Quectel Wireless Solutions 201708EC21E User Manual

LTE

Rev.

Date:

odule

EC21_H

2017-0

eries

rdware

-01

Design

V1.4

ww.quecte l.com

LTE Module Series

EC21 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: +86 21 5108 6236

Email:info@quectel.com

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GENERAL NOTES

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OR DESIGN.

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EC21 Hardware Design

About the Document

History

Revision Date Author Description

1.0 2016-04-15 Yeoman CHEN Initial

LTE Module Series

Yeoman CHEN/

1.1 2016-09-22

1.2 2016-11-04

Frank WANG/

Lyndon LIU

Lyndon LIU/

Michael ZHANG

1. Updated frequency bands in Table 1.

2. Updated transmitting power, supported maximum

baud rate of main UART, supported internet

protocols, supported USB drivers of USB interface,

and temperature range in Table 2.

3. Updated timing of turning on module in Figure 12.

4. Updated timing of turning off module in Figure 13.

5. Updated timing of resetting module in Figure 16.

6. Updated main UART supports baud rate in Chapter

3.11.

7. Added notes for ADC interface in Chapter 3.13.

8. Updated GNSS Performance in Table 21.

9. Updated operating frequencies of module in Table

23.

10. Added current consumption in Chapter 6.4.

11. Updated RF output power in Chapter 6.5.

12. Added RF receiving sensitivity in Chapter 6.6.

1. Added SGMII and WLAN interfaces in Table 2.

2. Updated function diagram in Figure 1.

3. Updated pin assignment (Top View) in Figure 2.

4. Added description of SGMII and WLAN interfaces in

Table 4.

5. Added SGMII interface in Chapter 3.17.

6. Added WLAN interface in Chapter 3.18.

7. Added USB_BOOT interface in Chapter 3.19.

8. Added reference design of RF layout in Chapter

5.1.4.

9. Added current consumption of EC21-V in Chapter

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EC21 Hardware Design

1.3 2017-01-24

Lyndon LIU/

Rex WANG

LTE Module Series

6.4.

10. Added note about SIMO in Chapter 6.6.

1. Updated frequency bands in Table 1.

2. Updated function diagram in Figure 1.

3. Updated pin assignment (top view) in Figure 2.

4. Added BT interface in Chapter 3.18.2.

5. Updated reference circuit of wireless connectivity

interfaces with FC20 module in Figure 29.

6. Updated GNSS performance in Table 24.

7. Updated module operating frequencies in Table 26.

8. Added EC21-AUV current consumption in Table 38.

9. Updated EC21-A conducted RF receiving sensitivity

of in Table 42.

10. Added EC21-J conducted RF receiving sensitivity in

Table 48.

1.4 2017-03-01 Geely YANG Deleted the LTE band TDD B41 of EC21-CT

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Contents

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

Contents .................................................................................................................................................... 4

Table Index ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Figure Index .............................................................................................................................................. 8

1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 10

1.1. Safety Information ..................................................................................................................11

2 Product Concept ............................................................................................................................. 12

2.1. General Description .............................................................................................................. 12

2.2. Key Features ......................................................................................................................... 13

2.3. Functional Diagram ............................................................................................................... 15

2.4. Evaluation Board ................................................................................................................... 16

3 Application Interfaces ..................................................................................................................... 17

3.1. General Description .............................................................................................................. 17

3.2. Pin Assignment ..................................................................................................................... 18

3.3. Pin Description ...................................................................................................................... 19

3.4. Operating Modes .................................................................................................................. 28

3.5. Power Saving ........................................................................................................................ 28

3.5.1.

Sleep Mode.................................................................................................................. 28

3.5.1.1. UART Application ............................................................................................... 28

3.5.1.2. USB Application with USB Remote Wakeup Function ....................................... 29

3.5.1.3. USB Application with USB Suspend/Resume and RI Function .......................... 30

3.5.1.4. USB Application without USB Suspend Function ............................................... 31

3.5.2. Airplane Mode .............................................................................................................. 32

3.6. Power Supply ........................................................................................................................ 32

3.6.1. Power Supply Pins ....................................................................................................... 32

3.6.2. Decrease Voltage Drop ................................................................................................ 33

3.6.3. Reference Design for Power Supply ............................................................................ 34

3.6.4. Monitor the Power Supply ............................................................................................ 35

3.7. Turn on and off Scenarios ..................................................................................................... 35

3.7.1. Turn on Module Using the PWRKEY ........................................................................... 35

3.7.2. Turn off Module ............................................................................................................ 37

3.7.2.1. Turn off Module Using the PWRKEY Pin ........................................................... 37

3.7.2.2. Turn off Module Using AT Command ................................................................. 37

3.8. Reset the Module .................................................................................................................. 38

