SIM808_Hardware Design_V1.

03
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Document Title SIM808_Hardware_Design_V1.03

Version 1.03

Date 2016-06-30

Status Release

Document Control ID SIM808_Hardware Design

General Notes
SIMCom offers this information as a service to its customers, to support application and engineering efforts that
use the products designed by SIMCom. The information provided is based upon requirements specifically
provided to SIMCom by the customers. SIMCom has not undertaken any independent search for additional
relevant information, including any information that may be in the customer’s possession. Furthermore, system
validation of this product designed by SIMCom within a larger electronic system remains the responsibility of the
customer or the customer’s system integrator. All specifications supplied herein are subject to change.

Copyright
This document contains proprietary technical information which is the property of SIMCom Limited, copying of
this document and giving it to others and the using or communication of the contents thereof, are forbidden
without express authority. Offenders are liable to the payment of damages. All rights reserved in the event of grant
of a patent or the registration of a utility model or design. All specification supplied herein are subject to change
without notice at any time.

Copyright © Shanghai SIMCom Wireless Solutions Ltd. 2015

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Contents

Contents .................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Version History ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................................... 10

2 SIM808 Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 10

2.1 SIM808 Key Features ............................................................................................................................. 10
2.2 Operating Modes .................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 SIM808 Functional Diagram .................................................................................................................. 15

3 Package Information ...................................................................................................................................... 16

3.1 Pin out Diagram ...................................................................................................................................... 16
3.2 Pin Description ....................................................................................................................................... 17
3.3 Package Dimensions ............................................................................................................................... 19

4 Application Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 21

4.1 Power Supply.......................................................................................................................................... 21
4.1.1 Power Supply Pin ................................................................................................................................ 23
4.1.2 Monitoring Power Supply ................................................................................................................... 23
4.2 Power on/off SIM808 ............................................................................................................................. 23
4.2.1 Power on SIM808 ............................................................................................................................... 23
4.2.2 Power off SIM808 ............................................................................................................................... 25
4.2.3 Reset Function..................................................................................................................................... 26
4.3 Power Saving Mode................................................................................................................................ 27
4.3.1 Functionality Mode ............................................................................................................................. 28
4.3.2 Sleep Mode (AT+CSCLK=1) ............................................................................................................. 28
4.3.3 Wake Up SIM808 from Sleep Mode (AT+CSCLK=1) ...................................................................... 28
4.4 Charging Interface .................................................................................................................................. 29
4.4.1 Battery Pack Characteristics................................................................................................................ 29
4.4.2 Recommended Battery Pack ............................................................................................................... 29
4.4.3 Implemented Charging Technique ...................................................................................................... 30
4.4.4 Operating Modes during Charging ...................................................................................................... 30
4.4.5 Charger Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 31
4.5 RTC Backup ........................................................................................................................................... 31
4.6 Serial Port and USB Interface ................................................................................................................ 33
4.6.1 Function of Serial Port ........................................................................................................................ 33
4.6.2 Serial Port ............................................................................................................................................ 34
4.6.3 USB Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 36
4.6.4 Software Upgrade and Debug ............................................................................................................. 37
4.7 RI Behaviors ........................................................................................................................................... 37
4.8 Audio Interfaces ..................................................................................................................................... 38
4.8.1 Speaker Interface Configuration ......................................................................................................... 39
4.8.2 Microphone Interfaces Configuration ................................................................................................. 40
4.8.3 Audio Electronic Characteristics ......................................................................................................... 40
4.8.4 TDD .................................................................................................................................................... 40
4.9 SIM Card Interface ................................................................................................................................. 41
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4.9.1 SIM Card Application ......................................................................................................................... 41
4.9.2 SIM Card Design Consideration ......................................................................................................... 42
4.9.3 Design Considerations for SIM Card Holder ...................................................................................... 42
4.10 PCM Interface ........................................................................................................................................ 44
4.10.1 PCM Interface .................................................................................................................................. 45
4.11 Keypad Interface .................................................................................................................................... 45
4.12 I2C Bus ................................................................................................................................................... 47
4.13 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) ................................................................................................... 47
4.14 ADC........................................................................................................................................................ 48
4.15 PWM ...................................................................................................................................................... 48
4.16 Network Status Indication ...................................................................................................................... 49
4.17 Operating Status Indication .................................................................................................................... 50
4.18 RF Synchronization Signal ..................................................................................................................... 50
4.19 Bluetooth ................................................................................................................................................ 51
4.20 GNSS ...................................................................................................................................................... 51
4.20.1 GNSS Overview .............................................................................................................................. 51
4.20.2 GNSS Operating Modes .................................................................................................................. 52
4.20.3 1PPS Output..................................................................................................................................... 52
4.21 Antenna Interface ................................................................................................................................... 52
4.21.1 GSM Antenna Interface ................................................................................................................... 53
4.21.2 Bluetooth Antenna Interface ............................................................................................................ 54
4.21.3 GNSS Antenna Interface ................................................................................................................. 54

5 PCB Layout ..................................................................................................................................................... 56

5.1 Pin Assignment ....................................................................................................................................... 56
5.2 Principle of PCB Layout......................................................................................................................... 56
5.2.1 Antenna Interface ................................................................................................................................ 56
5.2.2. Power Supply ...................................................................................................................................... 56
5.2.3 SIM Card Interface .............................................................................................................................. 56
5.2.4 Audio Interface.................................................................................................................................... 57
5.2.5 Others .................................................................................................................................................. 57
5.3 Recommended PCB Layout ................................................................................................................... 57

6 Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics ......................................................................................... 58

6.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings ................................................................................................................... 58
6.2 Recommended Operating Conditions ..................................................................................................... 58
6.3 Digital Interface Characteristics ............................................................................................................. 58
6.4 SIM Card Interface Characteristics ........................................................................................................ 59
6.5 SIM_VDD Characteristics ...................................................................................................................... 59
6.6 VDD_EXT Characteristics ..................................................................................................................... 59
6.7 VRTC Characteristics ............................................................................................................................. 59
6.8 Current Consumption (VBAT = 4V, GNSS engine is powered down) ................................................... 60
6.9 Electro-Static Discharge ......................................................................................................................... 61
6.10 Radio Characteristics .............................................................................................................................. 61
6.10.1 Module RF Output Power ................................................................................................................ 61
6.10.2 Module RF Receive Sensitivity ....................................................................................................... 63
6.10.3 Module Operating Frequencies ........................................................................................................ 63

7 Manufacturing ................................................................................................................................................ 64
7.1 Top and Bottom View of SIM808........................................................................................................... 64

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7.2 Typical Solder Reflow Profile ................................................................................................................ 64
7.3 The Moisture Sensitivity Level .............................................................................................................. 65
7.4 Baking Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 65

Appendix ................................................................................................................................................................ 66
I. Related Documents ................................................................................................................................. 66
II. Terms and Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................ 67
III. Safety Caution ........................................................................................................................................ 69

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Table Index
TABLE 1: SIM808 GSM/GPRS ENGINE KEY FEATURES ......................................................................................... 10
TABLE 2: GNSS ENGINE PERFORMANCE ................................................................................................................ 12
TABLE 3: BT ENGINE PERFORMANCE ..................................................................................................................... 12
TABLE 4: CODING SCHEMES AND MAXIMUM NET DATA RATES OVER AIR INTERFACE ............................ 13
TABLE 5: OVERVIEW OF OPERATING MODES ........................................................................................................ 14
TABLE 6: PIN DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................................... 17
TABLE 7: RECOMMENDED ZENER DIODE .............................................................................................................. 21
TABLE 8: ELECTRONIC CHARACTERISTIC OF THE RESET PIN .......................................................................... 27
TABLE 9: THE CURRENT CONSUMPTION OF FUNCTION MODES (AT+CSCLK=1) .......................................... 28
TABLE 10: SPECIFICATION OF RECOMMENDED BATTERY PACK ...................................................................... 29
TABLE 11: SERIAL PORT AND USB PIN DEFINITION ............................................................................................. 33
TABLE 12: SERIAL PORT CHARACTERISTICS ......................................................................................................... 33
TABLE 13: VCHG CHARACTERISTICS ...................................................................................................................... 36
TABLE 14: RI BEHAVIOUR ........................................................................................................................................... 37
TABLE 15: AUDIO INTERFACE DEFINITION ............................................................................................................ 38
TABLE 16: MICROPHONE INPUT CHARACTERISTICS........................................................................................... 40
TABLE 17: AUDIO OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS .................................................................................................... 40
TABLE 18: SIM PIN DEFINITION................................................................................................................................. 41
TABLE 19: PIN DESCRIPTION (MOLEX SIM CARD HOLDER) .............................................................................. 43
TABLE 20: PIN DESCRIPTION (AMPHENOL SIM CARD HOLDER)....................................................................... 44
TABLE 21: PCM PIN DEFINITION ............................................................................................................................... 44
TABLE 22: PCM PIN SPECIFICATION ......................................................................................................................... 45
TABLE 23: PIN DEFINITION OF THE KEYPAD INTERFACE................................................................................... 46
TABLE 24: PIN DEFINITION OF THE I2C ................................................................................................................... 47
TABLE 25: PIN DEFINITION OF THE GPIO ................................................................................................................ 47
TABLE 26: PIN DEFINITION OF THE ADC ................................................................................................................. 48
TABLE 27: ADC SPECIFICATION ................................................................................................................................ 48
TABLE 28: PIN DEFINITION OF THE PWM ............................................................................................................... 48
TABLE 29: BUZZER OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................................. 49
TABLE 30: PIN DEFINITION OF THE NETLIGHT ..................................................................................................... 49
TABLE 31: STATUS OF THE NETLIGHT PIN.............................................................................................................. 49
TABLE 32: PIN DEFINITION OF THE STATUS ........................................................................................................... 50
TABLE 33: DEFINITION OF THE RF_SYNC PIN........................................................................................................ 50
TABLE 34: AT COMMANDS FOR GNSS FUNCTION ................................................................................................. 52
TABLE 35: ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS ........................................................................................................... 58
TABLE 36: RECOMMENDED OPERATING CONDITIONS ....................................................................................... 58
TABLE 37: DIGITAL INTERFACE CHARACTERISTICS ........................................................................................... 58
TABLE 38: SIM CARD INTERFACE CHARACTERISTICS ........................................................................................ 59
TABLE 39: SIM_VDD CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................................................ 59
TABLE 40: VDD_EXT CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................................................... 59
TABLE 41: VRTC CHARACTERISTICS ....................................................................................................................... 59
TABLE 42: GSM CURRENT CONSUMPTION*............................................................................................................ 60
TABLE 43: THE ESD CHARACTERISTICS (TEMPERATURE: 25℃, HUMIDITY: 45 %) ....................................... 61
TABLE 44: SIM808 GSM 900 AND GSM 850 CONDUCTED RF OUTPUT POWER ................................................ 61
TABLE 45: SIM808 DCS 1800 AND PCS 1900 CONDUCTED RF OUTPUT POWER ............................................... 62
TABLE 46: SIM808 CONDUCTED RF RECEIVE SENSITIVITY ............................................................................... 63
TABLE 47: SIM808 OPERATING FREQUENCIES....................................................................................................... 63
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TABLE 48: MOISTURE CLASSIFICATION LEVEL AND FLOOR LIFE ................................................................... 65
TABLE 49: BAKING REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................................... 65
TABLE 50: RELATED DOCUMENTS ........................................................................................................................... 66
TABLE 51: TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................ 67
TABLE 52: SAFETY CAUTION ..................................................................................................................................... 69

