LC76F EVB User Guide

GNSS Module Series

Version: 1.0

Date: 2022-06-23

Status: Released
 GNSS Module Series

At Quectel, our aim is to provide timely and comprehensive services to our customers. If you
require any assistance, please contact our headquarters:

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Building 5, Shanghai Business Park Phase III (Area B), No.1016 Tianlin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai
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Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2022. All rights reserved.

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Safety Information
The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, such as usage, service
or repair of any terminal incorporating Quectel LC76F module. Manufacturers of the terminal should send
the following safety information to users and operating personnel, and incorporate these guidelines into all
manuals supplied with the product. Otherwise, Quectel assumes no liability for customers’ failure to comply
with these precautions.

Ensure that the product may be used in the country and the required environment,
as well as that it conforms to the local safety and environmental regulations.

Keep away from explosive and flammable materials. The use of electronic products
in extreme power supply conditions and locations with potentially explosive
atmospheres may cause fire and explosion accidents.

The product must be powered by a stable voltage source, while the wiring must
conform to security precautions and fire prevention regulations.

Proper ESD handling procedures must be followed throughout the mounting,

handling and operation of any devices and equipment that incorporate the module
to avoid ESD damages.

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About the Document

Document Information

Title LC76F EVB User Guide

Subtitle GNSS Module Series

Document Type EVB User Guide

Document Status Released

Revision History
Version Date Description

- 2021-07-21 Creation of the document

1.0 2022-06-23 First official release

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Contents

Safety Information ...................................................................................................................................... 3

About the Document .................................................................................................................................. 4
Contents ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Table Index .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Figure Index ................................................................................................................................................ 7

1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 8
1.1. Special Marks............................................................................................................................. 8

2 General Overview ................................................................................................................................ 9

2.1. EVB Kit ....................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2. Connecting Cables and Antenna to EVB ................................................................................. 10

3 EVB Interfaces ................................................................................................................................... 12

3.1. EVB Top View........................................................................................................................... 12
3.2. EVB Interfaces ......................................................................................................................... 13

4 Communication via QCOM Tool ...................................................................................................... 15

4.1. Communication via the Micro-USB Interface........................................................................... 15

5 Test via QGNSS Tool ........................................................................................................................ 17

5.1. QGNSS Setting ........................................................................................................................ 17
5.1.1. QGNSS Interface Explanation ...................................................................................... 19

6 Firmware Upgrade via QGPSFlashTool.......................................................................................... 21

6.1. Firmware Upgrade ................................................................................................................... 21

7 Appendix References ....................................................................................................................... 25

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Table Index

Table 1: Special Marks ................................................................................................................................. 8

Table 2: List of Kit Components ................................................................................................................. 10
Table 3: Detailed EVB Interfaces ............................................................................................................... 13
Table 4: J106 Pin Assignment .................................................................................................................... 13
Table 5: J106 Pin Detailed Description ...................................................................................................... 14
Table 6: QGNSS Interface Explanation...................................................................................................... 19
Table 7: Related Documents ...................................................................................................................... 25
Table 8: Terms and Abbreviations .............................................................................................................. 25

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Figure Index

Figure 1: EVB and Components .................................................................................................................. 9

Figure 2: EVB and Components Assembly ................................................................................................ 10
Figure 3: EVB Top View ............................................................................................................................. 12
Figure 4: USB Port ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 5: COM Port Setting Interface of QCOM ........................................................................................ 15
Figure 6: NMEA Messages Output – Displayed on QCOM Tool Interface ................................................ 16
Figure 7: QCOM Port and Baud Rate Setting ............................................................................................ 18
Figure 8: QGNSS Interface (Connected) ................................................................................................... 18
Figure 9: Firmware Upgrade – Step 1........................................................................................................ 22
Figure 10: Firmware Upgrade – Step 2...................................................................................................... 22
Figure 11: Firmware Upgrade – Step 3 ...................................................................................................... 23
Figure 12: Firmware Upgrade – Step 4...................................................................................................... 23
Figure 13: Successful Firmware Upgrade ................................................................................................. 24

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1 Introduction
This document provides information on the steps needed to evaluate the Quectel LC76F module using the
Evaluation Board (EVB). The EVB is a convenient tool that allows you to become familiar with the LC76F
module.

