29 O

Main power supply of

module:

VBAT=3.3V~4.6V

Power supply for RTC

when VBAT is not

supplied for the system.

Charging for backup

battery or golden

capacitor when the VBAT

is applied.

Supply 3.0V voltage for

external circuit.

Vmax= 4.6V

Vmin=3.3V

Vnorm=4.0V

VImax=3.3V

VImin=2.0V

VInorm=2.8V

VOmax=2.9V

VOmin=2.7V

VOnorm=2.8V

Iout(max)=1.35mA

Iin=70uA

Vmax=3.1V

Vmin=2.9V

Vnorm=3.0V

Imax=20mA

Make sure that supply

sufficient current in a

transmitting burst

typically rises to 1.6A.

Recommended to be

connected to a backup

battery or a golden

capacitor. If unused,

keep this pin open.

Recommend to add a

2.2 or 4.7uF bypass

capacitor, when using

this pin for power

supply. If unused,

keep this pin open.

GND

Turn on/off

Pin Name

PWRKEY 5 I

Emergency Shutdown

Pin Name

32,35,

36,37,

39

NO.

Ground

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

Power on/off key.

PWRKEY should be

pulled down for a

moment to turn on or

VILmax=2.0V

VIHmin=2.3V

VImax=3.3V

Recommend to add an

OC driver circuit to

control this pin.

turn off the system.

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 17 / 76

VOHmax=

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Emergency off. Pulled

EMERG_

OFF

40 I

down for at least 10ms,

which will turn off the

module in case of

emergency. Use it only

when shutdown via

PWRKEY or AT

command cannot be

VILmax=

0.3×VDD_EXT

VIHmin=

0.7×VDD_EXT

Pulled up to VDD_EXT

internally. OC/OD

driver required in

cellular device

application. If unused,

keep this pin open.

achieved.

Module Indicator

Pin Name

NO.

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

NETLIGHT 14 O Network status indication

Audio Interfaces

Pin Name

MIC1P

MIC1N

SPK1P

SPK1N

NO.

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

19,20 I

21,22 O

Channel 1 positive and

negative voice input

Channel 1 positive and

negative voice output

VOLmin=0V

VOLmax=

0.3×VDD_EXT

VOHmin=

0.7×VDD_EXT

VDD_EXT

If unused, keep this

pin open.

Main audio channel.

Recommended to add

ESD protection

components at the

MIC1P/N lines. If

unused, keep these

pins open.

MIC2P

MIC2N

17,18 I

SPK2P 16 O

AGND 15 Audio analog ground.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 18 / 76

Channel 2 positive and

negative voice input

Channel 2 single-ended

voice output

For Audio DC

characteristics refer

to Chapter 3.9.

Auxiliary audio

channel.

Recommended to add

ESD protection

components at the

MIC2P/N lines. If

unused, keep these

pins open.

Separate ground

connection for external

audio circuits.

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

UART Port

Pin Name

NO.

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

RI 6 O Ring indication

DTR 7

I

Data terminal ready

DCD 8 O Data carrier detection

TXD 9 O Transmit data

RXD 10 I Receive data

RTS 11 I Request to send

CTS 12 O Clear to send

Debug Port

Pin Name

NO.

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

VILmin=0V

VILmax=

0.3×VDD_EXT

VIHmin=

0.7×VDD_EXT

VIHmax=

VDD_EXT

VOLmin=0V

VOLmax=

0.3×VDD_EXT

VOHmin=

0.7×VDD_EXT

VOHmax=

VDD_EXT

If only use TXD, RXD

and GND to

communicate,

recommended

connecting RTS to

GND via a 0R resistor

and keeping other pins

open.

DBG_TXD 31 O

DBG_RXD 30 I

SIM Interface

Pin Name

SIM_VDD 23 O

NO.

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

Used for firmware

debugging and upgrade.

The baud rate is fixed at

921600bps.

Power supply for SIM

card

VILmin=0V

VILmax=

0.3×VDD_EXT

VIHmin=

0.7×VDD_EXT

VIHmax=

VDD_EXT

VOLmin=0V

VOLmax=

0.3×VDD_EXT

VOHmin=

0.7×VDD_EXT

VOHmax=

VDD_EXT

The voltage can be

selected by software

automatically. Either

1.8V or 3V.

If unused, keep these

pins open.

All signals of SIM

interface should be

protected against ESD

with a TVS diode

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 19 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

SIM_RST 24 O SIM reset

SIM_ DATA 25 I/O SIM data

SIM_CLK 26 O SIM clock

SIM_GND 27 SIM ground

VILmin=0V

VILmax=

SIM_

PRESENCE

28

I

SIM card detection

0.3×VDD_EXT

VIHmin=

0.7×VDD_EXT

VIHmax=

VDD_EXT

PCM Interface

Pin Name

NO.

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

VILmin=0V

PCM_ IN 1 I PCM data input

VILmax=

0.3×VDD_EXT

VIHmin=

0.7×VDD_EXT

VIHmax=

VDD_EXT

PCM_SYNC 2

PCM frame

O

synchronization

VOLmin=0V

PCM_ OUT 3 O PCM data output

VOLmax=

0.3×VDD_EXT

VOHmin=

0.7×VDD_EXT

PCM_ CLK 4 O PCM clock

VOHmax=

VDD_EXT

array. Maximum trace

length is 100mm from

the module pad to SIM

card holder.

SIM_PRESENCE

must be pulled up by

an external resistor

when SIM card

detection function is

used.

PCM function is not

supported at present.

If unused, keep these

pins open.

RF Interface

Pin Name

RF_ANT 38 I/O RF antenna pad Impedance of 50Ω

NO.

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

Please refer to

Chapter 4

Other Interface

Pin Name

RESERVED

NO.

41,42,

43,44

I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

Please keep these

pins open.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 20 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.2. Operating Modes

The table below briefly summarizes the various operating modes in the following chapters.

Table 4: Overview of Operating Modes

Mode Function

The module will automatically go into sleep mode if DTR is

set to high level and there is no interrupt (such as GPIO

GSM/GPRS

Sleep

GSM Idle

interrupt or data on UART port). In this case, the current

consumption of module will reduce to the minimal level.

During sleep mode, the module can still receive paging

message and SMS from the system normally.

Software is active. The module has registered to the GSM

network, and the module is ready to send and receive

GSM data.

Normal Operation

Mode

Power Down Mode

GSM connection is ongoing. In this mode, the power

GSM Talk

consumption is decided by the configuration of Power

Control Level (PCL), dynamic DTX control and the working

RF band.

GPRS Idle

The module is not registered to GPRS network. The

module is not reachable through GPRS channel.