3.9. USIM Card Interface ............................................................................................................. 39

3.10. USB Interface ........................................................................................................................ 41

3.11. UART Interfaces .................................................................................................................... 43

3.12. PCM and I2C Interfaces ........................................................................................................ 45

3.13. ADC Function ........................................................................................................................ 48

3.14. Network Status Indication ..................................................................................................... 49

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3.15. STATUS ................................................................................................................................ 50

3.16. Behavior of the RI ................................................................................................................. 51

3.17. SGMII Interface ..................................................................................................................... 51

3.18. Wireless Connectivity Interfaces ........................................................................................... 54

3.18.1. WLAN Interface ........................................................................................................... 56

3.18.2. BT Interface* ................................................................................................................ 56

3.19. USB_BOOT Interface ............................................................................................................ 57

4 GNSS Receiver ................................................................................................................................ 58

4.1. General Description .............................................................................................................. 58

4.2. GNSS Performance .............................................................................................................. 58

4.3. Layout Guidelines ................................................................................................................. 59

5 Antenna Interfaces .......................................................................................................................... 60

5.1. Main/Rx-diversity Antenna Interface ..................................................................................... 60

5.1.1. Pin Definition ................................................................................................................ 60

5.1.2. Operating Frequency ................................................................................................... 60

5.1.3. Reference Design of RF Antenna Interface ................................................................. 61

5.1.4. Reference Design of RF Layout ................................................................................... 62

5.2.

GNSS Antenna Interface ....................................................................................................... 64

5.3. Antenna Installation .............................................................................................................. 65

5.3.1. Antenna Requirement .................................................................................................. 65

5.3.2. Recommended RF Connector for Antenna Installation ................................................ 66

6 Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics .......................................................................... 68

6.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings .................................................................................................. 68

6.2. Power Supply Ratings ........................................................................................................... 68

6.3. Operating Temperature ......................................................................................................... 69

6.4. Current Consumption ............................................................................................................ 70

6.5. RF Output Power .................................................................................................................. 76

6.6. RF Receiving Sensitivity ....................................................................................................... 76

6.7. Electrostatic Discharge ......................................................................................................... 80

7 Mechanical Dimensions.................................................................................................................. 81

7.1. Mechanical Dimensions of the Module.................................................................................. 81

7.2. Recommended Footprint ....................................................................................................... 83

7.3. Design Effect Drawings of the Module .................................................................................. 84

Storage, Manufacturing and Packaging ........................................................................................ 85

8.1. Storage ................................................................................................................................. 85

8.2. Manufacturing and Soldering ................................................................................................ 86

8.3. Packaging ............................................................................................................................. 87

9 Appendix A References .................................................................................................................. 88

10 Appendix B GPRS Coding Schemes ............................................................................................. 92

11 Appendix C GPRS Multi-slot Classes ............................................................................................ 93

12 Appendix D EDGE Modulation and Coding Schemes .................................................................. 94

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Table Index

TABLE 1: FREQUENCY BANDS OF EC21 SERIES MODULE ........................................................................ 12

TABLE 2: KEY FEATURES OF EC21 MODULE ............................................................................................... 13

TABLE 3: I/O PARAMETERS DEFINITION ....................................................................................................... 19

TABLE 4: PIN DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................... 19

TABLE 5: OVERVIEW OF OPERATING MODES ............................................................................................. 28

TABLE 6: VBAT AND GND PINS ....................................................................................................................... 33

TABLE 7: PWRKEY PIN DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 35

TABLE 8: RESET_N PIN DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................... 38

TABLE 9: PIN DEFINITION OF THE USIM CARD INTERFACE ...................................................................... 39

TABLE 10: PIN DESCRIPTION OF USB INTERFACE ..................................................................................... 41

TABLE 11: PIN DEFINITION OF THE MAIN UART INTERFACE ..................................................................... 43

TABLE 12: PIN DEFINITION OF THE DEBUG UART INTERFACE ................................................................. 43

TABLE 13: LOGIC LEVELS OF DIGITAL I/O .................................................................................................... 44

TABLE 14: PIN DEFINITION OF PCM AND I2C INTERFACES ....................................................................... 46

TABLE 15: PIN DEFINITION OF THE ADC ...................................................................................................... 48

TABLE 16: CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ADC .................................................................................................. 48

TABLE 17: PIN DEFINITION OF NETWORK CONNECTION STATUS/ACTIVITY INDICATOR ...................... 49

TABLE 18: WORKING STATE OF NETWORK CONNECTION STATUS/ACTIVITY INDICATOR ................... 49

TABLE 19: PIN DEFINITION OF STATUS ........................................................................................................ 50

TABLE 20: BEHAVIOR OF THE RI ................................................................................................................... 51

