Quectel M20 - User Manual

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Hardware Design82 pages

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Summary

Introduction

Safety Caution

Safety precautions for operating the cellular terminal and module.

EVB Kit Introduction

EVB Top and Bottom View

Visual overview of the top and bottom views of the EVB.

EVB Accessory

Introduction to the accessories included with the EVB kit.

Interface Application

Power Interface

Details the power interface and pin configuration for the EVB.

Audio Interface

Describes the audio interfaces and pin definitions for audio channels.

SIM Card Interface

Details the SIM card interface and its pin configuration.

Antenna Interface

Describes the RF interface and antenna installation.

Serial Ports

Details the serial ports (UART0 and UART1) and their pin assignments.

Switches and Buttons

Explains the function of various switches and buttons on the EVB.

Operating Status LED

Describes the operating status LEDs and their meanings.

Test Points

Overview of test points available on the EVB.

Illustration

Power On Operations

Step-by-step guide for powering on the M20 EVB.

Communicate with the Module

Instructions for connecting and communicating with the M20 module via PC.

Firmware Upgrade

Steps for performing firmware upgrade using the EVB.

Turn Off

Procedure for turning off the M20 module.

Emergency Off

Procedure for emergency shutdown of the M20 module.

50 PIN Assignment of B2 B Connector

Summary

Introduction

Safety Caution

Safety precautions for operating the cellular terminal and module.

EVB Kit Introduction

EVB Top and Bottom View

Visual overview of the top and bottom views of the EVB.

EVB Accessory

Introduction to the accessories included with the EVB kit.

Interface Application

Power Interface

Details the power interface and pin configuration for the EVB.

Audio Interface

Describes the audio interfaces and pin definitions for audio channels.

SIM Card Interface

Details the SIM card interface and its pin configuration.

Antenna Interface

Describes the RF interface and antenna installation.

Serial Ports

Details the serial ports (UART0 and UART1) and their pin assignments.

Switches and Buttons

Explains the function of various switches and buttons on the EVB.

Operating Status LED

Describes the operating status LEDs and their meanings.

Test Points

Overview of test points available on the EVB.

Illustration

Power On Operations

Step-by-step guide for powering on the M20 EVB.

Communicate with the Module

Instructions for connecting and communicating with the M20 module via PC.

Firmware Upgrade

Steps for performing firmware upgrade using the EVB.

Turn Off

Procedure for turning off the M20 module.

Emergency Off

Procedure for emergency shutdown of the M20 module.

50 PIN Assignment of B2 B Connector

The Quectel M20 EVB (Evaluation Board) is a development kit designed to facilitate the application and engineering efforts for products utilizing the Quectel M20 cellular engine. This user guide, version 1.01, dated 2009-09-29, provides comprehensive information on the EVB's introduction, interface applications, and operational procedures.

Function Description

The M20 EVB serves as a platform for evaluating and developing applications with the Quectel M20 cellular engine. It provides access to various interfaces and test points, allowing users to test and integrate the M20 module into their larger electronic systems. The board supports communication, audio, SIM card, and antenna functionalities, essential for cellular applications. It also includes features for firmware upgrades and power management.

Important Technical Specifications

The M20 EVB is designed to operate with a 5V/2.5A DC power source. It features multiple serial ports for communication and debugging:

Serial Port 0 (Main UART): This port is used for AT commands, GPRS service, CSD calls, and FAX calls. It supports various signals including DCD0 (Data carrier detection), TXD0 (Transmit data), RXD0 (Receive data), DTR0 (Data terminal ready), GND, RTS0 (Request to send), CTS0 (Clear to send), and RI0 (Ring indicator). The default Baud Rate for M20 is 115200.
Serial Port 1 (Debug UART): This port is specifically for software debugging and does not support AT commands, GPRS service, CSD calls, or FAX calls. It includes TXD1 (Transmit data), RXD1 (Receive data), and GND.

The EVB provides two audio channels, each with pins for microphone input (MIC1N/MIC2N, MIC1P/MIC2P) and receiver output (SPK1N/SPK2N, SPK1P/SPK2P), along with AGND (Audio Ground). A headset or handset can be used with audio channel 2.

