BC66-TE-B User Guide

NB-IoT Module Series

Rev. BC66-TE-B_User_Guide_V2.0

Date: 2018-10-23

Status: Released

www.quectel.com
 NB-IoT Module Series
BC66-TE-B User Guide

Our aim is to provide customers with timely and comprehensive service. For any
assistance, please contact our company headquarters:

Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.

7th Floor, Hongye Building, No.1801 Hongmei Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200233, China
Tel: +86 21 5108 6236
Email: [email protected]

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

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

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

http://quectel.com/support/technical.htm
Or email to: [email protected]

GENERAL NOTES
QUECTEL OFFERS THE INFORMATION AS A SERVICE TO ITS CUSTOMERS. THE INFORMATION
PROVIDED IS BASED UPON CUSTOMERS’ REQUIREMENTS. QUECTEL MAKES EVERY EFFORT
TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF THE INFORMATION IT MAKES AVAILABLE. QUECTEL DOES NOT
MAKE ANY WARRANTY AS TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND DOES NOT ACCEPT
ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED BY USE OF OR
RELIANCE UPON THE INFORMATION. ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

COPYRIGHT
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS PROPRIETARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION OF
QUECTEL WIRELESS SOLUTIONS CO., LTD. TRANSMITTING, REPRODUCTION, DISSEMINATION
AND EDITING OF THIS DOCUMENT AS WELL AS UTILIZATION OF THE CONTENT ARE
FORBIDDEN WITHOUT PERMISSION. OFFENDERS WILL BE HELD LIABLE FOR PAYMENT OF
DAMAGES. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED IN THE EVENT OF A PATENT GRANT OR
REGISTRATION OF A UTILITY MODEL OR DESIGN.

Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2018. All rights reserved.

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About the Document

History

Revision Date Author Description

1.0 2018-08-01 Speed SUN Initial

1. Updated the layout of BC66-TE-B’s components.

2.0 2018-10-23 Speed SUN 2. Updated the description of USB interface (increased
the number of UART interfaces into 4).

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Contents

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

Contents ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Table Index ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure Index ................................................................................................................................................. 5

1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1. Safety Information ....................................................................................................................... 6

2 Product Concept .................................................................................................................................. 8

2.1. Key Features ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.2. Functional Diagram ..................................................................................................................... 9
2.3. Interface Distribution Diagram .................................................................................................. 10
2.4. Arduino Interface Definition....................................................................................................... 12

3 Operation Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 14

3.1. Operation Procedure with Single Board ................................................................................... 14
3.1.1. Interface Diagram of Using BC66-TE-B Alone .............................................................. 15
3.1.2. Operation Procedures of Using BC66-TE-B Alone ........................................................ 16
3.2. Operation Procedure with Multi Boards .................................................................................... 16
3.2.1. Interface Diagram of Using Multi Boards ....................................................................... 17
3.2.2. Operation Procedures of Using Multi Boards ................................................................ 19
3.2.3. Description of Pin Connection........................................................................................ 19

4 Electrical and Reliability Characteristics ........................................................................................ 21

4.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings ...................................................................................................... 21
4.2. Operation and Storage Temperatures....................................................................................... 21

5 Mechanical Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 23

5.1. Mechanical Dimensions of BC66-TE-B .................................................................................... 23
5.2. Top/Bottom View of BC66-TE-B................................................................................................ 24

6 BC66-TE-B Kit and Accessories....................................................................................................... 25

6.1. BC66-TE-B Kit........................................................................................................................... 25
6.2. BC66-TE-B Kit Accessories ...................................................................................................... 26

7 Appendix A References..................................................................................................................... 27

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Table Index

TABLE 1: KEY FEATURES OF BC66-TE-B ........................................................................................................ 8

TABLE 2: INTERFACES OF BC66-TE-B .......................................................................................................... 12
TABLE 3: PIN CONNECTION BETWEEN BC66-TE-B AND STM32-L476RG MCU ........................................ 19
TABLE 4: ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS .................................................................................................... 21
TABLE 5: OPERATION AND STORAGE TEMPERATURES OF BC66 MODULE ........................................... 21
TABLE 6: ACCESSORIES LIST ........................................................................................................................ 26
TABLE 7: RELATED DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................................. 27
TABLE 8: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................ 27

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Figure Index

FIGURE 1: FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM OF BC66-TE-B ...................................................................................... 10