Specifically, the document is divided into several sections:

⚫ Chapter 2 provides the general overview of EVB Kit.

⚫ Chapter 3 describes the EVB user interfaces.
⚫ Chapter 4 describes how to communicate with a module via QCOM tool.
⚫ Chapter 5 describes how to test the module via QGNSS tool.
⚫ Chapter 6 describes how to upgrade the module firmware via QGPSFlashTool.
⚫ Chapter 7 is an appendix, which summarizes the relevant documents, terms and abbreviations
appearing herein.

1.1. Special Marks

Table 1: Special Marks

Mark Definition

Unless otherwise specified, when an asterisk (*) is used after a function, feature, interface,
pin name, or argument, it indicates that the function, feature, interface, pin, or argument is
*
under development and currently not supported; and the asterisk (*) after a model indicates
that the sample of the model is currently unavailable.

⚫ NOTE
For EVB schematic and PCB layout design files, contact Quectel Technical Support
([email protected]).

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2 General Overview
2.1. EVB Kit

The EVB Kit includes: Evaluation Board (EVB), Active GNSS Antenna, Micro-USB Cable, USB flash drive,
Bolts and Coupling Nuts. Download the software tools (QCOM, QGNSS, QGPSFlashTool) from our
website Download Zone or request them from Quectel Technical Support.

The EVB Kit components are shown in the figure below, and check Table 1 for details.

Bolts and coupling nuts

Micro-USB cable

EVB

USB Flash Drive

Active GNSS antenna

Figure 1: EVB and Components

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Table 2: List of Kit Components

Items Description Quantity

Evaluation Board
EVB 1
Size: 60 mm × 70 mm

USB Cable Micro-USB Cable 1

8 GB USB Flash Drive (including the module-related

USB Flash Drive 1
documents, tools and drivers)
Active GNSS Antenna
GNSS Antenna Request the Antenna Datasheet from Quectel Technical 1
Support.
Sheet providing instructions on how to connect the EVB
Instruction Sheet and its components, detailed information on EVB 1
contents, etc.

Other Bolts and Coupling Nuts 4 pairs

2.2. Connecting Cables and Antenna to EVB

The connection between the EVB and its accessories is shown in the figure below. For detailed information
on how to connect the EVB and its accessories, refer to the instruction sheet inside the EVB Kit.

Figure 2: EVB and Components Assembly

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⚫ NOTE

Make sure that the Active GNSS Antenna is placed with a clear line of sight to the sky.

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3 EVB Interfaces
3.1. EVB Top View

EVB top view is shown in the figure below.

U101 J106
LC76F module Test points
J101
Antenna connector

D101
1PPS and TXD
Indication LEDs

J201
Micro-USB connector
S301
S201 UART↔USB switch
Power switch

Z101
RESET_N button

Figure 3: EVB Top View

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3.2. EVB Interfaces

The EVB interfaces are detailed in the table below.

Table 3: Detailed EVB Interfaces

Function Interfaces Description

Power supply input:
J201
Power Supply ⚫ DC power supply: 4.5–5.5 V, typ. 5.0 V
Micro-USB
⚫ Current capability should be > 100 mA
Standard NMEA messages output, PGKC
Communication J201
commands input/output, and firmware
Interface Micro-USB
upgrade.
The antenna in the Kit supports:
⚫ GPS L1 C/A
J101 ⚫ GLONASS L1
RF Input
Antenna Connector ⚫ Galileo* E1
⚫ QZSS L1 C/A
⚫ SBAS L1
Flashing: Data output from UART TXD pin.
TXD
Extinct or Bright: No data output from UART
(Blue LED)
D101 TXD.
Signal Indication
Indication LEDS Flashing: Successful position fix.
1PPS
The frequency is 1 Hz.
(Red LED)
Extinct: No position fix.
S201
Power the EVB on/off.
Power Switch
S301 Switch between USB data transfer and
Switches and Buttons
UART↔USB Switch UART data transfer features.
Z101 Short press on the button to reset the
RESET_N Button module.
J106 Pins are detailed in Table 4 and Table 5
Test Points
Test Points below.