The module is registered to GPRS network, but no GPRS

GPRS Standby

PDP context is active. The SGSN knows the Routing Area

where the module is located at.

The PDP context is active, but no data transfer is ongoing.

GPRS Ready

The module is ready to receive or send GPRS data. The

SGSN knows the cell where the module is located at.

There is GPRS data in transfer. In this mode, power

GPRS Data

consumption is decided by the PCL, working RF band and

GPRS multi-slot configuration.

Normal shutdown by sending the “AT+QPOWD=1” command, using the

PWRKEY or the EMERG_OFF1) pin. The power management ASIC

disconnects the power supply from the base band part of the module, and

only the power supply for the RTC is remained. Software is not active. The

UART interfaces are not accessible. Operating voltage (connected to VBAT)

remains applied.

“AT+CFUN” command can set the module to a minimum functionality mode

Minimum Functionality

Mode

without removing the power supply. In this case, the RF part of the module

will not work or the SIM card will not be accessible, or both RF part and SIM

card will be disabled, but the UART port is still accessible. The power

consumption in this case will be reduced.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 21 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

NOTE

Use the EMERG_OFF pin only when failing to turn off the module by the command “AT+QPOWD=1” and

the PWRKEY pin. For more details, please refer to Section 3.4.2.4.

3.3. Power Supply

3.3.1. Power Features of Module

The power supply is one of the key issues in designing GSM terminals. Because of the 577us radio burst

in GSM every 4.615 ms, power supply must be able to deliver high current peaks in a burst period. During

these peaks, drops on the supply voltage must not exceed minimum working voltage of module.

For GC10 module, the max current consumption could reach to 1.6A during a transmit burst. It will cause

a large voltage drop on the VBAT. In order to ensure stable operation of the module, it is recommended

that the max voltage drop during the transmit burst does not exceed 400mV.

Figure 3: Voltage Drop during Transmitting

3.3.2. Decrease Supply Voltage Drop

The power supply range of the module is 3.3V to 4.6V. Make sure that the input voltage will never drop

below 3.3V even in a transmitting burst. If the power voltage drops below 3.3V, the module could turn off

automatically. For better power performance, it is recommended to place a 1000uF tantalum capacitor

with low ESR and ceramic capacitor 100nF, 47pF and 10pF near the VBAT pin. The reference circuit is

illustrated in Figure 4.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 22 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

The VBAT route should be wide enough to ensure that there is not too much voltage drop during transmit

burst. The width of trace should be no less than 2mm and the principle of the VBAT route is the longer

route, the wider trace.

Figure 4: Reference Circuit for the VBAT Input

3.3.3. Reference Design for Power Supply

The power design for the module is very important, since the performance of power supply for the module

largely depends on the power source. The power supply is capable of providing the sufficient current to

2A at least. If the voltage drop between the input and output is not too high, it is suggested to use a LDO

as module’s power supply. If there is a big voltage difference between the input source and the desired

output (VBAT), a switching power converter is recommended to be used as a power supply.

Figure 5 shows a reference design for +5V input power source. The designed output for the power supply

is 4.16V and the maximum load current is 3A. In addition, in order to get a stable output voltage, a zener

diode is placed close to the pins of VBAT. As to the zener diode, it is suggested to use a zener diode

whose reverse zener voltage is 5.1V and dissipation power is more than 1 Watt.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 23 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 5: Reference Circuit for Power Supply

If a switching power converter is used, please follow the diagram to design the circuit, it is beneficial to

maintain stable power supply for the module.

Figure 6: Reference Diagram for Switching Power Converter

3.3.4. Monitor Power Supply

To monitor the supply voltage, you can use the “AT+CBC” command which includes three parameters:

charging status, remaining battery capacity and voltage value (in mV). It returns the 0-100 percent of

battery capacity and actual value measured between VBAT and GND. The voltage is automatically

measured in period of 5s. The displayed voltage (in mV) is averaged over the last measuring period

before the “AT+CBC” command is executed.

For details, please refer to document [1].

3.4. Power On and Down Scenarios

3.4.1. Power On

The module can be turned on by driving the pin PWRKEY to a low level voltage, after booting successfully,

PWRKEY pin can be released. You may monitor the status of the NETLIGHT pin to judge whether the

module is power-on or not. When NETLIGHT pin outputs a signal with certain frequency, it indicates the

module is turned on successfully. The NETLIGHT pin will keep in low level all the time after the module is

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 24 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

turned off. An OC driver circuit is suggested to control the PWRKEY. A simple reference circuit is

illustrated as below:

Figure 7: Turn On the Module with an OC Driver

NOTE

GC10 module is set to autobauding mode (AT+IPR=0) by default. In the autobauding mode, URC “RDY”

is not reported to the host controller after module is powered on. When the module receives AT command,

it will be powered on after a delay of 5~6 seconds. Host controller should first send the “AT” string in order

that the module can detect baud rate of host controller, and it will continuously send 1~5 “AT” string until

receiving “OK” string from the module. Then enter “AT+IPR=x;&W” to set a fixed baud rate for the module

and save the configuration to flash memory of the module. After these configurations, the URC “RDY”

would be received from the UART port of the module every time when the module is powered on. For

more details, refer to the section “AT+IPR” in document [1].

The other way to control the PWRKEY is through a button directly. A TVS component is indispensable to

be placed nearby the button for ESD protection. For the best performance, the TVS component must be

placed nearby the button. When pressing the key, electrostatic strike may generate from finger. A

reference circuit is shown in the following figure:

Figure 8: Turn On the Module with a Button

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 25 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

The turn-on timing is illustrated as the following figure:

T

1

VBAT

EMERG_OFF

(INPUT)

PWRKEY

(INPUT)

>10ms

VDD_EXT

(OUTPUT)

>1s

VIL< 2.0V

V

> 2.3V

IH

NETLIGHT

(OUTPUT)

MODULE

STATUS

OFF

>910ms

BOOTING

RUNNING

Figure 9: Turn-on Timing

NOTES

1. Make sure that VBAT is stable before pulling down PWRKEY pin. At least 30ms for T1 is

recommended.

2.

EMERG_OFF should be floated when it is unused.

You can monitor the status of the NETLIGHT pin to judge whether the module is power-on. After the

NETLIGHT pin goes to pulse, PWRKEY can be released. If the NETLIGHT pin is ignored, pull the

PWRKEY pin to low level for more than 2 seconds to turn on the module.

3.4.2. Power Down

The following procedures can be used to turn off the module:

 Normal power down procedure: Turn off module by the PWRKEY pin.

