Quectel Wireless Solutions 201909EC21AUX Users Manual

EC21 Mini PCIe

Hardware Design

LTE Standard Module Series

Rev. EC21_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design_V1.3

Date: 2019-08-19

Status: Released

www.quectel.com

LTE Standard Module Series

EC21 Mini PCIe 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.

Building 5, Shanghai Business Park Phase III (Area B), No.1016 Tianlin Road, Minhang District,

Shanghai, China 200233

Tel: +86 21 5108 6236

Email: info@quectel.com

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

http://www.quectel.com/support/sales.htm

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http://www.quectel.com/support/technical.htm

Or email to: support@quectel.com

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

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About the Document

History

Revision Date Author Description

1.0 2016-06-07

1.1 2017-01-24

1.2 2019-04-30

Yeoman CHEN/

Frank WANG

Lyndon LIU/

Rex WANG

Woody WU/

Nathan LIU/

Frank WANG

Initial

1. Deleted description of EC21-AUTL and EC21-CT

Mini PCIe in Table 1.

2. Updated key features of EC21 Mini PCIe in Table 2.

3. Added current consumption of EC21 Mini PCIe in

Chapter 4.7.

4. Updated mechanical dimensions of EC21 Mini PCIe

in Figure 15.

5. Updated conducted RF output power in Table 16.

6. Updated conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-A in Table 18.

7. Added conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-KL in Table 21.

8. Added conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-J in Table 22.

1. Added new variants EC21-EU Mini PCIe/EC21-EC

Mini PCIe and related information.

2. Added pin definition and description of pin 44 in

Figure 2 and Table 4.

3. Updated mechanical dimensions in Figure 18.

4. Added USIM_PRESENCE in (U)SIM interface and

updated the reference circuit in Chapter 3.4.

5. Updated reference circuit of USB interface in

Chapter 3.5.

6. Modified description of W_DISABLE# signal in

Chapter 3.8.3.

7. Modified description of LED_WWAN# signal in

Chapter 3.8.5.

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8. Added thermal consideration in Chapter 6.7.

9. Updated UMTS and GSM features and added

storage temperature range in Table 2.

10. Added operating frequencies in Table 15

11. Added GNSS frequency in Table 16.

12. Updated antenna requirements in Table 17.

13. Updated EC21 Mini PCIe conducted RF output

power in Table 20.

14. Updated conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-E Mini PCIe in Table 21.

15. Updated conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-A Mini PCIe in Table 22.

16. Updated conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-V Mini PCIe in Table 23

17. Updated conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-AUT Mini PCIe in Table 24.

18. Added conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-AU Mini PCIe in Table 27.

19. Added conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-EU Mini PCIe in Table 28.

20. Added conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-EC Mini PCIe in Table 29.

21. Added current consumption of EC21-EC Mini PCIe

in Table 34.

1.3 2019-08-19

Ward WANG/

Owen WEI

1. Deleted the information of GNSS supported on

EC21-EC Mini PCIe in Table 1.

2. Added ThreadX variant EC21-AUX Mini PCIe and

updated related contents in Table 1.

3. Updated supported protocols and USB serial driver

in Table 2.

4. Updated conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-EU Mini PCIe in Table 29.

5. Added conducted RF receiving sensitivity of

EC21-AUX Mini PCIe in Table 31.

6. Added current consumption of EC21-AUX Mini

PCIe in Table 36.

7. Added current consumption of EC21-EU Mini PCIe

in Table 37.

8. Added current consumption of EC21-AU Mini PCIe

in Table 38.

9. Added note 2 for antenna requirement in Chapter

5.4.1.

10. Deleted current consumption of EC21-EC Mini

PCIe, and the data will be updated in the future

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version.