Figure Index
FIGURE 1：SIM808 FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM.......................................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 2: SIM808 PIN OUT DIAGRAM (TOP VIEW) ............................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 3：DIMENSIONS OF SIM808（UNIT: MM） .............................................................................................. 19
FIGURE 4: RECOMMENDED PCB FOOTPRINT OUTLINE（UNIT: MM） ............................................................ 20
FIGURE 5: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF THE VBAT INPUT......................................................................................... 21
FIGURE 6: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF THE LDO POWER SUPPLY ......................................................................... 22
FIGURE 7: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF THE DC-DC POWER SUPPLY ..................................................................... 22
FIGURE 8: VBAT VOLTAGE DROP DURING TRANSMIT BURST ........................................................................... 22
FIGURE 9: THE MINIMAL VBAT VOLTAGE REQUIREMENT AT VBAT DROP .................................................... 23
FIGURE 10: POWERED ON/DOWN MODULE USING TRANSISTOR ..................................................................... 23
FIGURE 11:POWERED ON/DOWN MODULE USING BUTTON .............................................................................. 24
FIGURE 12: TIMING OF POWER ON MODULE ......................................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 13: TIMING OF POWER ON MODULE ......................................................................................................... 25
FIGURE 14: TIMING OF POWER OFF SIM808 BY PWRKEY ................................................................................... 25
FIGURE 15: RESET CIRCUIT ........................................................................................................................................ 27
FIGURE 16: RESET TIMING SEQUENCE.................................................................................................................... 27
FIGURE 17: SIM808 WITH BATTERY CHARGER AND PACK CONNECTION....................................................... 29
FIGURE 18: RTC SUPPLY FROM CAPACITOR........................................................................................................... 31
FIGURE 19: RTC SUPPLY FROM NON-CHARGEABLE BATTERY ......................................................................... 31
FIGURE 20: RTC SUPPLY FROM RECHARGEABLE BATTERY .............................................................................. 32
FIGURE 21: CONNECTION OF THE SERIAL PORT................................................................................................... 34
FIGURE 22: LEVEL CONVERTING BY RESISTOR.................................................................................................... 35
FIGURE 23: ISOLATION CIRCUIT BY DIODES ......................................................................................................... 35
FIGURE 24: TX LEVEL CONVERTING BY TRANSISTOR ........................................................................................ 35
FIGURE 25: RX LEVEL CONVERTING BY TRANSISTOR ....................................................................................... 36
FIGURE 26: USB REFERENCE CIRCUIT .................................................................................................................... 36
FIGURE 27: RI BEHAVIOUR OF VOICE CALLING AS A RECEIVER ...................................................................... 37
FIGURE 28: RI BEHAVIOUR OF DATA CALLING AS A RECEIVER ........................................................................ 38
FIGURE 29: RI BEHAVIOUR OF URC OR RECEIVE SMS ........................................................................................ 38
FIGURE 30: RI BEHAVIOUR AS A CALLER ............................................................................................................... 38
FIGURE 31: SPEAKER REFERENCE CIRCUIT .......................................................................................................... 39
FIGURE 32 : SPEAKER WITH AMPLIFIER REFERENCE CIRCUIT ........................................................................ 39
FIGURE 33: MICROPHONE REFERENCE CIRCUIT .................................................................................................. 40
FIGURE 34: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF THE 8-PIN SIM CARD HOLDER............................................................... 41
FIGURE 35: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF THE 6-PIN SIM CARD HOLDER............................................................... 42
FIGURE 36: MOLEX 91228 SIM CARD HOLDER ...................................................................................................... 43
FIGURE 37: AMPHENOL C707 10M006 512 2 SIM CARD HOLDER........................................................................ 44
FIGURE 38: PCM REFERENCE CIRCUIT .................................................................................................................... 45
FIGURE 39: TRADITIONAL KEYPAD REFERENCE CIRCUIT................................................................................. 46
FIGURE 40: ENHANCE THE ESD PERFORMANCE OF KEYPAD CIRCUIT........................................................... 46
FIGURE 41: GPIO HTIMINGH HSEQUENCEHS .................................................................................................................... 48
FIGURE 42: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF PWM DRIVE BUZZER ............................................................................... 49
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FIGURE 43: REFERENCE CIRCUIT OF NETLIGHT .................................................................................................. 50
FIGURE 44: RF_SYNC SIGNAL DURING TRANSMIT BURST ................................................................................ 51
FIGURE 45: GSM ANTENNA MATCHING CIRCUIT ................................................................................................. 53
FIGURE 46: GSM SIMPLE ANTENNA MATCHING CIRCUIT .................................................................................. 54
FIGURE 47: BLUETOOTH ANTENNA MATCHING CIRCUIT .................................................................................. 54
FIGURE 48: GNSS PASSIVE ANTENNA MATCHING CIRCUIT ............................................................................... 55
FIGURE 49: GNSS ACTIVE ANTENNA MATCHING CIRCUIT................................................................................. 55
FIGURE 50: PCB LAYOUT PINOUT EXAMPLE ......................................................................................................... 57
FIGURE 51: TOP AND BOTTOM VIEW OF SIM808 ................................................................................................... 64
FIGURE 52: TYPICAL SOLDER REFLOW PROFILE ................................................................................................. 64

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Version History

Date Version Description of change Author

2014-03-27 1.00 Origin ShengWu.Sun
Xuegang.Wang
2014-09-09 1.01 Normalize the pin name,
Xiujing.xiao
Add Appendix Multiplexing Function
Lili.teng
Add BT Performance
2015-04-09 1.02 Update the GPIO Multiplexing function, Xiuyu.zhang
Add related information about the Multiplexing of SD card Hailin.yang
2016-06-30 1.03 Update the GNSS AT command
Delete the CSD functions
Xiuyu.zhang
Delete the automatic power off function related to
temperature

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1 Introduction

This document describes SIM808 hardware interface in great detail. This document can help user to quickly
understand SIM808 interface specifications, electrical and mechanical details. With the help of this document and
other SIM808 application notes, user guide, users can use SIM808 to design various applications quickly.

2 SIM808 Overview

Designed for global market, SIM808 is integrated with a high performance GSM/GPRS engine, a GNSS engine
and a BT engine. SIM808 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS module that works on frequencies GSM 850MHz, EGSM
900MHz, DCS 1800MHz and PCS 1900MHz. SIM808 features GPRS multi-slot class 12/ class 10 (optional) and
supports the GPRS coding schemes CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4. The GNSS solution offers best-in-class
acquisition and tracing sensitivity, Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) and accuracy.

With a tiny configuration of 24*24*2.6mm, SIM808 can meet almost all space requirements in users’ applications,
such as M2M, smart phone, PDA, tracker and other mobile devices.

SIM808 has 68 SMT pads, which provide all hardware interfaces between the module and customers’ boards.
 Support 4*4keypads by default
 One full modem serial port(UART interface)
 One USB, which support debug and firmware upgrading.
 Audio channels which include a microphone input and a receiver output.
 One SIM card interface.
 Charging interface.
 Programmable general purpose input and output (GPIO).
 Support Bluetooth function.
 Support GNSS function.
 Support two PWMs and two ADCs.
 PCM interface.

SIM808 is designed with power saving technique so that the current consumption is as low as 1.2mA in sleep
mode (with GNSS engine powered down).
SIM808 integrates TCP/IP protocol and extended TCP/IP AT commands which are very useful for data transfer
applications. For details about TCP/IP applications, please refer to document [2].

2.1 SIM808 Key Features

Table 1: SIM808 GSM/GPRS engine key features

Feature Implementation
Power supply 3.4V ~ 4.4V
Power saving Typical power consumption in sleep mode is 1.07 mA ( BS-PA-MFRMS=9 )
Charging Supports charging control for Li-ion battery

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 SIM808 Quad-band: GSM 850, EGSM 900, DCS 1800, PCS 1900. SIM808
can search the 4 frequency bands automatically. The frequency bands also
Frequency bands can be set by AT command “AT+CBAND”. For details, please refer to
document [1].
 Compliant to GSM Phase 2/2+
 Class 4 (2W) at GSM 850 and EGSM 900
Transmitting power
 Class 1 (1W) at DCS 1800 and PCS 1900
 GPRS multi-slot class 12（default）
GPRS connectivity
 GPRS multi-slot class 1~12 (optional)
 Normal operation: -40℃ ~ +85℃
Temperature range
 Storage temperature -45℃~ +90℃
 GPRS data downlink transfer: max. 85.6 kbps
 GPRS data uplink transfer: max. 85.6 kbps
 Coding scheme: CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4
Data GPRS
 PAP protocol for PPP connect
 Integrate the TCP/IP protocol.
 Support Packet Broadcast Control Channel (PBCCH)
USSD  Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) support
 MT, MO, CB, Text and PDU mode
SMS
 SMS storage: SIM card
SIM interface Support SIM card: 1.8V, 3V
External antenna Antenna pad
Speech codec modes:
 Half Rate (ETS 06.20)
 Full Rate (ETS 06.10)
Audio features  Enhanced Full Rate (ETS 06.50 / 06.60 / 06.80)
 Adaptive multi rate (AMR)
 Echo Cancellation
 Noise Suppression
Serial port:
 Full modem interface with status and control lines, unbalanced,
asynchronous.
 1200bps to 460800bps.
Serial port and  Can be used for sending AT commands or transmitting data stream.
USB interface  Support RTS/CTS hardware handshake and software ON/OFF flow control.
 Multiplex ability according to GSM 07.10 Multiplexer Protocol.
 Autobauding supports baud rate from 1200 bps to 115200bps.
USB interface:
 Can be used for debugging and firmware upgrading.
Phonebook management Support phonebook types: SM, FD, LD, RC, ON, MC.
SIM application toolkit GSM 11.14 Release 99
Real time clock Support RTC
Alarm function Can be set by AT command
Size: 24*24*2.6mm
Physical characteristics
Weight: 3.3g
Firmware upgrade Firmware upgrading by serial port or USB interface (recommend to use USB).
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Table 2: GNSS engine Performance

Performance
Parameter Description
Min Type Max Unit
Horizontal Position Autonomous <2.5 m
Accuracy(1)
Velocity Without Aid 0.1 m/s
Accuracy(2) DGPS 0.05 m/s
Acceleration Without Aid 0.1 m/s2
Accuracy DGPS 0.05 m/s2
Timing Accuracy 10 ns
Dynamic Maximum Altitude 18000 m
Performance Maximum Velocity 515 m/s
Maximum Acceleration 4 G
(3)
Time To First Fix Hot start 1 s
Warm start 28 s
Cold start 30 s
Sensitivity Autonomous -148 dBm
acquisition(cold start)
Re-acquisition -159 dBm
Tracking -165 dBm
Receiver Channels 22/66
Update rate 5 Hz
Tracking L1, CA Code

Protocol support NMEA

Power Acquisition 42 mA
consumption(4) Continuous tracking 24 mA
(1) 50% 24hr static, -130dBm
(2) 50% at 30m/s
(3) GNSS signal level: -130dBm
(4) Single Power supply 3.8V@-130dBm,GSM IDLE

Table 3: BT engine Performance

Performance
Parameter Condition
Min Type Max Unit
Frequency Range 2402 2480 MHz
Maximum Transmit Power 7 dBm
Gain Step 4 dB
DH1 (BER<0.1%) -91.4 dBm
Receiver Sensitivity
DH5 (BER<0.1%) -91.4 dBm
2-DH5 -92 dBm
EDR Receiver Sensitivity
3-DH5 -88 dBm

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Table 4: Coding schemes and maximum net data rates over air interface

Coding scheme 1 timeslot 2 timeslot 4 timeslot

CS-1 9.05kbps 18.1kbps 36.2kbps
CS-2 13.4kbps 26.8kbps 53.6kbps
CS-3 15.6kbps 31.2kbps 62.4kbps
CS-4 21.4kbps 42.8kbps 85.6kbps

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2.2 Operating Modes

The table below summarizes the various operating modes of SIM808.

