MC60-TE-A User Guide

GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series

Rev. MC60-TE-A_User_Guide_V2.0

Date: 2016-09-27

www.quectel.com
 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A 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.

Office 501, Building 13, No.99, Tianzhou Road, Shanghai, China, 200233
Tel: +86 21 5108 6236
Email: [email protected]

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

l
http://www.quectel.com/support/salesupport.aspx

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

c l
http://www.quectel.com/support/techsupport.aspx

a
Or email to: [email protected]

GENERAL NOTES

u e n t i
QUECTEL OFFERS THE INFORMATION AS A SERVICE TO ITS CUSTOMERS. THE INFORMATION

Q ide
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

f
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

n
CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

o
COPYRIGHT

C
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS PROPRIETARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION OF
QUECTEL 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. 2016. All rights reserved.

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 1 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

About the Document

History

el
Revision Date Author Description

c t l
1.0 2016-07-18 Tiger CHENG Initial

a
1. Added figures for reference in Chapter 5.

e i
2.0 2016-09-27 Tiger CHENG 2. Added using main UART and UART3 to

u t
communicate with GNSS part in Chapter 5.3.3.

Q ide n
n f
Co

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 2 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

Contents

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

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

1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1. Safety Information ................................................................................................................... 7

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

l
2.1. MC60-TE-A Top and Bottom View........................................................................................... 8

e
3 Interface Application of MC60-TE-A ................................................................................................ 10

t
3.1. SIM2 Card Interface .............................................................................................................. 10

c l
3.2. Test Points ............................................................................................................................. 11

a
4 MC60-TE-A Accessories Assembly ................................................................................................. 13

e t i
5 Illustration ........................................................................................................................................... 14

u
5.1. Power on ............................................................................................................................... 14

n
5.2. Communicate with GSM Part of the Module ......................................................................... 15

Q ide
5.3. Communicate with GNSS Part of the Module ....................................................................... 17
5.3.1. Use Main UART (All-in-one Solution) ............................................................................ 17
5.3.2. Use UART3 (Stand-alone Solution) ............................................................................... 17

f
5.3.3. Use Main UART and UART3 ......................................................................................... 19
5.4. Firmware Upgrade through Main UART Port ........................................................................ 20

n
5.5. Compatible Design and Applications..................................................................................... 21

o
6 60-pin Assignment ............................................................................................................................. 23

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

C
MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 3 / 25
 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

Table Index

TABLE 1: PINS OF SIM2 CARD INTERFACE .................................................................................................. 10

TABLE 2: PINS OF TEST POINTS..................................................................................................................... 11
TABLE 3: PIN DEFINITION OF THE 60-PIN DIP CONNECTOR ..................................................................... 23
TABLE 4: RELATED DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................................. 25

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
n f
Co

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 4 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

Figure Index

FIGURE 1: MC60-TE-A TOP VIEW ..................................................................................................................... 8

FIGURE 2: MC60-TE-A BOTTOM VIEW ............................................................................................................. 9
FIGURE 3: SIM2 CARD INTERFACE ............................................................................................................... 10
FIGURE 4: TEST POINTS.................................................................................................................................. 11
FIGURE 5: MC60-TE-A TOOLKIT ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................... 13
FIGURE 6: CONNECTION BETWEEN MC60-TE-A AND GNSS/GSM ANTENNA .......................................... 14
FIGURE 7: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS INDICATION................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 8: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS ON MAIN UART WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH GSM PART ... 15

l
FIGURE 9: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS ON UART3 WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH GSM PART ........... 16
FIGURE 10: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS ON MAIN UART WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH GNSS PART 17

t e
FIGURE 11: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS ON UART3 WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH GNSS PART ....... 18

l
FIGURE 12: USER INTERFACE OF POWERGPS TOOL ................................................................................ 18

c
FIGURE 13: J106 SHORT CIRCUIT CONNECTION ........................................................................................ 19

a
FIGURE 14: S101/S102 SWITCH STATUS ON MAIN UART&UART3 WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH GNSS

e i
PART ................................................................................................................................................................. 19

u t
FIGURE 15: SWITCH S101/S102 TO ON STATE............................................................................................. 20

n
FIGURE 16: USING A PASSIVE ANTENNA ..................................................................................................... 21
FIGURE 17: USING THE BUILT-IN BLUETOOTH ANTENNA .......................................................................... 21