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Contents

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

Contents .................................................................................................................................................... 5

Table Index ............................................................................................................................................... 7

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

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 9

1.1. Safety Information ................................................................................................................. 10

2 Product Concept ............................................................................................................................. 14

2.1. General Description .............................................................................................................. 14

2.2. Description of Product Series ................................................................................................ 15

2.3. Key Features ......................................................................................................................... 16

2.4. Functional Diagram ............................................................................................................... 19

3 Application Interfaces ..................................................................................................................... 20

3.1. Pin Assignment ..................................................................................................................... 20

3.2. Pin Description ...................................................................................................................... 21

3.3. Power Supply ........................................................................................................................ 24

3.4. (U)SIM Interface .................................................................................................................... 25

3.5. USB Interface ........................................................................................................................ 27

3.6. UART Interface ..................................................................................................................... 29

3.7. PCM and I2C Interfaces ........................................................................................................ 29

3.8. Control and Indicator Signals ................................................................................................ 32

3.8.1. RI Signal ...................................................................................................................... 33

3.8.2. DTR Signal .................................................................................................................. 33

3.8.3. W_DISABLE# Signal ................................................................................................... 33

3.8.4. PERST# Signal ............................................................................................................ 34

3.8.5. LED_WWAN# Signal ................................................................................................... 34

3.8.6. WAKE# Signal ............................................................................................................. 35

4 GNSS Receiver ................................................................................................................................ 36

5 Antenna Connection ....................................................................................................................... 37

5.1. Operating Frequency ............................................................................................................ 37

5.2. GNSS Frequency .................................................................................................................. 38

5.3. GNSS Performance .............................................................................................................. 39

5.4. Antenna Requirements ......................................................................................................... 40

5.4.1. Antenna Requirements ................................................................................................ 40

5.4.2. Antenna Connectors and Mating Plugs ....................................................................... 41

6 Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics .......................................................................... 43

6.1. General Description .............................................................................................................. 43

6.2. Power Supply Requirements ................................................................................................. 43

6.3. I/O Requirements .................................................................................................................. 44

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6.4. RF Characteristics ................................................................................................................ 44

6.5. ESD Characteristics .............................................................................................................. 50

6.6. Current Consumption ............................................................................................................ 50

6.7. Thermal Consideration .......................................................................................................... 60

7 Dimensions and Packaging ............................................................................................................ 62

7.1. General Description .............................................................................................................. 62

7.2. Mechanical Dimensions of EC21 Mini PCIe .......................................................................... 62

7.3. Standard Dimensions of Mini PCI Express ............................................................................ 63

7.4. Packaging Specifications ...................................................................................................... 64

8 Appendix A References .................................................................................................................. 65

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Table Index

TABLE 1: DESCRIPTION OF EC21 MINI PCIE ................................................................................................ 15

TABLE 2: KEY FEATURES OF EC21 MINI PCIE ............................................................................................. 16

TABLE 3: I/O PARAMETERS DEFINITION ....................................................................................................... 21

TABLE 4: PIN DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................... 21

TABLE 5: PIN DEFINITION OF VCC_3V3 AND GND PINS ............................................................................. 24

TABLE 6: PIN DEFINITION OF (U)SIM INTERFACE ....................................................................................... 25

TABLE 7: PIN DEFINITION OF USB INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 27

TABLE 8: PIN DEFINITION OF UART INTERFACE ......................................................................................... 29

TABLE 9: PIN DEFINITION OF PCM AND I2C INTERFACES ......................................................................... 30

TABLE 10: PIN DEFINITION OF CONTROL AND INDICATOR SIGNALS ....................................................... 32

TABLE 11: AIRPLANE MODE CONTROLLED BY HARDWARE METHOD ..................................................... 33

TABLE 12: AIRPLANE MODE CONTROLLED BY SOFTWARE METHOD ..................................................... 34

TABLE 13: INDICATIONS OF NETWORK STATUS (AT+QCFG="LEDMODE",0, DEFAULT SETTING) ......... 35

TABLE 14: INDICATIONS OF NETWORK STATUS (AT+QCFG="LEDMODE",2) ........................................... 35

TABLE 15: OPERATING FREQUENCIES ........................................................................................................ 37

TABLE 16: GNSS FREQUENCY ....................................................................................................................... 38

TABLE 17: GNSS PERFORMANCE ................................................................................................................. 39

TABLE 18: ANTENNA REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 40

TABLE 19: POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................. 43

TABLE 20: I/O REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 44

TABLE 21: CONDUCTED RF OUTPUT POWER OF EC21 MINI PCIE ........................................................... 44

TABLE 22: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-E MINI PCIE .......................................... 45

TABLE 23: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-A MINI PCIE .......................................... 45

TABLE 24: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-V MINI PCIE .......................................... 46

TABLE 25: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-AUT MINI PCIE ..................................... 46

TABLE 26: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-KL MINI PCIE ........................................ 46

TABLE 27: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-J MINI PCIE .......................................... 47

TABLE 28: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-AU MINI PCIE ....................................... 47

TABLE 29: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-EU MINI PCIE ....................................... 48

TABLE 30: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-EC MINI PCIE ....................................... 48

TABLE 31: CONDUCTED RF RECEIVING SENSITIVITY OF EC21-AUX MINI PCIE ..................................... 49

TABLE 32: ESD CHARACTERISTICS OF EC21 MINI PCIE ............................................................................ 50

TABLE 33: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC21-A MINI PCIE ..................................................................... 50

TABLE 34: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC21-V MINI PCIE ..................................................................... 51

TABLE 35: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC21-KL MINI PCIE ................................................................... 52

TABLE 36: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC21-AUX MINI PCIE ................................................................ 52

TABLE 37: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC21-EU MINI PCIE .................................................................. 55

TABLE 38: CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC21-AU MINI PCIE .................................................................. 57

TABLE 39: GNSS CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF EC21 MINI PCIE SERIES MODULE ............................... 60

TABLE 40: RELATED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................................ 65

TABLE 41: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................... 65

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Figure Index

FIGURE 1: FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM ............................................................................................................... 19

FIGURE 2: PIN ASSIGNMENT ......................................................................................................................... 20

FIGURE 3: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF POWER SUPPLY .............................................................................. 25

FIGURE 4: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF (U)SIM INTERFACE WITH AN 8-PIN (U)SIM CARD CONNECTOR 26 FIGURE 5: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF (U)SIM INTERFACE WITH A 6-PIN (U)SIM CARD CONNECTOR ... 26

FIGURE 6: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF USB INTERFACE .............................................................................. 28

FIGURE 7: TIMING IN PRIMARY MODE .......................................................................................................... 31

FIGURE 8: TIMING IN AUXILIARY MODE ....................................................................................................... 31

FIGURE 9: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF PCM APPLICATION WITH AUDIO CODEC ...................................... 32

FIGURE 10: RI BEHAVIOR ............................................................................................................................... 33

FIGURE 11: TIMING OF RESETTING MODULE .............................................................................................. 34

FIGURE 12: LED_WWAN# SIGNAL REFERENCE CIRCUIT DIAGRAM ........................................................ 34

FIGURE 13: WAKE# BEHAVIOR ...................................................................................................................... 35

FIGURE 14: DIMENSIONS OF ANTENNA CONNECTORS (UNIT: MM) ......................................................... 41

FIGURE 15: MECHANICALS OF U.FL-LP MATING PLUGS ........................................................................... 41

FIGURE 16: SPACE FACTOR OF MATING PLUGS (UNIT: MM) ..................................................................... 42

FIGURE 17: REFERENCED HEATSINK DESIGN ........................................................................................... 61

FIGURE 18: MECHANICAL DIMENSIONS OF EC21 MINI PCIE .................................................................... 62

FIGURE 19: STANDARD DIMENSIONS OF MINI PCI EXPRESS ................................................................... 63

FIGURE 20: DIMENSIONS OF THE MINI PCI EXPRESS CONNECTOR (MOLEX 679100002) .................... 64

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1 Introduction

This document defines EC21 Mini PCIe module, and describes its air interfaces and hardware interfaces

which are connected with customers’ applications.

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

mechanical details as well as other related information of EC21 Mini PCIe module. To facilitate its

application in different fields, relevant reference design is also provided for customers’ reference.

Associated with application note and user guide, customers can use the 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 operation, such as usage, service

or repair of any cellular terminal or mobile incorporating EC21 Mini PCIe 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 customers’ 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. Please comply with laws and regulations

restricting the use of wireless devices while driving.

Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile before boarding an aircraft. The operation

of wireless appliances in an aircraft is forbidden to prevent interference with

communication systems. If the device offers an Airplane Mode, then it should be

enabled prior to boarding an aircraft. Please consult the airline staff for more

restrictions on the use of wireless devices on boarding the aircraft.



