Quectel Wireless Solutions 201609MC20 User Manual

MC20 Hardware Design

GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series

Rev. MC20_Hardware_Design_V1.0

Date: 2016-07-12

www.quectel.com

GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series

MC20 Hardware Design

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

Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.

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

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Or our local office. For more information, please visit:

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

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Or email to: [e-mail]

GENERAL NOTES

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. ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

COPYRIGHT

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS PROPRIETARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION OF QUECTEL CO., LTD. TRANSMITTING, REPRODUCTION, DISSEMINATION AND EDITING OF THIS DOCUMENT AS WELL AS UTILIZATION OF THE CONTENT 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.

Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2016. All rights reserved.

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About the Document

History

Revision	Date	Author	Description
1.0	2016-07-12	Tiger CHENG	Initial

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Contents

About the Document ................................................................................................................................						2
Contents....................................................................................................................................................						3
Table Index ...............................................................................................................................................						6
Figure Index..............................................................................................................................................						8
1	Introduction		.....................................................................................................................................			10
	1.1.	Safety Information.................................................................................................................				10
2	Product Concept .............................................................................................................................					12
	2.1.	General Description ..............................................................................................................				12
	2.2.	Directives and Standards ......................................................................................................				13
		2.2.1.	2.2.1. FCC Statement ..................................................................................................			13
		2.2.2. FCC Radiation Exposure Statement ............................................................................				13
	2.3.	Key Features.........................................................................................................................				13
	2.4.	Functional Diagram...............................................................................................................				17
	2.5.	Evaluation Board...................................................................................................................				18
3	Application Functions.....................................................................................................................					19
	3.1.	Pin of Module ........................................................................................................................				20
		3.1.1.	Pin Assignment ............................................................................................................			20
		3.1.2.	Pin Description.............................................................................................................			21
	3.2.	Application Modes Introduction .............................................................................................				25
	3.3.	Power Supply........................................................................................................................				27
		3.3.1.	Power Features ...........................................................................................................			27
		3.3.2. Decrease Supply Voltage Drop			....................................................................................	28
		3.3.2.1.		Decrease Supply Voltage Drop for GSM Part..................................................		28
		3.3.2.2.		Decrease Supply Voltage Drop for GNSS Part................................................		29
		3.3.3. Reference Design for Power Supply............................................................................				30
		3.3.3.1.		Reference Design for Power Supply of GSM Part...........................................		30
		3.3.3.2.		Reference Design for Power Supply of GNSS Part.........................................		31
		3.3.4.	Monitor Power Supply..................................................................................................			31
		3.3.5. Backup Domain of GNSS ............................................................................................				31
	3.4.	Operating Modes ..................................................................................................................				32
		3.4.1. Operating Modes of GSM Part.....................................................................................				32
		3.4.1.1.		Minimum Functionality Mode...........................................................................		33
		3.4.1.2.		SLEEP Mode...................................................................................................		34
		3.4.1.3.		Wake up GSM Part from SLEEP Mode ...........................................................		34
		3.4.2. Operating Modes of GNSS Part...................................................................................				34
		3.4.2.1.		Full on Mode....................................................................................................		34
		3.4.2.2.		Standby Mode .................................................................................................		36
		3.4.2.3.		Backup Mode ..................................................................................................		36
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3.4.3. Summary of GSM and GNSS Parts’ State in All-in-one Solution..................................				37
3.4.4. Summary of GSM and GNSS Parts’ State in Stand-alone Solution .............................				37
3.5. Power on and down ..............................................................................................................				38
3.5.1.		Power on .....................................................................................................................		38
3.5.2.		Power down .................................................................................................................		40
	3.5.2.1.	Power down Module Using the PWRKEY Pin .................................................		40
	3.5.2.2.	Power down Module Using AT Command .......................................................		41
	3.5.2.3.	Power down GNSS Part Alone Using AT Command .......................................		42
	3.5.2.4.	Under-voltage Automatic Shutdown ................................................................		42
3.6.	Serial Interfaces ....................................................................................................................			43
3.6.1.		UART Port ...................................................................................................................		45
	3.6.1.1.	Features of UART Port	....................................................................................	45
	3.6.1.2.	The Connection of UART ................................................................................		46
	3.6.1.3.	Firmware Upgrade...........................................................................................		48
3.6.2.		Debug Port ...................................................................................................................		49
3.6.3. Auxiliary UART Port and GNSS UART Port.................................................................				49
	3.6.3.1.	Connection in All-in-one Solution.....................................................................		49
	3.6.3.2.	Connection in Stand-alone Solution ................................................................		50
3.6.4.		UART Application .........................................................................................................		51
3.7.	Audio Interfaces ....................................................................................................................			52
3.7.1. Decrease TDD Noise and Other Noises ......................................................................				54
3.7.2.		Microphone Interfaces Design .....................................................................................		54
3.7.3. Receiver and Speaker Interface Design ......................................................................				55
3.7.4.		Earphone Interface Design ..........................................................................................		56
3.7.5. Loud Speaker Interface Design....................................................................................				56
3.7.6.		Audio Characteristics ...................................................................................................		57
3.8.	SIM Card Interface................................................................................................................			57
3.9.	ADC			61
3.10.	Behaviors of the RI ...............................................................................................................			61
3.11.	Network Status Indication......................................................................................................			63
3.12. EASY Autonomous AGPS Technology.................................................................................				64
3.13.	EPO Offline AGPS Technology .............................................................................................			64
3.14.	Multi .......................................................................................................................-tone AIC			65
4 Antenna Interface............................................................................................................................				66
4.1.	GSM .........................................................................................................Antenna Interface			66
4.1.1. ........................................................................................................		Reference Design		66
4.1.2. .........................................................................................................		RF Output Power		67
4.1.3. ..............................................................................................		RF Receiving Sensitivity		68
4.1.4. ................................................................................................		Operating Frequencies		68
4.1.5. .....................................................................................................		RF Cable Soldering		68
4.2.	GNSS .......................................................................................................Antenna Interface			69
4.2.1. ................................................................................................		Antenna Specifications		69
4.2.2. .............................................................................................................		Active Antenna		70
4.2.3. ..........................................................................................................		Passive Antenna		71
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	4.3.		Bluetooth Antenna Interface..................................................................................................		71
5	Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics ..........................................................................				74
	5.1.		Absolute Maximum Ratings ..................................................................................................		74
	5.2.		Operating Temperature .........................................................................................................		74
	5.3.		Power Supply Ratings...........................................................................................................		75
	5.4.		Current Consumption............................................................................................................		77
	5.5.		Electrostatic Discharge .........................................................................................................		79
6	Mechanical Dimensions..................................................................................................................				81
	6.1. Mechanical Dimensions of Module .......................................................................................				81
	6.2.		Recommended Footprint.......................................................................................................		83
	6.3. Top and Bottom View of the Module......................................................................................				84
7	Storage and Manufacturing............................................................................................................				85
	7.1.		Storage..................................................................................................................................		85
	7.2.		Soldering...............................................................................................................................		85
	7.3.		Packaging .............................................................................................................................		86
		7.3.1. Tape and Reel Packaging............................................................................................			87
8	Appendix A References.........................................................................................................				......... 88
9	Appendix B GPRS Coding Schemes .............................................................................................				93
10	Appendix C GPRS Multi-slot Classes............................................................................................				95

