https://github.com/lamemakes/sim7600-breakout
A breakout board for the SIM7600 LTE module
https://github.com/lamemakes/sim7600-breakout
Last synced: 5 months ago
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A breakout board for the SIM7600 LTE module
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/lamemakes/sim7600-breakout
- Owner: lamemakes
- Created: 2022-12-07T23:52:00.000Z (over 3 years ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-04-27T16:29:59.000Z (about 1 year ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-05-18T21:34:56.571Z (about 1 year ago)
- Size: 9.49 MB
- Stars: 4
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
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README
# SIM7600 Breakout Board
*Needs a cooler name, huh?*
## TLDR
This project is a 4 layer PCB built around the SIM7600 to expose all of it's functionality to make it usable/hackable for a wide range of devices, with a form factor that can fit beautifully on a 30 row breadboard.
## Why?
The intent of this was to be able to experiment with 4G/LTE, learn more about how cellular networks function, and to eventually build something that utilizes these networks along with the SIM7600.
## Features (v0.1)
- All antennas (main, aux, GPS) are broken out into external U.FL antenna receptacles
- USB-C 2.0 receptacle for USB interfacing (not powering)
- Nano SIM card slot
- Headphone jack for listening to phone audio, on board mic for sending phone audio
- UART, I2C, & SPI voltage shifter to allow for more devices to utilize with the SIM7600's 1.8V interfaces
- 30 labeled pins spaced at 2.54mm/0.1in to allow for easy breadboard placing
- Indicator LEDs
## KiCAD
Each version recieves it's own directory under `hardware/`. In each version directory, the following KiCAD assets can be found:
- Symbols -> `lib_sch/`
- Footprints -> `sim7600_breakout.pretty/`
- 3D models -> `3dmodels/`
## Usage Pre-Requisites
- A fully assembled lamemakes SIM7600 Breakout Board
- Antennas for respective purposes
- 50Ω passive LTE/4G w/ U.FL connector
- 50Ω **active/powered** GPS/GNSS w/ U.FL connector)
- An activated Nano SIM card
- Carrier _shouldn't_ matter, see **IMEI** section
- Device that supports some form of serial communication
- UART, I2C, and SPI are all supported.
- _(Optional)_ Wired headphones, ideally with about a 35Ω impedence.
## Usage
The breakout board can be initialized by connecting +3.3v to the +3v3 pin, and ground to the GND pin. Then, turn the module on by pulling the PKEY HIGH.
## Pics
*Schematic*
*PCB*
## Notes
- **Be a good neighbor on the RF spectrum!** There is certainly a lot of grey area when it comes to legality and LTE/carrier service, so be conscientious - stay within local law.
- Contribute! This is my first real RF/4G PCB, so if you see somewhere that could be improved feel free to raise an issue or put up a PR.
- As this is assembled and tinkered with, this README will be immensely updated for better usage instructions.
- It's clear the language barrier is an issue when it comes to the SIM7600 docs, but these resources helped me out a ton:
- [Xinyuan LilyGO/T](https://github.com/Xinyuan-LilyGO/T-SIM7600X)
- [CircuitMess Ringo](https://github.com/CircuitMess/CircuitMess-Ringo) <- such a cool project, look to do something very similar moving forward
- [Waveshare SIM7600 HAT docs](https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/SIM7600E-H_4G_HAT)