 Normal power down procedure: Turn off module by command “AT+QPOWD”.

 Over-voltage or under-voltage automatic shutdown: Take effect when over-voltage or under-voltage

is detected.

 Emergent power down procedure: Turn off module by the EMERG_OFF pin.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 26 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

After power down, no further AT commands can be executed, only the RTC is still active. The power

down mode can be indicated by the VDD_EXT pin (the NETLIGHT pin can also be used.), which is a low

level voltage in this mode.

3.4.2.1. Power Down Module by the PWRKEY Pin

It is a safe way to turn off the module by driving the PWRKEY to a low level voltage for a certain time. The

power down scenario is illustrated in Figure 10:

Figure 10: Turn-off Timing

The power down procedure causes the module to log off from the network and allows the firmware to

save important data before completely disconnecting the power supply.

Before the completion of the power down procedure, the module sends the result code, shown as below:

NORMAL POWER DOWN

NOTE

When autobauding is active and DTE&DCE are not correctly synchronized after start-up, this result code

will not appear. It is recommended to set a fixed baud rate for the module.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 27 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.4.2.2. Power Down Module by AT Command

It is also a safe way to turn off the module via AT command “AT+QPOWD=1”. This command will let the

module log off from the network and allow the firmware to save important data before completely

disconnecting the power supply.

Before the completion of the power down procedure, the module sends the result code, shown as below:

NORMAL POWER DOWN

Please refer to the document [1] for details about the AT command “AT+QPOWD”.

3.4.2.3. Over-voltage or Under-voltage Automatic Shutdown

The module will constantly monitor the voltage applied on the VBAT, if the voltage is≤3.5V, the following

URC will be presented:

UNDER_VOLTAGE WARNING

If the voltage is≥4.5V, the following URC will be presented:

OVER_VOLTAGE WARNING

The normal input voltage range is from 3.3V to 4.6V. If the voltage is >4.6V or <3.3V, the module would

automatically shut down itself.

If the voltage is <3.3V, the following URC will be presented:

UNDER_VOLTAGE POWER DOWN

If the voltage is >4.6V, the following URC will be presented:

OVER_VOLTAGE POWER DOWN

NOTE

When autobauding is active and DTE&DCE are not correctly synchronized after start-up, this result code

will not appear. It is recommended to set a fixed baud rate for the module.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 28 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.4.2.4. Emergency Shutdown by EMERG_OFF Pin

The module can be shut down by driving the pin EMERG_OFF to a low level voltage over 10ms and then

releasing it. The EMERG_OFF line can be driven by an OC/OD driver or a button. The circuit is illustrated

as the following figures:

Figure 11: An OC Driver for EMERG_OFF

S2

EMERG_OFF

TVS2

Close to S2

Figure 12: Reference Circuit for EMERG_OFF by Button

Be cautious to use the pin EMERG_OFF. It should only be used under emergent situation. For instance, if

the module is unresponsive or abnormal, the pin EMERG_OFF could be used to shut down the system.

Although turning off the module by EMERG_OFF is fully tested and no error is detected, this operation is

still a big risk as it could cause to destroy the code or data area of the flash memory in the module.

Therefore, it is recommended that PWRKEY or AT command should always be the preferential way to

turn off the system.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 29 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.4.3. Restart

You can restart the module by driving the PWRKEY to a low level voltage for a certain time, which is

similar to the way of turning on module. Before restarting the module, at least 500ms should be delayed

after detecting the low level of VDD_EXT. The restart timing is illustrated as the following figure:

Figure 13: Timing of Restarting System

The module can also be restarted by the PWRKEY after emergency shutdown.

Figure 14: Timing of Restarting System after Emergency Shutdown

NOTE

Before pulling down the EMERG_OFF pin, please ensure that the PWRKEY pin has been released.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 30 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.5. Power Saving Technology

Based on system requirements, there are several actions to drive the module to enter into low current

consumption state. For example, “AT+CFUN” can be used to set module into minimum functionality mode

and DTR hardware interface signal can be used to lead system to sleep mode.

3.5.1. Minimum Functionality Mode

Minimum functionality mode reduces the functionality of the module to a minimum level. The consumption

of the current can be minimized when the slow clocking mode is activated at the same time. The mode is

set with the “AT+CFUN” command which provides the choice of the functionality levels <fun>=0,1,4.

 0: Minimum functionality.

 1: Full functionality (default).

 4: Disable both transmitting and receiving of RF part.

If the module is set to minimum functionality by “AT+CFUN=0”, the RF function and SIM card function

would be disabled. In this case, the UART port is still accessible, but all AT commands related with RF

function or SIM card function will not be available.

If the module has been set by the command with “AT+CFUN=4”, the RF function will be disabled, but the

UART port is still active. In this case, all AT commands related with RF function will not be available.

After the module is set by “AT+CFUN=0” or “AT+CFUN=4”, it can return to full functionality by

“AT+CFUN=1”.

For detailed information about “AT+CFUN”, please refer to the document [1].

3.5.2. Sleep Mode

The sleep mode is disabled by default. You can enable it by “AT+QSCLK=1”. On the other hand, the

default setting is “AT+QSCLK=0” and in this mode, the module cannot enter into sleep mode.

When the module is set by the command “AT+QSCLK=1”, you can control the module to enter into or exit

from the sleep mode through pin DTR. When DTR is set to high level, and there is no on-air or hardware

interrupt such as GPIO interrupt or data on UART port, the module will enter into sleep mode

automatically. In this mode, the module can still receive voice, SMS or GPRS paging from network, but

the UART port does not work.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 31 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.5.3. Wake Up Module from Sleep Mode

When the module is in the sleep mode, the following methods can wake up the module:

 If the DTR pin is set to low level, it would wake up the module from the sleep mode.

 Receive a voice or GPRS data from network to wake up module.

 Receive an SMS from network to wake up module.

NOTE

DTR pin should be kept in low level during communication between the module and DTE.

3.5.4. Summary of State Transition

Table 5: Summary of State Transition

Next Mode

Current Mode

Power Down Normal Mode Sleep Mode

Power Down Use PWRKEY

Use AT command

“AT+QSCLK=1” and pull up

DTR

Normal Mode

Sleep Mode

AT+QPOWD, use PWRKEY

pin, or use EMERG_OFF pin

Use PWRKEY pin, or use

EMERG_OFF pin

Pull down DTR or

incoming voice call or

SMS or GPRS data

3.6. RTC Backup

The RTC (Real Time Clock) can be supplied by an external capacitor or battery (rechargeable or

non-chargeable) through the pin VRTC. A 2.2K resistor has been integrated in the module for current

limiting. A coin-cell battery or a super-cap can be used to backup power supply for RTC.