Table 5: Overview of operating modes

Mode Function
Module will automatically go into sleep mode if the conditions of sleep
mode are enabling and there is no on air and no hardware interrupt (such as
GSM/GPRS GPIO interrupt or data on serial port).
SLEEP In this case, the current consumption of module will reduce to the minimal
level.
In sleep mode, the module can still receive paging message and SMS.
GSM Software is active. Module registered to the GSM network, and the module
IDLE is ready to communicate.
Connection between two subscribers is in progress. In this case, the power
Normal GSM
consumption depends on network settings such as DTX off/on,
operation TALK
FR/EFR/HR, hopping sequences, antenna.
Module is ready for GPRS data transfer, but no data is currently sent or
GPRS
received. In this case, power consumption depends on network settings and
STANDBY
GPRS configuration.
There is GPRS data transfer (PPP or TCP or UDP) in progress. In this case,
GPRS power consumption is related with network settings (e.g. power control
DATA level); uplink/downlink data rates and GPRS configuration (e.g. used
multi-slot settings).
Charge The mode support charge function (Default is closed).
Normal power off by sending the AT command “AT+CPOWD=1” or using the PWRKEY.
The power management unit shuts down the power supply for the baseband part of the
Power off
module, and only the power supply for the RTC is remained. Software is not active. The
serial port is not accessible. Power supply (connected to VBAT) remains applied.
AT command “AT+CFUN” can be used to set the module to a minimum functionality mode
Minimum without removing the power supply. In this mode, the RF part of the module will not work or
functionality the SIM card will not be accessible, or both RF part and SIM card will be closed, and the
mode serial port is still accessible. The power consumption in this mode is lower than normal
mode.

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2.3 SIM808 Functional Diagram

The following figure shows a functional diagram of SIM808:

 PMU
 The GSM baseband engine
 The GNSS engine
 The GSM Radio Frequency part
 The antenna interface
 The other interfaces

RTC
Radio GSM

Power Power management unit Frequency BT

supply

Digital Interface
GNSS
SIM
Receiver
UART
Keypad/GP
Analog Digital
IOs
Analog Interface Baseband Baseband
PWMs
I2C
Audio
PCM

ADC USB

Figure 1：SIM808 functional diagram

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3 Package Information

3.1 Pin out Diagram

Figure 2: SIM808 pin out diagram (Top view)

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3.2 Pin Description

Table 6: Pin description

Pin name Pin number I/O Description Comment

Power supply
SIM808 supplies 3 VBAT pins, and the power
Zener diode is
range is from 3.4V to 4.4V. Power supply
Strongly
VBAT 4,5,6 I should provide sufficient current so that the
recommended to anti
module can work normally; the peak current is
surge on VBAT.
nearly 2A.
It is recommended to
connect VRTC to a
VRTC 17 I/O Power supply for RTC
backup battery or a
capacitor (e.g. 4.7uF).
Keep floating if
VDD_EXT 7 O 2.8V power output
unused.
1,2,3,18,28,34 Recommend
GND ,36,40,51,52,5 Ground connecting 1,2,3pin
4,64,65,67,68 to the power GND.
Power on/off
PWRKEY should be pulled low at least 1
Internally pulled up to
PWRKEY 8 I second and then released to power on/off the
3V.
module.
Audio interface
MIC1P 19
I Differential audio input
MIC1N 20 Keep floating if
SPK1P 21 unused.
O Differential audio output
SPK1N 22
PCM interface
PCM_OUT 48 O
PCM_IN 47 I Keep floating if
PCM interface for audio
PCM_SYNC 45 O unused.
PCM_CLK 46 I
Keypad interface
KBC3 59 I
KBC2 60 I
KBC1 61 I
Keep floating if
KBC0 62 I
Support 16 buttons（4*4）by default unused. (KBC0 can
KBR3 55 O
not be pulled down).
KBR2 56 O
KBR1 57 O
KBR0 58 O
GPIO
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GPIO19 43 I/O Programmable general purpose input and

GPIO17 44 I/O output.
Serial port
DTR 9 I Data terminal ready
RI 10 O Ring indicator
DCD 11 O Data carrier detect
CTS 12 O Clear to send Keep floating if
RTS 13 I Request to send unused.
TXD 14 O Transmit data
RXD 15 I Receive data
USB interface
VCHG 25 I
Keep floating if
USB_DP 26 I/O Debug and firmware upgrading
unused.
USB_DN 27 I/O
ADC
ADC0 23 Keep floating if
I 10 bit general analog to digital converter
ADC1 24 unused.
PWM
PWM1 42 O Pulse-width modulation Keep floating if
PWM2 41 O Pulse-width modulation unused.
I2C
SDA 38 I/O I2C serial bus data Internal pulled up to
SCL 39 O I2C serial bus clock 2.8V via 4.7KΩ
SIM interface
Voltage supply for SIM card. Support 1.8V or All signals of SIM
SIM_VDD 29 O
3V for SIM card interface should be
SIM_DATA 30 I/O SIM data input/output protected against ESD
SIM_CLK 31 O SIM clock with a TVS diode
array.
SIM_RST 32 O SIM reset
SIM_DET 33 I SIM card detection
Antenna
Impendence must be
GSM_ANT 66 I/O Connect GSM antenna
controlled to 50Ω.
Impendence must be
BT_ANT 53 I/O Connect Bluetooth antenna
controlled to 50Ω.
Impendence must be
GPS_ANT 35 I Connect GPS antenna
controlled to 50Ω.
RF synchronization
RF_SYNC 63 O RF burst synchronous signal Do not pull up
Other signal
RESET 16 I Reset input(Active low)
Time Mark outputs timing pulse related to If unused, keep open.
1PPS 37 O
receiver time
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NETLIGHT 50 O Network status Can not multiplex with

STATUS 49 O Power on status GPIO function.

3.3 Package Dimensions

Figure 3：Dimensions of SIM808（Unit: mm）

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Figure 4: Recommended PCB footprint outline（Unit: mm）

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4 Application Interface

4.1 Power Supply

The power supply range of SIM808 is from 3.4V to 4.4V.Recommended voltage is range from 3.8V to 4.0V.The
transmitting burst will cause voltage drop and the power supply must be able to provide sufficient current up to
2A. For the VBAT input, a decoupling capacitor (low ESR) such as a 100 µF is strongly recommended.

Increase the 33PF and 10PF capacitors can effectively eliminate the high frequency interference. A 5.1V/500mW
Zener diode is strongly recommended, the diode can prevent chip from damaging by the voltage surge. These
capacitors and Zener diode should be placed as close as possible to SIM808 VBAT pins.

VBAT

CA CB 33PF 10PF
5.1V
500mW

Figure 5: Reference circuit of the VBAT input

Table 7: Recommended Zener diode

Vendor Part number Power(watts) Packages

1 On semi MMSZ5231BT1G 500mW SOD123
2 Prisemi PZ3D4V2H 500mW SOD323
3 Vishay MMSZ4689-V 500mW SOD123
4 Crownpo CDZ55C5V1SM 500mW 0805

The following figure is the reference design of +5V input power supply. The designed output for the power
supply is about 3.9V, thus a linear regulator can be used.

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DC INPUT U101 MIC29302 VBAT

2 4
Vin Vout

C101 + C102 1 ON/

FB 5
R103

GND
R101
100uF 1uF
OFF 100K + C103 C104 470R
PWR_CTRL 3
330uF 100nF
R102
47K

Figure 6: Reference circuit of the LDO power supply

If there is a high drop-out between the input and the desired output (VBAT), a DC-DC power supply will be
preferable because of its better efficiency especially with the 2A peak current in burst mode of the module. The
following figure is the reference circuit.

DC input U101 LM2596-ADJ L101 FB101 VBAT

1
Vin Vout 2
100uH 270 OHM
+ C102 5 ON/
FB 4 +
GND

C101 D102 C103 C104 R101

OFF 2.2K
100uF 1uF 330uF
PWR_CTRL 3 100nF
MBR360
R102
1K

Figure 7: Reference circuit of the DC-DC power supply

The single 3.7V Li-ion cell battery can be connected to SIM808 VBAT pins directly. But the Ni-Cd or Ni-MH
battery must be used carefully, since their maximum voltage can rise over the absolute maximum voltage of the
module and damage it.
Notes：The module do not support for charging Ni-Cd or Ni-MH battery.
When battery is used, the total impedance between battery and VBAT pins should be less than 150mΩ.
The following figure shows the VBAT voltage drop at the maximum power transmit phase, and the test condition
is as following:
VBAT=4.0V,
A VBAT bypass capacitor CA=100µF tantalum capacitor (ESR=0.7Ω),
Another VBAT bypass capacitor CB=1µF.

577uS 4.615mS

Max:2A

IVBAT Burst

VBAT
Max:350mV

Figure 8: VBAT voltage drop during transmit burst

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4.1.1 Power Supply Pin

There are 3 VBAT pins( Pin 4, 5, 6 )used for power input, and Pin 1,2,3 should be connected to the power GND.
VRTC pin is power supply of the RTC circuit in the module. VDD_EXT will output 2.8V when module is
powered on and in normal operation.

When designing the power supply in user’s application, pay special attention to power losses. Ensure that the
input voltage never drop below 3.4V even when current consumption rises to 2A in the transmit burst. If the
power voltage drops below 3.4V, the module may be shut down automatically. The PCB traces from the VBAT
pins to the power supply must be wide enough (at least 80mil) to decrease voltage drops in the transmit burst. The
power IC and the bypass capacitor should be placed to the module as close as possible.
VBAT

MIN:3.4V

Figure 9: The minimal VBAT voltage requirement at VBAT drop

4.1.2 Monitoring Power Supply

The AT command “AT+CBC” can be used to monitor the VBAT voltage. For detail, please refer to document [1].

4.2 Power on/off SIM808

4.2.1 Power on SIM808

SIM808 will be powered on in the following situations：

 Power on SIM808 using the PWRKEY pin.
 Power on SIM808 using the VCHG pin

4.2.1.1 Power on SIM808 Using the PWRKEY Pin

User can power on SIM808 by pulling down the PWRKEY pin for at least 1 second and release. This pin is
already pulled up to VBAT in the module internal, so external pull up is not necessary. Reference circuit is shown
as below.

3V

100K
PWRKEY Power
on/down logic
1K
4.7K
Turn on/off
impulse 47K Module

Figure 10: Powered on/down module using transistor

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3V

100K
PWRKEY Power
1K on/down logic

Module

Figure 11:Powered on/down module using button

The power on scenarios is illustrated as following figure.

t>1.5s
VBAT
t>1s

PWRKEY VIL<0.7V
(INPUT) t＞55ms

VDD_EXT
t>3s

STATUS

Serial port Undefined Active

Figure 12: Timing of power on module

When power on procedure is completed, SIM808 will send following URC to indicate that the module is ready to
operate at fixed baud rate.
RDY
This URC does not appear until autobauding function is active.

