SIM868 GSM/GPRS + GNSS Module

Name: SIM868 GSM/GPRS + GNSS Module
Brand: ESP32
Price: 11.22 USD
Availability: InStock

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Overview

The SIM868 is a versatile GSM/GPRS module with integrated GNSS functionality, providing reliable communication and navigation capabilities for various applications. Its compact design and multiple interfaces make it an ideal choice for projects requiring both cellular connectivity and precise positioning.

Quick Navigation

📋 Specs 📍 Pinout 🔌 Wiring 🔧 Debug

Code Examples

Arduino

C++ Framework

ESP-IDF

Native Framework

ESPHome

YAML Configuration

PlatformIO

IDE & Toolchain

MicroPython

Python Framework

About SIM868 GSM/GPRS + GNSS Module

The SIM868 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS module with built-in GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou), making it ideal for vehicle tracking, IoT, and industrial automation. With voice, SMS, and data capabilities, it provides seamless connectivity and precise location tracking.

⚡ Key Features

Quad-Band GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz) – Supports global network compatibility.
Integrated GNSS – Includes GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou for accurate positioning.
Versatile Communication – Supports voice calls, SMS, and GPRS data transfer.
Multiple Interfaces – Includes UART, USB, and GPIO for flexible integration.

🔗 Need help choosing a SIM module? Check the ESP32 SIM Modules Comparison Table for a breakdown of LTE, 3G, and GPRS options. 🚀

Where to Buy

Get Your SIM868

Starting from

$11.22 per unit

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💡 Prices are subject to change. We earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.

Technical Specs

SIM868 Specifications

Complete technical specification details for SIM868 GSM/GPRS + GNSS Module

📊 Technical Parameters

Frequency Bands GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

GPRS Class 12

GNSS GPS, GLONASS, BDS

Operating Voltage (GSM) 3.4V to 4.4V

Operating Voltage (GNSS) 2.9V to 4.4V

Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C

Dimensions 15.7mm x 17.6mm x 2.3mm

Download Full Datasheet

Pin Configuration

SIM868 Pinout

The SIM868 pinout includes power, UART communication for GSM and GPS, control, status indication, dual antenna connections (cellular and GPS), and SIM card interface pins for quad-band GSM/GPRS and enhanced GPS functionality.

Visual Pinout Diagram

Pinout Diagram Primary

Total Pins

Pin Types

Power

Control

Quick Tips

Quad-band

GSM/GPRS module (850/900/1800/1900MHz) with enhanced GPS,Enhanced GPS performance compared to SIM808,Supports voice calls, SMS, GPRS data transfer, and GPS location tracking

GPS

supports up to 66 channels for satellite tracking,Improved GPS sensitivity: -165dBm tracking, -148dBm acquisition,Dual UART interfaces: one for GSM, one for GPS

Requires

SIM card for cellular connectivity,Power consumption: 2A peak during transmission,Default GSM UART baud rate: 9600 bps

Pin Descriptions

Pin Name	Type	Description	Notes
1 VBAT	Power	Power supply input (3.4V to 4.4V)	Requires stable power supply with peak current up to 2A
2 GND	Ground	Ground connection	Connect to common ground
3 TXD	UART TX	UART Transmit Data for GSM (connects to microcontroller RX)	Default baud rate: 9600 bps
4 RXD	UART RX	UART Receive Data for GSM (connects to microcontroller TX)	Default baud rate: 9600 bps
5 PWRKEY	Control	Power on/off control (active low)	Pull low for at least 1 second to power on
6 NETLIGHT	Status	Network status indication	LED indicator for network registration status
7 STATUS	Status	Module operating status indication	Shows module power state
8 GPS_VCC	Power	GPS power supply	Power supply for GPS module (3.3V)
9 GPS_TX	UART TX	GPS UART Transmit Data	GPS data output (NMEA sentences)
10 GPS_RX	UART RX	GPS UART Receive Data	GPS command input (optional)
11 ANT_GSM	Antenna	GSM antenna connection	Requires external GSM antenna
12 ANT_GPS	Antenna	GPS antenna connection	Requires external GPS antenna

Connection Guide

Wiring SIM868 to ESP32

Connect the SIM868 to your ESP32 via dual UART for AT command communication (GSM) and GPS data reception. The module requires a stable 3.4V-4.4V power supply with sufficient current capacity (peak 2A). External antennas are required for both GSM and GPS functionality.

Visual Wiring Diagram

Wiring Diagram Recommended

SIM868 GSM/GPRS + GNSS Module wiring with ESP32

Connections

Connection Status

Required

Optional

Protocol

UART

Pin Connections

SIM868 Pin	ESP32 Pin	Description
1 VBAT Required	3.7V-4.4V Power Supply	Provide stable power (NOT from ESP32 pin)
2 GND Required	GND	Common ground connection
3 TXD Required	GPIO16 (RX2)	SIM868 GSM TX to ESP32 RX
4 RXD Required	GPIO17 (TX2)	SIM868 GSM RX to ESP32 TX
5 GPS_VCC Required	3.3V	GPS module power supply
6 GPS_TX Required	GPIO18	GPS data output to ESP32
7 GPS_RX Optional	GPIO19	GPS command input (optional)
8 PWRKEY Optional	GPIO4	Power control (pull low to power on)
9 ANT_GSM Required	External GSM Antenna	Connect GSM antenna
10 ANT_GPS Required	External GPS Antenna	Connect GPS antenna

⚠️

CRITICAL: Use a dedicated power supply (3.4V-4.4V, 2A peak) - DO NOT power from ESP32 pin!

Enhanced

GPS performance compared to SIM808

Dual

UART setup: one for GSM AT commands, one for GPS NMEA data

Default

GSM UART baud rate is 9600 bps

GPS

outputs NMEA sentences at 9600 bps

External

GSM antenna is mandatory for network connectivity

External

GPS antenna is mandatory for location tracking

GPS

requires clear view of the sky for satellite acquisition

Pull

PWRKEY low for at least 1 second to power on the module

Monitor

NETLIGHT pin for network registration status

Insert

active SIM card before powering on

GPS_VCC

can be powered from ESP32 3.3V pin (low current)

Ensure

good antenna placement for optimal signal reception

Help & Support

SIM868 Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions to help you get your sensor working

Common Issues

Debugging Tips

Additional Resources

Datasheet

Technical specifications and guidelines

Code Examples

SIM868 Programming Examples

Ready-to-use code examples for different platforms and frameworks

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

SoftwareSerial sim868(10, 11); // RX, TX
#define PWRKEY 9

void powerOnSIM868() {
    pinMode(PWRKEY, OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, LOW);
    delay(1000); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, HIGH);
    delay(5000); // Wait for the module to initialize
}

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(9600);
    sim868.begin(9600);
    powerOnSIM868();

    // Test AT command
    sim868.println("AT");
    delay(1000);
    while (sim868.available()) {
        Serial.write(sim868.read());
    }

    // Set SMS text mode
    sim868.println("AT+CMGF=1");
    delay(1000);
    while (sim868.available()) {
        Serial.write(sim868.read());
    }

    // Send SMS
    sim868.println("AT+CMGS=\"+1234567890\""); // Replace with recipient's number
    delay(1000);
    sim868.print("Hello from SIM868");
    sim868.write(26); // CTRL+Z to send
    delay(5000);
    while (sim868.available()) {
        Serial.write(sim868.read());
    }
}

void loop() {
    // Add code to handle incoming messages or other functionalities
}

This Arduino sketch interfaces with the SIM868 module using the SoftwareSerial library. The module is powered on by toggling the PWRKEY pin (GPIO9). An AT command is sent to test communication. The module is configured to SMS text mode using the AT+CMGF command, and an SMS is sent to a specified recipient using AT+CMGS. The message content is terminated with CTRL+Z (ASCII 26) to send the SMS. Additional functionality, such as reading incoming messages or handling GPS data, can be added in the loop.

#include <stdio.h>
#include "driver/uart.h"
#include "driver/gpio.h"
#include "freertos/task.h"

#define TX_PIN 17
#define RX_PIN 16
#define PWRKEY_PIN 4
#define UART_PORT UART_NUM_1

void init_uart() {
    uart_config_t uart_config = {
        .baud_rate = 9600,
        .data_bits = UART_DATA_8_BITS,
        .parity = UART_PARITY_DISABLE,
        .stop_bits = UART_STOP_BITS_1,
        .flow_ctrl = UART_HW_FLOWCTRL_DISABLE
    };

    uart_param_config(UART_PORT, &uart_config);
    uart_set_pin(UART_PORT, TX_PIN, RX_PIN, UART_PIN_NO_CHANGE, UART_PIN_NO_CHANGE);
    uart_driver_install(UART_PORT, 1024, 0, 0, NULL, 0);
}

void power_on_sim868() {
    gpio_set_direction(PWRKEY_PIN, GPIO_MODE_OUTPUT);
    gpio_set_level(PWRKEY_PIN, 0);
    vTaskDelay(1000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    gpio_set_level(PWRKEY_PIN, 1);
    vTaskDelay(5000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS); // Wait for the module to initialize
}

void app_main(void) {
    init_uart();
    power_on_sim868();

    char *test_cmd = "AT\r\n";
    uart_write_bytes(UART_PORT, test_cmd, strlen(test_cmd));

    while (true) {
        char data[128];
        int len = uart_read_bytes(UART_PORT, data, sizeof(data), 100 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS);
        if (len > 0) {
            data[len] = '\0';
            printf("Response: %s\n", data);
        }
        vTaskDelay(1000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS);
    }
}

This ESP-IDF example initializes UART communication with the SIM868 module and powers it on using the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4). The UART interface is configured with GPIO17 as TX and GPIO16 as RX. An AT command is sent to test communication, and responses from the module are printed to the console. This code can be extended to include GPS functionality or handle SMS and GPRS data transmission.

uart:
  tx_pin: GPIO17
  rx_pin: GPIO16
  baud_rate: 9600

switch:
  - platform: gpio
    name: "SIM868 Power"
    pin:
      number: GPIO4
      inverted: true

switch:
  - platform: template
    name: "Send AT Command"
    turn_on_action:
      - uart.write: "AT\r\n"

sensor:
  - platform: custom
    lambda: |-
      return {nullptr};
    sensors:
      - name: "SIM868 Response"

This ESPHome configuration sets up UART communication with the SIM868 using GPIO17 (TX) and GPIO16 (RX) at 9600 baud. A GPIO-based switch is used to control the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4) for powering the module on or off. A template switch allows sending the AT command, and a custom sensor can be implemented to process responses from the module. Additional configurations can be added for handling GPS data.

platformio.ini

[env:sim868]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
monitor_speed = 115200

main.cpp

#include <HardwareSerial.h>
#include <Arduino.h>

HardwareSerial sim868(1);
#define PWRKEY 4

void power_on_sim868() {
    pinMode(PWRKEY, OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, LOW);
    delay(1000); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, HIGH);
    delay(5000); // Wait for initialization
}

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
    sim868.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, 16, 17); // RX, TX
    power_on_sim868();

    // Test AT command
    sim868.println("AT");
    delay(1000);
    while (sim868.available()) {
        Serial.write(sim868.read());
    }

    // Send SMS
    sim868.println("AT+CMGF=1"); // Set SMS to text mode
    delay(1000);
    sim868.println("AT+CMGS=\"+1234567890\""); // Replace with recipient's number
    delay(1000);
    sim868.print("Hello from SIM868");
    sim868.write(26); // CTRL+Z to send SMS
    delay(5000);
}

void loop() {
    // Handle incoming data or other functionalities
}

This PlatformIO code interfaces with the SIM868 module using HardwareSerial on an ESP32. The `power_on_sim868` function toggles the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4) to activate the module. The AT command is sent to test communication, and SMS functionality is implemented in the setup. Additional GPS or GPRS handling can be added in the loop.

from machine import UART, Pin
import time

# Initialize UART
uart = UART(2, baudrate=9600, tx=17, rx=16)
pwrkey = Pin(4, Pin.OUT)

def power_on_sim868():
    pwrkey.value(0)
    time.sleep(1)  # Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    pwrkey.value(1)
    time.sleep(5)  # Wait for module to initialize

def send_at(command):
    uart.write(command + '\r\n')
    time.sleep(1)
    while uart.any():
        print(uart.read().decode('utf-8'), end='')

# Power on the module
power_on_sim868()

# Test communication
send_at('AT')

# Send SMS
send_at('AT+CMGF=1')  # Set SMS to text mode
send_at('AT+CMGS="+1234567890"')  # Replace with recipient's number
uart.write("Hello from MicroPython" + chr(26))

This MicroPython code communicates with the SIM868 module over UART. The `power_on_sim868` function activates the module using the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4). The `send_at` function sends AT commands and prints the responses. The script initializes the module, tests communication, and demonstrates how to send an SMS. Additional logic for GNSS or GPRS data handling can be added.

Summary

Wrapping Up SIM868

The ESP32 SIM868 GSM/GPRS + GNSS Module is a powerful SIM sensor that offers excellent performance and reliability. With support for multiple development platforms including Arduino, ESP-IDF, ESPHome, PlatformIO, and MicroPython, it's a versatile choice for your IoT projects.