Quectel SC206E Series Supplement

SC206E Series

Hardware Design

Smart Module Series

Version: 1.0

Date: 2022-04-22

Status: Released

Smart Module Series

SC206E_Series_Hardware_Design 1 / 115

At Quectel, our aim is to provide timely and comprehensive services to our customers. If you

require any assistance, please contact our headquarters:

Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.

Building 5, Shanghai Business Park Phase III (Area B), No.1016 Tianlin Road, Minhang District,

Shanghai 200233, China

Tel: +86 21 5108 6236

Email: info@quectel.com

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

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

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

http://www.quectel.com/support/technical.htm.

Or email us at: [email protected]om.

Legal Notices

We offer information as a service to you. The provided information is based on your requirements and

we make every effort to ensure its quality. You agree that you are responsible for using independent

analysis and evaluation in designing intended products, and we provide reference designs for illustrative

purposes only. Before using any hardware, software or service guided by this document, please read this

notice carefully. Even though we employ commercially reasonable efforts to provide the best possible

experience, you hereby acknowledge and agree that this document and related services hereunder are

provided to you on an “as available” basis. We may revise or restate this document from time to time at

our sole discretion without any prior notice to you.

Use and Disclosure Restrictions

License Agreements

Documents and information provided by us shall be kept confidential, unless specific permission is

granted. They shall not be accessed or used for any purpose except as expressly provided herein.

Our and third-party products hereunder may contain copyrighted material. Such copyrighted material

shall not be copied, reproduced, distributed, merged, published, translated, or modified without prior

written consent. We and the third party have exclusive rights over copyrighted material. No license shall

be granted or conveyed under any patents, copyrights, trademarks, or service mark rights. To avoid

ambiguities, purchasing in any form cannot be deemed as granting a license other than the normal non-

exclusive, royalty-free license to use the material. We reserve the right to take legal action for

noncompliance with abovementioned requirements, unauthorized use, or other illegal or malicious use of

the material.

Smart Module Series

SC206E_Series_Hardware_Design 2 / 115

Trademarks

Except as otherwise set forth herein, nothing in this document shall be construed as conferring any rights

to use any trademark, trade name or name, abbreviation, or counterfeit product thereof owned by

Quectel or any third party in advertising, publicity, or other aspects.

Third-Party Rights

This document may refer to hardware, software and/or documentation owned by one or more third

parties (“third-party materials”). Use of such third-party materials shall be governed by all restrictions and

obligations applicable thereto.

We make no warranty or representation, either express or implied, regarding the third-party materials,

including but not limited to any implied or statutory, warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular

purpose, quiet enjoyment, system integration, information accuracy, and non-infringement of any third-

party intellectual property rights with regard to the licensed technology or use thereof. Nothing herein

constitutes a representation or warranty by us to either develop, enhance, modify, distribute, market, sell,

offer for sale, or otherwise maintain production of any our products or any other hardware, software,

device, tool, information, or product. We moreover disclaim any and all warranties arising from the

course of dealing or usage of trade.

To implement module functionality, certain device data are uploaded to Quectel’s or third-party’s servers,

including carriers, chipset suppliers or customer-designated servers. Quectel, strictly abiding by the

relevant laws and regulations, shall retain, use, disclose or otherwise process relevant data for the

purpose of performing the service only or as permitted by applicable laws. Before data interaction with

third parties, please be informed of their privacy and data security policy.

Disclaimer

a) We acknowledge no liability for any injury or damage arising from the reliance upon the information.

b) We shall bear no liability resulting from any inaccuracies or omissions, or from the use of the

information contained herein.

c) While we have made every effort to ensure that the functions and features under development are

free from errors, it is possible that they could contain errors, inaccuracies, and omissions. Unless

otherwise provided by valid agreement, we make no warranties of any kind, either implied or

express, and exclude all liability for any loss or damage suffered in connection with the use of

features and functions under development, to the maximum extent permitted by law, regardless of

whether such loss or damage may have been foreseeable.

d) We are not responsible for the accessibility, safety, accuracy, availability, legality, or completeness of

information, advertising, commercial offers, products, services, and materials on third-party websites

and third-party resources.

Smart Module Series

SC206E_Series_Hardware_Design 3 / 115

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 the 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 paid 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 there is an Airplane Mode, it should be enabled prior to

boarding an aircraft. Please consult the airline staff for more restrictions on the

use of wireless devices on an 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 signal and cellular network

cannot be guaranteed to connect in certain conditions, such as when the mobile

bill is unpaid or the (U)SIM card is invalid. When emergent help is needed in such

conditions, use emergency call if the device supports it. 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. In an emergency, the device with

emergency call function cannot be used as the only contact method considering

network connection cannot be guaranteed under all circumstances.

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.