TABLE 21: PIN DEFINITION OF THE SGMII INTERFACE .............................................................................. 52

TABLE 22: PIN DEFINITION OF WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY INTERFACES ................................................ 54

TABLE 23: PIN DEFINITION OF USB_BOOT INTERFACE ............................................................................. 57

TABLE 24: GNSS PERFORMANCE ................................................................................................................. 58

TABLE 25: PIN DEFINITION OF THE RF ANTENNA ....................................................................................... 60

TABLE 26: MODULE OPERATING FREQUENCIES ........................................................................................ 60

TABLE 27: PIN DEFINITION OF GNSS ANTENNA INTERFACE ..................................................................... 64

TABLE 28: GNSS FREQUENCY ....................................................................................................................... 64

TABLE 29: ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 65

TABLE 30: ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS .................................................................................................. 68

TABLE 31: POWER SUPPLY RATINGS ........................................................................................................... 68

TABLE 32: OPERATING TEMPERATURE ........................................................................................................ 69

TABLE 33: EC21-A CURRENT CONSUMPTION ............................................................................................. 70

TABLE 34: EC21-AUT CURRENT CONSUMPTION ........................................................................................ 71

TABLE 35: EC21-E CURRENT CONSUMPTION ............................................................................................. 72

TABLE 36: EC21-KL CURRENT CONSUMPTION ........................................................................................... 73

TABLE 37: EC21-V CURRENT CONSUMPTION ............................................................................................. 74

TABLE 38: EC21-AUV CURRENT CONSUMPTION ........................................................................................ 74

TABLE 39: GNSS CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC21 SERIES MODULE ................................................. 75

TABLE 40: RF OUTPUT POWER ..................................................................................................................... 76

TABLE 41: EC21-E CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY .................................................................. 76

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TABLE 42: EC21-A CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY .................................................................. 77

TABLE 43: EC21-V CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY .................................................................. 77

TABLE 44: EC21-AUT CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY ............................................................. 77

TABLE 45: EC21-AUTL CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY ........................................................... 78

TABLE 46: EC21-KL CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY ................................................................ 78

TABLE 47: EC21-CT CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY ................................................................ 78

TABLE 48: EC21-J CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY................................................................... 79

TABLE 49: EC21-AUV CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY ............................................................. 79

TABLE 50: ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................. 80

TABLE 51: RELATED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................................ 88

TABLE 52: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................... 88

TABLE 53: DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT CODING SCHEMES .................................................................. 92

TABLE 54: GPRS MULTI-SLOT CLASSES ...................................................................................................... 93

TABLE 55: EDGE MODULATION AND CODING SCHEMES ........................................................................... 94

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Figure Index

FIGURE 1: FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM ............................................................................................................... 16

FIGURE 2: PIN ASSIGNMENT (TOP VIEW) .................................................................................................... 18

FIGURE 3: SLEEP MODE APPLICATION VIA UART ....................................................................................... 29

FIGURE 4: SLEEP MODE APPLICATION WITH USB REMOTE WAKEUP .................................................... 30

FIGURE 5: SLEEP MODE APPLICATION WITH RI ......................................................................................... 31

FIGURE 6: SLEEP MODE APPLICATION WITHOUT SUSPEND FUNCTION ................................................ 31

FIGURE 7: POWER SUPPLY LIMITS DURING BURST TRANSMISSION ...................................................... 33

FIGURE 8: STAR STRUCTURE OF THE POWER SUPPLY ............................................................................ 34

FIGURE 9: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF POWER SUPPLY .............................................................................. 34

FIGURE 10: TURN ON THE MODULE USING DRIVING CIRCUIT ................................................................. 35

FIGURE 11: TURN ON THE MODULE USING KEYSTROKE .......................................................................... 36

FIGURE 12: TIMING OF TURNING ON MODULE ........................................................................................... 36

FIGURE 13: TIMING OF TURNING OFF MODULE ......................................................................................... 37

FIGURE 14: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF RESET_N BY USING DRIVING CIRCUIT ...................................... 38

FIGURE 15: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF RESET_N BY USING BUTTON ...................................................... 38

FIGURE 16: TIMING OF RESETTING MODULE ............................................................................................. 39

FIGURE 17: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF USIM CARD INTERFACE WITH AN 8-PIN USIM CARD

CONNECTOR .................................................................................................................................................... 40

FIGURE 18: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF USIM CARD INTERFACE WITH A 6-PIN USIM CARD CONNECTOR

........................................................................................................................................................................... 40

FIGURE 19: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF USB APPLICATION ......................................................................... 42

FIGURE 20: REFERENCE CIRCUIT WITH TRANSLATOR CHIP ................................................................... 44

FIGURE 21: REFERENCE CIRCUIT WITH TRANSISTOR CIRCUIT .............................................................. 45

FIGURE 22: PRIMARY MODE TIMING ............................................................................................................ 46

