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Details essential safety precautions for using Quectel cellular modules and terminals.
Details the various hardware interfaces available on the Smart EVB.
Details the USB 2.0 interface, its functions, and pin assignments.
Provides step-by-step instructions for powering on the Smart EVB module.
Outlines the methods for safely powering off the Smart EVB module.
This document describes the Smart EVB (Evaluation Board) User Guide for LTE Module Series, provided by Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. The Smart EVB is designed as an assistant system integrator for developing and evaluating products based on Quectel Smart modules. Its primary function is to facilitate the testing of basic functionalities of these Smart modules.
The Smart EVB offers a comprehensive set of usage features to support development and evaluation. It includes two USIM interfaces, allowing for testing with different subscriber identity modules. There are also two UART interfaces: a main UART for data transmission and a debug UART for debugging purposes, supporting a maximum baud rate of 460800bps. For audio functionalities, the EVB provides multiple audio interfaces, including analog interfaces for a loud speaker, microphone, earphone, and handset. A USB interface is available, supporting USB 2.0 with high-speed and OTG (On-The-Go) functions, which is crucial for AT command communication, data transmission, firmware upgrades, and GNSS NEMA output. The board is equipped with four LEDs for signal indication, nine buttons for various controls, and four switches for specific functions.
Powering the Smart EVB can be achieved through an external USB input, which connects to a step-down converter to provide the necessary VBAT supply voltage (3.5V to 4.3V, typical 3.8V) for module operation. Alternatively, a Li-polymer battery can be installed. The USB supply voltage ranges from 4.75V to 6.0V, with a typical supply voltage of 5.0V.
The physical characteristics of the Smart EVB include a size of 24cm × 18cm. The kit comes with several accessories to aid in its usage, such as a USB to UART converter cable, a USB cable, four RF cables, two main antennas (one of which can be used for diversity reception), a WiFi antenna, a GNSS antenna (passive), an earphone, a disk containing USB2.0 to RS232 driver and USB driver, a Li-polymer battery, and bolts and nuts for fixing the EVB.
Operating the Smart EVB involves a straightforward procedure. To power on the module, users connect the Smart module to the J101 and J102 connectors on the EVB. A battery can be installed on J801, and switch S801 should be set to the BATTERY state. Alternatively, the board can be charged with a USB cable, and S801 should be pulled to the DC_POWER state. Switch S803 is then pulled to the ON state, which will illuminate D806. Pressing the S901 (PWRKEY) button for at least 2 seconds will power on the module, indicated by D808 (STATUS) lighting up, and the LCM display will start working as the module boots up.
Powering off the module can be done in two ways. One method is through the system menu: pressing S901 (PWRKEY) for at least 1 second while the module is on will display a menu on the LCM, from which "Power off" can be selected. The module will power off once D808 (STATUS) light turns off. The second method is to press and hold S901 (PWRKEY) until the module shuts down.
The EVB also features a reset function. Pressing and releasing the S908 key will reset the module. This action may lead to the loss of information stored in memory if the module has been initialized after the reset. An emergency restart option is available for critical situations, such as when the software becomes unresponsive for more than 5 seconds.
Communication with the module can be established via either the USB or UART interface. For USB communication, the EVB is connected to a PC using a USB cable, and the USB driver from the provided Driver Disk is installed. The QCOM tool is then used to configure the AT Command window, select the correct port, and operate the module with AT commands. For UART communication, the UART interface is connected to a PC with a USB-to-RS232 converter cable, and the corresponding driver is installed. The QCOM tool is again used, but with the correct baud rate (e.g., 115200bps) set for AT command operation. The port can be verified through the Device Manager on the PC.
Firmware upgrades are facilitated via the USB port. The process involves opening the "QEIL" firmware upgrade tool on the PC and powering on the module. Users then select the USB port from the "SelectPort" dropdown list, choose "Flat Build" from "Select Build Type," select the software files from "Select Programmer," load the XML content from "Select Build," and finally click "Download" to initiate the firmware upgrade.
The Smart EVB's interfaces include a Micro USB (J602) for device connection and power supply, with specific pin assignments for VBUS, USB_DM, USB_DP, USB_ID, and GND. Audio interfaces include a loud speaker circuit connected via TP701 and TP702, and an earphone circuit (J702) with pins for MIC, GND, R-AUDIO, DETECT, and L-AUDIO. A sketch of the audio jack is provided to match the Smart EVB. Additionally, an SMT U701 MIC is used for microphone and speaker functionalities, soldered on TP703 and TP704.
The two USIM card interfaces (J503 for main and J504 for sub) support 3V or 1.8V USIM/SIM cards and include pin assignments for USIM_VDD, USIM_DATA, USIM_CLK, USIM_RST, USIM_DETECT, and GND. The UART interfaces consist of a main UART port (J901) and a debug UART port (J604). J901 is a DB9 connector with pins for TXD, RXD, DTR, CTS, RTS, and GND, facilitating data transmission and AT command communication.
The board also features various switches and buttons for control: S801 for battery/DC power supply, S802 to enter USB boot mode, S803 for EVB power, S804 for battery charge ON/OFF, S901 for power on, S902 for snapshot, S903 for HOME, S904 for volume up, S905 for focus, S906 for menu, S907 for volume down, S908 for reset, and S909 for back. Status LEDs (D805, D806, D807, D808) indicate power supply status (D806), module operation status (D808), and network registration mode (D805, D807). Test points, such as J904, provide access to GPIOs and power supplies for debugging.
Maintenance features are not explicitly detailed as separate sections but are implicitly covered through the operational procedures. The ability to upgrade firmware via USB ensures that the module can be kept up-to-date with the latest software versions. The provision of test points and debug UART facilitates troubleshooting and diagnostics, which are essential aspects of device maintenance and development. The modular design, with connectors for the Smart module and various accessories, allows for easy replacement or upgrade of components if needed during the development or evaluation phase. The comprehensive documentation, including pin assignments and circuit schematics, further aids in understanding the device's internal workings, which is crucial for effective maintenance and repair.
General| Module Type | Smart Module |
|---|---|
| Category | Control Unit |
| Technology | LTE Cat 4 |
| Form Factor | LGA |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| RAM | 1GB LPDDR3 |
| Flash | 8GB eMMC |
| Data Rate | DL 150Mbps / UL 50Mbps |
| Interface | USB, UART, SPI, I2C |
| CPU | ARM Cortex-A7 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n |
| GNSS | GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou |
| Display Interface | MIPI DSI |
| Camera Interface | MIPI CSI |
| Audio | I2S |
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