Q ide
FIGURE 18: USING AN EXTERNAL BLUETOOTH ANTENNA ........................................................................ 22
FIGURE 19: DIP CONNECTOR OF MC60-TE-A .............................................................................................. 23

n f
Co

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 5 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

1 Introduction
In order to help customers to develop applications with Quectel MC60 module, Quectel supplies
corresponding evaluation board (EVB) kit and TE-A kit to test the module. This document can help
customers quickly understand MC60-TE-A interface specifications, electrical and mechanical details and
know how to use it.

l
MC60-TE-A is intended to be used in combination with GSM EVB for MC60 module testing and

t e
evaluation. For detailed description of GSM EVB, please refer to document [4].

e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
n f
Co

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 6 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

1.1. Safety Information

The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of the operation, such as usage,
service or repair of any cellular terminal or mobile incorporating Quectel 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 customer’s 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

l
distraction and can lead to an accident. You must comply with laws and regulations
restricting the use of wireless devices while driving.

t e
Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile before boarding an aircraft. Make sure it is

c l
switched off. The operation of wireless appliances in an aircraft is forbidden, so as

a
to prevent interference with communication systems. Consult the airline staff about

e i
the use of wireless devices on boarding the aircraft, if your device offers an

u t
Airplane Mode which must be enabled prior to boarding an aircraft.

n
Switch off your wireless device when in hospitals, clinics or other health care

Q ide
facilities. These requests are desinged to prevent possible interference with
sensitive medical equipment.

f
Cellular terminals or mobiles operating over radio frequency signal and cellular
network cannot be guaranteed to connect in all conditions, for example no mobile

n
fee or with an invalid SIM card. While you are in this condition and need emergent
help, please remember using emergency call. In order to make or receive a call,

o
the cellular terminal or mobile must be switched on and in a service area with
adequate cellular signal strength.

C
Your cellular terminal or mobile contains a transmitter and receiver. When it is ON,
it receives and transmits radio frequency energy. 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.

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 7 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

2 Product Concept

2.1. MC60-TE-A Top and Bottom View

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
n f
Co
Figure 1: MC60-TE-A Top View

A: Serial selector switch

B: GSM antenna interface
C: GNSS antenna interface
D: BT antenna interface
E: LED indicator

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 8 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Figure 2: MC60-TE-A Bottom View

Q ide
F: SIM2 card interface
G: Test points

f
NOTES

n
1. Some interfaces and test pins are reserved only for engineers to debug some functions which are not

o
used for customers.
2. Some functions are only supported in certain software versions.

C
MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 9 / 25
 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

3 Interface Application of MC60-TE-A

3.1. SIM2 Card Interface

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
n f
Co
Figure 3: SIM2 Card Interface

Table 1: Pins of SIM2 Card Interface

Pin Signal I/O Description

1 CD1 Connect to ground

2 CD2 Reserved

3 SIM_DATA I/O SIM card data I/O

4 SIM_CLK O SIM card clock

5 VPP Reserved

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 10 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

6 SIM_RST O SIM card reset

7 GND Ground

8 SIM_VDD Power supply for SIM card

9 GND Ground

10 GND Ground

3.2. Test Points

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
n f
Co
Table 2: Pins of Test Points
Figure 4: Test Points

Pin Signal I/O Description

1 PCM_CLK/SPI_CS O PCM clock

2 PCM_SYNC/SPI_MISO O PCM frame synchronization

3 TXD_AUX O Transmit data

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 11 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

4 PCM_IN/SPI_CLK I PCM data input

5 GND Ground

6 GNSS_VCC_EN O GNSS power enabled

7 PCM_OUT/SPI_MOSI I/O General purpose input/output port

8 RXD_AUX I Receive data

9 I2C_SCL28 Reserved

10 I2C_SDA28 Reserved

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
n f
Co

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 12 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

4 MC60-TE-A Accessories Assembly

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
n f
o
Figure 5: MC60-TE-A Toolkit Accessories

C
A: GNSS antenna
B: CD
C: GNSS antenna patch lead

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 13 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

5 Illustration
MC60-TE-A kit is intended to be used in combination with GSM EVB for MC60 module testing and
evaluation. The connection between MC60-TE-A and GNSS/GSM antenna can refer to the following
figure.