The following figures show various sample circuits for RTC backup.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 32 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 15: RTC Supplied from a Non-chargeable Battery

Figure 16: RTC Supplied from a Rechargeable Battery

Figure 17: RTC Supplied from a Capacitor

The following figure shows the charging characteristics of a coin-type rechargeable battery

XH414H-IV01E from Seiko.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 33 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 18: Charging Characteristics of Seiko’s XH414H-IV01E

3.7. Serial Interfaces

The module provides two universal asynchronous serial ports: UART port and debug port. The module is

designed as a DCE (Data Communication Equipment), following the traditional DCE-DTE (Data Terminal

Equipment) connection. Autobauding function supports baud rate from 4800bps to 115200bps.

The UART port:

 TXD: Send data to RXD of DTE.

 RXD: Receive data from TXD of DTE.

 RTS: Request to send.

 CTS: Clear to send.

 DTR: DTE is ready and inform DCE (this pin can wake the module up).

 RI: Ring indicator (when the call, SMS, data of the module are coming, the module will output signal

to inform DTE).

 DCD: Data carrier detection (the validity of this pin demonstrates the communication link is set up).

NOTE

The module disables hardware flow control by default. When hardware flow control is required, RTS and

CTS should be connected to the host. AT command “AT+IFC=2,2” is used to enable hardware flow

control. AT command “AT+IFC=0,0” is used to disable the hardware flow control. For more details, please

refer to the document [1].

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 34 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

The Debug port:

 DBG_TXD: Send data to the COM port of computer.

 DBG_RXD: Receive data from the COM port of computer.

The logic levels are described in the following table:

Table 6: Logic Levels of the UART Interfaces

Parameter Min. Max. Unit

VIL 0 0.3×VDD_EXT V

VIH 0.7×VDD_EXT VDD_EXT V

VOL 0 0.3×VDD_EXT V

VOH 0.7×VDD_EXT VDD_EXT V

Table 7: Pin Definition of the UART Interfaces

Interfaces Pin Name Pin NO. Description

TXD 9 Transmit data

RXD 10 Receive data

RTS 11 Request to send

UART Port

CTS 12 Clear to send

DTR 7 Data terminal ready

DCD 8 Data carrier detection

RI 6 Ring indication

DBG_TXD 31 Transmit data

Debug Port

DBG_RXD 30 Receive data

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 35 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.7.1. UART Port

3.7.1.1. The Features of UART Port

 Seven lines on UART interface.

 Contain data lines as TXD and RXD, hardware flow control lines as RTS and CTS, other control lines

as DTR, DCD and RI.

 Used for AT command, GPRS data, etc.

 Support the following communication baud rates: 2400, 4800, 9600, 14400, 19200, 28800, 38400,

57600, 115200, 230400 and 460800bps.

 The default setting is autobauding mode. Support the following baud rates for autobauding function:

4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 and 115200bps.

 The module disables hardware flow control by default. AT command “AT+IFC=2,2” is used to enable

hardware flow control.

After setting a fixed baud rate or autobauding, please send “AT” string at that rate. The UART port is

ready when it responds “OK”.

Autobauding allows the module to detect the baud rate by receiving the string “AT” from the host or PC

automatically, which gives module flexibility without considering which baud rate is used by the host

controller. Autobauding is enabled by default. To take advantage of the autobauding mode, special

attention should be paid according to the following requirements:

1. Synchronization between DTE and DCE

When DCE (the module) powers on with the autobauding enabled, it is recommended to wait 5~6

seconds before sending the first “AT” characters. After receiving the “OK” response, DTE and DCE are

correctly synchronized.

If the host controller needs URC in the mode of autobauding, it must be synchronized firstly. Otherwise

the URC will be discarded.

2. Restrictions on autobauding operation

 The UART port has to be operated at 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit (factory setting).

 The Unsolicited Result Codes like “RDY”, “+CFUN: 1” and “+CPIN: READY” will not be indicated

when the module is turned on with autobauding enabled and not be synchronized.

 Any other unsolicited result codes will be sent at the previous baud rate before the module detects

the new baud rate by receiving the “AT” string. The DTE may receive unknown characters after

switching to new baud rate.

 It is not recommended to switch to autobauding from a fixed baud rate.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 36 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

NOTE

To ensure reliable communication and avoid any problems caused by undetermined baud rate between

DCE and DTE, it is strongly recommended to configure a fixed baud rate and save it instead of using

autobauding after start-up. For more details, please refer to the section “AT+IPR” in document [1].

3.7.1.2. The Connection of UART

The connection between module and host by UART port is very flexible. Three connection styles are

illustrated as below.

Reference design for Full-Function UART connection is shown as below when it is applied in

modulation-demodulation.

Figure 19: Reference Design for Full-Function UART

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 37 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Three-line connection is shown as below:

Figure 20: Reference Design for UART Port

UART port with hardware flow control is shown as below. This connection will enhance the reliability of the

mass data communication.

Figure 21: Reference Design for UART Port with Hardware Flow Control

3.7.2. Debug and Upgrade Port

Debug port:

 Two lines: DBG_TXD and DBG_RXD

 Debug port is used for firmware debugging and upgrading, its baud rate must be configured as

921600bps.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 38 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 22: The Connection of Firmware Debugging and Upgrade

NOTE

Because the debug port uses a high baud rate 921600bps configuration, when connecting a PC for

debugging and upgrading, the UART to USB mode is recommended. The test points for debug UART is

recommended to be reserved, for detailed design, please refer to the document [12].

3.7.3. UART Application

VDD_EXT is the reference voltage level for UART of GC10, the 1K resistors is recommended to be added

on the UART lines, the reference circuit is shown as below. This circuit is also applicable in 2.8V or 3.0V

systems.

Figure 23: Level Match Design for 3.3V System

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 39 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

The reference design for 5V level match is shown as below. The connection of dotted line can be referred

to the connection of solid line. Please pay attention to the direction of signal. Input dotted line of module

should be referred to input solid line of the module. Output dotted line of module should be referred to

output solid line of the module.

As to the circuit below, VDD_EXT supplies power for the I/O of module, while VCC_MCU supplies power

for the I/O of the peripheral.

Figure 24: Level Match Design for 5V System

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 40 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

The following circuit shows a reference design for the communication between module and PC. A RS232

level shifter IC or circuit must be inserted between module and PC, since the UART port does not support

the RS232 level, but the CMOS level only.

Figure 25: Level Match Design for RS-232

NOTE

For three-line UART port, the UART to USB mode can also be used.