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Table Index
TABLE 1: KEY FEATURES (GMS/GPRS PART OF MC20) ....................................................................	13
TABLE 2: CODING SCHEMES AND MAXIMUM NET DATA RATES OVER AIR INTERFACE ...............	15
TABLE 3: KEY FEATURES (GNSS PART OF MC20) .............................................................................	16
TABLE 4: PROTOCOLS SUPPORTED BY THE MODULE.....................................................................	17
TABLE 5: I/O PARAMETERS DEFINITION.............................................................................................	21
TABLE 6: PIN DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................................	21
TABLE 7: MULTIPLEXED FUNCTIONS..................................................................................................	25
TABLE 8: COMPARISON BETWEEN ALL-IN-ONE AND STAND-ALONE SOLUTION...........................	27
TABLE 9: OPERATING MODES OVERVIEW OF GSM PART................................................................	32
TABLE 10: DEFAULT CONFIGURATION OF FULL ON MODE (GNSS PART) ......................................	35
TABLE 11: COMBINATION STATES OF GSM AND GNSS PARTS IN ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION ...........	37
TABLE 12: COMBINATION STATES OF GSM AND GNSS PARTS IN STAND-ALONE SOLUTION......	37
TABLE 13: LOGIC LEVELS OF THE UART INTERFACE.......................................................................	44
TABLE 14: PIN DEFINITION OF THE UART INTERFACES ...................................................................	44
TABLE 15: PIN DEFINITION OF AUDIO INTERFACE............................................................................	52
TABLE 16: AOUT2 OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................	53
TABLE 17: TYPICAL ELECTRET MICROPHONE CHARACTERISTICS................................................	57
TABLE 18: TYPICAL SPEAKER CHARACTERISTICS...........................................................................	57
TABLE 19: PIN DEFINITION OF THE SIM INTERFACE.........................................................................	58
TABLE 20: PIN DEFINITION OF THE ADC.............................................................................................	61
TABLE 21: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADC ......................................................................................	61
TABLE 22: BEHAVIORS OF THE RI .......................................................................................................	61
TABLE 23: WORKING STATE OF THE NETLIGHT ................................................................................	63
TABLE 24: PIN DEFINITION OF THE RF_ANT ......................................................................................	66
TABLE 25: ANTENNA CABLE REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................	67
TABLE 26: ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................	67
TABLE 27: RF OUTPUT POWER ...........................................................................................................	67
TABLE 28: RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY..............................................................................................	68
TABLE 29: OPERATING FREQUENCIES...............................................................................................	68
TABLE 30: RECOMMENDED ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................	69
TABLE 31: PIN DEFINITION OF THE BT_ANT ......................................................................................	72
TABLE 32: ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS ........................................................................................	74
TABLE 33: OPERATING TEMPERATURE..............................................................................................	75
TABLE 34: POWER SUPPLY RATINGS OF GSM PART (GNSS IS POWERED OFF)...........................	75
TABLE 35: POWER SUPPLY RATINGS OF GNSS PART ......................................................................	76
TABLE 36: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF GSM PART (GNSS IS POWERED OFF) ..........................	77
TABLE 37: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF THE GNSS PART..............................................................	79
TABLE 38: ESD ENDURANCE (TEMPERATURE: 25ºC, HUMIDITY: 45%) ...........................................	79
TABLE 39: REEL PACKAGING ...............................................................................................................	87
TABLE 40: RELATED DOCUMENTS ......................................................................................................	88
TABLE 41: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................	89