Smart Module Series

SC206E_Series_Hardware_Design 4 / 115

About the Document

Revision History

Version

Date

Author

Description

2021-11-25

Dorian MENG/

Waller GUO

Creation of the document

1.0

2022-04-22

Dorian MENG/

Waller GUO

First official release

 
Smart Module Series 
 
SC206E_Series_Hardware_Design 5 / 115 
 
 
 
Contents 
Safety Information.......................................................................................................................................3 
About the Document...................................................................................................................................4 
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................5 
Table Index...................................................................................................................................................8 
Figure Index...............................................................................................................................................10 
1Introduction........................................................................................................................................12 
1. Special Mark............................................................................................................................15 
2Product Overview ..............................................................................................................................16 
1. Frequency Bands and Functions.............................................................................................16 
2. Key Features ...........................................................................................................................18 
3. Functional Diagram .................................................................................................................22 
4. EVB Kit.....................................................................................................................................22 
3Application Interfaces .......................................................................................................................23 
1. General Description.................................................................................................................23 
2. Pin Assignment........................................................................................................................24 
3. Pin Description.........................................................................................................................25 
4. Power Supply...........................................................................................................................36 
4.1. Power Supply Pins.........................................................................................................36 
4.2. Voltage Stability Requirements......................................................................................36 
4.3. Reference Design for Power Supply..............................................................................37 
5. Turn On/Off..............................................................................................................................38 
5.1. Turn On with PWRKEY..................................................................................................38 
5.2. Turn Off ..........................................................................................................................40 
6. VRTC.......................................................................................................................................40 
7. Power Output...........................................................................................................................41 
8. Charging Interface...................................................................................................................41 
9. USB Interface (Type-C)...........................................................................................................43 
10. UART Interfaces......................................................................................................................45 
11. (U)SIM Interfaces.....................................................................................................................47 
12. SD Card Interface....................................................................................................................49 
13. GPIO Interfaces.......................................................................................................................51 
14. I2C Interfaces ..........................................................................................................................52 
15. ADC Interface..........................................................................................................................53 
16. Motor Drive Interface...............................................................................................................53 
17. LCM Interface..........................................................................................................................54 
18. Flash Interface.........................................................................................................................56 
19. Touch Panel Interface..............................................................................................................57 
20. Camera Interfaces...................................................................................................................58 
20.1. MIPI Design Considerations ..........................................................................................61 
21. Sensor Interface ......................................................................................................................62 

 
Smart Module Series 
 
SC206E_Series_Hardware_Design 6 / 115 
 
 
 
22. Audio Interfaces.......................................................................................................................63 
22.1. Reference Circuit Design for Microphone Interfaces.....................................................64 
22.2. Reference Circuit Design for Earpiece Interface...........................................................65 
22.3. Reference Circuit Design for Headset Interface............................................................65 
22.4. Reference Circuit Design for Lineout Interface..............................................................66 
22.5. Audio Signal Design Considerations .............................................................................66 
23. USB_BOOT.............................................................................................................................67 
4Wi-Fi/Bluetooth...................................................................................................................................68 
1. Wi-Fi.........................................................................................................................................68 
1.1. Wi-Fi Performance.........................................................................................................68 
2. Bluetooth..................................................................................................................................70 
2.1. Bluetooth Performance ..................................................................................................71 
5GNSS...................................................................................................................................................72 
1. GNSS Performance.................................................................................................................72 
2. GNSS RF Design Guidelines ..................................................................................................73 
6Antenna Interfaces.............................................................................................................................74 
1. Main Antenna and Rx-diversityAntenna Interfaces................................................................74 
1.1. Operating Frequency .....................................................................................................74 
1.2. Reference Design ..........................................................................................................77 
2. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Antenna Interface...........................................................................................77 
3. GNSS Antenna Interface.........................................................................................................78 
3.1. Reference Circuit Design for Passive GNSS Antenna..................................................79 
3.2. Reference Circuit Design forActive GNSSAntenna .....................................................80 
4. RF Routing Guidelines ............................................................................................................80 
5. Antenna Installation.................................................................................................................82 
5.1. Antenna Requirements..................................................................................................82 
5.2. RF Connector Recommendation ...................................................................................83 
7Reliability, Radio and Electrical Characteristics............................................................................85 
1. Absolute Maximum Ratings.....................................................................................................85 
2. Power Supply Ratings.............................................................................................................85 
3. Digital I/O Characteristics........................................................................................................86 
4. Operating and Storage Temperatures.....................................................................................87 
5. Power Consumption................................................................................................................88 
6. Tx Power..................................................................................................................................94 
7. Rx Sensitivity...........................................................................................................................97 
8. ESD Protection........................................................................................................................99 
8Mechanical Information...................................................................................................................100 
1. Mechanical Dimensions.........................................................................................................100 
2. Recommended Footprint.......................................................................................................102 
3. Top and Bottom Views...........................................................................................................103 
9Storage, Manufacturing & Packaging............................................................................................104 

Smart Module Series

SC206E_Series_Hardware_Design 7 / 115

9.1. Storage Conditions................................................................................................................104

9.2. Manufacturing and Soldering ................................................................................................105

9.3. Packaging Specification ........................................................................................................107

9.3.1. Plastic Reel ..................................................................................................................107

9.3.2. Packaging Process ......................................................................................................108

10 Appendix References......................................................................................................................109

