Quectel Wireless Solutions 201703FC20 User Manual

FC20 Series

Hardware Design

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Rev. FC20_Series_Hardware_Design_V1.0
Date: 2016-11-02

www.quectel.com

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

FC20 Series 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

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

http://www.quectel.com/support/techsupport.aspx
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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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Revision

Date

Author

Description

1.0

2016-11-02

Power JIN

Initial

FC20 Series Hardware Design

About the Document

History

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FC20 Series Hardware Design

Contents

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

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

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

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

1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 7

1.1. Safety Information ................................................................................................................... 7

2 Product Concept .................................................................................................................................. 9

2.1. General Description ................................................................................................................. 9

2.2. Key Features ......................................................................................................................... 10

2.3. Functional Diagram ............................................................................................................... 12

2.4. Evaluation Board ................................................................................................................... 13

3 Application Interfaces ....................................................................................................................... 14

3.1. General Description ............................................................................................................... 14

3.2. Pin Assignment ...................................................................................................................... 15

3.3. Pin Description ...................................................................................................................... 16

3.4. Power Supply ........................................................................................................................ 19

3.5. WLAN Interface ..................................................................................................................... 21

3.5.1. WAKE_ON_WIRELESS Interface ................................................................................. 22

3.5.2. WLAN_EN ...................................................................................................................... 22

3.5.3. SDIO Interface ............................................................................................................... 22

3.6. BT Interface ........................................................................................................................... 24

3.6.1. BT_EN ............................................................................................................................ 24

3.6.2. PCM Interface ................................................................................................................ 24

3.6.3. UART Interface ............................................................................................................... 25

3.7. Coexistence Interface ............................................................................................................ 26

3.8. Other Interfaces ..................................................................................................................... 27

3.8.1. DBG_TXD Interface ....................................................................................................... 27

3.8.2. 32KHz_IN Interface ........................................................................................................ 27

3.9. Antenna Interface .................................................................................................................. 28

3.9.1. Pin Definition of the RF Antenna .................................................................................... 28

3.9.2. Operating Frequency ..................................................................................................... 28

3.9.3. Reference Design .......................................................................................................... 28

3.9.4. Antenna Requirements .................................................................................................. 29

3.9.5. Install the Antenna with RF Connector .......................................................................... 30

4 Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics ............................................................................ 32

4.1. General Description ............................................................................................................... 32

4.2. Electrical Characteristics ....................................................................................................... 32

4.3. I/O Interface Characteristics .................................................................................................. 33

4.4. Current Consumption ............................................................................................................ 33

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FC20 Series Hardware Design

4.5. RF Performance .................................................................................................................... 35

4.6. Electrostatic Discharge .......................................................................................................... 37

5 Mechanical Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 38

5.1. Mechanical Dimensions of the Module ................................................................................. 38

5.2. Recommended Footprint and Stencil .................................................................................... 40

5.3. Top and Bottom View of the Module ..................................................................................... 42

6 Storage, Manufacturing and Packaging .......................................................................................... 43

6.1. Storage .................................................................................................................................. 43

6.2. Soldering ............................................................................................................................... 44

6.3. Packaging .............................................................................................................................. 45

6.3.1. Tape and Reel Packaging .............................................................................................. 45

7 Appendix A References ..................................................................................................................... 47

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Table Index

TABLE 1: FC20 SERIES PRODUCTS ................................................................................................................ 7

TABLE 2: KEY FEATURES ................................................................................................................................ 11

TABLE 3: I/O PARAMETERS DEFINITION ....................................................................................................... 16

TABLE 4: PIN DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................... 16

TABLE 5: POWER SUPPLY PINS AND GND PINS .......................................................................................... 19

TABLE 6: PIN DEFINITION OF WAKE_ON_WIRELESS ................................................................................. 22

TABLE 7: PIN DEFINITION OF WLAN_EN ....................................................................................................... 22

TABLE 8: PIN DEFINITION OF THE SDIO INTERFACE .................................................................................. 22

TABLE 9: PIN DEFINITION OF BT_EN ............................................................................................................ 24

TABLE 10: PIN DEFINITION OF PCM INTERFACE ......................................................................................... 25

TABLE 11: PIN DEFINITION OF UART INTERFACE ....................................................................................... 25

TABLE 12: PIN DEFINITION OF COEXISTENCE INTERFACE ....................................................................... 26

TABLE 13: PIN DEFINITION OF DBG_TXD INTERFACE ................................................................................ 27

TABLE 14: PIN DEFINITION OF 32KHZ_IN INTERFACE ................................................................................ 27

TABLE 15: PIN DEFINITION OF THE RF ANTENNA ....................................................................................... 28

TABLE 16: OPERATING FREQUENCY OF THE MODULE ............................................................................. 28

TABLE 17: ANTENNA CABLE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 29

TABLE 18: ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 29

TABLE 19: ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS .................................................................................................. 32

TABLE 20: RECOMMENDED OPERATING CONDITIONS .............................................................................. 33

TABLE 21: GENERAL DC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS ....................................................................... 33

TABLE 22: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF THE MODULE IN LOW POWER MODE .................................... 33

TABLE 23: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF THE MODULE ............................................................................ 34

TABLE 24: CONDUCTED RF OUTPUT POWER AT 2.4GHZ .......................................................................... 35