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TABLE 42: DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT CODING SCHEMES.........................................................	93
TABLE 43: GPRS MULTI-SLOT CLASSES.............................................................................................	95

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Figure Index
FIGURE 1: MODULE FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM .....................................................................................	18
FIGURE 2: PIN ASSIGNMENT ...............................................................................................................	20
FIGURE 3: ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM ...............................................................	26
FIGURE 4: STAND-ALONE SOLUTION SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM..........................................................	26
FIGURE 5: VOLTAGE RIPPLE DURING TRANSMITTING (GSM PART) ...............................................	28
FIGURE 6: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR THE VBAT INPUT (GSM PART) ............................................	29
FIGURE 7: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR THE GNSS_VCC INPUT .......................................................	29
FIGURE 8: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR POWER SUPPLY OF THE GSM PART .................................	30
FIGURE 9: REFERENCE CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR GNSS PART............................................................	31
FIGURE 10: INTERNAL GNSS’S BACKUP DOMAIN POWER CONSTRUCTION.................................	32
FIGURE 11: TURN ON THE MODULE WITH AN OPEN-COLLECTOR DRIVER ...................................	38
FIGURE 12: TURN ON THE MODULE WITH A BUTTON ......................................................................	39
FIGURE 13: TURN-ON TIMING..............................................................................................................	39
FIGURE 14: TURN-OFF TIMING BY USING THE PWRKEY PIN...........................................................	41
FIGURE 15: TURN-OFF TIMING OF GNSS PART BY USING AT COMMAND ......................................	42
FIGURE 16: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR FULL-FUNCTION UART ......................................................	47
FIGURE 17: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR UART PORT (THREE LINE CONNECTION)........................	47
FIGURE 18: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR UART PORT WITH HARDWARE FLOW CONTROL............	48
FIGURE 19: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR FIRMWARE UPGRADE .......................................................	48
FIGURE 20: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR DEBUG PORT......................................................................	49
FIGURE 21: AUXILIARY AND GNSS UART PORT CONNECTION IN ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION...........	50
FIGURE 22: AUXILIARY AND GNSS UART PORT CONNECTION IN STAND-ALONE SOLUTION......	51
FIGURE 23: LEVEL MATCH DESIGN FOR 3.3V SYSTEM ....................................................................	51
FIGURE 24: SKETCH MAP FOR RS-232 INTERFACE MATCH ............................................................	52
FIGURE 25: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR AIN........................................................................................	54
FIGURE 26: HANDSET INTERFACE DESIGN FOR AOUT1..................................................................	55
FIGURE 27: SPEAKER INTERFACE DESIGN WITH AN AMPLIFIER FOR AOUT1 ..............................	55
FIGURE 28: EARPHONE INTERFACE DESIGN....................................................................................	56
FIGURE 29: LOUD SPEAKER INTERFACE DESIGN ............................................................................	56
FIGURE 30: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR SIM1 INTERFACE WITH AN 8-PIN SIM CARD HOLDER ...	59
FIGURE 31: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR SIM1 INTERFACE WITH A 6-PIN SIM CARD HOLDER......	59
FIGURE 32: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR SIM2 INTERFACE WITH A 6-PIN SIM CARD HOLDER......	60
FIGURE 33: RI BEHAVIOR AS A RECEIVER WHEN VOICE CALLING.................................................	62
FIGURE 34: RI BEHAVIOR AS A CALLER..............................................................................................	62
FIGURE 35: RI BEHAVIOR WHEN URC OR SMS RECEIVED ..............................................................	62
FIGURE 36: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR NETLIGHT............................................................................	63
FIGURE 37: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR GSM ANTENNA ...................................................................	66
FIGURE 38: RF SOLDERING SAMPLE .................................................................................................	69
FIGURE 39: REFERENCE DESIGN WITH ACTIVE ANTENNA .............................................................	70
FIGURE 40: REFERENCE DESIGN WITH PASSIVE ANTENNA ...........................................................	71
FIGURE 41: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR BLUETOOTH ANTENNA......................................................	72