Test point distribution is shown below:

Table 4: J106 Pin Assignment

32K/DRIN AADET_N 1PPS STANDBY GND

TIMER RESET_N TXD1 RXD1 GND

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Table 5: J106 Pin Detailed Description

Pin Name I/O Description

32K/DRIN - NC

AADET_N - NC

1PPS DO 1 pulse per second

STANDBY - NC

GND - Ground

TIMER - NC

RESET_N DI Resets the module

TXD DO Transmits data

RXD DI Receives the data

GND - Ground

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4 Communication via QCOM Tool

This chapter expliains how to use the QCOM tool to communicate with the module via the Micro-USB
interface. For more information, see document [1].

Download the QCOM tool from our website Download Zone or request it from Quectel Technical Support.

4.1. Communication via the Micro-USB Interface

Step 1: Connect the EVB and the PC with a Micro-USB cable via the Micro-USB interface.

Step 2: Flip the power switch (S201) to ON position to power on the EVB and flip the UART↔USB switch
(S301) to USB position.

Step 3: Run the provided driver installer to install the USB driver.

Step 4: View the USB port numbers in the Device Manager, as shown in Figure 4 below.

Figure 4: USB Port

Step 5: Install the QCOM tool provided by Quectel. The COM Port Setting interface of QCOM is shown
in Figure 5 below. (Default baud rate: 9600 bps 1).

Figure 5: COM Port Setting Interface of QCOM

1 UART interface default settings may vary depending on software versions.

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 GNSS Module Series

Step 6: Select the correct “COM Port” (USB Port shown in Figure 4 above).

Step 7: Set the correct “Baudrate”.

Step 8: Click “Open Port” to establish communication with the EVB. The NMEA messages output by the
module will be displayed in the receiving bar of the QCOM tool, as shown in the figure below.

Figure 6: NMEA Messages Output – Displayed on QCOM Tool Interface

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5 Test via QGNSS Tool

This chapter explains how to use the QGNSS tool for verifying the status of GNSS module. For more
information about QGNSS usage, see document [2].

Download the QGNSS tool from our website Download Zone or request it from Quectel Technical Support.

5.1. QGNSS Setting

Step 1: Assemble the EVB components.

Step 2: Flip the power switch (S201) to ON position to power on the EVB and flip the UART↔USB switch
(S301) to USB position.

Step 3: Start the QGNSS and click “Setting” and “Serial Port Configuration” (default baud rate
9600 bps 2), as shown in the figure below.

2 UART interface default settings may vary depending on software versions.

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Figure 7: QCOM Port and Baud Rate Setting

Step 4: Click the “Connect or disconnect” button. The interface shown in the figure below
appears once the module is connected.

Figure 8: QGNSS Interface (Connected)

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5.1.1. QGNSS Interface Explanation

You can view GNSS information, such as C/N0 message, time, position, speed, and precision in the
QGNSS interface. See the following table to find out more about these parameters.

Table 6: QGNSS Interface Explanation

Icon Explanation

The sky view interface shows the position of the satellites in use.

1) The left column icons show the satellites in use and their
number.
⚫ BDS: 0
⚫ GLO (GLONASS): 7
⚫ GPS: 8
⚫ GAL (Galileo): 0
⚫ QZSS: 0
⚫ NavIC (IRNSS): 0
⚫ SBAS: 0

2) The grid map on the right shows the position of the satellites
in use.

GPS satellite
BDS satellite
GLONASS satellite
Galileo satellite
QZSS satellite
NavIC (IRNSS) satellite

⚫ PRN 8 C/N0 is 22 dB-Hz.