TABLE 25: CONDUCTED RF OUTPUT POWER AT 5GHZ ............................................................................. 36

TABLE 26: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY AT 2.4GHZ ............................................................. 36

TABLE 27: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY AT 5GHZ ................................................................ 37

TABLE 28: REEL PACKAGING ......................................................................................................................... 46

TABLE 29: RELATED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................................ 47

TABLE 30: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................... 47

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FC20 Series Hardware Design

Figure Index

FIGURE 1: FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM OF FC20 SERIES MODULE ................................................................. 12

FIGURE 2: PIN ASSIGNMENT OF FC20 SERIES MODULE ........................................................................... 15

FIGURE 3: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR VDD_3V3 ........................................................................................ 20

FIGURE 4: TIMING OF POWER ON/OFF THE FC20 SERIES MODULE ....................................................... 21

FIGURE 5: WLAN INTERFACE CONNECTION ............................................................................................... 21

FIGURE 6: SDIO INTERFACE CONNECTION ................................................................................................. 23

FIGURE 7: BLOCK DIAGRAM OF BT INTERFACE CONNECTION ................................................................ 24

FIGURE 8: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR PCM INTERFACE ............................................................................ 25

FIGURE 9: REFERENCE DESIGN FOR UART INTERFACE CONNECTION ................................................. 26

FIGURE 10: COEXISTENCE INTERFACE CONNECTION.............................................................................. 26

FIGURE 11: REFERENCE CIRCUIT FOR RF ANTENNA INTERFACE ........................................................... 29

FIGURE 12: DIMENSIONS OF THE UF.L-R-SMT CONNECTOR (UNIT: MM) ................................................ 30

FIGURE 13: MECHANICALS OF UF.L-LP CONNECTORS (UNIT: MM) .......................................................... 30

FIGURE 14: SPACE FACTOR OF MATED CONNECTOR (UNIT: MM) ........................................................... 31

FIGURE 15: FC20 TOP AND SIDE DIMENSIONS (UNIT: MM) ........................................................................ 38

FIGURE 16: FC20 BOTTOM DIMENSIONS (UNIT: MM) ................................................................................. 39

FIGURE 17: RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT (UNIT: MM) ................................................................................ 40

FIGURE 18: RECOMMENDED STENCIL (UNIT: MM) ..................................................................................... 41

FIGURE 19: TOP VIEW OF THE MODULE ...................................................................................................... 42

FIGURE 20: BOTTOM VIEW OF THE MODULE .............................................................................................. 42

FIGURE 21: REFLOW SOLDERING THERMAL PROFILE .............................................................................. 44

FIGURE 22: TAPE DIMENSIONS (UNIT: MM) .................................................................................................. 45

FIGURE 23: REEL DIMENSIONS (UNIT: MM) ................................................................................................. 46

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

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.

Module

Wi-Fi

BT

FC20

2.4GHz and 5GHz

4.1

FC20 Series Hardware Design

1 Introduction

This document defines the FC20 series module and describes its hardware interface which is connected
with the customer’s application as well as its air interface.

The document can help customers quickly understand module interface specifications, as well as the
electrical and mechanical details. Associated with application note and user guide, customers can use
FC20 series module to design and set up mobile applications easily.

FC20 series module contains two variants: FC20 and FC20-N. Customers can choose the dedicated type
basing on their requirements. The following table shows the entire models of FC20 series.

Table 1: FC20 Series Products

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 FC20 series 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.

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

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 an
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
sensitive medical equipment.

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 potentially explosive atmospheres, obey all posted signs to turn
off wireless devices such as your phone or other cellular terminals. Areas with
potentially 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.

FC20 Series Hardware Design

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

FC20 Series Hardware Design

2 Product Concept

2.1. General Description

FC20 module is a low-power and low-cost wireless module based on QCA9377-3.

FC20 module supports 1×1 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WLAN standards and BT 4.1, enabling seamless
integration of WLAN/BT and low-energy technology. FC20 supports a low-power SDIO 3.0 interface for
WLAN and a UART/PCM interface for BT, and also supports LTE-WLAN coexistence and LTE-BT
coexistence. The BT function of FC20 is under development.

2.2. Directives and Standards

The FC20 module is designed to comply with the FCC statements. FCC ID: XMR201703FC20
The Host system using FC20 should have label “contains FCC ID: XMR201701FC20

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 FC20, must include RF exposure warning statement to advice
user should keep minimum 20cm from the radio antenna of FC20 module depending on the Mobile status.
Note: If a portable device (such as PDA) uses FC20 module, the device needs to do permissive change
and SAR testing.

Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

FC20 Series Hardware Design

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

-Increase the separation between theequipment and receiver.

-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

2.2.3. IC statement

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2)

This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of t
he device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:

(1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
(2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20
cm from all persons and must not be collocated or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter, End-Users must be provided with transmitter operation conditions for satisfying RF exposure
compliance.

Modular Approal:
The FC20 module is designed to comply with the IC statement. IC ID is 10224A-201703FC20 . The host

system using FC20, should have label indicated it contain modular’s IC ID 10224A-201703FC20 .

This radio module must not installed to co-locate and operating simultaneously with other radios in host
system , additional testing and equipment authorization may be required to operating simultaneously with
other radio.