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FIGURE 42: MC20 TOP AND SIDE DIMENSIONS (UNIT: MM)..............................................................	81
FIGURE 43: MC20 BOTTOM DIMENSIONS (UNIT: MM) .......................................................................	82
FIGURE 44: RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT (UNIT: MM) ......................................................................	83
FIGURE 45: TOP VIEW OF THE MODULE ............................................................................................	84
FIGURE 46: BOTTOM VIEW OF THE MODULE ....................................................................................	84
FIGURE 47: REFLOW SOLDERING THERMAL PROFILE ....................................................................	86
FIGURE 48: TAPE AND REEL SPECIFICATION ....................................................................................	87
FIGURE 49: DIMENSIONS OF REEL.....................................................................................................	87
FIGURE 50: RADIO BLOCK STRUCTURE OF CS-1, CS-2 AND CS-3..................................................	93
FIGURE 51: RADIO BLOCK STRUCTURE OF CS-4 .............................................................................	94

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1 Introduction

This document defines the MC20 module and describes its hardware interface which is connected with the customer application as well as its air interface.

The document can help you quickly understand module interface specifications, as well as the electrical and mechanical details. Associated with application note and user guide, you can use MC20 module to design and set up mobile applications easily.

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 MC20 module. Manufacturers of the cellular terminal should send the following safety information to users and operating personnel, and incorporate these guidelines into all manuals supplied with the product. If not so, Quectel assumes no liability for the customer’s 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 mobile while driving (even with a handsfree kit) causes distraction and can lead to an accident. You must comply with laws and regulations restricting the use of wireless devices while driving.

Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile before boarding an aircraft. Make sure it is switched off. The operation of wireless appliances in an aircraft is forbidden, so as 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 Airplane Mode which must be enabled prior to boarding an aircraft.

Switch off your wireless device when in hospitals, clinics or other health care facilities. These requests are desinged to prevent possible interference with sentitive medical equipment.

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Cellular terminals or mobiles operating over radio frequency signal and cellular network cannot be guaranteed to connect in all conditions, for example no mobile fee or with 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 a 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 explosive atmospheres include 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, etc.

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2 Product Concept

2.1. General Description

MC20 is a multi-purpose module which integrates a high performance GNSS engine and a quad-band GSM/GPRS engine. It can work as all-in-one solution or stand-alone solution according to customers' application demands. For detailed introduction on all-in-one solution and stand-alone solution, please refer to Chapter 3.2.

The quad-band GSM/GPRS engine can work at frequencies of GSM850MHz, EGSM900MHz, DCS1800MHz and PCS1900MHz. MC20 features GPRS multi-slot class 12 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.

The GNSS engine is a single receiver integrating GPS and BeiDou systems. It supports multiple positioning and navigation systems including autonomous GPS, BeiDou, SBAS (including WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS and GAGAN), and QZSS. It is able to achieve the industry’s highest level of sensitivity, accuracy and TTFF with the lowest power consumption. The embedded flash memory provides capacity for storing user-specific configurations and allows for future updates.

MC20 is an SMD type module with 54 LCC pads and 14 LGA pads which can be easily embedded into applications. With a compact profile of 18.7mm × 16.0mm × 2.1mm, the module can meet almost all the requirements for M2M applications, including vehicle and personal tracking, wearable devices, security systems, wireless POS, industrial PDA, smart metering, remote maintenance & control, etc.

Designed with power saving technique, the current consumption of MC20’s GSM part is as low as 1.2mA in SLEEP mode when DRX is 5 and the GNSS part is powered off. The GNSS engine also has many advanced power saving modes including standby and backup modes which can fit the requirement of low-power consumption in different scenes.