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
f
Figure 6: Connection between MC60-TE-A and GNSS/GSM Antenna

o n
C
5.1. Power on

Power on procedure of MC60-TE-A is controlled by GSM EVB. Please refer to document [4] for detailed
power on procedures.

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 14 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

5.2. Communicate with GSM Part of the Module

(1) If the main UART is used for communication with GSM part of MC60 module, please turn the S101
and S102 switch to ON state on MC60-TE-A, and then connect the main UART of EVB to PC’s USB
port with the USB to UART converter cable. This is the recommended method. Switch status
description is available in the following figures.

t el
e c ia l
u t
Figure 7: S101/S102 Switch Status Indication

Q ide n
n f
Co
Figure 8: S101/S102 Switch Status on Main UART When Communicating with GSM Part

If the UART3 is used for communication with the GSM part, please turn the S101 switch to OFF and S102
switch to ON state on MC60-TE-A, and then connect the UART3 on EVB to PC’s USB port with the USB
to UART converter cable. Currently, the software does not support this method.

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 15 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

el
Figure 9: S101/S102 Switch Status on UART3 When Communicating with GSM Part

c t l
(2) Open the QCOM (AT command window) on PC. Set appropriate Baud Rate (such as 115200bps) and

e a
COM number which can be checked by the Device Manager on PC.

t i
(3) Connect the antenna to the GSM_ANT on MC60-TE-A with an RF cable.

u n
(4) Insert SIM card into the SIM card socket.

Q ide
(5) Insert earphone or handset into audio interface.

(6) For power on procedure, please refer to document [4].

f
(7) After waiting for 2~3 seconds, customers should first input “AT” or “at” string once or more until
receiving “OK” from the module in the HyperTerminal.

n
The module is set to autobauding mode in default configuration. This operation is to synchronize the

o
baud rate between the computer and the module.

C
(8) Input AT command and the module will execute its corresponding functions.

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 16 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

5.3. Communicate with GNSS Part of the Module

5.3.1. Use Main UART (All-in-one Solution)

(1) Turn the S101 and S102 switch to ON state on MC60-TE-A, and then connect the main UART of EVB
to PC’s USB port with the USB to UART converter cable. This is the recommended method.

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
Figure 10: S101/S102 Switch Status on Main UART When Communicating with GNSS Part

f
(2) Open the QCOM (AT command window) on PC. Set appropriate Baud Rate (such as 115200bps)
and COM number which can be checked by the Device Manager on PC.

n
(3) Connect the antenna to the GNSS_ANT on MC60-TE-A with an RF cable.

o
(4) For power on procedure, please refer to document [4].

C
(5) After waiting for 2~3 seconds, customers should first input “AT” or “at” string once or more until
receiving “OK” from the module in the HyperTerminal.

(6) Send corresponding AT commands to power on/off the GNSS part. When GNSS is powered on, the
LED D102 on MC60-TE-A will be lighted and NMEA data will be output. For details of the
corresponding AT commands, please refer to document [1].

5.3.2. Use UART3 (Stand-alone Solution)

(1) Turn the S101 switch to ON and S102 switch to OFF state on MC60-TE-A, and then connect the
main UART of EVB to PC’s USB port with the USB to UART converter cable.

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 17 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

l
Figure 11: S101/S102 Switch Status on UART3 When Communicating with GNSS Part

t e l
(2) Connect the antenna to the GNSS_ANT on MC60-TE-A with an RF cable.

c a
(3) Insert the plug of the 5V power adapter. Turn the S202 switch to ON state on the EVB. The LED

e i
D503 on the EVB will be lighted.

u t
(4) Send AT+QGNSSC=1 command via main UART to power on the GNSS part, the LED D102 on

n
MC60-TE-A will be lighted. For details of the corresponding AT commands, please refer to document

Q ide
[1].

(5) Connect the UART3 of EVB to PC’s USB port with the USB to UART converter cable. And NMEA
data will be received via UART3 and PMTK commands can be sent via UART3.

f
(6) The PowerGPS tool can be used to view the status of GPS&GLONASS receiver conveniently. When

n
the tool is opened, the user interface as shown below will be displayed.

Co
Figure 12: User Interface of PowerGPS Tool

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 18 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

5.3.3. Use Main UART and UART3

In this solution, customers can send AT commands about GNSS and get the data of GNSS via main
UART. At the same time, NMEA data will be received from UART3.