2.3. Key Features

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Features

Implementation

Power Supply

Main supply voltage: 3.3V, 500mA
IO supply voltage: 1.8V

Transmission Data

FC20: 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps

802.11g: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps

802.11n: 6.5, 13, 19.5, 26, 39, 52, 58.5, 65Mbps

802.11a: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps

802.11ac: VHT20 (MCS0-8), VHT40 (MCS0-9), VHT80 (MCS0-9)

Transmitting Power

FC20: 802.11b/11Mbps: 17dBm

802.11g/54Mbps: 15dBm

802.11n/HT20 MCS7: 14dBm

802.11a/54Mbps: 13dBm

802.11ac/VHT20 MCS0: 13.5dBm

Protocol Features

FC20: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Operator Mode
AP

STA*

Modulation

FC20:
Bluetooth: GFSK,π/4DQPSK, 8DPSK
BLE: GFSK

802.11 b: DSSS

802.11g/n20/n40/ac20/ac40/ac80: OFDM
WLAN Interface

SDIO 3.0

BT Interface

FC20: UART and PCM

Antenna Interface

Wi-Fi & BT antenna, 50Ω

Physical Characteristics

Size: 16.6±0.15 × 13±0.15 × 2.1±0.2mm
Interface: LCC+LGA
Weight: about 0.81g

Temperature Range

Operating temperature range: -35°C~+75°C 1)
Extended temperature range : -40°C~+85°C 2)

RoHS

All hardware components are fully compliant with EU RoHS directive

NOTES

FC20 Series Hardware Design

The following table describes the detailed features of FC20 module.

Table 2: Key Features

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

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

2. 2) Within extended temperature range, the module remains the ability for data transmission. 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 P

out

might reduce in their value and exceed the specified
tolerances. When the temperature returns to the normal operating temperature levels, the module will
meet IEEE compliant again.

WLAN_EN

RF_ANT

VDD_3V3

VIO

Diplexer

48MHz

XO

TX/RX

TX/RX

SDIO

MAC/BB/Radio

PCM

UART

BT_EN

2.4G
Filter

5G

Filter

5G
PA

COEX_UART

WAKE_ON_WIRELESS

NOTE

FC20 Series Hardware Design

2.4. Functional Diagram

The following figure shows a block diagram of FC20 module and illustrates the major functional parts.

 Power supply
 SDIO
 PCM and UART
 RF antenna

Figure 1: Functional Diagram of FC20 Module

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

The functions in dotted line are only supported by FC20.

FC20 Series Hardware Design

2.5. Evaluation Board

In order to help customers to develop applications with FC20 series module, Quectel supplies an
evaluation board (EVB), a RS-232 to USB cable, a USB data cable, a power adapter, 4 antennas and
other peripherals to control or test the module. For details, please refer to document [1].

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FC20 Series Hardware Design

3 Application Interfaces

3.1. General Description

FC20 module is equipped with 38 LCC pads and 14 LGA pads that can be connected to the cellular
application platform. Sub-interfaces included in these pads are described in details in following chapters:

 Power supply
 WLAN interface
 BT interface
 Coexistence interface
 Antenna interface

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

32

34

35

33

36

37

38

29

28

30

31

27
26

24
23

25

22

21
20

19

17

16

18

15

14

13

47

48

49

46

WLAN_EN

GND
RF_ANT

GND
GND

SDIO_CMD
SDIO_CLK

SDIO_D0
SDIO_D1
SDIO_D2

SDIO_D3
VDD_3V3

GND

GND

RESERVED

DBG_TXD

BT_UART_CTS

BT_EN

VIO

RESERVED

GND Pins

LTE_UART_TXD

LTE_UART_RXD

BT_UART_RTS

3
4

2

1

5
6

8
9

7

10

11
12

51

50

52

40

39

41
42

44 4543

PCM_IN

PCM_SYNC

PCM_CLK

PCM_OUT

BT_UART_TXD

BT_UART_RXD

32KHz_IN

GND

GND

RESERVED

RESERVED

RESERVED

RESERVED

WAKE_ON_WIRELESS

Power Pins

GND

Signal Pins

Reserved Pins

Please keep all RESERVED pins open.

NOTE

FC20 Series Hardware Design

3.2. Pin Assignment

Figure 2: Pin Assignment of FC20 Series Module

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Type

Description

IO

Bidirectional input/output

DI

Digital input

DO

Digital output

PI

Power input

Power Supply

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

DC Characteristics

Comment

VDD_3V3

21

PI

Main power supply
for module

Vmax=3.46V
Vmin=3.14V
Vnorm=3.3V

It must be able to
provide sufficient
current up to 0.9A.

VIO

11

PI

Power supply for
module IO pin

Vmax=1.89V
Vmin=1.71V
Vnorm=1.8V

It is powered by EC20
R2.0/EC21/EC25
module.

GND

1, 12, 20,
28, 29,
31, 36,
38~40,
43~45,
48~52

Ground

WLAN Interface

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

DC Characteristics

Comment

WAKE_ON_
WIRELESS

32

DO

Wake up host

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V

1.8V power domain.
Active low.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

WLAN_EN

9

DI

WLAN enabled

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V

1.8V power domain.
Active high.

FC20 Series Hardware Design

3.3. Pin Description

The following tables show the pin definition of FC20.

Table 3: I/O Parameters Definition

Table 4: Pin Description

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

SDIO_D3

22

IO

SDIO data pin bit 3

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V
VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain

SDIO_D2

23

IO

SDIO data pin bit 2

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V
VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain.
Require external
pull-up to 1.8V.