GSM part of MC20 is integrated with Internet service protocols such as TCP, UDP, PPP, HTTP and FTP. Extended AT commands have been developed for you to use these Internet service protocols easily.

EASY technology as a key feature of GNSS part of MC20 module is one kind of AGPS. Capable of collecting and processing all internal aiding information like GNSS time, ephemeris, last position, etc., the GNSS part will have a fast TTFF in either Hot or Warm start.

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

2.2. Directives and Standards

The MC20module is designed to comply with the FCC statements. FCC ID: XMR201609MC20

The Host system using MC20 should have label “contains FCC ID: XMR201609MC20”.

2.2.1. 2.2.1. FCC Statement

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 MC20, must include RF exposure warning statement to advice user should keep minimum 20cm from the radio antenna of MC20 module depending on the Mobile status. Note: If a portable device (such as PDA) uses MC20 module, the device needs to do permissive change and SAR testing.

The following list indicates the performance of antenna gain in certificate testing.

	Part	Frequency Range (MHz)	Peak Gain	Average	VSWR	Impedance
	Number		(XZ-V)	Gain(XZ-V)
	3R007	GSM850:824 894MHz	1 dBi typ.	1 dBi typ.	2 max	50Ω
		PCS1900: 1850 1990MHz

2.3. Key Features

The following table describes the detailed features of MC20 module.

Table 1: Key Features (GMS/GPRS Part of MC20)

Features Implementation

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	Power Supply		Single supply voltage: 3.3V ~ 4.6V
			Typical supply voltage: 4V
			Typical power consumption in SLEEP mode (GNSS is powered off):
	Power Saving			1.2mA@DRX=5
				0.8mA@DRX=9
			 Quad-band: GSM850, EGSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900.
	Frequency Bands		 The module can search these frequency bands automatically
				The frequency bands can be set by AT commands
			 Compliant to GSM Phase 2/2+
	GSM Class		Small MS
	Transmitting Power		 Class 4 (2W) at GSM850 and EGSM900
				Class 1 (1W) at DCS1800 and PCS1900
			 GPRS multi-slot class 12 (default)
	GPRS Connectivity			GPRS multi-slot class 1~12 (configurable)
			 GPRS mobile station class B
			 GPRS data downlink transfer: max. 85.6kbps
			 GPRS data uplink transfer: max. 85.6kbps
			 Coding scheme: CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4
	DATA GPRS		 Support the protocols PAP (Password Authentication Protocol)
				usually used for PPP connections
			 Internet service protocols TCP/UDP, FTP, PPP, HTTP, NTP, PING
			 Support Packet Broadcast Control Channel (PBCCH)
			 Support Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)
	Temperature Range		 Operation temperature range: -35°C ~ +75°C 1)
				Extended temperature range: -40°C ~ +85°C 2)
	SMS		 Text and PDU mode
				SMS storage: SIM card
	SIM Interface		 Support SIM card: 1.8V, 3.0V
				Support Dual SIM Single Standby
			Speech codec modes:
			 Half Rate (ETS 06.20)
			 Full Rate (ETS 06.10)
			 Enhanced Full Rate (ETS 06.50/06.60/06.80)
	Audio Features			Adaptive Multi-Rate (AMR)
				Echo Suppression
				Noise Reduction
			 Embedded one amplifier of class AB with maximum driving power up
				to 800mW
			UART Port:
	UART Interfaces		 Seven lines on UART port interface
				Used for AT command and GPRS data

 Used for PMTK command and NMEA output in all-in-one solution

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		 Multiplexing function
		 Support autobauding from 4800bps to 115200bps
		Debug Port:
		 Two lines on debug port interface DBG_TXD and DBG_RXD
		 Debug port only used for firmware debugging
		Auxiliary Port:
		 Two lines on auxiliary port interface: TXD_AUX and RXD_AUX
		 Used for communication with the GNSS Part in all-in-one solution
	Phonebook Management	Support phonebook types: SM, ME, ON, MC, RC, DC, LD, LA
	SIM Application Toolkit	Support SAT class 3, GSM 11.14 Release 99
	Physical Characteristics	Size: (18.7±0.15) × (16±0.15) × (2.1±0.2)mm
		Weight: Approx. 1.3g
	Firmware Upgrade	Firmware upgrade via UART port
	Antenna Interface	Connected to antenna pad with 50 Ohm impedance control

NOTES

1. 1) Within operation temperature range, the module is 3GPP compliant.

2. 2) Within extended temperature range, the module remains the ability to establish and maintain a voice, SMS, data transmission, emergency call, etc. There is no unrecoverable malfunction. There are also no effects on radio spectrum and no harm to radio network. Only one or more parameters like Pout might reduce in their value and exceed the specified tolerances. When the temperature returns to the normal operating temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP compliant again.