FIGURE 23: AUXILIARY MODE TIMING .......................................................................................................... 46

FIGURE 24: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF PCM APPLICATION WITH AUDIO CODEC .................................... 47

FIGURE 25: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF THE NETWORK INDICATOR .......................................................... 50

FIGURE 26: REFERENCE CIRCUITS OF STATUS ......................................................................................... 50

FIGURE 27: SIMPLIFIED BLOCK DIAGRAM FOR ETHERNET APPLICATION ............................................. 52

FIGURE 28: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF SGMII INTERFACE WITH PHY AR8033 APPLICATION ................. 53

FIGURE 29: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY INTERFACES WITH FC20 MODULE

........................................................................................................................................................................... 55

FIGURE 30: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF USB_BOOT INTERFACE ................................................................ 57

FIGURE 31: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF RF ANTENNA INTERFACE ............................................................. 61

FIGURE 32: MICROSTRIP LINE DESIGN ON A 2-LAYER PCB ...................................................................... 62

FIGURE 33: COPLANAR WAVEGUIDE LINE DESIGN ON A 2-LAYER PCB .................................................. 62

FIGURE 34: COPLANAR WAVEGUIDE LINE DESIGN ON A 4-LAYER PCB (LAYER 3 AS REFERENCE

GROUND) .......................................................................................................................................................... 63

FIGURE 35: COPLANAR WAVEGUIDE LINE DESIGN ON A 4-LAYER PCB (LAYER 4 AS REFERENCE

GROUND) .......................................................................................................................................................... 63

FIGURE 36: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF GNSS ANTENNA ............................................................................. 64



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FIGURE 37: DIMENSIONS OF THE UF.L-R-SMT CONNECTOR (UNIT: MM) ................................................ 66

FIGURE 38: MECHANICALS OF UF.L-LP CONNECTORS ............................................................................. 66

FIGURE 39: SPACE FACTOR OF MATED CONNECTOR (UNIT: MM) ........................................................... 67

FIGURE 40: MODULE TOP AND SIDE DIMENSIONS ..................................................................................... 81

FIGURE 41: MODULE BOTTOM DIMENSIONS (BOTTOM VIEW) ................................................................. 82

FIGURE 42: RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT (TOP VIEW) .............................................................................. 83

FIGURE 43: TOP VIEW OF THE MODULE ...................................................................................................... 84

FIGURE 44: BOTTOM VIEW OF THE MODULE .............................................................................................. 84

FIGURE 45: REFLOW SOLDERING THERMAL PROFILE .............................................................................. 86

FIGURE 46: TAPE AND REEL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 87

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EC21 Hardware Design

1 Introduction

This document defines the EC21module and describes its air interface and hardware interface which are

connected with your application.

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

details, as well as other related information of EC21 module. Associated with application note and user

guide, you can use EC21 module to design and set up mobile applications easily.

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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 EC21 module. Manufacturers of the cellular

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

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 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 designed to prevent possible interference with

sensitive medical equipment.

Cellular terminals or mobiles operatingover radio frequency signal and cellular

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

fee or with an invalid USIM/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 includefuelling 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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EC21 Hardware Design

2 Product Concept

2.1. General Description

EC21 is a series of LTE-FDD/LTE-TDD/WCDMA/GSM wireless communication module with receive

diversity. It provides data connectivity on LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD,DC-HSPA+, HSPA+, HSDPA, HSUPA,

WCDMA,EDGE andGPRSnetworks. It also provides GNSS

applications.EC21 contains tenvariants:EC21-E, EC21-A, EC21-V, EC21-AUT,

EC21-AU,EC21-AUV,EC21-AUTL, EC21-J, EC21-CT and EC21-KL. You can choose a dedicated type

based on the region or operator. The following table shows the frequency bands of EC21 series module.

and voice functionality2) for your specific

Table 1: Frequency Bands of EC21 Series Module

Modules2) LTE Bands 3G Bands GSM

EC21-E

EC21-A

EC21-V

EC21-AUT

EC21-AU3)

EC21-AUV

EC21-AUTL

FDD:B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20

FDD:B2/B4/B12

FDD:B4/B13 N N Y

FDD:B1/B3/B5/B7/B28

FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/

B28

TDD: B40

FDD: B1/B3/B5/B8/B28 B1/B5/B8 N Y N

FDD:B3/B7/B28 N N Y N

WCDMA:B1/B

5/B8

WCDMA:B2/B

4/B5

WCDMA:

B1/B5

WCDMA:

B1/B2/B5/B8

900/1800 Y

N Y

850/900/

1800/1900

Rxdiversity

GNSS1)

GPS,

GLONASS,

BeiDou/

Compass,

Galileo,QZS

EC21-J

EC21-CT

EC21-KL

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 12 / 94

FDD: B1/B3/B8/B18/B19/B26 N N Y N

FDD:B1/B3/B5 N N N N

FDD:B1/B3/B5/B7/B8 N N Y N

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

NOTES

GNSS function is optional.