 
Smart Module Series 
 
SC206E_Series_Hardware_Design 8 / 115 
 
 
 
Table Index 
Table 1: Special Mark.................................................................................................................................15 
Table 2: SC206E-CE Frequency Bands and GNSS Functions.................................................................16 
Table 3: SC206E-EM Frequency Bands and GNSS Functions.................................................................17 
Table 4: SC206E-NAFrequency Bands and GNSS Functions .................................................................17 
Table 5: Key Features................................................................................................................................18 
Table 6: I/O Parameter Definition...............................................................................................................25 
Table 7: Pin Description .............................................................................................................................25 
Table 8: Power Description ........................................................................................................................41 
Table 9: Pin Definition of Charging Interface .............................................................................................42 
Table 10: Pin Definition of USB Interface................................................................................................... 43 
Table 11: USB Trace Length Inside the Module......................................................................................... 45 
Table 12: Pin Definition of UART Interfaces............................................................................................... 45 
Table 13: Pin Definition of (U)SIM Interfaces............................................................................................. 47 
Table 14: Pin Definition of SD Card Interface............................................................................................49 
Table 15: SD Card Trace Length Inside the Module..................................................................................50 
Table 16: Pin Definition of GPIO Interfaces............................................................................................... 51 
Table 17: Pin Definition of I2C Interfaces................................................................................................... 52 
Table 18: Pin Definition ofADC Interface................................................................................................... 53 
Table 19: Pin Definition of Motor Drive Interface .......................................................................................53 
Table 20: Pin Definition of LCM Interface ..................................................................................................54 
Table 21: Pin Definition of Flash Interface.................................................................................................56 
Table 22: Pin Definition of Touch Panel Interface...................................................................................... 57 
Table 23: Pin Definition of Camera Interfaces ........................................................................................... 58 
Table 24: MIPI Trace Length Inside the Module ........................................................................................61 
Table 25: Pin Definition of Sensor Interface...............................................................................................62 
Table 26: Pin Definition of Audio Interfaces............................................................................................... 63 
Table 27: Pin Definition of USB_BOOT Interface ...................................................................................... 67 
Table 28: Wi-Fi Transmitting Performance................................................................................................. 68 
Table 29: Wi-Fi Receiving Performance..................................................................................................... 69 
Table 30: Bluetooth Data Rate and Version...............................................................................................71 
Table 31: Bluetooth Transmitting and Receiving Performance.................................................................. 71 
Table 32: GNSS Performance....................................................................................................................72 
Table 33: Pin Definition of Main/Rx-diversity Antenna Interfaces..............................................................74 
Table 34: SC206E-CE Operating Frequency............................................................................................. 74 
Table 35: SC206E-EM Operating Frequency ............................................................................................75 
Table 36: SC206E-NA Operating Frequency............................................................................................. 76 
Table 37: Pin Definition of Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Antenna Interface................................................................... 77 
Table 38: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Frequency......................................................................................................... 78 
Table 39: Pin Definition of GNSS Antenna Interface .................................................................................78 
Table 40: GNSS Frequency .......................................................................................................................79 
Table 41: Antenna Requirements...............................................................................................................82 

 
Smart Module Series 
 
SC206E_Series_Hardware_Design 9 / 115 
 
 
 
Table 42:Absolute Maximum Ratings........................................................................................................85 
Table 43: Power Supply Ratings................................................................................................................ 85 
Table 44: 1.8 V Digital I/O Requirements................................................................................................... 86 
Table 45: (U)SIM 1.8 V I/O Requirements................................................................................................. 86 
Table 46: (U)SIM 2.95 V I/O Requirements............................................................................................... 86 
Table 47: SD Card 1.8 V I/O Requirements...............................................................................................87 
Table 48: SD Card 2.95 V I/O Requirements............................................................................................. 87 
Table 49: Operating and Storage Temperatures........................................................................................ 87 
Table 50: SC206E-CE Power Consumption.............................................................................................. 88 
Table 51: SC206E-EM Power Consumption.............................................................................................. 90 
Table 52: SC206E-NA Power Consumption ..............................................................................................93 
Table 53: SC206E-CE RF Tx Power..........................................................................................................94 
Table 54: SC206E-EM RF Tx Power ......................................................................................................... 95 
Table 55: SC206E-NA RF Tx Power.......................................................................................................... 96 
Table 56: SC206E-CE RF Rx Sensitivity ...................................................................................................97 
Table 57: SC206E-EM RF Rx Sensitivity...................................................................................................97 
Table 58: SC206E-NARF Rx Sensitivity....................................................................................................98 
Table 59: Electrostatic Discharge Characteristics (Temperature: 25 ºC, Humidity: 45 %)........................ 99 
Table 60: Recommended Thermal Profile Parameters............................................................................106 
Table 61: Recommended Thermal Profile Parameters............................................................................107 
Table 62: Plastic Reel Dimension Table (Unit: mm).................................................................................108 
Table 63: Related Documents..................................................................................................................109 
Table 64: Terms and Abbreviations.......................................................................................................... 109 