Note: User can use AT command “AT+IPR=x” to set a fixed baud rate and save the configuration to
non-volatile flash memory. After the configuration is saved as fixed baud rate, the Code “RDY” should be
received from the serial port every time when SIM808 is powered on. For details, please refer to the chapter
“AT+IPR” in document [1].

4.2.1.2 Power on the SIM808 using the VCHG Signal

The switched-off SIM808, of which VBAT pin voltage is greater than 3.4V, will be automatically turned on
when a charger is connected to VCHG pin.

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t<8s
VBAT

t<1s

(INPUT)

VDD_EXT

STATUS

Serial port Undefined Active

Figure 13: Timing of power on module

4.2.2 Power off SIM808

SIM808 will be powered off in the following situations：

 Normal power off procedure: power off SIM808 by the PWRKEY pin.
 Normal power off procedure: power off SIM808 by AT command “AT+CPOWD=1”.
 Abnormal power off: over-voltage or under-voltage automatic power off.
Note：The VCHG pin should not be charged, otherwise, the module will not be powered off.

4.2.2.1 Power off SIM808 by the PWRKEY Pin

User can power off SIM808 by pulling down the PWRKEY pin for at least 1.5 second and release. Please refer to
the power on circuit. The power off scenario is illustrated in following figure.

PWRKEY 1.5s<t<33s
(INPUT)
VIL<0.7V
VDD_EXT
t≥2.0s

STATUS
t=2.0s

Serial port Active Undefined

Figure 14: Timing of power off SIM808 by PWRKEY

This procedure makes the module log off from the network and allows the software to enter into a secure state to

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save data before completely shut down.

Before the completion of the power off procedure, the module will send URC:
NORMAL POWER DOWN
At this moment, AT commands can not be executed any more, and only the RTC is still active. Power off mode
can also be indicated by STATUS pin, which is at low level at this time.

4.2.2.2 Power off SIM808 by AT Command

SIM808 can be powered off by AT command “AT+CPOWD=1”. This procedure makes the module log off from
the network and allows the software to enter into a secure state to save data before completely shut down.

Before the completion of the power off procedure, the module will send URC:
NORMAL POWER DOWN
At this moment, AT commands can not be executed any more, and only the RTC is still active. Power off mode
can also be indicated by STATUS pin, which is at low level at this time.

For detail about the AT command “AT+CPOWD”, please refer to document [1]

4.2.2.3 Over-voltage or Under-voltage Power off

The module software monitors the VBAT voltage constantly.

If the voltage ≤ 3.5V, the following URC will be reported:
UNDER-VOLTAGE WARNNING
If the voltage ≥ 4.3V, the following URC will be reported:
OVER-VOLTAGE WARNNING
If the voltage < 3.4V, the following URC will be reported, and the module will be automatically powered off.
UNDER-VOLTAGE POWER DOWN
If the voltage > 4.4V, the following URC will be reported, and the module will be automatically powered off.
OVER-VOLTAGE POWER DOWN
At this moment, AT commands can not be executed any more, and only the RTC is still active. Power off mode
can also be indicated by STATUS pin, which is at low level at this time.

4.2.3 Reset Function

SIM808 also has a RESET pin (pin 16) used to reset the module. This function is used as an emergency reset
only when AT command “AT+CPOWD=1” and the PWRKEY pin has no effect. User can pull the RESET pin to
ground, then the module will reset.

This pin is already isolated in the module, so the external isolation is not necessary. Following figure is internal
circuit of the RESET pin.

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RESET
Circuit 1.8 V

4.7K

RESET

Module

Figure 15: Reset Circuit

The typical value of RESET pin high level is 1.8V, but with the isolated circuit inside，even for the 3V or 3.3V,
customer could use MCU’s GPIO to driver this pin directly. Resistor in serial the RESET signal could enhance the
ESD performance but the value, which should not be too high, must be less than 100Ω . Otherwise the level of
RESET could not be lower than threshold value; RESET hardware parameters can refer to the following table.

Table 8: Electronic characteristic of the RESET Pin

Pin name Symbol Min Typ Max Unit

VIH 1.2 1.8 3.3 V
RESET VIL - - 0.6 V
Tpull down 105 - ms

The reset scenarios are illustrated in the following figure.

RESET t>105ms
VIH>2.7V
VIL<0.6V
t<400us VDD_EXT=2.8V
VDD_EXT
(Hold during reset)
2.7s
STATUS

Figure 16: Reset timing sequence

4.3 Power Saving Mode

SIM808 has two power saving modes: functionality mode and sleep mode. The AT command “AT+CSCLK=1”
can be used to set SIM808 into sleep mode. The AT command “AT+CFUN=<fun>” can be used to set SIM808
into minimum function. When SIM808 is in sleep mode and minimum function mode, the current of module is
the lowest.
Note: Customer must shut off the power supply of GNSS, and then the AT commands about the power saving
mode can be executed correctly, and the current consumption will be lower.

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4.3.1 Functionality Mode

There are three functionality modes, which could be set by the AT command “AT+CFUN=<fun>”. The command
provides the choice of the functionality levels <fun>=0, 1, 4.
 AT+CFUN=0: minimum functionality.
 AT+CFUN=1: full functionality (default).
 AT+CFUN=4: flight mode (disable RF function).

Table 9: The current consumption of function modes (AT+CSCLK=1)

<Fun> Current consumption(mA)

0 0.801
1 1.176 (BS-PA-MFRMS=5)
4 0.925

Minimum functionality mode minimizes the current consumption to the lowest level. If SIM808 is set to
minimum functionality by “AT+CFUN=0”, the RF function and SIM card function will be disabled. In this case,
the serial port is still accessible, but all AT commands correlative with RF function and SIM card function will not
be accessible.

For detailed information about the AT Command “AT+CFUN=<fun>”, please refer to document [1].

4.3.2 Sleep Mode (AT+CSCLK=1)

When the GNSS function is shut off, user can control SIM808 module to enter or exit the sleep mode
(AT+CSCLK=1) by DTR signal. When DTR is in high level and without interrupt (on air and hardware such as
GPIO interrupt or data in serial port), SIM808 will enter sleep mode automatically. In this mode, SIM808 can still
receive paging or SMS from network but the serial port is not accessible.

Note: For SIM808, it requests to set AT command “AT+CSCLK=1” and ensure DTR at high level to enable the
sleep mode; the default value is 0, which can not make the module to enter sleep mode. For more details please
refer to document [1].

4.3.3 Wake Up SIM808 from Sleep Mode (AT+CSCLK=1)

When SIM808 is in sleep mode (AT+CSCLK=1), the following methods can wake up the module:
 Pull down DTR pin.
The serial port will be active after DTR pin is pulled to low level for about 50ms.
 Receive a voice or data call from network.
 Receive a SMS from network.
 Receive external interrupt
 Charge VCHG pin
Note: After module has received incoming call or new SMS, serial port can report URC, but the serial port can
not input AT command. Only after the DTR pin is pulled to low level for 50ms, the serial port can input AT
command.

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4.4 Charging Interface

SIM808 has integrated a charging circuit inside the module for Li-ion batteries charging control, which make it
very convenient for user’s applications that support battery charging. A common connection is shown in the
following figure:
5V

VBUS

VBAT

Module Battery Pack

Figure 17: SIM808 with battery charger and pack connection

4.4.1 Battery Pack Characteristics

SIM808 has optimized the charging algorithm for the Li-ion battery that meets the characteristics listed below.
 The maximum charging voltage of the Li-ion battery pack is 4.2V and the recommended capacity is
1100mAh. The Battery packs with more than 1100 mAh capacity will take more time for charging.
 The battery pack should have a protection circuit to avoid overcharging, deep discharging and over-current,
and the circuit should be insensitive to pulsed current.
 The internal resistance of the battery pack including protection circuit should be as low as possible. Its
recommended value does not exceed 150mΩ.
 The battery pack must be protected from reverse pole connection.

On the SIM808, the build-in circuit of the power management chipset monitors the supply voltage constantly.
Once the Under-voltage is detected, the SIM808 will be powered off automatically.

4.4.2 Recommended Battery Pack

Following is the specification of recommended battery pack:

Table 10: Specification of recommended battery pack

Items Description
Battery type Li-ion
Manufacturer Jiade Energy Technology
Normal voltage 3.7V
Capacity NORMAL 1100mAh
Charge Voltage 4.200±0.050V
Max Charge Current 1.0C
Charge Method CC / CV (Constant Current / Constant Voltage)

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Max Discharge Current 1.0C (for continuous discharging mode)

Discharge Cut-off Voltage 3.0V/ cell
Internal resistance Initial≤150mΩ

4.4.3 Implemented Charging Technique

SIM808 has battery charging function, but charging function is not supported by default, the customer should
input AT command（AT+echarge=1） to enable charging function. There are two pins related to the battery
charging function: VCHG, VBAT. The VCHG Pin is driven by an external voltage (AC adapter or USB
host).System can use this pin to detect a charger supply and the external voltage provides most charging current
through SIM808 module to battery when charging is in fast charge state. VBAT pin gives charging current to
external battery from SIM808 module.

It is very simple to implement charging function, user just needs to connect the charger to the VCHG Pin and
connect the battery to the VBAT Pin
SIM808 battery charging happens after detecting charger supply and the presence of battery. If there is no charger
supply or no battery present, charging function will not be enabled.

Normally, there are three states in the whole charging procedure.

 DDLO charge (Pull-up mode) and UVLO charge (Pre-charge mode);
 Constant current mode (CC);
 Constant voltage mode and over-voltage protection(OV)

DDLO charge and UVLO charge:

DDLO is the state of battery when its voltage is under 2.5V. And UVLO means the battery voltage is less than
3.2V and more than 2.5V. The battery is not suitable for fast charging when its condition is DDLO or UVLO. The
SIM808 provides a small constant current to the battery when the battery is between DDLO and UVLO. In DDLO
charging state, SIM808 gives out pu1se 70mA current to the battery. And in UVLO charging state, SIM808
provides about 200mA (AC<7V) or 70mA (USB mode) current to the battery.

DDLO charging terminates when the battery voltage reaches 2.5V. UVLO charging terminates when the battery
voltage is up to 3.2V. Both DDLO and UVLO charge are controlled by the SIM808 hardware only.

Constant current mode (CC):

As the battery voltage is charged up and over 3.4V, the SIM808 will enter CC mode. The typical CC mode
charging current with AC adapter is 700mA, and can be set from 70 to 800mA by the software.

Constant voltage mode (CV) and over-voltage protection (OV):

As the battery is charged up and over 4.1V, the SIM808 will enter CV mode. While the batter voltage actually
reaches 4.2V, the charging current is gradually decreased step by step until stop charging.

4.4.4 Operating Modes during Charging

The battery can be charged during various operating mode. That means that charging can be in progress while
SIM808 is in Normal mode (SLEEP, IDLE, TALK, GPRS IDLE or GPRS DATA mode). In this case the voltage
supply should be sufficient. Here Charging in Normal mode is named as Charge mode.

If the charger is connected to the module’s VCHG Pin and the valid battery is connected to the VBAT Pin while
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SIM808 is in POWER DOWN mode, SIM808 will auto power up.

4.4.5 Charger Requirements

Following is the requirements of charger for SIM808:

 Simple transformer power plug
 Output voltage: 5.0V~7V
 Minimum supply current: 1.0 C
 A 10V peak voltage is allowed for maximum 1ms when charging current is switched off.
 A 1.6A peak current is allowed for maximum 1ms when charging current is switched on.

4.5 RTC Backup

Current input for RTC when the VBAT is not supplied for the system. Current output for backup battery when
the VBAT power supply is in present and the backup battery is in low voltage state. The RTC power supply of
module can be provided by an external capacitor or a battery (non-chargeable or rechargeable) through the VRTC.
The following figures show various reference circuits for RTC back up.

 External capacitor for RTC

Module

VRTC 1.5K
RTC
Core
Large-capacitance
Capacitor

Figure 18: RTC supply from capacitor

 Non-chargeable battery for RTC

Module

VRTC 1.5K
RTC
Core
Non-chargeable
Backup Battery

Figure 19: RTC supply from non-chargeable battery

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 Rechargeable battery for RTC

Module

VRTC 1.5K
RTC
Core
Rechargeable
Backup Battery

Figure 20: RTC supply from rechargeable battery

Coin-type rechargeable battery is recommended.

NOTE: When there are no sources on the VBAT or VCHG pins, which means the module is only supplies
by the external VRTC, the system time will not be accurate.

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4.6 Serial Port and USB Interface

Table 11: Serial port and USB pin definition

Name Pin number Function

DTR 9 Data terminal ready
RI 10 Ring indicator
DCD 11 Data carrier detect
Serial port CTS 12 Clear to send
RTS 13 Request to send
TXD 14 Transmit data
RXD 15 Receive data
VCHG 25 VCHG power supply
USB
USB_DP 26 USB data line positive
interface
USB_DN 27 USB data line negative

SIM808 provides one unbalanced asynchronous serial port. The module is designed as a DCE (Data
Communication Equipment). The following figure shows the connection between module and client
(DTE).

Note: Hardware flow control is disabled by default. The AT command “AT+IFC=2,2” can enable hardware
flow control .The AT command “AT+IFC=0,0”can disable hardware flow control. For more details, please
refer to document [1].

Table 12: Serial port characteristics

Symbol Min Typ Max Unit

VIL -0.3 - 0.7 V
VIH 2.1 - 3.1 V
VOL - - 0.4 V
VOH 2.4 2.8 - V

4.6.1 Function of Serial Port

Serial port:
 Full modem device.
 Contains data lines TXD and RXD, hardware flow control lines RTS and CTS, status lines DTR, DCD and
RI.
 Serial port can be used for GPRS service and AT communication..
 Serial port supports the following baud rates:
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230400 and 460800bps
 Autobauding only supports the following baud rates:
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 and 115200bps

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 The default setting is autobauding.

Autobauding allows SIM808 to automatically detect the baud rate of the host device. Pay more attention to the
following requirements:
 Synchronization between DTE and DCE:
When DCE powers on with autobauding enabled, firstly, user must send character “AT” or “at” to
synchronize the baud rate. It is recommended to send “AT” until DTE receives the “OK” response, which
means DTE and DCE are correctly synchronized. For more information please refer to the AT command
“AT+IPR”.

 Restrictions of autobauding operation:

The DTE serial port must be set at 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit.
The URC such as "RDY", "+CFUN: 1" and "+CPIN: READY” will not be reported.
Note: User can use AT command “AT+IPR=x” to set a fixed baud rate and the setting will be saved to
non-volatile flash memory automatically. After the configuration is set as fixed baud rate, the URC such as
"RDY", "+CFUN: 1" and "+CPIN: READY” will be reported when SIM808 is powered on.

4.6.2 Serial Port

The following figure shows the connection between module and client (DTE).

TXD TXD

RXD RXD

RTS RTS

CTS CTS

DTR DTR

DCD DCD

RI RING

GND GND

Module DTE

Figure 21: Connection of the serial port

If the voltage of UART on the DTE side is 3.3V, the following reference circuits are recommended. And if the
voltage is 3.0V, please change the resistors in the following figure from 5.6K to 14K.

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1K
TXD RXD
RXD 1K
TXD
1K
RTS RTS
1K
CTS CTS
1K
DTR GPIO
1K
DCD GPIO
1K
RI EINT

GND 5.6K 5.6K 5.6K GND

Module DTE(3.3V)

Figure 22: Level converting by resistor

If the voltage of UART is 3V or3.3V, user also can use following reference circuits:

10K
VDD_EXT

RXD TXD

TXD RXD

10K

GND GND

Module DTE

Figure 23: Isolation circuit by diodes

Note: when a diode used to isolate voltage cross, customer should notice that there’s voltage drop on the
diode. And the signal’s voltage level should meet the customer’s electrical character. The recommend diode is
Schottky diode e.g. RB551V-30TE-17 and SDM20U40.
If the voltage of UART is 5V on customer side, customer can use the following reference circuits :

VDD_EXT
VDD_EXT

VDD
4.7K

4.7K
47K

TXD RXD
Module DTE

Figure 24: TX level converting by transistor

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VDD_EXT
VDD_EXT VDD

4.7K
4.7K 47K

RXD TXD

Module DTE

Figure 25: RX level converting by transistor

Note: The recommend Transistors’ part numbers are 2SC4617TLR and PBHV8115Z.

4.6.3 USB Interface

USB interface supports software debug, firmware upgrade, do not support AT command by default. When power
on the module, connect VCHG, USB_DP, USB_DN and GND to PC, then install the driver successfully, a UART
port could be recognized by the PC, customer can achieve the software Debug purpose with this UART port.

The following diagram is recommended:

VBUS VBUS

USB_DN USB_DN

USB_DP USB_DP
1uF ID
GND GND

Module USB

Figure 26: USB reference circuit

The maximum allowable cap load of TVS on USB data line should be less than 5pF (e.g. ESD9L5.0ST5G and
ESD9M5.0ST5G). The USB_DP and USB_DN should be routed in differential traces.
Note: please reserve the USB interface or test point for debug and firmware upgrade.

Table 13: VCHG characteristics

Pin Min Typ Max Unit

VCHG 4.3 5.0 7.0 V

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4.6.4 Software Upgrade and Debug

Both serial port and USB interface can be used for firmware upgrade.

If customer upgrading firmware via the USB port with the download tool, SIM808 power pin VBAT must be
supplied first, then connect VCHG, USB_DP, USB_DN and GND to PC. There is no need to operate PWRKEY
pin in the whole procedure, when SIM808 detects VCHG and could communicate normally by USB_DP and
USB_DN, module will enter USB download mode automatically.

Note: When only USB_DP and USB_DN connected, no VCHG, customer need to pull down COL0 before
power on the module, then press the PWRKEY button, the module will enter download mode.

Also only the USB interface can be used to debug by default.

4.7 RI Behaviors

Table 14: RI Behaviour

State RI response
Standby High
The pin is changed to low. When any of the following events occur, the pin will be
changed to high:
Voice call
(1)Establish the call
(2)Hang up the call
The pin is changed to low. When any of the following events occur, the pin will be
changed to high:
Data call
(1)Establish the call
(2)Hang up the call
The pin is changed to low, and kept low for 120ms when a SMS is received. Then it is
SMS
changed to high.
The pin is changed to low, and kept low for 120ms when some URCs are reported. Then it
URC
is changed to high. For more details, please refer to document [4].
The behavior of the RI pin is shown in the following figure when the module is used as a receiver.
RI
HIGH

Establish the call

Hang up the call
LOW
Idle Ring

Figure 27: RI behaviour of voice calling as a receiver

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RI
HIGH

Establish the call

Hang up the call
LOW
Idle Ring

Figure 28: RI behaviour of data calling as a receiver

RI
HIGH
120ms

LOW
Idle Receive SMS
URC

Figure 29: RI behaviour of URC or receive SMS

However, if the module is used as caller, the RI will remain high. Please refer to the following figure.
RI
HIGH

LOW
Idle Ring Establish Hang up Idle
the call the call

Figure 30: RI behaviour as a caller

4.8 Audio Interfaces

SIM808 provides one analog input, which could be used for electret microphone. The module also provides one
analog output, which can directly drive 32Ω receiver.

Table 15: Audio interface definition

Pin name Pin number Function

MIC1P 19 Main Audio input positive
Audio MIC1N 20 Main Audio input negative
channel SPK1P 21 Main Audio output positive
SPK1N 22 Main Audio output negative

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“AT+CMIC” is used to adjust the input gain level of microphone. “AT+SIDET” is used to set the side-tone
level. In addition, “AT+CLVL” is used to adjust the output gain level. For more details, please refer to
document [1]

In order to improve audio performance, the following reference circuits are recommended. The audio signals have
to be layout according to differential signal layout rules as shown in following figures.

4.8.1 Speaker Interface Configuration

These components should

be placed to speaker as
close as possible

The lines in bold type should

be accorded to differential ESD
signal layout rules 10pF 33pF ANTI
SPK1P

MODULE
10pF 33pF
SPK1N

ESD
10pF 33pF ANTI

Figure 31: Speaker reference circuit

These components should be placed to

speaker as close as possible

The lines in bold type should

be accorded to differential
signal layout rules 33pF ESD
10pF
Amplifier ANTI
SPK1P Circuit

MODULE 10pF 33pF

SPK1N

ESD
10pF 33pF
ANTI

Figure 32 : Speaker with amplifier reference circuit

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4.8.2 Microphone Interfaces Configuration

These components
should be placed to
microphone as close as
possible

The lines in bold type should

33pF 10pF ESD
be accorded to differential
signal layout rules
MIC1P

33pF 10pF
MODULE Electret
MIC1N Microphone

33pF 10pF
ESD

Figure 33: Microphone reference circuit

4.8.3 Audio Electronic Characteristics

Table 16: Microphone input characteristics

Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

Mic biasing voltage 1.9 2.2 V
Working Current 2 mA
Input impedance(differential) 13 20 27 KΩ
Idle channel noise -67 dBm
Input level:-40dBm0 29 dB
SINAD
Input level:0dBm0 69 dB

Table 17: Audio output characteristics

Parameter Conditions Min Typ Max Unit

Normal output RL=32 Ω receiver - 90 mW

4.8.4 TDD

GSM signal could interfere with audio by coupling or conducting. Coupling noise could be filtered by adding 33
pF and 10pF capacitor over audio lines.33pF capacitor could eliminate noise from GSM900MHz, while 10pF
capacitor could eliminate noise from DCS1800MHz frequency. Coupling noise has great relatives with PCB
layout. Under some scenarios, TDD noise from GSM 900MHz frequency affects heavily, but some different
story is from GSM1800MHz fervency, so customer should develop this filter solution according to field test
result.

GSM antenna is the key coupling interfering source of TDD noise. Pay attention to the layout of audio lines
which should be far away from RF cable & antenna and VBAT pin. The bypass capacitor for filtering should be
placed near module and another group placed near to connector.

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Conducting noise is mainly caused by the VBAT drop. If Audio PA was powered by VBAT directly, then there
will be some cheep noise from SPK output easily. So, it's better to put big capacitor and ferrite bead near audio
PA input.

TDD noise has something to do with GND signal surely. If GND signal is not well treated, lots of
high-frequency noise will interfere with MIC and speaker over bypass capacitor. So, take good care of GND
during PCB layout.

4.9 SIM Card Interface

The SIM interface complies with the GSM Phase 1 specification and the new GSM Phase 2+ specification for
FAST 64 kbps SIM card. Both 1.8V and 3.0V SIM card are supported. The SIM interface is powered from an
internal regulator in the module.

4.9.1 SIM Card Application

Table 18: SIM pin definition

Name Pin Function

SIM_VDD 29 Voltage supply for SIM card. Support 1.8V or 3V SIM card
SIM_DATA 30 SIM data input/output
SIM_CLK 31 SIM clock
SIM_RST 32 SIM reset
SIM_DET 33 SIM card detection

It is recommended to use an ESD protection component such as ON (http://onsemi.com ) SMF12CT1G. Note that
the SIM peripheral circuit should be close to the SIM card socket. The reference circuit of the 8-pin SIM card
holder is illustrated in the following figure.

VDD_EXT 4.7K
MOLEX - 91228
SIM_VDD GND
VCC
SIM_RST
RST VPP
SIM_CLK
CLK I/O
MODULE SIM_DET
PRESENCE GND
SIM_DATA

SIM Card

100nF

Figure 34: Reference circuit of the 8-pin SIM card holder

The SIM_DET pin is used for detection of the SIM card hot plug in. User can select the 8-pin SIM card holder to
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implement SIM card detection function. AT command “AT+CSDT” is used to enable or disable SIM card
detection function. For details of this AT command, please refer to document [1].

If the SIM card detection function is not used, user can keep the SIM_DET pin open. The reference circuit of
6-pin SIM card holder is illustrated in the following figure.
SIM Card
SIM_VDD
VCC GND
SIM_RST
RST VPP
SIM_CLK
CLK I/O
SIM_DET
MODULE C707 10M006 512 2
SIM_DATA

33pF 33pF 33pF

100nF
（NC） （NC） （NC）

Figure 35: Reference circuit of the 6-pin SIM card holder

4.9.2 SIM Card Design Consideration

SIM card circuit is susceptible to interference, causing the SIM card failures or some other situations, so it is
strongly recommended to follow these guidelines while designing:
 Make sure that SIM card holder should far away from GSM antenna while in PCB layout.
 SIM traces should keep away from RF lines, VBAT and high-speed signal lines.
 The traces should be as short as possible.
 Keep SIM holder’s GND connect to main ground directly.
 Shielding the SIM card signal by ground well.
 Recommended to place a 1uF capacitor on VSIM line and keep close to the holder.
 Add some TVS and the parasitic capacitance should not exceed 50pF.

4.9.3 Design Considerations for SIM Card Holder

For 8 pins SIM card holder, SIMCom recommends to use Molex 91228.User can visit http://www.molex.com for
HU UH

more information about the holder.

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Figure 36: Molex 91228 SIM card holder

Table 19: Pin description (Molex SIM card holder)

Pin name Signal Description

C1 SIM_VDD SIM card power supply
C2 SIM_RST SIM card reset
C3 SIM_CLK SIM card clock
C4 GND Connect to GND
C5 GND Connect to GND
C6 VPP Not connect
C7 SIM_DATA SIM card data I/O
C8 SIM_DET Detect SIM card presence

For 6-pin SIM card holder, SIMCom recommends to use Amphenol C707 10M006 512 2 .User can
visit http://www.amphenol.com for more information about the holder.
HU UH

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Figure 37: Amphenol C707 10M006 512 2 SIM card holder

Table 20: Pin description (Amphenol SIM card holder)

Pin name Signal Description

C1 SIM_VDD SIM card power supply
C2 SIM_RST SIM card reset
C3 SIM_CLK SIM card clock
C5 GND Connect to GND
C6 VPP Not connect
C7 SIM_DATA SIM card data I/O

4.10 PCM Interface

SIM808 provides PCM interface.

Table 21: PCM pin definition

Pin name Pin number Description

PCM_OUT 48 PCM data output
PCM_IN 47 PCM data input
PCM_SYNC 45 PCM synchrony
PCM_CLK 46 PCM clock
SIM808 PCM interface only supports master mode, data length is 16 bits (linear), and PCM clock rate is 256
KHz.

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Table 22: PCM pin specification

Feature Specification
Line Interface Format Linear(Fixed)
Data length 16bits(Fixed)
PCM Clock/Sync Source Master Mode(Fixed)
PCM Clock Rate 256KHz(Fixed)
PCM Sync Format Short sync/Long sync both support
Zero Padding/Sign extension Default Zero Padding
Data Ordering MSB/LSB both support
Note: User can use AT command control PCM interface, for details please refer to document [1].

4.10.1 PCM Interface

Refer to the following figure for PCM design:

PCM_IN PCMOUT

PCM_OUT PCMIN

PCM_SYNC PCMSYNC

PCM_CLK PCMCLK

GND GND

Module CODEC

Figure 38: PCM reference circuit

4.11 Keypad Interface

SIM808 consists of 4 keypad column outputs and 4 keypad row inputs.

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KBC0
KBC1
KBC2
KBC3

KBR0
Module
KBR1

KBR2

KBR3

Figure 39: Traditional keypad reference circuit

Note:1、 According to the traditional 4*4 keypad matrix, when there are unused COLs or ROWs, user can
execute AT command to define unused COLs and ROWs as GPIO, for details please see the document [1].
2、Press COL0 and ROW0 or pull down COL0 when power-on(PWRKEY, Charging, RTC alarm), power
sequence is USB Download.

Customer should add a resistor to enhance the ESD performance and the value of resistor should be less than 1KΩ,
the connection diagram is shown in follow figure as an example.

KBCx
<1K

Module

KBRx

Figure 40: Enhance the ESD performance of keypad circuit

Table 23: Pin definition of the keypad interface

Name Pin Function Default state

KBC0 62 Keypad matrix column Pull up

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KBC1 61 Pull up
KBC2 60 Pull up
KBC3 59 Pull up
KBR0 58 Pull down
KBR1 57 Pull down
Keypad matrix row
KBR2 56 Pull down
KBR3 55 Pull down

4.12 I2C Bus

The SIM808 provides an I2C interface, it can be driven by either the master or slave and conform to the I2C
specification.

Table 24: Pin definition of the I2C

Pin name Pin number Description

SCL 39 I2C serial bus clock
SDA 38 I2C serial bus data

Note: I2C has been pulled up internal to 2.8V via 4.7KΩ.

4.13 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)

SIM808 provides 2 GPIO pins. The output voltage level of the GPIO can be set by the AT command “AT+
SGPIO”. The input voltage level of the GPIO can also be read by the AT command “AT+ SGPIO”. For more
details, please refer to document [1].

Table 25: Pin definition of the GPIO

Pin name Pin number Reset state

GPIO17 44 I/PU
GPIO19 43 I/PU

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PWRKEY
(INPUT)

t<1.2s
t<2s
GPIO19

GPIO17

Figure 41: GPIO timing sequences

H H H H

4.14 ADC

Table 26: Pin definition of the ADC

Pin name Pin number Description

ADC0 23 Analog to Digital Converter
ADC1 24 Analog to Digital Converter

SIM808 provides two auxiliary ADC, which can be used to measure the voltage. User can use AT command
“AT+CADC” to read the voltage value. For details of this AT command, please refer to document [1].

Table 27: ADC specification

Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

Voltage range 0 - 2.8 V
ADC Resolution - 10 - bits
Sampling rate - - 1.0833 MHz
ADC precision 10 30 mV
Note: The voltage should be less than 2.8V, or the ADC may be damaged.

4.15 PWM

Table 28: Pin definition of the PWM

Pin name Pin number Description

PWM1 42 Pulse Width Modulation 1
PWM2 41 Pulse Width Modulation 2

PWM output frequency varies from 200Hz to 100KHz.Two 7-bit unsigned binary parameters are used for the

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output period and for the duty cycle. The AT command “AT + SPWM” is used to set the output period and duty
cycle of the PWM. For details, please refer to document [1].

A typical circuit of the PWM drives buzzer is shown in the following figure:
VBAT

Module
4.7K
PWM

47K

Figure 42: Reference circuit of PWM drive buzzer

Table 29: Buzzer output characteristics

Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

Working voltage 2.5 2.8 2.9 V
Working current 4 16 mA
Note: PWM pin must keep low when module in the boot process.

4.16 Network Status Indication

Table 30: Pin definition of the NETLIGHT

Pin name Pin number Description

NETLIGHT 50 Network Status Indication

The NETLIGHT pin can be used to drive a network status indication LED. The status of this pin is listed in
following table:

Table 31: Status of the NETLIGHT pin

Status SIM808 behavior

Off SIM808 is not running
64ms On/ 800ms Off SIM808 not registered the network
64ms On/ 3000ms Off SIM808 registered to the network
64ms On/ 300ms Off PPP GPRS communication is established

A reference circuit is recommended in the following figure:

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VBAT

R
Module
4.7K
NETLIGHT

47K

Figure 43: Reference circuit of NETLIGHT

4.17 Operating Status Indication

The STATUS pin indicates the operating status of module. The pin output high when module power on, output is
low when module powered off.

Table 32: Pin definition of the STATUS

Pin name Pin number Description

STATUS 49 Operating status indication

4.18 RF Synchronization Signal

The synchronization signal serves to indicate growing power consumption during the transmit burst.

Table 33: Definition of the RF_SYNC pin

Pin name Pin number Description

RF_SYNC 63 Transmit synchronization signal

Note: Do not pull up RF_SYNC.

The timing of the synchronization signal is shown in the following figure. High level of the RF_SYNC signal
indicates increased power consumption during transmission.

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220us 577us

Transmit burst

RF_SYNC

Figure 44: RF_SYNC signal during transmit burst

4.19 Bluetooth

SIM808 supports Bluetooth function, customer only needs to design the Bluetooth antenna, and then customer can
operate Bluetooth conveniently by AT commands.

As module solution, SIM808 provides series of AT interface to operate Bluetooth function, including pairing,
bonding, pushing or receiving file. Also including interface for SPP service, which could communicate between
Bluetooth device and others via serial port.
When the module as a Bluetooth headset role, we provide a set of AT commands to control the remote smart
phones, such as phone calls, turn on or hang up calls and so on.
For the detail commands about Bluetooth please refer to document [9]

The Bluetooth performance please refer to table 3.

The feature of Bluetooth is listed as below:

 Fully compliant with Bluetooth specification 3.0/2.1 + EDR
 Support operation with GNSS and GSM/GPRS worldwide radio systems
 Supports class 1 output power
 Up to 4 simultaneous active ACL links
 Support sniff mode
 Support PCM interface and built-in programmable transcoders for liner voice with transmission.

4.20 GNSS

4.20.1 GNSS Overview

SIM808 provide a high-performance L1 GNSS solution for cellular handset applications. The solution offers
best-in-class acquisition and tracking sensitivity, Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) and accuracy. The GNSS engine
supports both fully-autonomous operations for use in handheld consumer navigation devices and other
standalone navigation systems.
The module supports GPS, QZSS, SBAS ranging (WAAS, EGNOS, GAGAN, MSAS).
GNSS engine Performance, please refer to Table 2.

All the GNSS function is controlled by AT command via serial port. And the GNSS NMEA information is output

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also by serial port. The default baud rate is 115200bps.

The GNSS functions of AT commands are listed in the following table.

Table 34: AT Commands for GNSS function

Command Description
AT+CGNSPWR GNSS power control
AT+CGNSSEQ Define the last NMEA sentence that parsed
AT+CGNSINF GNSS navigation information parsed from NMEA
sentences
AT+CGNSURC GNSS navigation, GEO-fence and speed alarm URC
report control
AT+CGNSCMD Send command to GNSS
AT+CGNSTST Send data received from GNSS to AT UART
For details of these AT command, please refer to document [8].

4.20.2 GNSS Operating Modes

GNSS has two operating modes which can be controlled by AT command: Active mode and Power down mode.
The following describes how to power on GNSS and power down GNSS.

4.20.2.1 Power on GNSS

The GNSS engine is controlled by GSM engine, so when it is necessary to run GNSS，the GSM engine must be
powered on and not in SLEEP mode.
User can power on GNSS engine by sending AT command “AT+CGNSSPWR=1”.
After powered on, GNSS is active as a GNSS receiver. The GNSS engine will automatically acquire and track
GNSS satellites.

4.20.2.2 Power down GNSS

The GNSS engine will be set into power down mode by sending AT command “AT+CGNSSPWR=0”.
In this mode the internal power supply for GNSS will be shutdown, and the current consumption is very low. The
last position, current time and ephemeris data will be stored in the GSM host memory.

4.20.3 1PPS Output

The 1PPS pin outputs pulse-per-second (1PPS) pulse signal for precise timing purposes. It will come out after
successfully positioning .The 1PPS signal can be provided through designated output pin for many external
applications.

4.21 Antenna Interface

There are three antenna ports for SIM808, GSM antenna port named GSM_ANT, Bluetooth antenna port named
BT_ANT and GNSS antenna port named GPS_ANT. The RF interfaces of all the antenna ports have the
impedance of 50Ω.
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 The input impendence of the antenna should be 50Ω, and the VSWR should be less than 2.
 The traces from antenna pads to the corresponding antenna connections on the customer’s application board
should be treated as 50Ω impedance in PCB layout.
 It is recommended that the three antennas are placed far away from each other.
 The isolations of the three antennas should be more than 30dB.

Note: About the RF trace layout please refer to “AN_SMT Module_RF_Reference Design Guide”

4.21.1 GSM Antenna Interface

There is a GSM antenna pad named GSM_ANT to connect an external GSM antenna, the connection of the
antenna must be decoupled from DC voltage. This is necessary because the antenna connector is DC coupled to
ground via an inductor for ESD protection. The external antenna must be matched properly to achieve the best
performance, so the matching circuit is necessary, the connection is recommended as following:

GND

GSM
Antenna

Module RF Connector
R101
GSM_ANT

C101 C102

GND

Figure 45: GSM antenna matching circuit

R101, C101, C102 are the matching circuit, the values depend on antenna debug result. Normally R101 is 0Ω,
C101 and C102 are not mounted. The RF connector is used for conducted test, and should be placed as close as
possible to the module’s GSM_ANT pad.
If the space between GSM_ANT pin and antenna is not enough, the matching circuit could be simplified as the
following figure:

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GND
GSM
Module Antenna

R101
GSM_ANT

C101 C102

GND

Figure 46: GSM simple antenna matching circuit

4.21.2 Bluetooth Antenna Interface

The module provides a Bluetooth antenna interface named BT_ANT.

The external antenna must be matched properly to achieve best performance, so the matching circuit is necessary,
the connection is recommended as the following figure:

GND

Module R201
BT
BT_ANT Antenna

C201 C202

GND

Figure 47: Bluetooth antenna matching circuit

R201, C201, C202 are the matching circuit, the values depend on antenna debug result. Normally R201 is 0Ω ,
C201 and C202 are not mounted.

4.21.3 GNSS Antenna Interface

The module also provides a GNSS antenna interface named GPS_ANT to connect the antenna on the customer’s
application board. To obtain excellent GNSS reception performance, a good antenna will always be required.
Proper choice and placement of the antenna will ensure that satellites at all elevations can be seen, and therefore,
accurate fix measurements are obtained. There are two normal options: passive antenna and active antenna.
GNSS antenna choice should be based on the designing product and other conditions. For detailed Antenna
designing consideration, please refer to related antenna vendor’s design recommendation. The antenna vendor will
offer further technical support and tune their antenna characteristic to achieve successful GNSS reception

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performance.

The external antenna must be matched properly to achieve best performance, so the matching circuit is necessary,
the connection is recommended as the following figure:

GPS
Passive
MODULE
Antenna

GND Matching circuit

GPS_ANT
R101
GND C101 C102

Figure 48: GNSS passive antenna matching circuit

The components R101, C101 and C102 are used for antenna matching, the components’ value only can be got
after the antenna tuning. Normally R101 is 0Ω , C101 and C102 are not mounted.

GPS
Active
Antenn
VCC_ANT a
R102 10Ω L101 27nH
MODULE

GND Matching circuit

GPS_ANT
R101
GND C101 C102

Figure 49: GNSS active antenna matching circuit

Active antennas have an integrated Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA). VCC_ANT is needed on customer’s
application board for the active antenna power input, as shown in Figure 54. The inductor L101 is used to prevent
the RF signal from leaking into the VCC_ANT pass and route the bias supply to the active antenna, the
recommended value of L101 is no less than 27nH. R102 can protect the whole circuit in case the active antenna
is shorted to ground.

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5 PCB Layout

Usually, most electronic products with good performance are based on good PCB layout. A bad PCB layout will
lead to lots of issues, like TDD noise, SIM card can not be detected, etc. The final solution for these problems is
to redo PCB layout. Making good PCB layout at beginning will save development schedule and cost as well.

This section as below will give some guidelines on PCB layout.

5.1 Pin Assignment

Before PCB layout, we should learn well about pin assignment in order to get reasonable layout with so many
external components. Please refer figure2 for details.

5.2 Principle of PCB Layout

During layout, attention should be paid to the following interfaces, like Antenna, power supply, SIM card
interface, audio interface, and so on.

5.2.1 Antenna Interface

There are some suggestions for components placing and routing of GSM and Bluetooth RF traces:
The RF connector is used for conducted test, so keep it as close to the GSM_ANT pin as possible;
Antenna matching circuit should be close to the antenna;
Keep the RF traces as 50Ω；
The RF traces should be kept far away from the high speed signals and strong disturbing source.
If using a RF cable, kept it far away from SIM card, power ICs;
It is recommended that GSM antenna and Bluetooth antenna be placed as far as possible.

5.2.2. Power Supply

Not only VBAT but also return GND are very important in layout. The positive line of VBAT should be as short
and wide as possible. The correct flow from source to VBAT pin should go though Zener diode then huge
capacitor. Pin 1, Pin 2, and Pin 3 are GND signals, and shortest layout to GND of power source should be
designed.

There are 15 GND pads in middle of module, these pads could enhance the GND performances. On the upper
layer of these pads, do not trace any signal if possible.

5.2.3 SIM Card Interface

SIM card holder will take large space on board, and there is no anti-EMI component inside. Thus SIM card
interface may be interfered, please pay more attention on this interface during layout. Ensure SIM card holder is
far way from antenna or RF cable inside. And it is better to put SIM card holder near the module, as nearer as
possible. It is better to add ESD component to protect clock, data, reset and SIM_VDD signals which should be
far away from power and high-speed-frequency signal.

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5.2.4 Audio Interface

In order to avoid TDD noise, current noise, or some other noise, the signal trace of audio, which is recommended
to surrounded by ground, should far away from antenna and power. And do not let audio trace and VBAT trace
parallel.

5.2.5 Others

It is better to trace signal lines of UART bunched, as well as signals of USB and I2C.

5.3 Recommended PCB Layout

Based on above principles, recommended layout is shown in the following illustration.

Figure 50: PCB layout pinout example

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6 Electrical, Reliability and Radio Characteristics

6.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings

The absolute maximum ratings stated in following table are stress ratings under non-operating conditions. Stresses
beyond any of these limits will cause permanent damage to SIM808.

Table 35: Absolute maximum ratings

Symbol Min Typ Max Unit

VBAT - - 4.5 V
Peak Current 0 - 2.0 A
VCHG - - 12 V
II* - 4 - mA
IO* - 4 - mA

*
These parameters are for digital interface pins, such as keypad, GPIO, I2C, UART, PWM and PCM..

6.2 Recommended Operating Conditions

Table 36: Recommended operating conditions

Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

VBAT Power supply voltage 3.4 4.0 4.4 V
TOPER Operating temperature -40 +25 +85 ℃
TSTG Storage temperature -45 +90 ℃

6.3 Digital Interface Characteristics

Table 37: Digital interface characteristics

Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

VIH High-level input voltage 2.1 - 3.0 V
VIL Low-level input voltage -0.3 - 0.7 V
VOH High-level output voltage 2.4 2.8 - V
VOL Low-level output voltage - - 0.4 V
2
* These parameters are for digital interface pins, such as keypad, GPIO, I C, UART, PWMs and DEBUG.

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6.4 SIM Card Interface Characteristics

Table 38: SIM card interface characteristics

Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

IIH High-level input current -1 - 1 uA
IIL Low-level input current -1 - 1 uA
1.4 - - V
VIH High-level input voltage
2.4 - - V
- - 0.27 V
VIL Low-level input voltage
0.4 V
1.62 - - V
VOH High-level output voltage
2.7 - - V
- - 0.36 V
VOL Low-level output voltage
- - 0.4 V

6.5 SIM_VDD Characteristics

Table 39: SIM_VDD characteristics

Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

Output voltage - 3 -
VO V
- 1.80 -
IO Output current - - 10 mA

6.6 VDD_EXT Characteristics

Table 40: VDD_EXT characteristics

Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

VO Output voltage 2.70 2.80 2.95 V
IO Output current - - 50 mA

6.7 VRTC Characteristics

Table 41: VRTC characteristics

Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

VRTC-IN VRTC input voltage 1.2 2.8 3.0 V
IRTC-IN VRTC input current - 3.0 5.0 uA

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VRTC-OUT VRTC output voltage - 2.8 - V

IRTC-OUT VRTC output current - 2.0 mA

6.8 Current Consumption (VBAT = 4V, GNSS engine is powered down)

Table 42: GSM current consumption*

Symbol Parameter Conditions Min Typ Max Unit

VBAT Voltage 3.4 4.0 4.4 V
Voltage drop PCL=5 350 mV
Voltage ripple PCL=5
@ f<200kHz 50 mV
@ f>200kHz 2.0 mV
IVBAT Average current Power off mode 134 150 uA
Sleep mode (AT+CFUN=1):
( BS-PA-MFRMS=9 ) 1.073 mA
( BS-PA-MFRMS=5) 1.167 mA
( BS-PA-MFRMS=2) 1.627 mA
Idle mode (AT+CFUN=1):
EGSM900 16.80 mA
Voice call (PCL=5):
GSM850 216.6 mA
EGSM900 221.7 mA
Voice call (PCL=0):
DCS1800 140.3 mA
PCS1900 155.0 mA
Data mode GPRS (1Rx,4Tx):
GSM850 445.5 mA
EGSM900 433.7 mA
DCS1800 287.1 mA
PCS1900 296.5 mA
Data mode GPRS (3Rx,2Tx):
GSM850 332.9 mA
EGSM900 333.5 mA
DCS1800 222.0 mA
PCS1900 229.8 mA
Data mode GPRS (4Rx,1Tx):
GSM850 222.6 mA
EGSM900 224.7 mA
DCS1800 158.4 mA
PCS1900 165.2 mA
IMAX Peak current During TX burst 2.0 A

* In above table the current consumption value is the typical one of the module tested in laboratory. In the mass production stage,

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there may be differences among each individual.

