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SMD Module · SIM800L
ActiveGSM/GPRS Module
SIM800L
SIMCom · SMD Module · GSM/GPRS Module
Price on Request
Get a competitive quote within 24 hours. Volume discounts available. Shenzhen stock ships in 1-2 business days.
Overview
The SIM800L is SIMCom's miniature quad-band GSM/GPRS module and the single most popular cellular part in the maker and low-cost IoT world. It covers GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz with GPRS multi-slot class 12 (CS-1 to CS-4) for up to 85.6 kbps in each direction, CSD data, SMS in text and PDU modes, voice calls with dual-mic and speaker interfaces, Bluetooth 3.0 per the current product specification, and an embedded TCP/IP stack driven by the familiar SIM800 AT command set over a TTL UART (1200 bps to 460 kbps, autobauding to 115200).
The module itself is an 88-pad LGA measuring 17.8 × 15.8 × 2.4 mm, powered from 3.4 V to 4.4 V — and this is where most field failures originate. During a GSM transmit burst the SIM800L pulls current spikes approaching 2 A; if VBAT sags below roughly 3.0 V the module brown-outs and power-cycles in a loop, the classic symptom being a module that works on the bench supply but resets constantly on a weak 3.3 V regulator or long thin traces. The datasheet's reference design — 100 µF low-ESR bulk capacitance at VBAT, wide traces, a recommended 5.1 V zener clamp, and ideally a dedicated DC-DC — is not optional guidance. A single-cell Li-ion connects directly; sleep mode draws about 1 mA.
Sourcing notes: SIM800L is a 2G-only device, and 2G sunset in North America and parts of Europe makes it unsuitable for new designs in those markets — choose the A7670E (LTE Cat-1 with 2G fallback) or SIM7000-series for longevity. In regions where GSM remains (Asia, Africa, LATAM, parts of the EU), it is still the cheapest way to add SMS and data. Broker stock carries counterfeit and refurbished risk; genuine SIMCom modules carry consistent laser marking, verifiable firmware versions via ATI, and matching IMEI ranges. MOQ from single pieces for prototyping to reel quantities for production.
Key Features
- Quad-band GSM/GPRS class 12 — up to 85.6 kbps, SMS, voice, Bluetooth 3.0
- Embedded TCP/IP stack, AT-command control over 1.8 V/3 V TTL UART
- Tiny 17.8 × 15.8 × 2.4 mm LGA module, ~1 g weight
- Sleep mode ~1 mA; requires supply capable of 2 A bursts at 3.4-4.4 V
Typical Applications
- SMS alarm systems, vehicle trackers and remote telemetry in 2G regions
- Vending, metering and POS devices using GPRS data or CSD
- Wearables and DIY IoT prototypes on Arduino/ESP platforms
- Voice-intercom and caller-ID gate devices
- Low-cost fleet and asset monitoring where LTE is not required
Specifications
- Cellular Standard
- GSM / GPRS (2G) Quad-Band
- Bands
- 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
- GPRS Class
- Multi-Slot Class 12, CS-1 to CS-4
- Max Data Rate
- 85.6 kbps
- Interface
- UART (1200 to 115200 bps), USB (debug)
- Bluetooth
- V3.0
- Supply Voltage
- 3.4 to 4.4 (2 A peak burst) V
- Operating Temperature
- -40 to 85 °C
- Pins
- 88 (LGA pads)
- RoHS
- Compliant
Procurement Tips
Budget for the power stage when quoting SIM800L designs: a 2 A-capable regulator, bulk capacitance and a proper antenna typically cost more than the module itself — and buying all three from one supplier avoids the mismatched-support finger-pointing when the bus resets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my SIM800L keep resetting or failing to register?
Almost always a power problem. The 2 A transmit bursts collapse weak supplies; if VBAT dips below ~3.0 V the module shuts down and restarts. Use a dedicated supply rated 2 A (a buck converter, not a small LDO from a 5 V USB pin), 100 µF plus 1 µF decoupling right at the VBAT pads, and at least 60 mil traces. This single fix resolves the majority of support cases.
Is the SIM800L still usable for new products given 2G shutdowns?
It depends on the deployment region. 2G remains operational across most of Asia, Africa, Latin America and parts of Europe, where the SIM800L is still a cost leader. In the US, Australia, Singapore and others, GSM is already off or retiring — for those markets design with the SIMCom A7670E LTE Cat-1 module, which our catalog also stocks.
How do I program firmware or recover a bricked SIM800L?
The module exposes USB_DP/USB_DN pads for firmware download and debug (the standard breakout boards route these to a micro-USB or leave them unpopulated). SIMCom provides flash tools and official firmware images; a corrupted module can usually be recovered by holding the download pin and reflashing over USB.
What SIM card and antenna does the SIM800L need?
Any 1.8 V or 3 V GSM SIM with an active data/SMS plan; the module drives SIM_VDD, SIM_CLK, SIM_DATA and SIM_RST directly. The RF port is a 50 ohm antenna pad — use a matched quad-band whip or IPEX pigtail; an unmatched antenna cuts TX efficiency and increases current draw.
Does the SIM800L really support Bluetooth?
The current SIM800L product specification lists Bluetooth 3.0 support (an early hardware revision tied the BT_ANT pad to the SIM800H variant only). Enable it with AT+BTOPEN-style commands per the SIM800 Bluetooth application note, and verify your firmware version supports the BT command set before committing the design.
How do I avoid counterfeit or refurbished SIM800L modules?
Check ATI firmware string consistency across the lot, verify IMEI sequences with your carrier or GSMA IMEI checker (refurbished modules often carry duplicated IMEIs), and inspect the SIMCom laser marking and shield can solder quality. We verify IMEI uniqueness and flash the latest official firmware on request.
What is the MOQ and lead time?
MOQ 1 pc for prototyping, 100 pcs tray for small runs, and full reels for production. Shenzhen stock ships in 1-3 business days; SIMCom factory lead time is 4-8 weeks for large-volume orders with custom firmware.
Alternatives & Equivalents
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