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

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Table 3: Key Features (GNSS Part of MC20)

Features

GNSS

Power Supply

Power Consumption

Receiver Type

Sensitivity

GPS+BeiDou

Time-to-First-Fix

(EASY Enabled) 1)

Time-to-First-Fix

(EASY Disabled)

Horizontal Position

Accuracy (Autonomous)

Update Rate

Velocity Accuracy

Acceleration Accuracy

Dynamic Performance

GNSS UART Port

Implementation

GPS+BeiDou

 Supply voltage: 2.8V~4.3V

Typical: 3.3V

Acquisition: 25mA @-130dBm (GPS)

Tracking: 19mA @-130dBm (GPS)

Acquisition: 23mA @-130dBm (GPS+BeiDou)

Tracking: 18mA @-130dBm (GPS+BeiDou)

Standby: 300uA @VCC=3.3V

Backup: 14uA @V_BCKP=3.3V

GPS L1 1575.42MHz C/A Code

BeiDou B1 1561.098MHz C/A Code

Acquisition: -148dBm

Reacquisition: -160dBm

Tracking: -163dBm

Cold Start: <15s average @-130dBm

Warm Start: <5s average @-130dBm

Hot Start: 1s @-130dBm

Cold Start (Autonomous): <35s average @-130dBm

Warm Start (Autonomous): <30s average @-130dBm

Hot Start (Autonomous): 1s @-130dBm

<2.5 m CEP @-130dBm

Up to 10Hz, 1Hz by default

Without aid: 0.1m/s

Without aid: 0.1m/s²

Maximum Altitude: 18,000m

Maximum Velocity: 515m/s

Acceleration: 4G

GNSS UART port: GNSS_TXD and GNSS_ RXD

Support baud rate from 4800bps to 115200bps; 115200bps by default

Used for communication with the GSM Part in all-in-one solution

Used for communication with peripherals in stand-alone solution

NOTE

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1) In this mode, GNSS part’s backup domain should be valid.

Table 4: Protocols Supported by the Module

Protocol		Type
NMEA	output, ASCII, 0183, 3.01
PMTK		Input/output, MTK proprietary protocol

NOTE

Please refer to document [2] for details of NMEA standard protocol and MTK proprietary protocol.

2.4. Functional Diagram

The following figure shows a block diagram of MC20 and illustrates the major functional parts.

Radio frequency part

Power management

Peripheral interfaces —Power supply —Turn-on/off interface —UART interface —Audio interface —SIM interface —ADC interface —RF interface —PCM interface —BT interface

—SD interface

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Figure 1: Module Functional Diagram

2.5. Evaluation Board

In order to help you develop applications with MC20, Quectel supplies an evaluation board (EVB), TE-A board, RS-232 to USB cable, power adapter, earphone, GSM antenna, GNSS antenna and other peripherals to control or test the module. For details, please refer to document [11].

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3 Application Functions

MC20 is an SMD type module with 54 LCC pads and 14 LGA pads. The following chapters provide detailed descriptions about these pins.

Pin of module

Power supply

Operating modes

Power on/down

Power saving

Backup domain of GNSS

Serial interfaces

Audio interfaces

SIM card interface

ADC

Behaviors of the RI

Network status indication

RF transmitting signal indication

EASY autonomous AGPS technology

EPO offline AGPS technology

Multi-tone AIC

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3.1. Pin of Module

3.1.1. Pin Assignment

Figure 2: Pin Assignment

NOTE

Please keep all reserved pins open.

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3.1.2. Pin Description

Table 5: I/O Parameters Definition

Type	Description
IO	Bidirectional input/output
DI	Digital input
DO	Digital output
PI	Power input
PO	Power output
AI	Analog input
AO	Analog output

Table 6: Pin Description

Power Supply

	PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment
						It must be able to
				Power supply of	VImax=4.6V	provide sufficient
	VBAT	50, 51	PI	GSM/GPRS part:	VImin=3.3V	current up to 1.6A
				VBAT=3.3V~4.6V	VInorm=4.0V	in a transmitting
						burst.
	GNSS_			Power supply of GNSS	VImax=4.3V	Assure load
		26	PI	part:	VImin=2.8V	current no less
	VCC
				GNSS_VCC=2.8V~4.3V	VInorm=3.3V	than 150mA.
	VRTC	52	IO			Keep this pin
						open
						1. If unused, keep
						this pin open.
					VOmax=2.9V	2. Recommend
	VDD_	43	PO	Supply 2.8V voltage for	VOmin=2.7V	adding a
	EXT			external circuit.	VOnorm=2.8V	2.2~4.7uF bypass
					IOmax=20mA	capacitor, when
						using this pin for
						power supply.
	GND	14,27,		Ground