3.8. Audio Interfaces

The module provides two analogy audio input channels and two analogy audio output channels.

Table 8: Pin Definition of Audio Interface

Interfaces Pin Name Pin NO. Description

MIC1P 20 Channel 1 microphone positive input

AIN1/AOUT1

MIC1N 19 Channel 1 microphone negative input

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 41 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

SPK1P 22 Channel 1 audio positive output

SPK1N 21 Channel 1 audio negative output

MIC2P 18 Channel 2 microphone positive input

MIC2N 17 Channel 2 microphone negative input

AIN2/AOUT2

SPK2P 16 Channel 2 audio single-ended output

AGND 15 Form a pseudo-differential pair with SPK2P

AIN1 and AIN2 can be used for input of microphone. An electret microphone is usually used. AIN1 and

AIN2 are both differential input channels.

AOUT1 is used for output of the receiver. This channel is typically used for a receiver built into a handset.

AOUT1 channel is a differential channel. If it is used as a speaker, an amplifier should be employed.

AOUT2 is used for output of earphone, which can be used as a single-ended channel. SPK2P and AGND

can establish a pseudo differential mode.

All of these two audio channels support voice and ringtone output, and so on, and can be switched by

“AT+QAUDCH” command. For more details, please refer to the document [1].

Use AT command “AT+QAUDCH” to select audio channel:

 0--AIN1/AOUT1 (main audio channel), the default value is 0.

 1--AIN2/AOUT2 (auxiliary audio channel), this channel is used for earphone.

For each channel, you can use AT+QMIC to adjust the input gain level of microphone. You can also use

“AT+CLVL” to adjust the output gain level of receiver. “AT+QSIDET” is used to set the side-tone gain level.

For more details, please refer to the document [1].

3.8.1. Decrease TDD Noise and Other Noises

The 47pF capacitor is applied for filtering out 900MHz RF interference when the module is transmitting at

GSM900MHz. Without placing this capacitor, TDD noise could be heard. Moreover, the 10pF capacitor

here is for filtering out 1800MHz RF interference. However, the resonant frequency point of a capacitor

largely depends on the material and production technique. Therefore, you would have to discuss with its

capacitor vendor to choose the most suitable capacitor for filtering out GSM850MHz, GSM900MHz,

DCS1800MHz and PCS1900MHz separately.

The severity degree of the RF interference in the voice channel during GSM transmitting period largely

depends on the application design. In some cases, GSM900 TDD noise is more severe; while in other

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 42 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

cases, DCS1800 TDD noise is more obvious. Therefore, you can have a choice based on test results.

Sometimes, even no RF filtering capacitor is required.

The capacitor which is used for filtering out RF noise should be close to audio interface. Audio alignment

should be as short as possible.

In order to decrease radio or other signal interference, the position of RF antenna should be kept away

from audio interface and audio alignment. Power alignment and audio alignment should not be parallel,

and power alignment should be far away from audio alignment.

The differential audio traces have to be placed according to the differential signal layout rule.

3.8.2. Microphone Interfaces Design

AIN1 and AIN2 channels come with internal bias supply for external electret microphone. A reference

circuit is shown in the following figure.

Figure 26: Reference Design for AIN1&AIN2

NOTE

The ESD protection components on the MIC channels are strongly recommended.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 43 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.8.3. Receiver Interface Design

Figure 27: Reference Receiver Interface Design of AOUT1

Figure 28: Speaker Interface with Amplifier Configuration of AOUT1

Texas Instruments TPA6205A1 is recommended for a suitable differential audio amplifier. There are

plenty of excellent audio amplifiers in the market.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 44 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 29: Reference Receiver Interface Design of AOUT2

Figure 30: Speaker Interface with Amplifier Configuration of AOUT2

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 45 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.8.4. Earphone Interface Design

Figure 31: Earphone Interface Design

3.8.5. Audio Characteristics

Table 9: Typical Electret Microphone Characteristics

Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Unit

Working Voltage 1.2 1.5 2.0 V

Working Current 200 500 uA

External Microphone Load Resistance 2.2 kΩ

Table 10: Typical Audio Output Characteristics

Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Unit

Load resistance

16

Ω

Single-ended

AOUT1

Ref level 0 1.3 Vpp

(SPK1)

Load resistance 16 Ω

Differential

Ref level 0 2.6 Vpp

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 46 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

AOUT2

(SPK2)

Single-ended

Maximum Driving Current

Limit of SPK1 and SPK2

Load resistance 32 Ω

Reference level 0 1.0 Vpp

SPK1 80 mA

SPK2 25 mA

3.9. SIM Card Interface

3.9.1. SIM Card Application

The SIM interface supports the functionality of the GSM Phase 1 specification and also supports the

functionality of the new GSM Phase 2+ specification for FAST 64 kbps SIM card, which is intended to use

with a SIM application Tool-kit.

The SIM interface is powered by an internal regulator in the module. Both 1.8V and 3.0V SIM Cards are

supported.

Table 11: Pin Definition of the SIM Interface

Pin Name Pin NO. Description

23 SIM_VDD Supply power for SIM card. Automatic detection of SIM card voltage.

24 SIM_RST SIM card reset.

25 SIM_DATA SIM card data I/O.

26 SIM_CLK SIM card clock.

27 SIM_GND SIM card ground.

28 SIM_PRESENCE SIM card detection

Figure 32 is the reference circuit for SIM interface, and here an 8-pin SIM card holder is used.

The pin SIM_PRESENCE is used to detect whether the tray of the Molex SIM socket, which is used for

holding SIM card, is presented in the card socket. When the tray is inserted in the socket,

SIM_PRESENCE is in low level. Regardless of the SIM card is in the tray or not, the change of

SIM_PRESENCE level from high to low prompts the module to initialize SIM card. In default configuration,

SIM card detection function is disabled. Customer’s application can use “AT+QSIMDET=1,0” and

“AT+QSIMDET=0,0” to switch on and off the SIM card detection function. For details of this AT command,

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 47 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

please refer to document [1]. When “AT+QSIMDET=1,0” is set and the tray with SIM card is removed

from SIM socket, the following URC will be presented:

+CPIN: NOT INSERTED

When the tray with SIM card is inserted into SIM socket again and the module finishes

reinitializing SIM card, the following URC will be presented:

+CPIN: READY

Call Ready

Figure 32: Reference Circuit for 8-pin SIM Card Holder

NOTE

1. Please do not use “AT+QSIMDET=1,1” when circuit in Figure 32 is adopted, which can cause to

reinitialize SIM card.

