BG77xA-GL TE-B

User Guide

LPWA Module Series

Version: 1.0

Date: 2023-03-29

Status: Released
 LPWA 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:

Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.

Building 5, Shanghai Business Park Phase III (Area B), No.1016 Tianlin Road, Minhang District,
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To implement module functionality, certain device data are uploaded to Quectel’s or third-party’s servers,
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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.
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Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2023. 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 cellular terminal or mobile incorporating the module. Manufacturers of the cellular
terminal should notify users and operating personnel of the following safety information by incorporating
these guidelines into all manuals of the product. Otherwise, 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 transceiver. When it is ON, it receives

and transmits radio frequency signals. RF interference can occur if it is used close
to TV sets, radios, computers or other electric equipment.

In locations with explosive or potentially explosive atmospheres, obey all posted

signs and turn off wireless devices such as mobile phone or other cellular
terminals. Areas with explosive or potentially explosive atmospheres include
fuelling areas, below decks on boats, fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities,
and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or
metal powders.

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About the Document

Revision History

Version Date Author Description

Xin XIA/
- 2023-03-15 Creation of the document
Alan LAN
Xin XIA/
1.0 2023-03-29 First official release
Alan LAN

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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 Mark ............................................................................................................................... 8

2 Product Overview ................................................................................................................................ 9

2.1. Top and Bottom Views ................................................................................................................ 9
2.2. Components & Interfaces Placement ....................................................................................... 11
2.3. Key Features ............................................................................................................................. 14
2.4. Functional Diagram ................................................................................................................... 15

3 Kit Accessories & Assembly ............................................................................................................ 16

3.1. Accessories List ........................................................................................................................ 16
3.2. Accessories Assembly .............................................................................................................. 17

4 Operation Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 18

4.1. Operation Procedure with Single Board ................................................................................... 18
4.1.1. Interface Diagram of Using TE-B Alone ......................................................................... 18
4.1.2. Operation Procedures of Using TE-B Alone .................................................................. 19
4.2. Power Consumption Test Guide ............................................................................................... 20
4.2.1. Test Tools ....................................................................................................................... 20
4.2.2. Modify TE-B.................................................................................................................... 21
4.2.3. Test Procedures of Power Consumption ....................................................................... 22

5 Appendix References ........................................................................................................................ 23

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Table Index

Table 1: Special Mark .......................................................................................................................................... 8

Table 2: Components Information ...................................................................................................................... 12
Table 3: Key Features of TE-B .......................................................................................................................... 14
Table 4: Accessories List ................................................................................................................................... 16
Table 5: Related Document ............................................................................................................................... 23
Table 6: Terms and Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... 23

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Figure Index

Figure 1: Top View ............................................................................................................................................... 9

Figure 2: Bottom View ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3: Top Component & Interface Placement .............................................................................................. 11
Figure 4: Bottom Component & Interface Placement ........................................................................................ 12
Figure 5: Functional Diagram of TE-B ............................................................................................................... 15
Figure 6: TE-B Kit Accessories .......................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 7: TE-B Kit Accessories Assembly ......................................................................................................... 17
Figure 8: Interface Diagram of Using TE-B Alone ............................................................................................. 18
Figure 9: USB-To-UART Interface Displayed on PC ......................................................................................... 20
Figure 10: Schematic Diagram of TE-B Before Modification ............................................................................. 21
Figure 11: TE-B Wiring Diagram ........................................................................................................................ 22

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1 Introduction
This user guide describes the application details of BG77xA-GL TE-B, which is an assistant tool for
engineers to develop applications and test basic functionalities of Quectel BG770A-GL, BG772A-GL and
BG773A-GL. This document will take BG770A-GL TE-B as a representative to introduce BG77xA-GL
TE-B.

NOTE

TE-B for BG772A-GL has 7 additional 0 Ω resistors (R0120-R0126), and leads 7 pins to the test points
for subsequent testing.

1.1. Special Mark

Table 1: Special Mark

Mark Definition

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

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2 Product Overview
BG77xA-GL TE-B is a LPWA development board, which can be used alone to develop and debug
applications. It communicates with infrastructures of mobile network operators through LPWA radio
protocols in 3GPP Rel-13 and 3GPP Rel-14*.

2.1. Top and Bottom Views

Figure 1: Top View

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Figure 2: Bottom View

NOTE

Pictures above are for reference only.

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2.2. Components & Interfaces Placement

J0601
J0605

J0301 J0602

J0501

J0405

S0402 U0101
S0401
U0202
J0502
J0302
J0403 S0403

J0202
D0502 D0504
D0503 J0606
J0303 S0201

J0603
J0604
J0201

Figure 3: Top Components & Interfaces Placement

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U0301

U0303 U0302

U0304

U0305

U0306

U0307

U0201

Figure 4: Bottom Components & Interfaces Placement

Table 2: Components & Interfaces Information

Components/Interfaces RefDes Description

BG77xA-GL U0101 BG77xA-GL module

DC-DC U0201 DC-DC converter

LDO U0202 Low dropout voltage linear regulator

U0301, U0304,
USB-TO-UART Bridge USB to UART bridge controller
U0306
U0302, U0303,
Voltage-level Translator Bidirectional voltage-level translator
U0305, U0307
J0301, J0405,
Power Supply Interfaces USB power supply interface
J0302, J0303

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J0201 Power adapter power supply interface

J0202 External power supply interface

J0301, J0302,
USB-TO-UART Interface 3 UART interfaces
J0303

USB Interface J0405 USB interface

GNSS Antenna Interface J0501 GNSS SMA connector

Main Antenna Interface J0502 RF SMA connector

USIM Interface J0606 Micro-SIM card connector

Power Switch S0201 Power switch

PWRKEY Button S0401 Turn on/off the module

RESET_N Button S0402 Reset the module

Enter/exit e-l-DRX, sleep mode, PSM or turn off
PON_TRIG Switch S0403 mode
Enable/disable the main UART.

Power Indicator D0502 Indicate the power up/off status

STATUS D0503 Indicate the operation status

NETLIGHT D0504 Indicate the network connection status

J0403, J0601,
Test Points J0602, J0603, Test pins
J0604, J0605

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2.3. Key Features

Table 3: Key Features of TE-B

Parameter Details

USB interface:
⚫ Supply voltage range: 4.75–5.25 V
⚫ Typical supply voltage: 5.0 V
Power Supply
Power adapter interface:
⚫ Supply voltage range: 4.75–5.25 V
⚫ Typical supply voltage: 5.0 V

Transmitting Power 23 dBm ±2.7 dB

⚫ Operating temperature range: -35 to +75 °C 1

Temperature Ranges ⚫ Extended temperature range: -40 to +85 °C 2
⚫ Storage temperature range: -40 to +90 °C

USIM Interface Support 1.8 V external USIM card only

Used to enter/exit e-l-DRX, sleep mode, PSM and turn off mode
PON_TRIG Switch
Enable/disable the main UART interface communication function
3 UART interfaces:
Main UART:
⚫ Used for data transmission and AT command communication
⚫ 115200 bps baud rate by default
⚫ The default frame format is 8N1 (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
⚫ Supports RTS and CTS hardware flow control
Debug UART:
⚫ Used for firmware upgrade, software debugging, log output and NMEA
USB-TO-UART Interface sentences output.
⚫ 115200 bps baud rate by default
⚫ The default frame format is 8N1 (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
⚫ Supports RTS and CTS hardware flow control
Auxiliary UART:
⚫ Used for RF calibration and log output.
⚫ 921600 bps baud rate by default
⚫ The default frame format is 8N1 (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
⚫ Supports RTS and CTS hardware flow control

1 Within operating temperature range, the module is 3GPP compliant.

2 Within extended temperature range, the module remains the ability to establish and to maintain functions such as SMS*
and data transmission, without any unrecoverable malfunction. Radio spectrum and radio network will not be influenced,
while one or more specifications, such as Pout, may exceed the specified tolerances of 3GPP. When the temperature
returns to the normal operation temperature levels, the module will meet 3GPP specifications again.

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RESET Button Reset the module

PWRKEY Button Turn on/off the module

Size (70.0 +0.1/-0.15) mm × (74.0 +0.1/-0.15) mm × (1.6 ±0.16) mm

⚫ Via debug UART or DFOTA

Firmware Upgrade
⚫ Via USB

Antenna Interface 50 Ω characteristic impedance

2.4. Functional Diagram

DC JACK
J0201
DC-DC U0201 ANT_RF
J0502
LDO U0202
BG77xA-GL ANT_GNSS
J0501
U0101
USB-TO-UART PON_TRIG
USB-TO-UART USIM
Bridge S0403
Voltage-Level
J0606
J0301 Translator
U0301
J0302
U0304 U0302 U0303
J0303
U0306 USB
U0305 U0307 J0405

Figure 5: Functional Diagram of TE-B

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3 Kit Accessories & Assembly

3.1. Accessories List

Figure 6: TE-B Kit Accessories

Table 4: Accessories List

Item Description Quantity (pcs)

Antenna NB-IoT antenna with SMA connector 1

Cable Micro USB cable 1

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3.2. Accessories Assembly

Figure 7: TE-B Kit Accessories Assembly

NOTE

Pictures above are for reference only.