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31,40,

42,44,

45,48,

49

Turn on/off

PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics Comment
			Power on/off key.	VILmax=
			PWRKEY should be	0.1×VBAT
PWRKEY	5	DI	pulled down for a	VIHmin=
			moment to turn on or	0.6×VBAT
			turn off the system.	VIHmax=3.1V
Audio Interface

	PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment
	MICP	1,	AI	Positive and negative		If unused, keep
	MICN	2		voice input		these pins open.
						If unused, keep
	SPKP	3,		Channel 1 positive and		these pins open.
			AO			Support both
	SPKN	4		negative voice output
						voice and
						ringtone output.
					Refer to Chapter 3.7.6	1. If unused, keep
						these pins open.
	LOUD					2. Integrate a
						ClassAB
	SPKP	54		Channel 2 positive and
			AO			amplifier
	LOUD	53		negative voice output
						internally.
	SPKN
						3. Support both
						voice and
						ringtone output.
	Network Status Indicator
	PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment
					VOHmin=
	NETLIGHT	47	DO	Network status	0.85×VDD_EXT	If unused, keep
				indication	VOLmax=	this pin open.
					0.15×VDD_EXT
	UART Port
	PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment
	TXD	34	DO	Transmit data	VILmin=0V	If only TXD, RXD

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	RXD	33	DI	Receive data	VILmax=	and GND are
					0.25×VDD_EXT	used for
	DTR	37	DI	Data terminal ready
					VIHmin=	communication, it
	RI	35	DO	Ring indication	0.75×VDD_EXT	is recommended
					VIHmax=	to keep all other
	DCD	36	DO	Data carrier detection
					VDD_EXT+0.2	pins open.
					VOHmin=
	CTS	38	DO	Clear to send
					0.85×VDD_EXT
	RTS	39	DI	Request to send	VOLmax=
					0.15×VDD_EXT
	Debug Port
	PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment
	DBG_	29	DO	Transmit data
	TXD				The same as UART	If unused, keep
	DBG_	30	DI	Receive data	port	these pins open.
	RXD
	Auxiliary UART Port
	PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment
	TXD_	25	DO	Transmit data
	AUX				The same as UART	Refer to Chapter
	RXD_	24	DI	Receive data	port	3.6.3
	AUX
	GNSS UART Port
	PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment
	GNSS_	22	DO	Transmit data	VOLmax=0.42V
	TXD				VOHmin=2.4V
					VOHnom=2.8V	Refer to Chapter
					VILmin=-0.3V
	GNSS_					3.6.3
		23	DI	Receive data	VILmax=0.7V
	RXD
					VIHmin=2.1V
					VIHmax=3.1V
	SIM Interface
	PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment

					The voltage can be
	SIM1_ VDD	18	PO	Power supply for SIM	selected by software
	SIM2_ VDD	13		card	automatically. Either
					1.8V or 3.0V.
	SIM1_ CLK	19	DO	SIM clock	VOLmax=
	SIM2_ CLK	10			0.15×SIM_VDD

All signals of SIM interface should be protected against ESD with a TVS diode array.

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					VOHmin=	Maximum trace
					0.85×SIM_VDD	length is 200mm
						from the module
					VILmax=
	SIM1_				0.25×SIM_VDD	pad to SIM card
					VIHmin=
	DATA	21				holder.
					0.75×SIM_VDD
	SIM2_		IO	SIM data
		11			VOLmax=
	DATA
					0.15×SIM_VDD
					VOHmin=
					0.85×SIM_VDD
					VOLmax=
	SIM1_ RST	20	DO	SIM reset	0.15×SIM_VDD
	SIM2_ RST	12			VOHmin=
					0.85×SIM_VDD
	SIM_	16		SIM ground
	GND
					VILmin =0V
					VILmax =
	SIM1_				0.25×VDD_EXT
		37	I	SIM1 card detection	VIHmin =
	PRESENCE
					0.75×VDD_EXT
					VIHmax =
					VDD_EXT+0.2
	ADC
	PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics		Comment
				General purpose	Voltage range:		If unused, keep
	ADC	6	AI	analog to digital
					0V to 2.8V		this pin open.
				converter.
	Digital Audio Interface (PCM)
	PCM_CLK	59	DO	PCM clock
	PCM_OUT	60	DO	PCM data output			If unused, keep
	PCM_SYNC	61	DO	PCM frame			these pins open
				synchronization
	PCM_IN	62	DI	PCM data input
	SD Card Interface
	SD_CMD	7	DO	SD Command line
							If unused, keep
	SD_CLK	8	DO	SD clock
							these pins open
	SD_DATA	9	IO	SD data line