2. When SIM card detection function is used, SIM_PRESENCE pin must be pulled up by an external

resistor. If unused, please keep this pin open.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 48 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

The reference circuit for a 6-pin SIM card socket is illustrated as the following figure:

Figure 33: Reference Circuit for 6-pin SIM Card Holder

In order to enhance the reliability and availability of the SIM card in application. Please follow the criteria

below in the SIM circuit design.

 Keep layout of SIM card as close as possible to the module. Assure the possibility of the length of the

trace is less than 100mm.

 Keep SIM card signal away from RF and VBAT alignment.

 Assure the ground between module and SIM cassette short and wide. Keep the width of ground no

less than 0.5mm to maintain the same electric potential. The decouple capacitor of SIM_VDD is less

than 1uF and must be near to SIM cassette.

 To avoid cross talk between SIM_DATA and SIM_CLK. Keep them away with each other and shield

them with surrounded ground.

 In order to offer good ESD protection, it is recommended to add TVS such as WILL

(http://www.willsemi.com/) ESDA6V8AV6. The 22Ω resistors should be connected in series between

the module and the SIM card so as to suppress the EMI spurious transmission and enhance the ESD

protection. Please to be noted that the SIM peripheral circuit should be close to the SIM card socket.

 Place the RF bypass capacitors (33pF) close to the SIM card on all signals line for improving EMI.

3.9.2. SIM Cassette

As to the 6-pin SIM card holder, it is recommended to use Amphenol C707 10M006 512 2. Please visit

http://www.amphenol.com for more information.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 49 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 34: Amphenol C707 10M006 512 2 SIM Card Holder

Table 12: Pin Description of Amphenol SIM Card Holder

Name Pin Description

SIM_VDD C1 SIM card power supply

SIM_RST C2 SIM card reset

SIM_CLK C3 SIM card clock

GND C5 Ground

VPP C6 Not connected

SIM_DATA C7 SIM card data I/O

For 8-pin SIM card holder, it is recommended to use Molex 91228. Please visit http://www.molex.com for

more information.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 50 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 35: Molex 91228 SIM Card Holder

Table 13: Pin Description of Molex SIM Card Holder

Name Pin Description

SIM_VDD C1 SIM card power supply

SIM_RST C2 SIM card reset

SIM_CLK C3 SIM card clock

SIM_PRESENCE C4 SIM card presence detection

GND C5 Ground

VPP C6 Not connect

SIM_DATA C7 SIM card data I/O

SIM_DETECT C8

Pull down GND with external circuit. When the

tray is presented, C4 is connected to C8.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 51 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

3.10. PCM Interface

GC10 has reserved PCM interface, it is used as digital audio transmission between module and customer

device. This interface composes PCM_CLK, PCM_SYNC, PCM_IN and PCM_OUT signal lines. PCM

function is not supported at present.

3.11. Behaviors of the RI

Table 14: Behaviours of the RI

State RI Response

Standby HIGH

Change to LOW, then:

1. Change to HIGH when call is established.

Voice Call

2. Use ATH to hang up the call, RI changes to HIGH.

3. Calling part hangs up, RI changes to HIGH first, and changes to LOW for

120ms indicating “NO CARRIER” as an URC, then changes to HIGH again.

4. Change to HIGH when SMS is received.

SMS

URC

When a new SMS comes, the RI changes to LOW and holds low level for about

120ms, then changes to HIGH.

Certain URCs can trigger 120ms low level on RI. For more details, please refer to the

document [10].

If the module is used as a caller, the RI would maintain high unless the URC or SMS is received. On the

other hand, when it is used as a receiver, the timing of the RI is shown below:

Figure 36: RI Behaviour of Voice Calling as a Receiver

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 52 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 37: RI Behaviour as a Caller

Figure 38: RI Behaviour of URC or SMS Received

3.12. Network Status Indication

The NETLIGHT signal can be used to drive a network status indicator LED. The working state of this pin is

listed in the following table:

Table 15: Working State of the NETLIGHT

State Module Function

Off The module is not running.

64ms On/ 800ms Off The module is not synchronized with network.

64ms On/ 2000ms Off The module is synchronized with network.

64ms On/ 600ms Off The GPRS data transmission after dialing the PPP connection.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 53 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

A reference circuit is shown as below:

Figure 39: Reference Design for NETLIGHT

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 54 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

4

The Pin 38 is the RF antenna pad. The RF interface has an impedance of 50Ω.

Table 16: Pin Definition of the RF_ANT

Pin Name Pin NO. Description

GND 37 Ground

RF_ANT 38 RF antenna pad

GND 39 Ground

Antenna Interface

4.1. RF Reference Design

The reference design for RF is shown as below:

Figure 40: Reference Design for RF

GC10 provides an RF antenna pad for antenna connection. The RF trace in host PCB connected to the

module RF antenna pad should be coplanar waveguide line or microstrip line, whose characteristic

impedance should be close to 50Ω. GC10 comes with grounding pads which are next to the antenna pad

in order to give a better grounding. Besides, a ∏ type match circuit is suggested to be used to adjust the

RF performance.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 55 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

To minimize the loss on the RF trace and RF cable, take design into account carefully. It is recommended

that the insertion loss should meet the following requirements:

 GSM850/EGSM900 is <1dB.

 DCS1800/PCS1900 is <1.5dB.

4.2. RF Output Power

Table 17: The Module Conducted RF Output Power

Frequency Max. Min.

GSM850 33dBm±2dB 5dBm±5dB

EGSM900 33dBm±2dB 5dBm±5dB

DCS1800 30dBm±2dB 0dBm±5dB

PCS1900 30dBm±2dB 0dBm±5dB

4.3. RF Receiving Sensitivity

Table 18: The Module Conducted RF Receiving Sensitivity

Frequency Receive Sensitivity

GSM850 < -108dBm

EGSM900 < -108dBm

DCS1800 < -108dBm

PCS1900 < -108dBm

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 56 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

4.4. Operating Frequencies

Table 19: The Module Operating Frequencies

Frequency Receive Transmit ARFCH

GSM850 869~894MHz 824~849MHz 128~251

EGSM900 925~960MHz 880~915MHz 0~124, 975~1023

DCS1800 1805~1880MHz 1710~1785MHz 512~885

PCS1900 1930~1990MHz 1850~1910MHz 512~810

4.5. RF Cable Soldering

Soldering the RF cable to RF pad of module correctly will reduce the loss on the path of RF, please refer

to the following example of RF soldering.