SDIO_D1

24

IO

SDIO data pin bit 1

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V
VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain

SDIO_D0

25

IO

SDIO data pin bit 0

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V
VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain
SDIO_CLK

26

DI

SDIO clock

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain

SDIO_CMD

27

IO

SDIO command

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V
VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain

BT Interface

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

DC Characteristics

Comment

BT_EN

10

DI

Bluetooth enabled

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain.
Active high.

FC20 Series Hardware Design

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

PCM_IN

13

DI

Bluetooth PCM data
input

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

PCM_SYNC

14

DI

Bluetooth PCM data
frame sync signal

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

PCM_CLK

15

DI

Bluetooth PCM clock

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

PCM_OUT

16

DO

Bluetooth PCM data
output

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

BT_UART_
RTS

7

DO

Request to send

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

BT_UART_
CTS

8

DI

Clear to send

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

BT_UART_
TXD

17

DO

Bluetooth transmits
data

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

BT_UART_
RXD

18

DI

Bluetooth receives
data

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

Coexistence Interface

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

DC Characteristics

Comment

LTE_UART_
TXD

5

DO

LTE coexistence
signal

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

LTE_UART_
RXD

6

DI

LTE coexistence
signal

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this
pin open.

RF Interface

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

DC Characteristics

Comment

FC20 Series Hardware Design

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 18 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

RF_ANT

30

IO

WLAN and BT
antenna

50Ω impedance.

Other Pins

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

DC Characteristics

Comment

DBG_TXD

4

DO

Software debugging

VOLmax=0.18V
VOHmin=1.62V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this pin
open.

32KHz_IN

19

DI

Low power.
External 32.768KHz
clock input is
required in sleep
mode.

VILmin=-0.3V
VILmax=0.54V
VIHmin=1.26V
VIHmax=2.0V

1.8V power domain.
If unused, keep this pin
open.

RESERVED Pins

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

DC Characteristics

Comment

RESERVED

2, 3,
33~35,
37, 41,
42, 46, 47

Reserved

Keep these pins
unconnected.

FC20-N module does not support BT interface and coexistence interface.

Pin Name

Pin No.

Description

Min.

Typ.

Max.

Unit

VDD_3V3

21

Main power supply for module

3.14

3.3

3.46

V

VIO

11

Power supply for module IO

1.71

1.8

1.89

V
GND

1, 12, 20,

Ground

NOTE

FC20 Series Hardware Design

3.4. Power Supply

The following table shows the power supply pins and the ground pins of FC20 series. The VIO is powered
by EC20 R2.0/EC21/EC25.

Table 5: Power Supply Pins and GND Pins

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 19 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

28, 29, 31,
36, 38~40,
43~45,
48~52

TPS630242

L1
L1

L2
L2

VIN
VIN
VIN
VINA

GND

EN

VOUT
VOUT

VOUT

PFM/PWM

FB

PGND

D2
D3

E1
E2
E3
E4

C4

D1

B1

A1

L1 L2

PGND

PGND

U402

D4

B2
B3

A2
A3

A4
B4

C1
C2
C3

C406

R408

C405

10uF

1M

L401

1uH

R407

100K

22uF

C407
22uF

PM_ENABLE

DC_5V

DC_5V

VDD_3V3

FC20 Series Hardware Design

FC20 series is powered by VDD_3V3, and it is recommended to use power supply chip whose maximum
output current is more than 1.2A.

The following figure shows a reference design for VDD_3V3, which is controlled by PM_ENABLE. And
PM_ENABLE should be connected to pin 127 of EC20 R2.0/EC21/EC25. For more details, please refer to
document [2], [3] or [4].

Figure 3: Reference Circuit for VDD_3V3

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 20 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

VDD_3V3

≥ 5us

Module
Status

Runnig

WLAN_EN

Power up

Power down

TBD

PM_ENABLE

>0

> 0

VIO

BT_EN

EC20 R2.0/
EC21/EC25

FC20 Series

SDIO

WLAN_ENWLAN_EN

WAKE_ON_WIRELESS

WAKE_ON_WIRELESS

SDIO

FC20 Series Hardware Design

The following figure shows the recommended power on/off sequences for FC20 series.

Figure 4: Timing of Power ON/OFF the FC20 Series Module

Execute AT command AT+QWIFI=1 to open VDD_3V3 and WLAN.

3.5. WLAN Interface

The following figure shows the WLAN interface connection between FC20 series and EC20
R2.0/EC21/EC25.

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 21 / 47

Figure 5: WLAN Interface Connection

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

WAKE_ON_WIRELESS

32

DO

Wake up host

Active low.
If unused, keep this pin
open.

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

WLAN_EN

9

DI

WLAN enabled

Active high

WLAN_EN is a sensitive signal, which should be guarded by ground and routed as close as possible to
FC20 series module.

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

SDIO_D3

22

IO

SDIO data pin bit 3

1.8V power domain

SDIO_D2

23

IO

SDIO data pin bit 2

1.8V power domain.
Require external pull-up to

NOTE

FC20 Series Hardware Design

3.5.1. WAKE_ON_WIRELESS Interface

WAKE_ON_WIRELESS interface is used to wake up the EC20 R2.0/EC21/EC25. When
WAKE_ON_WIRELESS is pulled down, EC20 R2.0/EC21/EC25 can be woken up.

Table 6: Pin Definition of WAKE_ON_WIRELESS

3.5.2. WLAN_EN

WLAN_EN is used to control the WLAN function of FC20 series. When WLAN_EN is at high level voltage,
WLAN function will be enabled.

Table 7: Pin Definition of WLAN_EN

3.5.3. SDIO Interface

The following table shows the pin definition of the SDIO interface of FC20 series.

Table 8: Pin Definition of the SDIO Interface

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

1.8V.

SDIO_D1

24

IO

SDIO data pin bit 1

1.8V power domain

SDIO_D0

25

IO

SDIO data pin bit 0

1.8V power domain

SDIO_CLK

26

DI

SDIO clock

1.8V power domain

SDIO_CMD

27

IO

SDIO command

1.8V power domain

SDIO_CLK

SDIO_CMD

SDIO_D0
SDIO_D1
SDIO_D2
SDIO_D3

EC20 R2.0/
EC21/EC25

FC20 Series

SD1_D0
SD1_D1
SD1_D2
SD1_D3

SD1_CLK

SD1_CMD

10K

NM_10K

VIO

VIO

VIO

VIO VIO

VIO

NM_10K

NM_10K

NM_10K

NM_10K

NM_10nF

FC20 Series Hardware Design

The following figure shows the SDIO interface connection between FC20 series and EC20
R2.0/EC21/EC25.

In order to ensure the performance of SDIO, please comply with the following principles:

 SDIO signals are very high-speed signals. Please prevent crosstalk between them and other

sensitive signals.

 Keep SDIO traces as parallel as possible in the same layer. Make sure SDIO lines are guarded by

ground vias and not crossed.

 Do not route SDIO signal traces under crystals, oscillators, magnetic devices and RF signal traces.
 The pull-up resistor on SDIO_D2 line must be mounted.
 Keep SDIO traces as short as possible with equal length, and impedance control as 50Ω.
 The spacing to all other signals is greater than 2 times of the line width.

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 23 / 47

Figure 6: SDIO Interface Connection

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

PCM

UART

FC20

UART

PCM

EC20 R2.0/
EC21/EC25

BT_EN

BT_EN

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

BT_EN

10

DI

Bluetooth enabled

Active high

FC20 Series Hardware Design

3.6. BT Interface

BT function is only supported by FC20. Please keep these pins open in FC20-N.

The following figure shows the block diagram of BT interface connection between FC20 and EC20
R2.0/EC21/EC25.

If BT interface of FC20 module is used, the UART and PCM interfaces of EC20 R2.0/EC21/EC25 must be
used.

Figure 7: Block Diagram of BT Interface Connection

3.6.1. BT_EN

BT_EN is used to control the BT function of FC20 module. When BT_EN is at high level voltage, BT
function will be enabled.

Table 9: Pin Definition of BT_EN

3.6.2. PCM Interface

The following table shows the pin definition of PCM interface.

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

PCM_IN

13

DI

PCM data input

1.8V power domain

PCM_SYNC

14

IO

PCM data frame
sync signal

1.8V power domain

PCM_CLK

15

IO

PCM data bit clock

1.8V power domain

PCM_OUT

16

DO

PCM data output

1.8V power domain

PCM_IN

PCM_OUT

PCM_SYNC

PCM_CLK

FC20

PCM_CLK

PCM_SYNC

PCM_IN

PCM_OUT

EC20 R2.0/
EC21/EC25

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

BT_UART_RTS

7

DO

Request to send

1.8V power domain

BT_UART_CTS

8

DI

Clear to send

1.8V power domain

BT_UART_TXD

17

DO

Bluetooth transmits data

1.8V power domain

BT_UART_RXD

18

DI

Bluetooth receives data

1.8V power domain

FC20 Series Hardware Design

Table 10: Pin Definition of PCM Interface

The following figure shows the reference design for PCM interface.

Figure 8: Reference Design for PCM Interface

3.6.3. UART Interface

The following table shows the pin definition of UART interface.

Table 11: Pin Definition of UART Interface

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

CTS

RTS

RXD

TXD

FC20

RXD

TXD

RTS

CTS

EC20 R2.0/
EC21/EC25

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

LTE_UART_TXD

5

DO

LTE coexistence signal

If unused, keep this pin
open.

LTE_UART_RXD

6

DI

LTE coexistence signal

If unused, keep this pin
open.

LTE_UART_RXD

LTE_UART_TXD

FC20

COEX_UART_RX

COEX_UART_TX

EC2 R2.0/

EC21/EC25

FC20 Series Hardware Design

The following figure shows the reference design for UART interface connection between FC20 and EC20
R2.0/EC21/EC25.

Figure 9: Reference Design for UART Interface Connection

3.7. Coexistence Interface

Coexistence function is only supported by FC20. Please keep these pins open in FC20-N.

The following table shows the pin definition of FC20’s coexistence interface.

Table 12: Pin Definition of Coexistence Interface

FC20 module supports LTE-WLAN coexistence and LTE-BT coexistence. The following figure shows
the coexistence interface connection between FC20 and EC20 R2.0/EC21/EC25.

Figure 10: Coexistence Interface Connection

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

LTE-BT coexistence function is under development.

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

DBG_TXD

4

DO

Software debugging

If unused, keep this pin
open.

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

32KHz_IN

19

DI

Low power.

External 32.768KHz
clock input is required
in sleep mode.

If unused, keep this pin
open.

NOTE

FC20 Series Hardware Design

3.8. Other Interfaces

3.8.1. DBG_TXD Interface

DBG_TXD interface can be used for log output.

Table 13: Pin Definition of DBG_TXD Interface

3.8.2. 32KHz_IN Interface

The 32KHz clock is used in low power mode such as IEEE power saving mode and sleep mode. It serves
as a timer to determine when to wake up FC20 series module to receive beacons in various power saving
schemes, and to maintain basic logic operations when in sleep mode. The sleep clock signal is
transferred from EC20 R2.0/EC21/EC25 module.

Table 14: Pin Definition of 32KHz_IN Interface

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Pin Name

Pin No.

I/O

Description

Comment

GND

28 Ground

GND

29 Ground

RF_ANT

30

IO

RF antenna pad

50Ω impedance

GND

31 Ground

Feature

Frequency

Unit

WLAN-2.4GHz

2.412~2.462

GHz

WLAN-5GHz

5.18~5.825

GHz

BT

2.402~2.48

GHz

FC20 Series Hardware Design

3.9. Antenna Interface

The pin 30 is the RF antenna pad. And the RF interface has an impedance of 50Ω.

3.9.1. Pin Definition of the RF Antenna

Table 15: Pin Definition of the RF Antenna

3.9.2. Operating Frequency

Table 16: Operating Frequency of the Module

3.9.3. Reference Design

FC20 series module provides an RF antenna pad for antenna connection. The RF trace in host PCB
connected to the module’s RF antenna pad should be microstrip line or other types of RF trace, whose
characteristic impendence should be close to 50Ω. FC20 series module comes with grounding pads
which are next to the antenna pad in order to give a better grounding.

The RF external circuit is recommended as following figure. And a π-type matching circuit should be
reserved for better RF performance. The capacitors are not mounted by default.

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 28 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

RF_ANT

R1

C1

NM

C2

NM

FC20 Series

0R

Type

Requirements

2.412~2.462GHz

Cable insertion loss <1dB

5.18~5.825GHz

Cable insertion loss <1dB

Type

Requirements

Frequency Range

2.412~2.462GHz

5.18~5.825GHz

VSWR

<2:1 recommended

Gain (dBi)

1 typical

Max Input Power (W)

50

Input Impedance (Ω)

50

Polarization Type

Vertical

FC20 Series Hardware Design

Figure 11: Reference Circuit for RF Antenna Interface

3.9.4. Antenna Requirements

The following table shows the requirements on RF antenna.

Table 17: Antenna Cable Requirements

Table 18: Antenna Requirements

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

FC20 Series Hardware Design

3.9.5. Install the Antenna with RF Connector

The following figure is the antenna installation with RF connector provided by HIROSE. The
recommended RF connector is UF.L-R-SMT.

Figure 12: Dimensions of the UF.L-R-SMT Connector (Unit: mm)

Customers can use U.FL-LP serial connector listed in the following figure to match the UF.L-R-SMT.

Figure 13: Mechanicals of UF.L-LP Connectors (Unit: mm)

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

FC20 Series Hardware Design

The following figure describes the space factor of mated connector

Figure 14: Space Factor of Mated Connector (Unit: mm)

For more details, please visit http://www.hirose.com.

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 31 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Parameter

Min.

Max.

Unit

VDD_3V3

-0.3

4.0

V

VIO

-0.3

1.89

V

Digital I/O input voltage

-0.3

VIO+0.2

V

FC20 Series Hardware Design

4 Electrical, Reliability and Radio

Characteristics

4.1. General Description

This chapter mainly introduces the electrical and the radio frequency characteristics of FC20 series
module, which are listed in detail in the following chapters:

 Electrical characteristics
 I/O interface characteristics
 Current consumption
 RF performance
 Electrostatic discharge

4.2. Electrical Characteristics

The following table shows the absolute maximum ratings.

Table 19: Absolute Maximum Ratings

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Parameter

Min.

Typ.

Max.

Unit

VDD_3V3

3.14

3.3

3.46

V

VIO

1.71

1.8

1.89

V

Symbol

Parameter

Min.

Max.

Unit

VIH

High Level Input Voltage

0.7*VIO

VIO+0.2

V

VIL

Low Level Input Voltage

-0.3

0.3*VIO

V

VOH

High Level Output Voltage

0.9*VIO

VIO V VOL

Low Level Output Voltage

0

0.1*VIO

V

IIL

Input Leakage Current

-5 5 uA

Description

Conditions

I

WLAN_3V3

I

VIO

Unit

OFF State

AT+QWIFI=0

0

554

uA

FC20 Series Hardware Design

The following table shows the recommended operating conditions for FC20 series module.

Table 20: Recommended Operating Conditions

4.3. I/O Interface Characteristics

The following table shows the general DC electrical characteristics over recommended operating

conditions (unless otherwise specified).

Table 21: General DC Electrical Characteristics

4.4. Current Consumption

The values of current consumption are shown as below.

Table 22: Current Consumption of the Module in Low Power Mode

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 33 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Description

Conditions

I

WLAN_3V3

I

VIO

Unit

Idle

AT+QWIFI=1

66

6.5

mA

Description

Conditions

I

WLAN_3V3

Unit

802.11b

TX 1Mbps @17.5dBm

370

mA

TX 11Mbps @17.2dBm

357

mA

RX 1Mbps

48

mA

RX 11Mbps

49

mA

802.11g

TX 6Mbps @16dBm

328

mA

TX 54Mbps @14.8dBm

245

mA

RX 6Mbps

49

mA

RX 54Mbps

50

mA

802.11n

TX HT20-MCS0 @15.8dBm

322

mA

TX HT20-MCS7 @13.5dBm

234

mA

TX HT40-MCS0 @14.5dBm

291

mA

TX HT40-MCS7 @12.5dBm

194

mA

RX HT20-MCS0

49

mA

RX HT20-MCS7

50

mA

RX HT40-MCS0

54

mA

RX HT40-MCS7

52

mA

802.11a

TX HT20 MCS0 @dBm

TBD

mA

TX HT20 MCS7 @dBm

TBD

mA

RX HT20 MCS0

TBD

mA

RX HT20 MCS7

TBD

mA

FC20 Series Hardware Design

Table 23: Current Consumption of the Module

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Description

Conditions

I

WLAN_3V3

Unit

TX VHT20 MCS0 @13.2dBm

378

mA

802.11ac

TX VHT20 MCS8 @12.5dBm

289

mA

TX VHT40 MCS0 @13.5dBm

372

mA

TX VHT40 MCS9 @10.5dBm

244

mA

TX VHT80 MCS0 @13dBm

355

mA

TX VHT80 MCS9 @10dBm

220

mA

RX VHT20 MCS0

78

mA

RX VHT20 MCS8

78

mA

RX VHT40 MCS0

85

mA

RX VHT40 MCS9

84

mA

RX VHT80 MCS8

92

mA

RX VHT80 MCS9

91

mA

OFF state: Execute AT+QWIFI=0 to bring the module to this state. Under the state, the sleep clock is
disabled and no data is saved.

Frequency

Min.

Typ.

Unit

802.11b @1Mbps

16.8

17.5

dBm

802.11b @11Mbps

16.5

17

dBm

NOTE

FC20 Series Hardware Design

4.5. RF Performance

The following tables summarize the transmitter and receiver characteristics of FC20 series.

Table 24: Conducted RF Output Power at 2.4GHz

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

802.11g @6Mbps

15

15.5

dBm

802.11g @54Mbps

14.5

15

dBm

802.11n, HT20 @MCS0

15

15.5

dBm

802.11n, HT20 @MCS7

13.5

14

dBm

Frequency

Min.

Typ.

Unit

802.11a @6Mbps

13

13.5

dBm

802.11a @54Mbps

12.5

13

dBm

802.11ac, HT20 @MCS0

13

13.5

dBm

802.11ac, HT20 @MCS7

12.5

13

dBm

802.11ac, HT40 @MCS0

13

13.5

dBm

802.11ac, HT40 @MCS7

10.5

11

dBm

802.11ac, HT80 @MCS0

13

13.5

dBm

802.11ac, HT80 @MCS7

10

10.5

dBm

Frequency

Receive Sensitivity (Typ.)

802.11b, 1Mbps

TBD

802.11b, 11 Mbps

-85

802.11g, 6Mbps

TBD

802.11g, 54Mbps

-73

802.11n, HT20, MCS0

TBD

802.11n, HT20, MCS7

-70

802.11n, HT40, MCS0

TBD

FC20 Series Hardware Design

Table 25: Conducted RF Output Power at 5GHz

Table 26: Conducted RF Receiving Sensitivity at 2.4GHz

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 36 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

802.11n, HT40, MCS7

-68

Frequency

Receive Sensitivity (Typ.)

802.11a, 6Mbps

TBD

802.11a, 54Mbps

-68

802.11ac,VHT20, MCS0

TBD

802.11ac,VHT20, MCS8

-68

802.11ac, VHT40, MCS0

TBD

802.11ac, VHT40, MCS9

-62

802.11ac, VHT80, MCS0

TBD

802.11ac, VHT80, MCS9

-57

FC20 Series Hardware Design

Table 27: Conducted RF Receiving Sensitivity at 5GHz

4.6. Electrostatic Discharge

The module is not protected against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) in general. Consequently, it is subject
to ESD handling precautions that typically apply to ESD sensitive components. Proper ESD handling and
packaging procedures must be applied throughout the processing, handling and operation of any
application that incorporates the module.

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 37 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

FC20 Series Hardware Design

5 Mechanical Dimensions

This chapter describes the mechanical dimensions of FC20 series module.

5.1. Mechanical Dimensions of the Module

Figure 15: FC20 Top and Side Dimensions (Unit: mm)

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

FC20 Series Hardware Design

Figure 16: FC20 Bottom Dimensions (Unit: mm)

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

FC20 Series Hardware Design

5.2. Recommended Footprint and Stencil

Figure 17: Recommended Footprint (Unit: mm)

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

1. For easy maintenance of the module, please keep about 3mm between the module and other

components in host PCB.

2. Keep the RESERVED pins unconnected.

NOTES

FC20 Series Hardware Design

The recommended stencil design for FC20 series is shown as below. To ensure the module soldering
quality, the thickness of stencil for the module is recommended to be 0.18mm.