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4 Operation Procedures
BG77xA-GL TE-B can be used alone to upgrade firmware and debug applications based on BG77xA-GL.
The following describes the operation procedures of using TE-B along.

4.1. Operation Procedure with Single Board

4.1.1. Interface Diagram of Using TE-B Alone

J0301

J0501

J0405

S0402 S0401

J0502
J0302
S0403

J0202
D0502 D0504
D0503 J0606
J0303 S0201

J0201

Figure 8: Interface Diagram of Using TE-B Alone

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4.1.2. Operation Procedures of Using TE-B Alone

1. Install USB-TO-UART driver which can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.silabs.com/interface/usb-bridges/usbxpress/device.cp2102n-gqfn28.

2. Insert a Micro-SIM card into J0606, and please note that a NB-IoT or Cat M USIM card should be
selected according to actual needs.

3. Connect the rod antenna with SMA connector on J0502 (Main antenna connector).

4. Switch S0403 (PON_TRIG Switch) to “HIGH” state.

5. Connect the J0301 (USB-TO-UART interface) with PC via Micro-USB cable. After turning on TE-B,
serial port information will be shown on “Device Manager” of PC. Among them, "Silicon Labs
CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COM20)" (corresponding to the USB interface of PC) is connected
to the main UART of BG77xA-GL, which can be used for AT command communication, data
transmission. For details of UART configuration, see document [1].

6. Connect the J0302 (USB-TO-UART interface) with PC via Micro-USB cable. After turning on TE-B,
serial port information will be shown on “Device Manager” of PC. Among them, "Silicon Labs
CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COM19)" (corresponding to the USB interface of PC) is connected
to the debug UART of BG77xA-GL, which can be used for firmware upgrade, software debugging,
log output and NMEA sentences output. For details of UART configuration, see document [1].

7. Connect the J0303 (USB-TO-UART interface) with PC via Micro-USB cable. After turning on TE-B,
serial port information will be shown on “Device Manager” of PC. Among them, "Silicon Labs
CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COM28)" (corresponding to the USB interface of PC) is connected
to the auxiliary UART of BG77xA-GL, which can be used for RF calibration and log output. For
details of UART configuration, see document [1].

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Figure 9: USB-TO-UART Interface Displayed on PC

NOTE

In the procedure, pressing S0402 (RESET_N button) at least 100 ms on the BG770A-GL TE-B can reset
the module.

4.2. Power Consumption Test Guide

4.2.1. Test Tools

The following are the equipment and tools needed for the power consumption test:

⚫ BG77xA-GL TE-B
⚫ DC power analyzer
⚫ Wire, soldering iron, tin wire, and wire stripping pliers, etc. to weld the power supply cord on TE-B.

This power consumption test guide is based on Keysight's N6705C DC power analyzer for testing.

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4.2.2. Modify TE-B

If you use the TE-B to test the power consumption of the BG77xA-GL, you need to modify the TE-B as
follows:

1. Switch the power switch S0201 to "OFF" to disconnect the module from other parts.

2. Solder two wires respectively to the two pins (VBAT and GND) of the J0202. One wire is used as
VBAT, and the other is used as GND, so that the external power supply can supply power to the
module separately.

Figure 10: Schematic Diagram of TE-B Before Modification

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4.2.3. Test Procedures of Power Consumption

Please refer to the following steps to test the current consumption of the module on the modified TE-B：

1. Insert the USIM card.

2. Connect the USB cable to the main-UART of the TE-B.

3. After S0201 is turned off, set the output voltage on N6705C to 3.3 V, and connect the positive and
negative wires of N6705C to the two wires (VBAT, GND) welded on J0202 to supply the module
separately.

4. Turn on the output voltage set by N6705C, and turn on the module after power up.

5. Conduct current consumption tests in different operation modes.

Figure 11: TE-B Wiring Diagram

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5 Appendix References

Table 5: Related Document

Document Name

[1] Quectel_BG770A-GL_Hardware_Design

Table 6: Terms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

bps Bits Per Second

DC Direct Current

DFOTA Delta Firmware Upgrade Over-the-Air

GND Ground

GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

LDO Low-dropout Regulator

LPWA Low-Power Wide-Area

NB-IoT Narrowband Internet of Things

PC Personal Computer

RF Radio Frequency

SMA Sub Miniature Version A

UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver & Transmitter

USB Universal Serial Bus

USIM Universal Subscriber Identification Module

VBAT Voltage at Battery

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