EC21 series module (EC21-E, EC21-A, EC21-V, EC21-AUT, EC21-AU,EC21-AUV, EC21-AUTL,

EC21-J, EC21-CT and EC21-KL) includes Data-only and Telematics versions. Data-only version does not support voice function, while Telematics version supports it.

B2 band on EC21-AU module does not support Rx-diversity.

4. Y = supported (including LTE and WCDMA). N = Not supported.

With a compact profile of 32.0mm ×29.0mm ×2.4mm, EC21 can meet almost all requirements for M2M

applications such as automotive, metering, tracking system, security, router, wireless POS, mobile

computing device, PDA phone,tablet PC, etc.

EC21 is an SMD type module which can be embedded into applications through its 144-pin pads,

including 80LCC signal pads and 64 other pads.

2.2. Key Features

The following table describes the detailed features of EC21 module.

Table 2: Key Features of EC21 Module

Features Details

Power Supply Supply voltage: 3.3V~4.3VTypical supply voltage: 3.8V

Class 4 (33dBm±2dB) for GSM900

Class 1 (30dBm±2dB) for DCS1800

Class E2 (27dBm±3dB) for GSM900 8-PSK

Transmitting Power

LTE Features

Class E2 (26dBm±3dB) for DCS1800 8-PSK

Class 3 (22.5dBm -3/+1dB) for WCDMA bands

Class 3 (22.5dBm -3/+1dB) for LTE-FDD bands

Class 3 (22.5dBm -3/+1dB) for LTE-TDD bands

Support up to non-CA CAT1

Support 1.4 to 20MHz RF bandwidth

SupportMIMO in DL direction

FDD: Max 5Mbps (UL), 10Mbps (DL)

TDD: Max 3.1Mbps(UL), 8.96Mbps(DL)

Support 3GPP R8 DC-HSPA+

WCDMA Features

Support 16-QAM, 64-QAM and QPSKmodulation

3GPP R6 CAT6 HSUPA: Max 5.76Mbps (UL)

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EC21 Hardware Design

GSMFeatures

Internet Protocol Features

LTE Module Series

3GPP R8 CAT24 DC-HSPA+: Max 42Mbps (DL)

R99:

CSD: 9.6kbps, 14.4kbps

GPRS:

Support GPRS multi-slot class 12 (12 by default)

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

Maximum of four Rx time slots per frame

EDGE:

Support EDGE multi-slot class 12 (12 by default)

Support GMSK and 8-PSK for different MCS (Modulation and Coding

Scheme)

Downlink coding schemes: CS 1-4 and MCS 1-9

Uplink coding schemes: CS 1-4 and MCS 1-9

Support

TCP/UDP/PPP/FTP/HTTP/NTP/PING/QMI/HTTPS*/SMTP*/MMS*/FTPS*/

SSL*protocols

Support PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) and CHAP (Challenge

Handshake Authentication Protocol) protocols which are usually used for

PPP connections

Text and PDU mode

SMS

Point to point MO and MT

SMS cell broadcast

SMS storage: ME by default

USIM Interface Support USIM/SIM card: 1.8V, 3.0V

Support one digital audio interface: PCM interface

GSM: HR/FR/EFR/AMR/AMR-WB

Audio Features

WCDMA: AMR/AMR-WB

LTE: AMR/AMR-WB

Support echo cancellation and noise suppression

Used for audio function with external codec

Support 8-bit A-law*, μ-law*and 16-bit linear data formats

PCM Interface

Support long frame synchronization and short frame synchronization

Support master and slave modes, but must be the master in long frame

synchronization

Compliant with USB 2.0 specification (slave only);the data transfer rate can

reach up to 480Mbps

USB Interface

Used for AT command communication, data transmission, GNSS NMEA

output, software debugging, firmware upgradeand voice over USB*

SupportUSB drivers for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows

8/8.1, Window 10, Linux 2.6 or later, Android 4.0/4.2/4.4/5.0/5.1/6.0

UART Interface

Main UART:

Used for AT command communication and data transmission

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EC21 Hardware Design

Baud rate reach up to 3000000bps, 115200bps by default

Support RTS and CTS hardware flow control

Debug UART:

Used for Linux console, log output

115200bps baud rate

SGMII Interface Support 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet connectivity

