Gsm Lte Modules

gsm-lte-modules

Goal: Interface cellular modems (SIM800L, SIM7000G, A7670) with microcontrollers to send text messages, perform HTTP(s) requests, or establish PPP TCP/IP bridges.

1. Power Requirements (Crucial)

Cellular modems emit bursts of RF transmission that pull up to 2A peaks.

• Connecting the VCC of a SIM800L directly to a 3.3V or 5V pin of an Arduino/Raspberry Pi will cause a brownout and infinite reboot loops.
• Rule: Use an external 3.7V - 4.2V LiPo battery or a beefy Buck Converter capable of 3A sustained, wired in parallel to the MCU.

2. UART and Logic Levels

• Modems usually operate at 2.8V logic.
• If using a 5V Arduino, you must use a logic level shifter or a resistor voltage divider on the RX pin of the modem string.

3. The AT Command Sequence

Modems are driven via serial AT commands. Terminate all commands with \r\n.

AT                  // Check communication. Expect: OK
AT+CPIN?            // Check if SIM is unlocked. Expect: +CPIN: READY
AT+CSQ              // Check Signal Quality. (0-31, 99 is no signal).
AT+CGATT?           // Check GPRS attachment. Expect: +CGATT: 1

Making an HTTP GET Request (SIM800)

AT+SAPBR=3,1,"Contype","GPRS"
AT+SAPBR=3,1,"APN","internet"   // Set APN of your carrier
AT+SAPBR=1,1
AT+HTTPINIT
AT+HTTPPARA="URL","http://example.com/api"
AT+HTTPACTION=0                 // 0 = GET
AT+HTTPREAD                     // Read the response payload
AT+HTTPTERM

4. OPSEC & Triangulation

• Connecting to a cell tower registers the SIM and the module's IMEI on the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) logs.
• The location is known to the MNO via triangulation.