Figure 41: RF Soldering Sample

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 57 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

5

Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics

5.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings

Absolute maximum ratings for power supply and voltage on digital and analog pins of module are listed in

the following table:

Table 20: Absolute Maximum Ratings

Parameter Min. Max. Unit

VBAT -0.3 5.0 V

Peak current of power supply 0 2 A

RMS current of power supply (during one TDMA- frame) 0 0.8 A

Voltage at digital pins -0.3 3.3 V

Voltage at analog pins -0.3 3.3 V

Voltage at digital/analog pins in power down mode -0.25 0.25 V

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 58 / 76

50

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

5.2. Operating Temperature

The operating temperature is listed in the following table:

Table 21: Operating Temperature

Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Unit

Normal Temperature -35 +25 +80

Restricted Operation -40 ~ -35 +80 ~ +85

Storage Temperature -45 +90

℃

5.3. Power Supply Ratings

Table 22: The Module Power Supply Ratings

Parameter Description Conditions Min. Typ. Max. Unit

Voltage must stay within the

VBAT

Supply voltage

Voltage drop

during transmitting

burst

min/max values, including voltage

drop, ripple, and spikes.

Maximum power control level on

GSM850 and GSM900.

3.3 4.0 4.6 V

400 mV

Voltage ripple

Average supply

current

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 59 / 76

Maximum power control level on

GSM850 and GSM900

@ f<200kHz

@ f>200kHz

Power down mode

Sleep mode @ DRX=5

Minimum functionality mode

AT+CFUN=0

Idle mode

Sleep mode

AT+CFUN=4

Idle mode

Sleep mode

120

1.3

21

0.8

21

0.8

20

Talk mode

mV

uA

mA

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

IVBAT

Peak supply

current (during

transmission slot)

NOTES

1)

1.

Power control level PCL 5.

2)

2.

Power control level PCL 0.

GSM850/EGSM9001)

DCS1800/PCS19002)

DATA mode, GPRS (3Rx/2Tx)

GSM850/EGSM9001)

DCS1800/PCS19002)

DATA mode, GPRS (4Rx/1Tx)

GSM850/EGSM9001)

DCS1800/PCS19002)

Maximum power control level on

GSM850/GSM900.

211/208

156/165

372/367

245/285

224/220

162/182

mA

1.6 1.8 A

5.4. Current Consumption

The values of current consumption are shown as below:

Table 23: The Module Current Consumption

Condition Current Consumption

Voice Call

GSM850 @power level #5 <300mA,Typical 211mA

@power level #12,Typical 86mA

@power level #19,Typical 64mA

GSM900 @power level #5 <300mA,Typical 208mA

@power level #12,Typical 85mA

@power level #19,Typical 64mA

DCS1800 @power level #0 <250mA,Typical 156mA

@power level #7,Typical 75mA

@power level #15,Typical 64mA

PCS1900 @power level #0 <250mA,Typical 165mA

@power level #7,Typical 80mA

@power level #15,Typical 64mA

GPRS Data

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 60 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

DATA mode, GPRS ( 3 Rx/2 Tx ) CLASS 10

GSM850 @power level #5 <550mA,Typical 372mA

@power level #12,Typical 132mA

@power level #19,Typical 90mA

EGSM 900 @power level #5 <550mA,Typical 367mA

@power level #12,Typical 134mA

@power level #19,Typical 92mA

DCS 1800 @power level #0 <450mA,Typical 245mA

@power level #7,Typical 113mA

@power level #15,Typical 90mA

PCS 1900 @power level #0 <450mA,Typical 285mA

@power level #7,Typical 121mA

@power level #15,Typical 90mA

DATA mode, GPRS ( 4 Rx/1 Tx ) CLASS 10

GSM850 @power level #5 <350mA,Typical 224mA

@power level #12,Typical 103mA

@power level #19,Typical 82mA

EGSM 900 @power level #5 <350mA,Typical 220mA

@power level #12,Typical103mA

@power level #19,Typical 82mA

DCS 1800 @power level #0 <300mA,Typical 162mA

@power level #7,Typical 96mA

@power level #15,Typical 85mA

PCS 1900 @power level #0 <300mA,Typical 182mA

@power level #7,Typical 100mA

@power level #15,Typical 85mA

5.5. Electro-static Discharge

Although the GSM engine is generally protected against Electro-static Discharge (ESD), ESD protection

precautions should still be emphasized. Proper ESD handling and packaging procedures must be applied

throughout the processing, handling and operation of any applications using the module.

The measured ESD values of module are shown as the following table:

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 61 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Table 24: The ESD Endurance (Temperature: 25℃, Humidity: 45 %)

Tested Point Contact Discharge Air Discharge

VBAT/GND

±6KV ±12KV

RF_ANT ±4KV ±12KV

RXD/TXD ±2KV ±4KV

Others ±0.5KV ±1KV

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 62 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

6

This chapter describes the mechanical dimensions of the module.

Mechanical Dimensions

6.1. Mechanical Dimensions of Module

Figure 42: GC10 Module Top and Side Dimensions (Unit: mm)

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 63 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 43: GC10 Module Bottom Dimensions (Unit: mm)

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 64 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

6.2. Recommended Footprint

k

ee

po

ut

ar

ea

Figure 44: Recommended Footprint (Unit: mm)

NOTES

1. In order to maintain the module, keep about 3mm between the module and other components in the

host PCB.

2. Keep out area in above figure is forbidden to pour ground copper. Since the RF test point is in this

area, please avoid generating parasitic capacitance between RF test point and ground.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 65 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

7

Storage and Manufacturing

7.1. Storage

GC10 module is distributed in a vacuum-sealed bag. The restriction for storage is shown as below.

Shelf life in the vacuum-sealed bag: 12 months at environments of <40℃ temperature and <90%RH.

After the vacuum-sealed bag is opened, devices that need to be mounted directly must be:

 Mounted within 72 hours at the factory environment of ≤30℃ temperature and <60% RH.

 Stored at <10% RH.

Devices require baking before mounting, if any circumstance below occurs.

 When the ambient temperature is 23℃±5℃, humidity indication card shows the humidity is >10%

before opening the vacuum-sealed bag.

 If ambient temperature is <30℃ and the humidity is <60%, the devices have not been mounted

during 72hours.

 Stored at >10% RH after opening the vacuum-sealed bag.

If baking is required, devices should be baked for 48 hours at 125℃±5℃.

NOTE

As plastic container cannot be subjected to high temperature, devices must be removed before high

temperature (125℃) bake. If shorter bake times are desired, please refer to the IPC/JEDECJ-STD-033 for

bake procedure.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 66 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

7.2. Soldering

The squeegee should push the paste on the surface of the stencil that makes the paste fill the stencil

openings and penetrate to the PCB. The force on the squeegee should be adjusted so as to produce a

clean stencil surface on a single pass. To ensure the module soldering quality, the thickness of stencil at

the hole of the module pads should be 0.2 mm for GC10.