⚫ Column in bright red means that the navigation data of the
satellites are in use.
⚫ PRN 6 C/N0 is 21 dB-Hz.
⚫ Column in light red means that the navigation data of the
satellites are not in use.

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⚫ Longitude (unit: degree)

⚫ Latitude (unit: degree)
⚫ Altitude (MSL) (unit: m)
⚫ Altitude (EPH) (unit: m)
⚫ Receiver speed (unit: km/h)
⚫ Horizontal dilution of precision
⚫ Position dilution of precision
⚫ Fix Mode: 2D, 3D
⚫ Quality Indicator: DGNSS, DGPS, GPS SPS mode
⚫ UTC date and time
⚫ Time of day 3 (unit: second)
⚫ Age of differential GPS data
⚫ Last TTFF (unit: second)

⚫ Total Times
⚫ Fixed Points
⚫ RTK Float
⚫ RTK Fixed

3 Total number of seconds elapsed since midnight of the current day.

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6 Firmware Upgrade via

QGPSFlashTool
Quectel LC76F module upgrades firmware via the UART interface using QGPSFlashTool. For more
information about QGPSFlashTool useage, see document [3].

Download the QGPSFlashTool from our website Download Zone or request it from Quectel Technical
Support.

6.1. Firmware Upgrade

Before you start the firmware upgrade process:

First: Connect the EVB to a PC with Micro-USB cable.

Second: Flip the power switch (S201) to ON position to power on the EVB and flip the UART↔USB
switch (S301) to USB position.

Firmware upgrade steps:

Step 1: Open QGPSFlashTool. Click “Config” and select “Options” as shown in the figure below.

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Figure 9: Firmware Upgrade – Step 1

Step 2: In the “Options” popup window, set the number of channels to be used. In the “Tool Options”
drop-down box, select “LC76F” and then click “OK” as shown in the figure below.

Figure 10: Firmware Upgrade – Step 2

Step 3: Double click “bin file” to select bin file, e.g., “LC76FANR01A03_GLN.bin” as shown in the figure
below.

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Figure 11: Firmware Upgrade – Step 3

Step 4: Select the “Serial Port” and “Baudrate” of the COM Port that will be used (the selected baud rate
will affect the firmware download speed) and then click “Start” button to start downloading the
firmware, as shown in the figure below.

Figure 12: Firmware Upgrade – Step 4

Step 5: Upon successful firmware upgrade, the QGPSFlashTool green progress bar on the screen will
indicate “100%”, as shown in the figure below.

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Figure 13: Successful Firmware Upgrade

⚫ NOTE

Make sure the module is in Continuous mode before upgrading the firmware.

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7 Appendix References
Table 7: Related Documents

Document Name

[1] Quectel_QCOM_User_Guide

[2] Quectel_QGNSS_User_Guide

[3] Quectel_QGPSFlashTool_User_Guide

Table 8: Terms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

2D 2 Dimension

3D 3 Dimension

BDS BeiDou Navigation Satellite System

COM Port Communication Port

C/N0 Carrier-to-Noise Ratio

DI Digital Input

DO Digital Output

ESD Electrostatic Discharge

EVB Evaluation Board

Galileo Galileo Satellite Navigation System (EU)

GLONASS Global Navigation Satellite System (Russia)

GND Ground

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GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

GPS Global Positioning System

I/O Input/Output

LED Light Emitting Diode

Micro-USB Micro Universal Serial Bus

NMEA NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) 0183 Interface Standard

PC Personal Computer

PI Power Input

PO Power Output

1PPS One Pulse Per Second

QZSS Quasi-Zenith Satellite System

RXD Receive Data (Pin)

SBAS Satellite-Based Augmentation System

SPS Standard Positioning Service

TTFF Time to First Fix

TXD Transmit Data (Pin)

UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver & Transmitter

USB Universal Serial Bus

UTC Coordinated Universal Time

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