6.9 Electro-Static Discharge

SIM808 is an ESD sensitive component, so more attention should be paid to the procedure of handling and
packaging. The ESD test results are shown in the following table.

Table 43: The ESD characteristics (Temperature: 25℃, Humidity: 45 %)

Pin Contact discharge Air discharge

VBAT ±5KV ±10KV
GND ±5KV ±10KV
RXD, TXD ±2KV ±8KV
Antenna port ±5KV ±10KV
SPK1P/ SPK1N
±4KV ±8KV
MIC1P/ MIC1N
PWRKEY ±4KV ±8KV

Note: It is suggested that customers in serials with 100ohm resistances on UART lines for ESD consideration.

6.10 Radio Characteristics

6.10.1 Module RF Output Power

The following table shows the module conducted output power, it is followed by the 3GPP TS 05.05 technical
specification requirement.

Table 44: SIM808 GSM 900 and GSM 850 conducted RF output power

GSM 900 and EGSM 850

Tolerance (dB) for conditions
PCL Nominal output power (dBm)
Normal Extreme
0-2 39 ±2 ±2.5
3 37 ±3 ±4
4 35 ±3 ±4
5 33 ±3 ±4
6 31 ±3 ±4
7 29 ±3 ±4
8 27 ±3 ±4
9 25 ±3 ±4
10 23 ±3 ±4
11 21 ±3 ±4
12 19 ±3 ±4
13 17 ±3 ±4

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14 15 ±3 ±4
15 13 ±3 ±4
16 11 ±5 ±6
17 9 ±5 ±6
18 7 ±5 ±6
19-31 5 ±5 ±6

Table 45: SIM808 DCS 1800 and PCS 1900 conducted RF output power

DCS 1800 and PCS 1900

Tolerance (dB) for conditions
PCL Nominal output power (dBm)
Normal Extreme
29 36 ±2 ±2.5
30 34 ±3 ±4
31 32 ±3 ±4
0 30 ±3 ±4
1 28 ±3 ±4
2 26 ±3 ±4
3 24 ±3 ±4
4 22 ±3 ±4
5 20 ±3 ±4
6 18 ±3 ±4
7 16 ±3 ±4
8 14 ±3 ±4
9 12 ±4 ±5
10 10 ±4 ±5
11 8 ±4 ±5
12 6 ±4 ±5
13 4 ±4 ±5
14 2 ±5 ±6
15-28 0 ±5 ±6

For the module’s output power, the following should be noted:

At GSM900 and GSM850 band, the module is a class 4 device, so the module’s output power should not exceed
33dBm, and at the maximum power level, the output power tolerance should not exceed +/-2dB under normal
condition and +/-2.5dB under extreme condition.

At DCS1800 and PCS1900 band, the module is a class 1 device, so the module’s output power should not exceed
30dBm, and at the maximum power level, the output power tolerance should not exceed +/-2dB under normal
condition and +/-2.5dB under extreme condition.

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6.10.2 Module RF Receive Sensitivity

The following table shows the module’s conducted receive sensitivity, it is tested under static condition.

Table 46: SIM808 conducted RF receive sensitivity

Frequency Receive sensitivity（Typical） Receive sensitivity(Max)

GSM850 -109dBm -107dBm
EGSM900 -109dBm -107dBm
DCS1800 -109dBm -107dBm
PCS1900 -109dBm -107dBm

6.10.3 Module Operating Frequencies

The following table shows the module’s operating frequency range; it is followed by the 3GPP TS 05.05 technical
specification requirement.

Table 47: SIM808 operating frequencies

Frequency Receive Transmit

GSM850 869 ~ 894MHz 824 ~ 849 MHz
EGSM900 925 ~ 960MHz 880 ~ 915MHz
DCS1800 1805 ~ 1880MHz 1710 ~ 1785MHz
PCS1900 1930 ~ 1990MHz 1850 ~ 1910MHz

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7 Manufacturing

7.1 Top and Bottom View of SIM808

Figure 51: Top and Bottom View of SIM808

7.2 Typical Solder Reflow Profile

Figure 52: Typical Solder Reflow Profile

Note: Please refer to《Module secondary-SMT-UGD》 for more information about the module shipping and
manufacturing.

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7.3 The Moisture Sensitivity Level

The moisture sensitivity level of SIM808 is 3. The module should be mounted within 168 hours after unpacking
in the environmental conditions of temperature <30°C and relative humidity of <60% (RH). It is necessary to
bake the module if the above conditions are not met:

Table 48: Moisture classification level and floor life

Level Floor Life (out of bag) at factory ambient≤30°C /60% RH or as stated

1 Unlimited at ≤30°C /85% RH
2 1 year
2a 4 weeks
3 168 hours
4 72 hours
5 48 hours
5a 24 hours
6 Mandatory bake before use. After bake, it must be reflowed within the time limit specified on the
label.
NOTES:
1. If the vacuum package is not open for 6 months or longer than the packing date, baking is also
recommended before re-flow soldering.
2. For product handling, storage, processing, IPC / JEDEC J-STD-033 must be followed.

7.4 Baking Requirements

SIM808 modules are vacuum packaged, and guaranteed for 6 months storage without opening or leakage under
the following conditions: the environment temperature is lower than 40℃, and the air humidity is less than 90%.

If the condition meets one of the following ones shown below, the modules should be baked sufficiently before
re-flow soldering, and the baking condition is shown in below table; otherwise the module will be at the risk of
permanent damage during re-flow soldering.

 If the vacuum package is broken or leakage;

 If the vacuum package is opened after 6 months since it’s been packed;
 If the vacuum package is opened within 6 months but out of its Floor Life at factory ambient≦30℃
/60%RH or as stated.

Table 49: Baking requirements

Baking temperature Moisture Time

40°C±5°C <5% 192 hours
120°C±5°C <5% 6 hours
Note: Care should be taken if that plastic tray is not heat-resistant, the modules should be taken out for
preheating, otherwise the tray may be damaged by high-temperature heating.

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Appendix

I. Related Documents

Table 50: Related documents

SN Document name Remark

SIM808 Series AT Command
[1]
Manual
[2] SIM808 TCP/IP Applications User Manual
Series_TCPIP_Application
Note_
SIM808 Series UART Port
[3]
Application Note

[4] AN_Serial Port AN_Serial Port

AN_SMT
[5] Module_RF_Reference
Design_Guide
Module secondary-SMT-UGD Module secondary SMT User Guide
[6]

ITU-T Draft new

[7] Serial asynchronous automatic dialing and control
recommendation V.25ter：
SIM800
[8]
Series_GNSS_Application Note
SIM808_Series_Bluetooth_Appl
[9]
ication_Note
Digital cellular telecommunications (Phase 2+); AT command set for
[10] GSM 07.07
GSM Mobile Equipment (ME)
[11] GSM 07.10 Support GSM 07.10 multiplexing protocol
Digital cellular telecommunications (Phase 2+); Use of Data
Terminal Equipment – Data Circuit terminating Equipment (DTE –
[12] GSM 07.05
DCE) interface for Short Message Service (SMS) and Cell
Broadcast Service (CBS)
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
[13] GSM 11.14 Specification of the SIM Application Toolkit for the Subscriber
Identity Module – Mobile Equipment (SIM – ME) interface
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
[14] GSM 11.11 Specification of the Subscriber Identity Module – Mobile
Equipment (SIM – ME) interface
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Alphabets
[15] GSM 03.38
and language-specific information
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2)； Mobile
[16] GSM 11.10
Station (MS) conformance specification； Part 1： Conformance

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specification

II. Terms and Abbreviations

Table 51: Terms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description
ADC Analog-to-Digital Converter
AMR Adaptive Multi-Rate
CS Coding Scheme
CSD Circuit Switched Data
CTS Clear to Send
CEP Circular Error Probable
DTE Data Terminal Equipment (typically computer, terminal, printer)
DTR Data Terminal Ready
DTX Discontinuous Transmission
EFR Enhanced Full Rate
EGSM Enhanced GSM
EGNOS European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service
ESD Electrostatic Discharge
ETS European Telecommunication Standard
FR Full Rate
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GSM Global Standard for Mobile Communications
GPS Global Positioning System
GAGAN The GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation
HR Half Rate
IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
Li-ion Lithium-Ion
MO Mobile Originated
MS Mobile Station (GSM engine), also referred to as TE
MT Mobile Terminated
MSAS Multi-Functional Satellite Augmentation System
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
PAP Password Authentication Protocol
PBCCH Packet Broadcast Control Channel
PCB Printed Circuit Board
PCL Power Control Level
PCS Personal Communication System, also referred to as GSM 1900
PDU Protocol Data Unit
PPP Point-to-point protocol
QZSS Quasi-Zenith Satellites System

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RF Radio Frequency
RMS Root Mean Square (value)
RTC Real Time Clock
RX Receive Direction
SIM Subscriber Identification Module
SBAS Satellite Based Augmentation Systems
SMS Short Message Service
TE Terminal Equipment, also referred to as DTE
TX Transmit Direction
UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver & Transmitter
URC Unsolicited Result Code
USSD Unstructured Supplementary Service Data
WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System
Phonebook abbreviations
FD SIM fix dialing phonebook
LD SIM last dialing phonebook (list of numbers most recently dialed)
MC Mobile Equipment list of unanswered MT calls (missed calls)
ON SIM (or ME) own numbers (MSISDNs) list
RC Mobile Equipment list of received calls
SM SIM phonebook
NC Not connect

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III. Safety Caution

Table 52: Safety caution

Marks Requirements
When in a hospital or other health care facility, observe the restrictions about the use of mobiles.
Switch the cellular terminal or mobile off, medical equipment may be sensitive to not operate
normally for RF energy interference.
Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile before boarding an aircraft. Make sure it is switched off.
The operation of wireless appliances in an aircraft is forbidden to prevent interference with
communication systems. Forget to think much of these instructions may lead to the flight safety or
offend against local legal action, or both.
Do not operate the cellular terminal or mobile in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Switch
off the cellular terminal when you are near petrol stations, fuel depots, chemical plants or where
blasting operations are in progress. Operation of any electrical equipment in potentially explosive
atmospheres can constitute a safety hazard.
Your cellular terminal or mobile receives and transmits radio frequency energy while switched on.
RF interference can occur if it is used close to TV sets, radios, computers or other electric
equipment.
Road safety comes first! Do not use a hand-held cellular terminal or mobile when driving a
vehicle, unless it is securely mounted in a holder for hands free operation. Before making a call
with a hand-held terminal or mobile, park the vehicle.
GSM cellular terminals or mobiles operate over radio frequency signals and cellular networks and
cannot be guaranteed to connect in all conditions, for example no mobile fee or a invalid SIM card.
While you are in this condition and need emergent help, please remember using emergency calls.
In order to make or receive calls, the cellular terminal or mobile must be switched on and in a
service area with adequate cellular signal strength.
Some networks do not allow for emergency call if certain network services or phone features are in
use (e.g. lock functions, fixed dialing etc.). You may have to deactivate those features before you
can make an emergency call.
Also, some networks require that a valid SIM card be properly inserted in the cellular terminal or
mobile.

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Contact us:
Shanghai SIMCom Wireless Solutions Ltd.
Add: SIM Technology Building, No.633, Jinzhong Road, Changning District, Shanghai P.R. China
200335
Tel: +86 21 3252 3300
Fax: +86 21 3252 3301
URL: www.simcomm2m.com

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