RM500U-EA confused on interface type

Technical Subjects Driver
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1

Hi all,

I’m looking for a 5G modem with supports USB interface to use it into an USB case.
After searching a lot I found this module which is suitable for my needs also as a price.
But I look over the specs and I’m a little bit confused. Here in this document https://www.quectel.com/content/uploads/2026/01/Quectel_Product_Brochure_V8.5_2026.pdf at page 10 are mentioned 2 interfaces: PCIe 2.0 and USB 2.0/3.0 .

Now, how this module works with the both protocols? If I put this device into a USB case like this Raspberry Pi 5G DONGLE Expansion Board Four Antennas USB3.1 Port Aluminum Alloy Heatsink M.2 Key B Port I will be able to use this module via USB?

I’m using Linux devices.

Thanks in advance.

2

It seems yes.

The USB dongle is supported on Raspberry.

But, as I guess, the USB typeA might not be able to provide enough power.

RM500U can work in PCIe/USB mode both.

3

Hi,

Thanks for the answer. It has a cable with 2 connectors: one data and power and second only power.

Now, my question is: both protocols are active in same time or I have to force USB protocol with a command similar to AT+QCFG=“usbnet”,1 ?

4

Yes.
The USB port will provide power and also USB communication.
For RM500U it is better to use NCM.

AT+QCFG=“usbnet”,1 // ECM mode with cdc_ether
AT+QCFG=“usbnet”,3 // RNDIS mode with rndis_host
AT+QCFG=“usbnet”,5 // NCM mode with cdc_ncm