Figure 45: The Picture of Printing Paste

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 67 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

It is suggested that peak reflow temperature is from 235 ºC to 245ºC (for SnAg3.0Cu0.5 alloy). Absolute

max reflow temperature is 260ºC. To avoid damaging the module when it was repeatedly heated, it is

suggested that the module should be mounted after the first panel has been reflowed. The following

picture is the actual diagram which we have operated.

Figure 46: Ramp-Soak-Spike Reflow Profile

7.3. Packaging

The modules are stored inside a vacuum-sealed bag which is ESD-protected. It should not be opened

until the devices are ready to be soldered onto the application.

7.3.1. Tape and Reel Packaging

The reel is 330mm in diameter and each reel contains 250 modules.

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 68 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Figure 47: Dimensions of Tape

Out direction

Plastic tray

Figure 48: Dimensions of Reel

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 69 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

8

Table 25: Related Documents

SN Document Name Remark

[1] GC10_AT_Commands_Manual AT commands manual

[2] ITU-T Draft new recommendation V.25ter Serial asynchronous automatic dialing and control

[3] GSM 07.07

[4] GSM 07.10 Support GSM 07.10 multiplexing protocol

[5] GSM 07.05

Appendix A Reference

Digital cellular telecommunications (Phase 2+); AT

command set for GSM Mobile Equipment (ME)

Digital cellular telecommunications (Phase 2+); Use

of Data Terminal Equipment–Data Circuit

terminating Equipment (DTE–DCE) interface for

Short Message Service (SMS) and Cell Broadcast

Service (CBS)

Digital cellular telecommunications (Phase 2+);

[6] GSM 11.14

[7] GSM 11.11

[8] GSM 03.38

[9] GSM 11.10

[10] GSM_UART_AN UART port application note

[11] M10_EVB_UGD M10 EVB user guide

[12] GSM_FW_Upgrade_AN01 GSM Firmware upgrade application note

Specification of the SIM application toolkit for the

Subscriber Identity module–Mobile Equipment

(SIM–ME) interface

Digital cellular telecommunications (Phase 2+);

Specification of the Subscriber Identity module –

Mobile Equipment (SIM–ME) interface

Digital cellular telecommunications (Phase 2+);

Alphabets and language-specific information

Digital cellular telecommunications (Phase 2);

Mobile Station (MS) conformance specification; Part

1: Conformance specification

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 70 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Table 26: Terms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

AMR Adaptive Multi-Rate

ARP Antenna Reference Point

ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit

BER Bit Error Rate

BOM Bill of Material

BTS Base Transceiver Station

CHAP Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol

CS Coding Scheme

CSD Circuit Switched Data

CTS Clear to Send

DRX Discontinuous Reception

DCE Data Communications Equipment (typically module)

DTE Data Terminal Equipment (typically computer, external controller)

DTR Data Terminal Ready

DTX Discontinuous Transmission

EFR Enhanced Full Rate

EGSM Enhanced GSM

EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility

EMI Electromagnetic Interference

ESD Electrostatic Discharge

ETS European Telecommunication Standard

FCC Federal Communications Commission (U.S.)

FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 71 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

FR Full Rate

FTP File Transfer Protocol

GMSK Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying

GPRS General Packet Radio Service

GSM Global System for Mobile Communications

HR Half Rate

HTTP Hypertext Transport Protocol

IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity

MO Mobile Originated

MS Mobile Station (GSM engine)

MT Mobile Terminated

PAP Password Authentication Protocol

PBCCH Packet Switched Broadcast Control Channel

PCB Printed Circuit Board

PDU Protocol Data Unit

PDP Packet Data Protocol

PPP Point-to-Point Protocol

RF Radio Frequency

RMS Root Mean Square (value)

RTC Real Time Clock

RX Receive Direction

SIM Subscriber Identification Module

SMS Short Message Service

SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

TDMA Time Division Multiple Access

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 72 / 76

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

TE Terminal Equipment

TX Transmitting Direction

UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver &Transmitter

UDP User Datagram Protocol

URC Unsolicited Result Code

USSD Unstructured Supplementary Service Data

VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

Phonebook Abbreviations

FD SIM Fix Dialing Phonebook

LD SIM Last Dialing Phonebook (list of numbers most recently dialed)

ON SIM (or ME) Own Numbers (MSISDNs) List

SM SIM Phonebook

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 73 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

9

Four coding schemes are used in GPRS protocol. The differences between them are shown in the

following table:

Table 27: Description of Different Coding Schemes

Scheme

CS-1 1/2 3 3 181 40 4 456 0 9.05

CS-2 2/3 3 6 268 16 4 588 132 13.4

CS-3 3/4 3 6 312 16 4 676 220 15.6

CS-4 1 3 12 428 16 - 456 - 21.4

Appendix B GPRS Coding Scheme

Radio

Block

excl.USF

and BCS

BCS Tail

Coded

Bits

Punctured

Bits

Code

Rate

USF

Pre-

coded

USF

Data

Rate

Kb/s

Radio block structure of CS-1, CS-2 and CS-3 is shown as the figure below:

USF

Rate 1/2 convolutional coding

Radio Block

456 bits

Puncturing

BCS

Figure 49: Radio Block Structure of CS-1, CS-2 and CS-3

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 74 / 76

Radio Block

GSM/GPRS Module Series

GC10 Hardware Design

Radio block structure of CS-4 is shown as the following figure:

USF

Block Code

No coding

BCS

456 bits

Figure 50: Radio Block Structure of CS-4

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 75 / 76

GC10 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS Module Series

10

Twenty-nine classes of GPRS multi-slot modes are defined for MS in GPRS specification. Multi-slot

classes are product dependant, and determine the maximum achievable data rates in both the uplink and

downlink directions. Written as 3+1 or 2+2, the first number indicates the amount of downlink timeslots,

while the second number indicates the amount of uplink timeslots. The active slots determine the total

number of slots the GPRS device can use simultaneously for both uplink and downlink communications.

The description of different multi-slot classes is shown in the following table:

Table 28: GPRS Multi-slot Classes

Multislot Class Downlink Slots Uplink Slots Active Slots

1 1 1 2

2 2 1 3

Appendix C GPRS Multi-slot Class

3 2 2 3

4 3 1 4

5 2 2 4

6 3 2 4

7 3 3 4

8 4 1 5

9 3 2 5

10 4 2 5

11 4 3 5

12 4 4 5

GC10_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 76 / 76

Quectel Wireless Solutions 201403GC10 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual