1. Product Overview
The SIMCOM A7670 and A7672 series are LTE Cat 1 modules designed for wireless communication, supporting LTE-TDD/LTE-FDD/GSM/GPRS/EDGE. These modules offer a maximum downlink rate of 10Mbps and an uplink rate of 5Mbps.
The A7670 series adopts an LGA form factor, compatible with SIM7000/SIM7070 series (NB/Cat M modules) and SIM800A/SIM800F (2G modules). This compatibility allows for smooth migration from 2G/NB/Cat M products to LTE Cat 1 products, simplifying product design for various customer needs.
The A7672 series also uses an LCC+LGA form factor, offering similar compatibility and enabling smooth migration. Both series support multiple built-in network protocols and drivers for major operating systems (Windows, Linux, Android). Their AT commands are compatible with SIM7500/SIM7600 series modules (A7670 series) and SIM800 series modules (A7672 series).
These modules integrate abundant industrial standard interfaces, including UART, USB, I2C, and GPIO, making them suitable for various IoT applications such as telematics, surveillance devices, POS systems, industrial routers, and remote diagnostics.
Note: This product is a module Core board and does not include a SIM phone card.
Image: SIMCOM A7670E module with antenna and breakout board.
Image: SIMCOM A7672E module.
Image: SIMCOM A7670E module.
2. Setup Instructions
2.1. Power Supply
The core board supports three power supply modes: VIN, VBAT, and USB.
- VIN: Power supply range is 5V~16V. Recommended power supply is 5V 2A. Power needs to be more than 8W.
- VBAT: Power supply range is 3.3V~4.3V, typically used for lithium battery power supply.
- USB: Powered by 5V USB data cable. Some computer USB interfaces (especially USB 2.0) may have insufficient driving capacity, leading to frequent restarts. In such cases, it is recommended to use an independent VIN power supply.
Important Notes:
- VIN and VBAT cannot be used simultaneously to power the core board.
- The actual input voltage must be within the specified minimum and maximum range.
2.2. Initial Connection and Serial Port Debugging
Follow these steps to connect and debug the module:
- Connect the antenna, SIM card, and TTL board to the serial port of the core board.
- Connect the USB port of the TTL board to the computer.
- Open the Device Manager on your computer to check if any ports have appeared.
- If a port appears, open the serial port tool (e.g., AT Terminal V1.6.6).
- Enter the corresponding AT commands to test the module.
Video: Demonstrates the wiring of the double-row pin core board and serial port debugging, including connecting the antenna, SIM card, and TTL board, then connecting to a computer and performing an AT test to verify functionality.
2.3. Driver Installation
A USB driver must be installed for USB interface communication. If the driver is not installed successfully after connecting the core board to the computer via USB, open the computer's Device Manager. You may see three devices with yellow exclamation marks under "Other Devices". Update the drivers for these devices sequentially.
2.4. Power On/Off Control (PWK and PEN Pins)
The core board automatically powers on by default. For applications requiring controlled power management, it is recommended to use the PWK and PEN pins to control power on/off, reduce power consumption, and handle abnormal situations.
- PWK (Power Key) Pin: Used for controlled power on/off/reset. Default is PWK pin.
- PEN (Power Enable) Pin: Controls the power supply. By default, PEN is internally pulled up to VIN, enabling the core board.
Special Note for Hardware Developers: For POWRKEY boot solution, please remove the material with bit number R3 and C5 on the PWK/RST pin after receiving the goods. This product defaults to automatic boot; the POWRKEY boot solution is provided as an alternative and is not a product defect.
Image: Diagram showing the default power-on and POWRKEY power-on solution, highlighting the removal of R3 and C5 for specific functionality.
Image: Close-up view indicating the location of R3 and C5 on the core board, which need to be removed for the POWRKEY/RST pin to function as intended.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1. AT Command Testing
After successful connection and driver installation, use a serial port tool to send AT commands to the module. Below are common AT commands and their expected responses:
| Step | State | AT Commands and Return Values | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | send | AT | Handshake test. |
| return | OK | If "OK" is returned, it means the serial communication is normal. | |
| 2 | send | AT+CPIN? | Check SIM card status. |
| return | +CPIN: READY OK |
If "READY" is returned, it means the card reading is successful. If ERROR is returned, the card reading fails. | |
| 3 | send | AT+CSQ | Query the RF signal quality. |
| return | +CSQ: 24,99 OK |
Parameter 1: Signal quality (0~31). Make sure the signal quality is greater than 18, otherwise data communication may be unstable. 0: -113dBm or less 1: -111dBm 2..30: -109dBm... -53dBm 31: -51dBm or higher 99: Unknown or undetectable Parameter 2: Not enabled, can be ignored. |
|
| 4 | send | AT+CEREG? | Query network registration status. |
| return | +CEREG: 0, 1 OK |
Parameter 1: Controls unsolicited result codes, 0 is disabled. Parameter 2: Registration status, 1 indicates successful registration. 0: Unregistered, the module has not currently searched for a new operator to register 1: Successfully registered 2: Unregistered, but the module is searching for a new operator to register 3: Registration denied 4: Unknown 5: Registered, roaming |
3.2. DTR Wake-up
The DTR pin is the sleep mode trigger pin. It can be left floating when not in use. Entering sleep mode significantly reduces standby power consumption. In sleep mode, the main serial port function is turned off.