The SIM card interface supports SIM_DATA (I/O), GND, SIM_CLK (Output), SIM_RST (Output), SIM_VDD (Output), and SIM_PRESENCE (Input) for SIM card detection.

Test points are available for various signals:

J1 Test Points: VDD_EXT (2.8V external supply), RXD1, PWRKEY, TXD1, EMERG_OFF, CTS1, VCHG (Voltage input for charge circuit), RTS1, VBAT (Power supply for module), and GND.
J2 Test Points: DTR0 (for battery temperature measurement), RXD0, Reserve, TXD0, RI0, CTS0, GND, RTS0, GND, and DCD0.
J3 Test Points: RXDDAI (Receive digital audio data), SIM_PRESENCE, TXDDAI (Transmit digital audio data), NETLIGHT (Network status indication), TFSDAI (Frame synchronization), Reserve, SCLK (Serial bit clock), ADC (ADC input), Reserve, and VRTC (Module RTC).
VDD_EXT and VBAT Test Points: These are specifically marked on the board for easy access to external voltage supply and battery voltage.

The M20 module connects to the EVB via a 50-pin B2B connector, with detailed pin assignments provided in the manual. Key pins include SIM_CLK, SIM_VDD, SIM_DATA, SIM_RST, SIM_PRESENCE, SIM_GND, RXDDAI, TFSDAI, SCLK, TXDDAI, PWRKEY, EMERG_OFF, ADC, NETLIGHT, TXD1, RXD1, TXD0, RXD0, VRTC, VCHG, RTS1, DTR0, RTS0, RI0, VDD_EXT, VBAT, CTS1, CTS0, and DCD0.

Usage Features

The EVB is designed for ease of use in development and testing:

Power On Operations: To power on the module, connect the M20 module to the 50-pin connector on the EVB. Set Switch S1 to ON, and Switches S2 and S3 to OFF. Plug in the 5V DC adapter. The LED L1 will illuminate. Press the PWRKEY button for more than 2 seconds to start the module. The blinking pattern of LED L2 indicates the module's operating status.
Communication with the Module: Connect the EVB's UART0 port to a PC's USB port using the provided USB to UART converter cable. Open a HyperTerminal (or similar serial communication program) on the PC. Configure the correct Baud Rate (default 115200) and COM port number (found in Device Manager). Connect an antenna to the M20 and insert a SIM card into the socket. A headset or handset can be connected to the audio interface. Once powered on, AT commands can be sent via HyperTerminal to control the module, such as initiating an emergency call with "ATD112;".
Firmware Upgrade: For firmware upgrades, connect the UART0 Port to the PC via the USB to UART converter cable. Run the firmware upgrade tool on the PC and press the START key. Set Switches S3 and S1 to ON. The firmware upgrade process will then commence.
Turn Off: The module can be turned off by pressing the PWRKEY button for more than 1 second.
Emergency Off: In an emergency, the module can be immediately shut down by pressing the EMERG_OFF button for more than 0.1 second. After an emergency shutdown, the module can be restarted by pressing the PWRKEY button.

Maintenance Features

The user guide emphasizes safety precautions for operating the cellular terminal incorporating the M20 module:

Medical Facilities: Observe restrictions on mobile use in hospitals or health care facilities. Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile as medical equipment may be sensitive to RF interference.
Aircraft: Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile before boarding an aircraft to prevent interference with communication systems and ensure flight safety.
Flammable Environments: Do not operate the cellular terminal or mobile near flammable gas, fumes, petrol stations, fuel depots, chemical plants, or during blasting operations, as electronic equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres can pose a safety hazard.
RF Interference: Be aware that the cellular terminal or mobile transmits radio frequency energy when switched on, which can cause RF interference if placed near TVs, radios, computers, or other electronic equipment.
Road Safety: Prioritize road safety. Avoid using a hand-held cellular terminal or mobile while driving. If a call must be made, use a securely mounted holder for hands-free operation or park the vehicle.

The EVB kit includes accessories such as a 5V DC switching adapter, a USB to UART converter cable, an antenna, an RF cable, a headset, and bolts and nuts for fixing the M20 module to the EVB. These accessories are crucial for setting up and maintaining the development environment. The document also states that all specifications supplied are subject to change without notice at any time, indicating the need for users to stay updated with the latest information from Quectel.