Figure 18: Recommended Stencil (Unit: mm)

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

These are design effect drawings of FC20 series module. For more accurate pictures, please refer to the
module that you get from Quectel.

NOTE

FC20 Series Hardware Design

5.3. Top and Bottom View of the Module

Figure 19: Top View of the Module

Figure 20: Bottom View of the Module

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 42 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

As the plastic package cannot be subjected to high temperature, it should be removed from devices
before high temperature (125ºC ) baking. If shorter baking time is desired, please refer to
IPC/JEDECJ-STD-033 for baking procedure.

NOTE

FC20 Series Hardware Design

6 Storage, Manufacturing and

Packaging

6.1. Storage

FC20 series module is stored in a vacuum-sealed bag. The storage restrictions are shown as below.

1. Shelf life in the vacuum-sealed bag: 12 months at <40ºC and <90% RH.

2. 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 ≤30ºC and <60%RH.
 Stored at <10% RH.

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

 When the ambient temperature is 23ºC±5ºC and the humidity indication card shows the humidity

is >10% before opening the vacuum-sealed bag.

 Device mounting cannot be finished within 72 hours when the ambient temperature is <30ºC and the

humidity is <60%.

 Stored at >10% RH.

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

FC20_Series_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 43 / 47

Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Time (s)

50

100

150 200 250 300

50

100

150

200

250

160℃

200℃

217

0

70s~120s

40s~60s

Between 1~3℃/S

Preheat Heating Cooling

℃

s

Liquids

Temperature

FC20 Series Hardware Design

6.2. Soldering

Push the squeegee to apply the solder paste on the surface of stencil, thus making the paste fill the
stencil openings and then penetrate to the PCB. The force on the squeegee should be adjusted
properly so as to produce a clean stencil surface on a single pass. To ensure the module soldering
quality, the thickness of stencil for the module is recommended to be 0.18mm. For more details,

please refer to document [5].

It is suggested that the peak reflow temperature is from 235ºC to 245ºC (for SnAg3.0Cu0.5 alloy). The
absolute maximum reflow temperature is 260ºC. To avoid damage to the module caused by repeated
heating, it is suggested that the module should be mounted after reflow soldering for the other side of
PCB has been completed. Recommended reflow soldering thermal profile is shown below:

Figure 21: Reflow Soldering Thermal Profile

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FC20 Series Hardware Design

6.3. Packaging

FC20 module is packaged in a vacuum-sealed bag which is ESD protected. The bag should not be
opened until the devices are ready to be soldered onto the application.

6.3.1. Tape and Reel Packaging

FC20 is packaged in tape and reel carriers. The figures below show the packaging details.

Figure 22: Tape Dimensions (Unit: mm)

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

Model Name

MOQ for MP

Minimum Package: 250pcs

Minimum Package × 4=1000pcs

FC20

250pcs

Size: 370mm × 350mm × 56mm
N.W: 0.203kg
G.W: 0.945kg

Size: 380mm × 250mm × 365mm
N.W: 0.81kg
G.W: 4.33kg

FC20 Series Hardware Design

Figure 23: Reel Dimensions (Unit: mm)

Table 28: Reel Packaging

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

SN

Document Name

Remark

[1]

Quectel_FC20_EVB_User_Guide

FC20 EVB user guide

[2]

Quectel_EC25_Reference_Design

EC25 reference design

[3]

Quectel_EC21_Reference_Design

EC21 reference design

[4]

Quectel_EC20_R2.0_Reference_Design

EC20 R2.0 reference design

[5]

Quectel_Module_Secondary_SMT_User_Guide

Module secondary SMT user guide

Abbreviation

Description

AP

Access Point

BPSK

Binary Phase Shift Keying

BT

Bluetooth

CCK

Complementary Code Keying

CTS

Clear To Send

ESD

Electrostatic Discharge

GND

Ground

HT

High Throughput

IEEE

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IIL

Input Leakage Current

I/O

Input/Output

FC20 Series Hardware Design

7 Appendix A References

Table 29: Related Documents

Table 30: Terms and Abbreviations

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

LTE

Long Term Evolution

Mbps

Million Bits Per Second

MCS

Modulation and Coding Scheme

MOQ

Minimum Order Quantity

MP

Manufacture Product

PCB

Printed Circuit Board

PCM

Pulse Code Modulation

QAM

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

QPSK

Quadrature Phase Shift Keying

RF

Radio Frequency

RH

Relative Humidity

RoHS

Restriction of Hazardous Substances

RTS

Request To Send

RX

Receive Direction

SDIO

Secure Digital Input and Output Card

TBD

To Be Determined

TX

Transmitting Direction

UART

Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter

USB

Universal Serial Bus

VDD

Voltage Power for Digital Device

VHT

Very High Throughput

VIHmax

Maximum Input High Level Voltage Value

VIHmin

Minimum Input High Level Voltage Value

VILmax

Maximum Input Low Level Voltage Value

VILmin

Minimum Input Low Level Voltage Value

FC20 Series Hardware Design

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Wi-Fi&BT Module Series

VIO

Voltage for Input/Output Port

VOLmax

Maximum Output Low Level Voltage Value

VOHmin

Minimum Output High Level Voltage Value

VSWR

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

Wi-Fi

Wireless-Fidelity

WLAN

Wireless Local Area Networks

FC20 Series Hardware Design

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