FIGURE 2: INTERFACE DISTRIBUTION DIAGRAM OF BC66-TE-B ............................................................... 11
FIGURE 3: ARDUINO INTERFACE DEFINITION ............................................................................................. 13
FIGURE 4: INTERFACE DIAGRAM OF USING BC66-TE-B ALONE ............................................................... 15
FIGURE 5: UART PORTS DISPLAYED ON PC................................................................................................ 16
FIGURE 6: INTERFACE DIAGRAM OF USING MULTI BOARDS.................................................................... 17
FIGURE 7: STM32 NUCLEO-64 BOARD INTERFACE DIAGRAM (TOP VIEW) ............................................. 18
FIGURE 8: STM32 NUCLEO-64 BOARD MODIFICATION DIAGRAM (BOTTOM VIEW) ............................... 18
FIGURE 9: ST-LINK INTERFACE DISPLAYED ON PC .................................................................................... 19
FIGURE 10: PIN CONNECTION BETWEEN BC66-TE-B AND STM32-L476RG MCU ................................... 20
FIGURE 11: DIMENSIONS OF BC66-TE-B (TOP VIEW) ................................................................................. 23
FIGURE 12: TOP VIEW OF THE BC66-TE-B ................................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 13: BOTTOM VIEW OF THE BC66-TE-B ........................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 14: BC66-TE-B KIT ASSEMBLY ......................................................................................................... 25
FIGURE 15: BC66-TE-B AND THE ACCESSORIES ........................................................................................ 26

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1 Introduction
In order to help customers develop applications with Quectel BC66 module conveniently, Quectel
supplies corresponding development board (BC66-TE-B) to test the module. This document can help
customers quickly understand BC66-TE-B interface specifications, electrical and mechanical details and
know how to use it.

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 BC66 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.

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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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2 Product Concept
BC66-TE-B is a NB-IoT development board which supports Arduino interface. Designed in 70.0mm ×
74.0mm × 1.6mm form factor, BC66-TE-B can be used either alone or in conjunction with STM32
Nucleo-64 development board, so as to develop and debug applications which communicate with
infrastructures of mobile network operators through NB-IoT radio protocols in 3GPP Rel. 13.

2.1. Key Features

The following table describes the detailed features of BC66-TE-B.

Table 1: Key Features of BC66-TE-B

Feature Details

USB interface:
Supply voltage range: 4.75V~5.25V
Typical supply voltage: 5.0V
Power Supply
Arduino interface:
Supply voltage range: 4.75V~5.25V
Typical supply voltage: 5.0V

Transmitting Power 23dBm±2dB

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

Temperature Range Extended temperature range: -40°C ~ +85°C 2)
Storage temperature range: -40°C ~ +90°C

USIM Interface Support 1.8V external USIM card

UART Switch Used to switch the communication object of BC66 main UART port

Support three UART ports

Main UART (Interface0):
 Used for AT command communication and data transmission.
USB Interface  By default, the module is in auto-baud mode, and it supports
automatic baud rates not exceeding 115200bps. When powering on
the module, the MCU has to send AT command consecutively to
synchronize baud rate with the module. When OK is returned, it

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indicates the baud rate has been synchronized successfully. When

the module is woken up from PSM or idle mode, the baud rate
synchronized during start-up will be used directly.
 Also can be used for firmware upgrade, and in such case, the baud
rate is 921600bps by default.
Auxiliary UART (Interface1):
 Used for firmware debugging
 Default baud rate: 115200bps
Debug UART (Interface2):
 Used for firmware debugging
 Default baud rate: 115200bps
Reserved UART (Interface3)

Arduino Interface Used for connection with STM32 Nucleo-64 development board

RESET Button Used to reset BC66 module

PWRKEY Button Used for power on and off BC66 module

Physical Characteristics Size: (70.0±0.15)mm × (74.0±0.15)mm × (1.6±0.15mm)

Firmware Upgrade Firmware upgrade via main UART port or DFOTA

Antenna Interface 50Ω characteristic impedance

NOTES
1) Within
1. operation temperature range, the module is 3GPP compliant.
2) Within
2. extended temperature range, the module remains the ability to establish and maintain an
SMS*, data transmission, 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 Pout might reduce in
their value and exceed the specified tolerances. When the temperature returns to the normal
operating temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again.
3. “*” means under development.

2.2. Functional Diagram

The following figure shows a block diagram of BC66-TE-B.

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Micro USB Debug

J111

DC-DC
U201
(U204-NM) RF
LDO U202 J304
LDO U203
Arduino

J306
BC26
J308 U101
Switch
USB-UART

Voltage-level
U302/U303
Micro USB

Translator
J302
Bridge USIM
J301 J401
U301

Figure 1: Functional Diagram of BC66-TE-B

2.3. Interface Distribution Diagram

The following figure shows the interface distribution diagram of BC66-TE-B.

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J309
J304

J305

J308

J105
J106
S103

J201
J104

J301

J302 J303

J202

D203 J306 J307

S101 S102

Figure 2: Interface Distribution Diagram of BC66-TE-B

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Table 2: Interfaces of BC66-TE-B

Interface Designator Description

J301 USB power supply interface

Power Supply Interfaces J202 External power supply interface

J306 Arduino power supply interface

USB-UART Interface J301 Support 3 UART ports: Interface 0/1/2

USIM Interface J303 Micro-SIM card connector

USB Interface J104 Get BC26 USB log

J305, J306,
Arduino Interfaces Standard Arduino interfaces
J307, J308

RF Antenna Interface J304 RF SMA connector

Used to select the communication object of BC66’s main

UART Switch J302
UART: “MAIN UART TO USB” or “MAIN UART TO MCU”

PWRKEY Button S101 Used to turn on BC66 module

RESET Button S102 Used to reset BC66 module

PSM Wakeup Button S103 Used to wake up BC26 from PSM mode

Power Indicator D203 Used to indicate the power on/off status

JTAG Interface J309 Used to debug firmware

2.4. Arduino Interface Definition

The following figure shows the Arduino interface definition of BC66-TE-B.

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GND
RESET_N
PWRKEY_N
PSM_EINT_N

UART_MCU_TX
UART_MCU_RX
3.3V

3.3V
5V
GND
GND

RI

Figure 3: Arduino Interface Definition

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3 Operation Procedures
This chapter mainly illustrates the operation procedures of BC66-TE-B. BC66-TE-B can be used alone to
upgrade firmware and debug applications based on BC66 module. Also, it can be used in conjunction with
an STM32 Nucleo-64 development board via Arduino interface to develop NB-IoT applications based on
STM32. The following describes the operation procedures of BC66-TE-B in different operation modes.

3.1. Operation Procedure with Single Board

This chapter elaborates the operation procedure of using the BC66-TE-B alone.

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3.1.1. Interface Diagram of Using BC66-TE-B Alone

J304

J104

J301

J302 J303

Figure 4: Interface Diagram of Using BC66-TE-B Alone

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3.1.2. Operation Procedures of Using BC66-TE-B Alone

1. Install USB-UART driver which can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.exar.com/product/interface/uarts/usb-uarts/xr21v1412.
2. Insert a Micro-SIM card into J303, and please note that a NB-IoT USIM card should be selected.
3. Connect the rod antenna with SMA connector on J304 (RF antenna connector).
4. Switch J302 (UART Switch) to “MAIN UART TO USB” state.
5. Connect the J301 (USB power supply interface) with PC via Micro USB cable. After turning on
BC66-TE-B, UART port information will be shown on “Device Manager” of PC. Interface0 is the main
UART port and can be used for AT command communication, data transmission and firmware
upgrading. Interface1/2 are auxiliary UART and debug UART respectively, both of which can be
used to output log for firmware debugging. For details of UART configuration, please refer to
Quectel_BC66_Hardware_Design.

Figure 5: UART Ports Displayed on PC

NOTE

In the procedure, S101 can be used to turn on BC66 module, S102 can be used to reset the module, and
S103 can be used to wake up the module from PSM.

3.2. Operation Procedure with Multi Boards

This chapter elaborates the operation procedure of using the BC66-TE-B in conjunction with an STM32
Nucleo-64 development board.

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3.2.1. Interface Diagram of Using Multi Boards

J309
J304

J305

J308

J105
J106
S103

J201
J104

J301

J302 J303

J202

D203 J306 J307

S101 S102

Figure 6: Interface Diagram of Using Multi Boards

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CN1
CN
22J
203

JP5

CN6
JP6

CN
CN
5
CN8 9

Figure 7: STM32 Nucleo-64 Board Interface Diagram (Top View)

SB13 SB14

SB62
SB63

Figure 8: STM32 Nucleo-64 Board Modification Diagram (Bottom View)

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3.2.2. Operation Procedures of Using Multi Boards

1. Install driver for STM32 Nucleo-64 board, which can be downloaded from the following link:
http://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/products/evaluation-tools/product-evaluation-tools/mcu-eval-to
ols/stm32-mcu-eval-tools/stm32-mcu-nucleo/nucleo-l476rg.html;
2. Install USB-UART driver which can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.silabs.com/products/development-tools/software/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers. Remove
the two 0Ω resistors (SB13 and SB14) by soldering iron, and then solder them onto SB62 and SB63
respectively;
3. Short-circuit pin 1 & 2 of CN2, pin 3 & 4 of CN2, pin 1 & 2 of JP5 and pin 1 & 2 of JP6;
4. Insert a Micro-SIM card into J303, and please note that a NB-IoT USIM card should be selected;
6. Connect the rod antenna with SMA connector on J304 (RF antenna connector);
7. Switch J302 (UART Switch) to “MAIN UART TO MCU” state;
8. Connect BC66-TE-B with STM32 Nucleo-64 board via Arduino interface, and please connect J305,
J306, J307 and J308 of BC66-TE-B to CN5, CN6, CN8 and CN9, respectively.
9. Connect CN1 of STM32 Nucleo-64 board with PC via Mini USB cable. After powering on BC66
module, device information will be shown on the “Device Manager” of PC.