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Antenna Interface

	PIN Name PIN No.		I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment
	RF_	41	IO	GSM antenna pad	Impedance of 50Ω
	ANT
	BT_	32	IO	BT antenna pad	Impedance of 50Ω	If unused, keep
	ANT					this pin open.
	GNSS_	15	I	GNSS signal input	Impedance of 50Ω
	ANT
	Other Interface

PIN Name	PIN No.	I/O	Description	DC Characteristics	Comment
					Refer to
					Chapter 3.3.3.2
				VOHmin=	in all-in-one
GNSS_	28	O	GNSS power enabled	0.85×VDD_EXT	solution.
VCC_EN				VOLmax=	Keep this pin
				0.15×VDD_EXT	open in
					stand-alone
					solution.
	17, 46
	55, 56,
RESERVED	57, 58,				Keep these pins
	63, 64,				open
	65, 66,
	67, 68,

Table 7: Multiplexed Functions

PIN Name	PIN No.	Function After Reset	Alternate Function
DTR/SIM1_PRESENCE	37	DTR	SIM1_PRESENCE

3.2. Application Modes Introduction

MC20 module integrates both GSM and GNSS engines which can work as a whole (all-in-one solution) unit or work relatively independent (stand-alone solution) according to customer demands.

All-in-one solution allows for convenient communication between GSM and GNSS parts. The commands and data (e.g. AT and PMTK commands, NMEA sentences output, etc.) in both GSM and GNSS parts are

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transmitted through UART port, thus realizing communication between the module and the MCU.

In stand-alone solution, GSM data and AT commands are transmitted through UART port; while GNSS data such as PMTK command and NMEA sentences output are transmitted through GNSS UART port.

The hardware difference between all-in-one solution and stand-alone solution mainly lies in the connection method of UART, UART_AUX, and GNSS_UART. The corresponding schematic diagrams are shown below.

Figure 3: All-in-one Solution Schematic Diagram

Figure 4: Stand-alone Solution Schematic Diagram

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NOTE

In order to ensure the normal operation of GNSS part, please don't power off the GSM part.

Table 8: Comparison between All-in-one and Stand-alone Solution

All-in-one.

Stand-alone

Remarks

Firmware upgrade

via

Firmware

upgrade

via

Firmware upgrade

UART

Port

(GSM

and

UART

Port

(GSM

and

Refer to Chapter

GNSS

Parts

share

the

GNSS

Parts

share

the

3.6.1.3 for details

same firmware package)

same firmware package)

GSM

data

is

transmitted

Both GSM and GNSS data

through the

GSM UART

Port.

Data transmission

are transmitted through

GNSS data is transmitted

the GSM UART Port

through the GNSS UART

Port.

GNSS wake up GSM

GNSS can wake up GSM

N/A

by interrupts

MCU

receives the

EPO

GNSS’s EPO data

EPO data is downloaded

data which is downloaded

Refer to Chapter

directly through the GSM

through the GSM part, and

download

part.

then

transmit

it to

the

3.13 for details

GNSS part.

3.3. Power Supply

3.3.1. Power Features

The power supply of the GSM part is one of the key issues in MC20 module design. Due to the 577us radio burst in GSM part every 4.615ms, the 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 the minimum working voltage of the GSM part.

The maximum current consumption of GSM part could reach 1.6A during a burst transmission. It will cause a large voltage drop on the VBAT. In order to ensure stable operation of the part, it is recommended that the maximum voltage drop during the burst transmission does not exceed 400mV.

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Figure 5: Voltage Ripple during Transmitting (GSM Part)

The power supply for GNSS part is controlled by the GSM part through AT command control over GNSS_VCC_EN pin.

3.3.2. Decrease Supply Voltage Drop

3.3.2.1. Decrease Supply Voltage Drop for GSM Part

Power supply range of the GSM part is from 3.3V to 4.6V. Make sure that the input voltage will never drop below 3.3V even in a burst transmission. If the power voltage drops below 3.3V, the module will be turned off automatically. For better power performance, it is recommended to place a 100uF tantalum capacitor with low ESR (ESR=0.7Ω) and ceramic capacitors 100nF, 33pF and 10pF near the VBAT pin. A reference circuit is illustrated in the following figure.

The VBAT trace should be wide enough to ensure that there is not too much voltage drop during burst transmission. The width of trace should be no less than 2mm; and in principle, the longer the VBAT trace, the wider it will be.

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