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https://github.com/lamemakes/sim7600-breakout

A breakout board for the SIM7600 LTE module
https://github.com/lamemakes/sim7600-breakout

Last synced: 4 months ago
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A breakout board for the SIM7600 LTE module

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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.

## KiCAD
The required symbols/footprints/3D models can be found in the directories: lib_sch/sim7600_breakout.pretty/3dmodels respectively.

## 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*
![SIM7600 Breakout Board Schematic](pics/SIM7600_Breakout.svg)

*PCB*
![SIM7600 Breakout Board Schematic](pics/SIM7600_Breakout-pcb.svg)

## 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.
- As of writing (12/09/22) this has yet to be constructed. The OSH Park order is out, but the SIM7600G-H is backordered at Digikey along with literally every other SIM7600 model. Hoping for a restock before the new year.
- 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)