Figure 9: ST-LINK Interface Displayed on PC

3.2.3. Description of Pin Connection

The table below shows the pin connection between BC66-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU, one kind of
STM32 Nucleo-64 board.

Table 3: Pin Connection between BC66-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU

No. MCU (Morpho) Arduino BC66-TE-B Remark

1 PA2 D1 CN9-2 UART_MCU_TX Main UART port RX

2 PA3 D0 CN9-1 UART_MCU_RX Main UART port TX

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External interrupt for

4 PA7 D11 CN5-4 PSM_EINT_N
PSM

5 PA6 D12 CN5-5 PWRKEY_N Active high

6 PA5 D13 CN5-6 RESET_N Active high

7 PA0 A0 CN8-1 RI Ring indicator

8 +5V +5V CN6-5 +5V 5.0V power supply

9 GND GND CN5-7, CN6-6, 7 GND GND

10 +3.3V +3.3V CN6-4 +3.3V 3.3V power supply

11 +3.3V IOREF CN6-2 +3.3V 3.3V power supply

The following figure shows the pin connection between BC66-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU.

GND
RESET_N
+3.3V PWRKEY_N
PSM_EINT_N
+3.3V
+5V
GND
GND

ADC0
RI
POWER_EN

UART_MCU_TX
UART_MCU_RX

Arduino Morpho BC26-TE-B

Figure 10: Pin Connection between BC66-TE-B and STM32-L476RG MCU

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4 Electrical and Reliability

Characteristics

4.1. Absolute Maximum Ratings

Absolute maximum ratings for power supply and voltage on digital and analog pins of the BC66 module
are listed in the following table.

Table 4: Absolute Maximum Ratings

Parameter Min. Max. Unit

+5V -0.3 6 V

VBAT 2.1 3.63 V

Current of Power Supply TBD TBD A

Voltage at Digital Pins TBD TBD V

Voltage at Analog Pins TBD TBD V

Voltage at Digital/Analog Pins in Power down Mode TBD TBD V

4.2. Operation and Storage Temperatures

The operation and storage temperatures of BC66 module are listed in the following table.

Table 5: Operation and Storage Temperatures of BC66 Module

Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Unit

Operation Temperature Range1) -35 +25 +75 ºC

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Extended Temperature Range2) -40 +85 ºC

Storage Temperature Range -40 +90 ºC

NOTES

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

2. 2)Within extended temperature range, the module remains the ability to establish and maintain an
SMS*, data transmission, 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 Pout might reduce in
their value and exceed the specified tolerances. When the temperature returns to the normal
operating temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again.
3. “*” means under development.

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5 Mechanical Dimensions
This chapter describes the mechanical dimensions of BC66-TE-B. All dimensions are measured in mm.
The tolerances for dimensions are ±0.15mm.

5.1. Mechanical Dimensions of BC66-TE-B

Figure 11: Dimensions of BC66-TE-B (Top View)

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5.2. Top/Bottom View of BC66-TE-B

Figure 12: Top View of the BC66-TE-B

Figure 13: Bottom View of the BC66-TE-B

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6 BC66-TE-B Kit and Accessories

6.1. BC66-TE-B Kit

Figure 14: BC66-TE-B Kit Assembly

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6.2. BC66-TE-B Kit Accessories

Figure 15: BC66-TE-B and the Accessories

Table 6: Accessories List

Item Description Quantity

Antenna NB-IoT antenna with SMA connector 1

Cable Micro USB cable 1

A sheet of paper giving instructions for BC66-TE-B connection,

Instruction Sheet 1
details of accessories, etc.

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7 Appendix A References

Table 7: Related Documents

No. Document Name Remark

[1] Quectel_BC66_Hardware_Design BC66 hardware design

Table 8: Terms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

DFOTA Delta Firmware Upgrade Over-the-air

MCU Microcontroller Unit

NB-IoT Narrow Band Internet of Things

SMA SubMiniature Version A

UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver & Transmitter

USB Universal Serial Bus

(U)SIM (Universal) Subscriber Identification Module

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