Wireless devices may cause interference on sensitive medical equipment, so

please be aware of the restrictions on the use of wireless devices when in

hospitals, clinics or other healthcare facilities.

Cellular terminals or mobiles operating over radio signals and cellular network

cannot be guaranteed to connect in all possible conditions (for example, with

unpaid bills or with an invalid (U)SIM card). When emergent help is needed in such

conditions, please remember using emergency call. In order to make or receive a

call, the cellular terminal or mobile must be switched on in a service area with

adequate cellular signal strength.



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

receives and transmits radio frequency signals. 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.

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FCC Certification Requirements.

According to the definition of mobile and fixed device is described in Part 2.1091(b), this device is a

mobile device.

And the following conditions must be met:

1. This Modular Approval is limited to OEM installation for mobile and fixed applications only. The antenna

installation and operating configurations of this transmitter, including any applicable source-based time-

averaging duty factor, antenna gain and cable loss must satisfy MPE categorical Exclusion Requirements

of 2.1091.

2. The EUT is a mobile device; maintain at least a 20 cm separation between the EUT and the user’s body

and must not transmit simultaneously with any other antenna or transmitter.

3.A label with the following statements must be attached to the host end product: This device contains

FCC ID: XMR201909EC21AUX.

4.To comply with FCC regulations limiting both maximum RF output power and human exposure to RF

radiation, maximum antenna gain (including cable loss) must not exceed:

❒ GSM850: <11.206dBi

❒ GSM1900: <12.140dBi

❒ WCDMA B2/LTE B2/ LTE B7: <8dBi

❒ WCDMA B4LTE B4: <5dBi

❒ WCDMA B5/LTE B5: <9.416dBi

5. This module must not transmit simultaneously with any other antenna or transmitter

6. The host end product must include a user manual that clearly defines operating requirements and

conditions that must be observed to ensure compliance with current FCC RF exposure guidelines.

For portable devices, in addition to the conditions 3 through 6 described above, a separate approval is

required to satisfy the SAR requirements of FCC Part 2.1093

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If the device is used for other equipment that separate approval is required for all other operating

configurations, including portable configurations with respect to 2.1093 and different antenna

configurations.

For this device, OEM integrators must be provided with labeling instructions of finished products.

Please refer to KDB784748 D01 v07, section 8. Page 6/7 last two paragraphs:

A certified modular has the option to use a permanently affixed label, or an electronic label. For a

permanently affixed label, the module must be labeled with an FCC ID - Section 2.926 (see 2.2

Certification (labeling requirements) above). The OEM manual must provide clear instructions

explaining to the OEM the labeling requirements, options and OEM user manual instructions that are

required (see next paragraph).

For a host using a certified modular with a standard fixed label, if (1) the module’s FCC ID is not visible

when installed in the host, or (2) if the host is marketed so that end users do not have straightforward

commonly used methods for access to remove the module so that the FCC ID of the module is visible;

then an additional permanent label referring to the enclosed module:“Contains Transmitter Module FCC

ID: XMR201909EC21AUX” or “Contains FCC ID: XMR201909EC21AUX” must be used. The host OEM

user manual must also contain clear instructions on how end users can find and/or access the module

and the FCC ID.

The final host / module combination may also need to be evaluated against the FCC Part 15B criteria

for unintentional radiators in order to be properly authorized for operation as a Part 15 digital device.

The user’s manual or instruction manual for an intentional or unintentional radiator shall caution the

user that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance

could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. In cases where the manual is provided only in

a form other than paper, such as on a computer disk or over the Internet, the information required by

this section may be included in the manual in that alternative form, provided the user can reasonably be

expected to have the capability to access information in that form.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

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(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to

operate the equipment.

To ensure compliance with all non-transmitter functions the host manufacturer is responsible for ensuring

compliance with the module(s) installed and fully operational. For example, if a host was previously

authorized as an unintentional radiator under the Declaration of Conformity procedure without a

transmitter certified module and a module is added, the host manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that

the after the module is installed and operational the host continues to be compliant with the Part 15B

unintentional radiator requirements.