LTE Module Series

Wireless Connectivity

Interfaces

Support a low-power SDIO 3.0 interface for WLAN and UART/PCM

interface for Bluetooth*

Rx-diversity Support LTE/WCDMA Rx-diversity

GNSS Features

AT Commands

Network Indication

Antenna Interface

Physical Characteristics

Temperature Range

Gen8CLite of Qualcomm

Protocol: NMEA 0183

Compliant with 3GPP TS 27.007, 27.005 and Quectel enhanced AT

commands

Two pins including NET_MODE and NET_STATUS to indicate network

connectivity status

Including main antennainterface(ANT_MAIN), Rx-diversity antenna

interface (ANT_DIV) and GNSS antenna interface (ANT_GNSS)

Size: (32.0±0.15)×(29.0±0.15)×(2.4±0.2)mm

Weight: approx. 4.9g

Operation temperature range: -35°C ~ +75°C

Extended temperature range: -40°C ~ +85°C

Firmware Upgrade USB interfaceand DFOTA*

RoHS All hardware components are fully compliant with EU RoHS directive

NOTES

1. 1) Within operating 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 P

might reduce in their value and exceed the specified tolerances. When the temperature

out

returns to normal operating temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP specificationsagain.

3. “*” means under development.

2.3. Functional Diagram

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 15 / 94

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

The following figure shows a block diagram of EC21 and illustrates the major functional parts.

 Power management

 Baseband

 DDR+NAND flash

 Radio frequency

 Peripheral interfaces

ANT_MAIN ANT_DIVANT_GNSS

VBAT_RF

VBAT_BB

PWRKEY

RESET_N

ADCs

STATUS

APT

PMIC

Control

19.2M

Switch

Duplex

PRx DRx

SAW

LNA

Transceiver

IQ Control

Baseband

Switch

SAW

NAND DDR2

SDRAM

VDD_EXT

USB

USIM

PCM

SGMII

WLAN

I2C

UART

GPIOs

Figure 1: Functional Diagram

2.4. Evaluation Board

In order to help youdevelop applications with EC21, Quectel supplies an evaluation board (EVB), USB

data cable, earphone, antenna and other peripherals to control or test the module.

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 16 / 94

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

3 Application Interfaces

3.1. General Description

EC21 is equipped with 80-pin SMT pads plus 64-pin ground pads and reserved pads that can

beconnected to cellular application platform. Sub-interfaces included in these pads are described in detail

in the following chapters:

 Power supply

 USIM interface

 USB interface

 UART interfaces

 PCM interface

 ADC interface  Status indication

 SGMII interface

 Wireless connectivity interfaces

 USB_BOOT interface

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 17 / 94

EC21 Hardware Design

3.2. Pin Assignment

The following figure shows the pin assignment of EC21 module.

LTE Module Series

Figure 2: Pin Assignment (Top View)

NOTES

1. 1)means that these pins cannot be pulled up before startup.

PWRKEY output voltage is 0.8V because of the diode drop in the Qualcomm chipset.

3. Pads 119~126 are SGMII function pins.

4. Pads 37~40, 118, 127 and 129~139 are wireless connectivity interfaces, among which pads 127 and

129~138 are WLAN function pins, and others are Bluetooth (BT) function pins. BT function is under

development.

5. Pads 24~27 are multiplexing pinsused for audio design on EC21 module and BT function on FC20

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 18 / 94

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

module.

6. Keep all RESERVEDpins and unused pins unconnected.

7. GND pads 85~112 should be connected to ground in the design, and RESERVED pads 73~84should

not be designed in schematic and PCB decal.

※

8. “

” means these interface functions are only supported on Telematics version.

3.3. Pin Description

The following tables show the pin definition of EC21 module.

Table 3: I/O Parameters Definition

Type Description

IO Bidirectional

DI Digital input

DO Digital output

PI Power input

PO Power output

AI Analog input

AO Analog output

OD Open drain

Table 4: Pin Description

Power Supply

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

VBAT_BB 59,60 PI

VBAT_RF 57,58 PI

Power supply for

module baseband

part

Power supply for

module RF part

Vmax=4.3V

Vmin=3.3V

Vnorm=3.8V

Vmax=4.3V

Vmin=3.3V

Vnorm=3.8V

It must be able to provide

sufficient current up to

0.8A.

It must be able to provide

sufficient current up to

1.8A in a burst

transmission.

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LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

Power supply for

external GPIO’s pull up

circuits.

VDD_EXT 7 PO

Provide 1.8V for

external circuit

Vnorm=1.8V

max=50mA

8,9,19,22,3

GND

6,46,48,50

~54,56,72,

Ground

85~112

Turn on/off

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

The output voltage is

0.8V because of the

diode drop in the

Qualcomm chipset.

PWRKEY 21 DI

Turnon/off the

module

RESET_N 20 DI Reset the module

max=2.1V

min=1.3V

max=0.5V

max=2.1V

min=1.3V

max=0.5V

Status Indication

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

STATUS 61 OD

Indicate the module

operating status

Indicate the module

NET_MODE 5 DO

network registration

mode

NET_

STATUS

6 DO

Indicate the module

network activity

status

The drive current

should be less than

0.9mA.

min=1.35V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

max=0.45V

Require external

pull-up. If unused,

keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

Cannot be pulled up

before startup.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

USB Interface

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

USB_VBUS 71 PI USB detection Vnorm=5.0V

USB_DP 69 IO

USB differential data

bus

Compliant with USB

2.0 standard

specification.

Require differential

impedance of 90ohm.

USB_DM 70 IO

USB differential data

bus

Compliant with USB

2.0 standard

specification.

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 20 / 94

Require differential

impedance of 90ohm.

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

USIM Interface

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

USIM_GND 10

USIM_VDD 14 PO

USIM_DATA 15 IO

USIM_CLK 16 DO

USIM_RST 17 DO

USIM_

PRESENCE

13 DI

Specified ground for

USIM card

Power supply for

USIM card

Data signal of USIM

card

Clock signal of USIM

card

Reset signal of

USIM card

USIM card insertion

detection

For 1.8V USIM:

Vmax=1.9V

Vmin=1.7V

For 3.0V USIM:

Vmax=3.05V

Either 1.8V or 3.0V is

supported by the

module automatically.

Vmin=2.7V

max=50mA

For 1.8V USIM:

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

For 3.0V USIM:

max=1.0V

min=1.95V

max=0.45V

min=2.55V

For 1.8V USIM:

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

For 3.0V USIM:

max=0.45V

min=2.55V

For 1.8V USIM:

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

For 3.0V USIM:

max=0.45V

min=2.55V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 21 / 94

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

UART Interface

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

RI 62 DO Ring indicator

DCD 63 DO

Data carrier

detection

CTS 64 DO Clear to send

RTS 65 DI Request to send

Data terminal

DTR 66 DI

ready,sleep mode

control

VOHmin=1.35V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

Pull-up by default. Low

level wakes up the

module.

If unused, keep it open.

TXD 67 DO Transmit data

RXD 68 DI Receive data

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

Debug UART Interface

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

DBG_TXD 12 DO Transmit data

DBG_RXD 11 DI Receive data

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

ADC Interface

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

General purpose

ADC0 45 AI

analog to digital

converter

General purpose

ADC1 44 AI

analog to digital

converter

Voltage range:

0.3V to VBAT_BB

Voltage range:

0.3V to VBAT_BB

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 22 / 94

If unused, keep it open.

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

PCM Interface

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

min=-0.3V

PCM_IN 24 DI PCM data input

PCM_OUT 25 DO PCM data output

PCM data frame

PCM_SYNC 26 IO

synchronization

signal

PCM_CLK 27 IO PCM clock

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

VOLmax=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

In master mode, it is an

output signal.

In slave mode, it is an

input signal.

If unused, keep it open.

1.8V power domain.

In master mode, it is an

output signal.

In slave mode, it is an

input signal.

If unused, keep it open.

I2C Interface

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

I2C serial clock.

I2C_SCL 41 OD

Used for external

codec

I2C serial data.

I2C_SDA 42 OD

Used for external

codec

External pull-up

resistor is required.

1.8V only.

If unused, keep it open.

External pull-up

resistor is required.

1.8V only.

If unused, keep it open.

SGMII Interface

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

For 1.8V:

max=0.45V

EPHY_RST_N 119 DO Ethernet PHY reset

min=1.4V

For 2.85V:

max=0.35V

min=2.14V

1.8V/2.85V power

domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 23 / 94

EC21 Hardware Design

EPHY_INT_N 120 DI

SGMII_

MDATA

SGMII_

MCLK

121 IO

122 DO

USIM2_VDD 128 PO

Ethernet PHY

interrupt

SGMII MDIO

(Management Data

Input/Output) data

SGMII MDIO

(Management Data

Input/Output) clock

SGMII MDIO pull-up

power source

min=-0.3V

VILmax=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

For 1.8V:

max=0.45V

min=1.4V

max=0.58V

min=1.27V

For 2.85V:

max=0.35V

min=2.14V

max=0.71V

min=1.78V

For 1.8V:

max=0.45V

min=1.4V

For 2.85V:

max=0.35V

min=2.14V

LTE Module Series

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V/2.85V power

domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V/2.85V power

domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

Configurable power

source.

1.8V/2.85V power

domain.

External pull-up for

SGMII MDIO pins.

If unused, keep it

open.

SGMII_TX_M 123 AO

SGMII_TX_P 124 AO

SGMII_RX_P 125 AI

SGMII_RX_M 126 AI

SGMII transmission

- minus

SGMII transmission

- plus

SGMII receiving

- plus

SGMII receiving

-minus

If unused, keep it

open.

If unused, keep it

open.

If unused, keep it

open.

If unused, keep it

open.

Wireless Connectivity Interfaces

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

SDC1_

DATA3

129 IO SDIO data bus D3

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

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LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

SDC1_

DATA2

SDC1_

DATA1

SDC1_

DATA0

130 IO SDIO data bus D2

131 IO SDIO data bus D1

132 IO SDIO data bus D1

SDC1_CLK 133 DO SDIO clock

VILmin=-0.3V

VILmax=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

SDC1_CMD 134 DO SDIO command

PM_ENABLE 127 DO

WAKE_ON_

WIRELESS

135 DI

External power

control

Wake up the host

(EC21 module) by

FC20 module.

WLAN function

WLAN_EN 136 DO

controlvia FC20

module

COEX_UART_

137 DI

LTE/WLAN

coexistence signal

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

VILmin=-0.3V

VILmax=0.6V

VIHmin=1.2V

VIHmax=2.0V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

Active low.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

Active high.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 25 / 94

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

COEX_UART_

WLAN_SLP_

CLK

138 DO

118 DO WLAN sleep clock

BT_RTS* 37 DI

BT_TXD* 38 DO

BT_RXD* 39 DI

BT_CTS* 40 DO

LTE/WLAN

coexistence signal

BT UART request to

send

BT UART transmit

data

BT UART receive

data

BT UART clear to

send

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

BT_EN* 139 DO

BTfunctioncontrolvia

FC20 module

max=0.45V

min=1.35V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

RF Interface

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

ANT_DIV 35 AI

Diversity antenna

pad

50ohm impedance

If unused, keep it

open.

ANT_MAIN 49 IO Main antenna pad 50ohm impedance

ANT_GNSS 47 AI GNSS antenna pad 50 ohm impedance

If unused, keep it

open.

GPIO Pins

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Chara ct eristics Comment

1.8V power domain.

Cannot be pulled up

before startup.

Low level wakes up

the module.

If unused, keep it

WAKEUP_IN 1 DI Sleep mode control

min=-0.3V

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

open.

W_DISABLE# 4 DI Airplane mode VILmin=-0.3V 1.8V power domain.

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 26 / 94

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

control VILmax=0.6V

VIHmin=1.2V

max=2.0V

Pull-up by default.

In low voltage level,

module can enter into

airplane mode.

If unused, keep it

open.

min=-0.3V

AP_READY 2 DI

Application

processor sleep

state detection

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

Other Interface Pins

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

min=-0.3V

USB_BOOT 115 DI

Force the module to

boot from USB port.

max=0.6V

min=1.2V

max=2.0V

1.8V power domain.

If unused, keep it

open.

RESERVED Pins

Pin Name Pin No. I/O Description DC Characteristics Comment

3, 18, 23,

28~34,

RESERVED

43, 55,

73~84,

113, 114,

Reserved

Keep these pins

unconnected.

116, 117,

140~144

NOTES

1. “*” means under development.

2. Pads 24~27 are multiplexing pins used for audio design on EC21 module and BT function on FC20

module.

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 27 / 94

LTE Module Series

EC21 Hardware Design

3.4. Operating Modes

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

Table 5: Overview of Operating Modes

Mode Details

Normal

Idle

Operation

Talk/Data

Minimum

Functionality

Mode

Airplane

Mode

AT+CFUN command can set the module to a minimum functionality mode without

removing the power supply. In this case, both RF function and USIM card will be invalid.

AT+CFUN command or W_DISABLE# pin can set the module to airplane mode. In this

case, RF function will be invalid.

In this mode, the current consumption of the module will be reduced to the minimal level.

Sleep Mode

During this mode, the module can still receive paging message, SMS, voice call and

TCP/UDP data from the network normally.

Power down

Mode

In this mode, the power management unit shuts down the power supply. Software is not

active. The serial interface is not accessible. Operating voltage (connected to VBAT_RF

and VBAT_BB) remains applied.

3.5. Power Saving

Software is active. The module hasbeen registered onthe network, and

it is ready to send and receive data.

Network connection is ongoing. In this mode, the power consumption is

decided by network settingand data transfer rate.

3.5.1. Sleep Mode

EC21 is able to reduce its current consumption to a minimum value during the sleep mode. The following

section describes power saving procedure of EC21 module.

3.5.1.1. UART Application

If the host communicates with module via UART interface, the following preconditions can let the module

enter into sleep mode.

 Execute AT+QSCLK=1 command to enable sleep mode.

 Drive DTR to high level.

EC21_Hardware_Design Confidential / Released 28 / 94

+ 66 hidden pages

Quectel Wireless Solutions 201708EC21E User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual