SIMcom A7672E-FASE CAT1 Core Board Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper use and integration of the SIMcom A7672E-FASE CAT1 Core Board. This compact and highly integrated module supports LTE CAT1, 4G, 2G, Voice, Bluetooth (BT), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) functionalities, making it suitable for a wide range of IoT applications. Its design aims to simplify development with rich reference materials and technical support.

SIMcom A7672E-FASE Core Board with key features — Figure 1: SIMcom A7672E-FASE Core Board highlighting rich reference materials, technical support, and adequate inventory.

2. Product Overview

The A7672E-FASE is a versatile core board designed for various M2M (Machine-to-Machine) and IoT applications. It offers robust connectivity and features to streamline product development.

2.1. Key Features

Strong Compatibility: Mcore full range package identical for easy integration.
Wide Voltage Support: Operates with a 5-16V power supply, suitable for M2M level applications.
Abundant Data Resources: Provides necessary drivers, module firmware (FW), and STM code.
Highly Integrated: Includes power supply, SIM card slot, TTL, and RF interfaces.
Multi-frequency Support: Compatible with 2G/3G/4G/CATM/NB/5G bands.
Comprehensive Functionality: Supports LTE CAT1, 4G, 2G, Voice, Bluetooth, and GNSS.

Basic characteristics of the SIMcom A7672E-FASE module — Figure 2: Basic characteristics of the A7672E-FASE module.

SIMcom A7672E-FASE module with FPC GPS antenna and cables — Figure 3: SIMcom A7672E-FASE module with optional FPC GPS antenna and connection cables.

3. Specifications

The following table details the technical parameters of the DD-MCore-A7672S-FASE core board:

Project	Description
Product Name	4G Cat1 Core Board
Model	DD-MCore-A7672S-FASE
Package	7PIN(1.25mm)
Power	VIN 0.8V-4.2V
UART	Y
Antenna interface	IPEX 1
SIM Card	Nano SIM
LED	Power/Network light
USB	Y
SIZE	24mm24mm6.98mm
Operating temperature	-40°C-85°C
Network Band	LTE-TDD: B34/B38/B39/B40/B41 LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B5/B8 GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 900/1800 MHz
LTE speed	10Mbps(DL) 5Mbps(UL)
GPRS/EDGE(Kbps)	85.6(DL)/236.8(UL)
Network protocol	TCP/IP/IPV4/IPV6/MultiPDP/FTP/FTPS/HTTP/HTPS/DNS/RNDIS/ECM/PPP
Function	LTE CAT1+4G+2G+Voice+BT+GNSS

Product Parameters Table — Figure 4: Detailed Product Parameters.

4. Pinout and Dimensions

Understanding the pinout and physical dimensions is crucial for proper integration of the A7672E-FASE core board into your projects.

Top-down view of the core board with component labels and dimensions — Figure 5: Top-down view of the A7672E-FASE core board, showing component placement including GPS(NB), 4G, BT, USB 1.25, GPS(4G), Nano SIM slot, and UART. The board dimensions are 24mm x 24mm. Note: This module supports auto power-on.

Figure 6: Detailed pinout diagram and bottom pad layout, indicating connections such as SLEEP, EMPTY, PWREN, 4GRX, 4GTX, GND, VIN, DM, DP, and VBUS.

5. Applications

The SIMcom A7672E-FASE core board is designed for diverse applications requiring reliable cellular connectivity, GNSS, and voice capabilities. Some example applications include:

Intelligent Agriculture: Used in agricultural irrigation systems, greenhouses, animal husbandry, and aquaculture for monitoring and control.
Sharing Economy: Integrated into devices like toy cars, massage chairs, vending machines, toy machines, and coffee machines for connectivity and remote management.
Wisdom Energy: Employed in charging piles for smart energy management.
Smart Industry: Suitable for remote control systems, data monitoring, and industrial monitor consoles.

Application scenarios for the core board — Figure 7: Illustrative application scenarios for the A7672E-FASE core board.

6. Setup and Installation

Careful setup and installation are crucial for the optimal performance of your A7672E-FASE core board.

Power Supply: Ensure the power supply (VIN) is within the specified range of 0.8V-4.2V. Incorrect voltage can damage the module.
SIM Card Installation: Insert a Nano SIM card into the designated SIM card slot. Ensure it is correctly oriented and securely seated.
Antenna Connection: Connect the appropriate IPEX 1 antenna for 4G/LTE communication. For GNSS functionality, connect a GPS antenna to the dedicated GPS(4G) or GPS(NB) interface as required by your application.
USB and UART Connections: Utilize the USB 1.25 interface for data communication and debugging. The UART interface is also available for serial communication.
Mounting: Securely mount the core board to your main PCB or enclosure, ensuring proper electrical connections and mechanical stability. Refer to the pinout and dimension diagrams for precise integration.
Auto Power On: The module is designed to support auto power-on, meaning it will power up automatically when power is supplied.

Video 1: Overview of LTE LPWA small size Core Boards Series, showcasing various SIMcom modules.

7. Operation

Once the A7672E-FASE core board is correctly installed and powered, it can be operated for its various functions:

Data Communication: The module supports LTE CAT1, 4G, and 2G networks, enabling data transmission via various protocols including TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP, etc. Refer to the SIMcom AT Command manual for detailed instructions on establishing data connections.
GNSS Functionality: With a connected GPS antenna, the module can acquire location data. Specific AT commands are used to configure and retrieve GNSS information.
Voice Calls: The module supports voice functionality. Connect appropriate audio peripherals (microphone, speaker) and use AT commands for call management.
Bluetooth: Utilize the integrated Bluetooth for short-range wireless communication.
LED Indicators: Observe the Power/Network light LED for status indications (e.g., power on, network registration, data activity).

8. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and reliable operation of your SIMcom A7672E-FASE core board, follow these maintenance guidelines:

Environmental Conditions: Operate the module within the specified operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, high humidity, dust, and corrosive environments.
Physical Handling: Handle the board with care to prevent physical damage. Avoid bending or applying excessive force to components.
Cleaning: If necessary, clean the board gently with a soft, dry, anti-static cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.
Firmware Updates: Periodically check for firmware updates from SIMcom to ensure optimal performance and access to new features. Follow official update procedures carefully.

9. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your A7672E-FASE core board, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

No Power: Verify that the power supply is connected correctly and provides the specified voltage (0.8V-4.2V). Check for any loose connections.
No Network Registration: Ensure the Nano SIM card is properly inserted and active. Check antenna connections. Verify that the module is within network coverage.
GNSS Not Working: Confirm the GPS antenna is correctly connected and has a clear view of the sky. Check GNSS configuration via AT commands.
Communication Issues (UART/USB): Verify cable connections and driver installations. Ensure correct baud rates and serial port settings.
Module Not Responding: Try power cycling the module. If the issue persists, consult the SIMcom documentation or technical support.

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical assistance, and further support, please refer to the official SIMcom documentation or contact the seller directly. Ensure you have your product model and any relevant purchase details available when seeking support.

The manufacturer provides FAE (Field Application Engineer) online support, typically during China time. Rich reference materials and technical support are available to assist with your development.