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2 Product Concept

2.1. General Description

EC21 Mini PCIe module provides data connectivity on LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+, HSDPA,

HSUPA, WCDMA, EDGE and GPRS networks with PCI Express Mini Card 1.2 standard interface. It

supports embedded operating systems such as WinCE, Linux, Android etc., and also provides audio,

high-speed data transmission and GNSS functionalities for customers’ applications.

EC21 Mini PCIe module can be applied in the following fields:

 PDA and Laptop Computer

 Remote Monitor System

 Vehicle System

 Wireless POS System

 Intelligent Meter Reading System

 Wireless Router and Switch

 Other Wireless Terminal Devices

This chapter generally introduces the following aspects of EC21 Mini PCIe module:

 Product Series

 Key Features

 Functional Diagram



NOTE

EC21 Mini PCIe contains Telematics version and Data-only version. Telematics version supports voice and data functions, while Data-only version only supports data function.

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2.2. Description of Product Series

EC21 Mini PCIe series contains 10 variants, and are listed in the following table.

Table 1: Description of EC21 Mini PCIe

Product Series Description

Support GSM: 900/1800MHz

Support WCDMA: B1/B5/B8

EC21-E Mini PCIe

Support LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20

Support LTE/WCDMA receive diversity

Support GNSS

Support digital audio

EC21-A Mini PCIe

EC21-V Mini PCIe

EC21-AUT Mini PCIe

EC21-AU Mini PCIe3)

Support WCDMA: B2/B4/B5

Support LTE-FDD: B2/B4/B12

Support LTE/WCDMA receive diversity

Support GNSS

Support digital audio

Support LTE-FDD: B4/B13

Support LTE receive diversity

Support GNSS

Support digital audio

Support WCDMA: B1/B5

Support LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B5/B7/B28

Support LTE/WCDMA receive diversity

Support GNSS

Support digital audio

Support GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz

Support WCDMA: B1/B2/B5/B8

Support LTE-FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B28

Support LTE-TDD: B40

Support LTE/WCDMA receive diversity

Support GNSS

Support digital audio

Support LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B8/B18/B19/B26

EC21-J Mini PCIe

Support LTE receive diversity

Support digital audio

Support LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8

EC21-KL Mini PCIe

Support LTE receive diversity

Support digital audio

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Support GSM: 900/1800MHz

Support WCDMA: B1/B8

EC21-EU Mini PCIe

Support LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B7/B8/B20/B28A

Support LTE/WCDMA receive diversity

Support GNSS

Support digital audio

Support LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B7/B8/B20/B28A

Support WCDMA: B1/B8

EC21-EC Mini PCIe

Support GSM: 900/1800MHz

Support LTE/WCDMA receive diversity

Support digital audio

Support GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz

Support WCDMA: B1/B2/B4/B5/B8

Support LTE-FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B28

EC21-AUX Mini PCIe3)

Support LTE-TDD: B40

Support LTE/WCDMA receive diversity

Support GNSS

Support digital audio

NOTES

GNSS function is optional.

Digital audio (PCM) function is only supported on Telematics version.

B2 band on EC21-AU Mini PCIe and EC21-AUX Mini PCIe module does not support receive

diversity. Additionally, EC21-AUX Mini PCIe is based on ThreadX OS.

2.3. Key Features

The following table describes the detailed features of EC21 Mini PCIe module.

Table 2: Key Features of EC21 Mini PCIe

Feature Details

Function Interface PCI Express Mini Card 1.2 Standard Interface

Power Supply

Supply voltage: 3.0V~3.6V

Typical supply voltage: 3.3V

Class 4 (33dBm±2dB) for GSM850

Transmitting Power

Class 4 (33dBm±2dB) for EGSM900

Class 1 (30dBm±2dB) for DCS1800

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Class 1 (30dBm±2dB) for PCS1900

Class E2 (27dBm±3dB) for GSM850 8-PSK

Class E2 (27dBm±3dB) for EGSM900 8-PSK

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

Class E2 (26dBm±3dB) for PCS1900 8-PSK

Class 3 (24dBm+1/-3dB) for WCDMA bands

Class 3 (23dBm±2dB) for LTE-FDD bands

Class 3 (23dBm±2dB) for LTE-TDD bands

Support up to non-CA Cat 1 FDD and TDD

Support 1.4/3/5/10/15/20MHz RF bandwidth

LTE Features

Support MIMO in DL direction

LTE-FDD: Max 10Mbps (DL)/Max 5Mbps (UL)

LTE-TDD: Max 8.96Mbps (DL)/Max 3.1Mbps (UL)

Support 3GPP R8 DC-HSDPA, HSPA+, HSDPA, HSUPA and WCDMA

Support QPSK, 16-QAM and 64-QAM modulation

UMTS Features

DC-HSDPA: Max 42Mbps (DL)

HSUPA: Max 5.76Mbps (UL)

WCDMA: Max 384Kbps (DL)/Max 384Kbps (UL)

GSM Features

Internet Protocol Features

SMS

GPRS:

Support GPRS multi-slot class 33 (33 by default)

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

Max 107Kbps (DL)/Max 85.6Kbps (UL)

EDGE:

Support EDGE multi-slot class 33 (33 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

Max 296Kbps (DL)/Max 236.8Kbps (UL)

Support TCP/UDP/PPP/FTP/FTPS/HTTP/HTTPS/NTP/PING/QMI/NITZ/

MMS/SMTP/SSL/MQTT/FILE/CMUX*/SMTPS* protocols

Support PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) and CHAP (Challenge

Handshake Authentication Protocol) protocols which are usually used for

PPP connection

Text and PDU mode

Point-to-point MO and MT

SMS cell broadcast

SMS storage: ME by default

(U)SIM Interface Support USIM/SIM card: 1.8V, 3.0V

UART Interface

Audio Features

Baud rate can reach up to 230400bps, 115200bps by default

Used for AT command communication

Support one digital audio interface: PCM interface

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

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WCDMA: AMR/AMR-WB

LTE: AMR/AMR-WB

Support echo cancellation and noise suppression

Support 16-bit linear data format

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 upgrade and voice over USB

Support USB serial drivers for: Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Linux 2.6/3.x/4.1~4.15,

Android 4.x/5.x/6.x/7.x/8.x/9.x, etc.

Antenna Connectors

Include main antenna, diversity antenna and GNSS antenna receptacle

connectors

Rx-diversity Support LTE/WCDMA Rx-diversity

GNSS Features

AT Commands

Physical Characteristics

Gen8C Lite of Qualcomm

Protocol: NMEA 0183

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

commands

Size: (51.0±0.15)mm × (30.0±0.15)mm × (4.9±0.2)mm

Weight: approx. 9.8g

Operation temperature range: -35°C ~ +75°C 1)

Temperature Range

Extended temperature range: -40°C ~ +80°C

Storage temperature range: -40°C ~ +90°C

Firmware Upgrade Upgrade via USB interface or DFOTA*

RoHS All hardware components are fully compliant with EU RoHS directive

NOTES

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

2. 2) Within extended temperature range, the module remains the ability to establish and maintain a

voice, SMS, data transmission, emergency call* (emergency call is not supported on ThreadX

module), 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

out

exceed the specified tolerances. When the temperature returns to normal operation temperature

levels, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again.

3. “*” means under development.

EC21_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 18 / 64

LTE Standard Module Series

EC21 Mini PCIe Hardware Design

2.4. Functional Diagram

The following figure shows the block diagram of EC21 Mini PCIe.

Figure 1: Functional Diagram

EC21_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 19 / 64

LTE Standard Module Series

EC21 Mini PCIe Hardware Design

3 Application Interfaces

The physical connections and signal levels of EC21 Mini PCIe comply with PCI Express Mini CEM

specifications. This chapter mainly describes the definition and application of the following interfaces of

EC21 Mini PCIe:

 Power supply

 (U)SIM interface

 USB interface

 UART interface

 PCM and I2C interfaces

 Control and indicator signals

 Antenna interfaces

3.1. Pin Assignment

The following figure shows the pin assignment of EC21 Mini PCIe module. The top side contains EC21

module and antenna connectors.

Figure 2: Pin Assignment

EC21_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design 20 / 64

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