(1) Use a short circuit cap to connect the J106.

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
Figure 13: J106 Short Circuit Connection

f
(2) Turn the S101 and S102 switch to ON state on MC60-TE-A, and then connect the main UART and
UART3 of EVB to PC’s USB ports with the USB to UART converter cables.

o n
C
Figure 14: S101/S102 Switch Status on Main UART&UART3 When Communicating with GNSS Part

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 19 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

(3) Connect the antenna to the GNSS_ANT on MC60-TE-A with an RF cable.

(4) Insert the plug of the 5V power adapter. Turn the S202 switch to ON state on the EVB. The LED D503
on the EVB will be lighted.

(5) Send AT+QGNSSC=1 command via main UART to power on the GNSS part, the LED D102 on
MC60-TE-A will be lighted. For details of the corresponding AT commands, please refer to document
[1].

(6) Send AT commands about GNSS and get the data of GNSS via main UART

(7) NMEA data will be received via UART3.

el
5.4. Firmware Upgrade through Main UART Port

c t l
(1) Switch the S101 and S102 on MC60-TE-A to ON state.

u e t ia
Q ide n
n f
Co Figure 15: Switch S101/S102 to On State

(2) Start the firmware upgrade tool on PC.

(3) Press the START button in the firmware upgrade tool.

(4) Switch the S201 and S202 on the EVB to ON state. For details, please refer to document [4].

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 20 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

5.5. Compatible Design and Applications

When testing the GNSS function, a passive antenna is recommended to be used. In this case, there is no
need to mount Resistor R101 (10 ohm, 0805 package). If an active antenna is used, then R101 should be
mounted.

t el
e c ia l
u n t Figure 16: Using a Passive Antenna

Q ide
When testing the BT function, the built-in Bluetooth antenna of MC60-TE-A is recommended to be used.
In this case, resistor R109 (0 ohm, 0402 package) is mounted, while resistor R105 (0 ohm, 0402 package)

f
is not mounted. If an external Bluetooth antenna is used, then R105 should be mounted and R109 should
not be mounted.

o n
C
Figure 17: Using the Built-in Bluetooth Antenna

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 21 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

t el
e c ia l
Figure 18: Using an External Bluetooth Antenna

u n t
Q ide
n f
Co

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 22 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

6 60-pin Assignment

t el
e c ia l
u n t
Q ide
f
Figure 19: DIP Connector of MC60-TE-A

o n
Table 3: Pin Definition of the 60-pin DIP Connector

C
Pin No. Pin Name I/O Pin No. Pin Name I/O

1 VBAT I 2 GND

3 VBAT I 4 GND

5 VBAT I 6 GND

7 VBAT I 8 GND

9 VBAT I 10 GND

11 12 ADC0 I

13 14 VRTC I/O

15 VDD_EXT O 16 NETLIGHT O

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 23 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

17 PWRKEY I 18 KBR0 O

19 20 KBR1 O

21 GPIO0 I/O 22 KBR2 O

23 24 TXD3 O

25 SIM1_VDD O 26 RXD3 I

27 SIM1_RST O 28 KBC0 I

29 SIM1_DATA I/O 30 KBC1 I

l
31 SIM1_CLK O 32

t e
33 SIM1_PRESENCE I 34

c l
35 36

e ia
37 DCD O 38 SD_CMD O

u t
39 DTR I 40 SD_CLK O

Q ide n
41 RXD I 42 SD_DATA I/O

43 TXD O 44

f
45 RTS I 46

n
47 CTS O 48 DBG_RXD I

o
49 RI O 50 DBG_TXD O

51 52

C
53 SPK1P O 54 MICP I

55 SPK1N O 56 MICN I

57 SPK2P O 58 MICP I

59 60 MICN I

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 24 / 25

 GSM/GPRS/GNSS Module Series
MC60-TE-A User Guide

7 Appendix A References

Table 4: Related Documents

SN Document Name Remark

l
[1] Quectel_MC60_AT_Commands_Manual MC60 AT commands manual

t e
[2] Quectel_GSM_UART_Application_Note Serial port application note

c l
[3] Quectel_MC60_Hareware_Design MC60 Hardware design

e ia
[4] Quectel_GSM_EVB_User_Guide GSM EVB user guide

u n t
Q ide
n f
Co

MC60-TE-A_User_Guide Confidential / Released 25 / 25