To put the module into sleep mode: Use the AT+CSCLK=1 command to enable the sleep function. Ensure DTR is kept at a high level (default internal pull-up).
To wake up the module: Pull DTR low by the host. DTR needs to be kept low in sleep mode to keep the core board awake.
4. Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your SIMCOM module, consider the following:
- Keep the module in a clean, dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Avoid physical shock or excessive vibration.
- Ensure proper heat dissipation, especially during continuous operation, to prevent overheating.
- Regularly check connections for secure fit and absence of corrosion.
5. Troubleshooting
- No Port Detected on Computer: Ensure the USB cable has data transmission functionality and that the USB driver is correctly installed. Check Device Manager for unrecognized devices and update drivers.
- Module Restarts Frequently: This may indicate insufficient power supply. The core board's peak power can reach 8W. If using USB power, ensure your computer's USB port can provide sufficient current. Consider using an independent 5V~16V DC power supply via the VIN pin.
- AT Command Test Fails (e.g., SIM card error): If
AT+CPIN?returns "ERROR", the SIM card reading has failed. Check the SIM card insertion and ensure it is a MIRCO SIM. - Unstable Data Communication: If
AT+CSQshows a signal quality (Parameter 1) less than 18, data communication may be unstable. Check antenna connection and placement. - Module Fails to Boot Normally: Frequent abnormal shutdowns (e.g., by pulling PEN pin low) can damage the file system in the Flash memory. It is recommended to use the PWK pin for shutdown.
- Network Indicator (Blue Light) Not Flashing: After power-on, the red power indicator should be solid. The blue network indicator should start flashing after about 10 seconds, indicating the board is on and AT commands can be debugged. If it doesn't flash, check power and connections.
6. Specifications
6.1. General Product Parameters (CC-MCore-A7670E-FASE)
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 4G CAT1 Core Board |
| Model | CC-MCore-A7670E-FASE |
| Package | 23PIN (2.54mm) |
| Power | USB 5-16V DC |
| UART | 3.3-4.3V TTL (Default) |
| SIM Card | MIRCO SIM |
| LED | Power/Network light |
| USB | Y |
| Size | 44.45*31.75*12.44 (Including pin height) |
| Operating Temperature | -40℃ - 85℃ |
| Network Band | LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20 GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 900/1800MHz |
| Network Speed | LTE: 10Mbps(DL) 5Mbps(UL) GPRS: 85.6Kbps |
| Network Protocol | TCP/IP/IPV4/IPV6/MultiPDP/FTP/FTPS/HTTP/HTTPS/DNS/RNDIS/ECM/PPP |
| Function | LTE CAT1+4G+2G+BT+GNSS+Voice |
Image: Detailed product parameters table for CC-MCore-A7670E-FASE.
6.2. Pin Descriptions (P1)
Image: Pinout diagram for P1, detailing SIM card, power, and serial port pins.
| Pin Number (P1) | NAME | Pin Description | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SC | USIM1 Bus clock output | When the SIM card is external, the external SIM card holder can be directly connected to the SC, SD, SR, SV pins. |
| 2 | SD | USIM1 Bus data | |
| 3 | SR | USIM1 Bus reset output | |
| 4 | SV | USIM1 card power supply output, output voltage can be changed dynamically according to the external card type, output current maximum 50mA | Note: The onboard card holder and the external card holder cannot be inserted at the same time |
| 5 | STA | Power-on status indication: when the core board is powered on and initialization is complete, STA outputs a high level, otherwise it maintains a low level | Used to determine whether the core board is powered on. Voltage domain: 3.3V |
| 6 | TXD | Main serial port sending, used for AT command configuration and data transmission | Voltage domain: 3.3V; other levels can be changed by enabling VTTL |
| 7 | RXD | Main serial port receiving, used for AT command configuration and data transmission | |
| 8 | RTS | Hardware flow control, main serial port RTS input. | Voltage domain 3.3V |
| 9 | PEN | The core board power enable pin is pulled up to VIN by default. It will automatically start when powered on. When pulled down, the core board power supply has no output. If not used, leave it unconnected. | |
| 10 | P/R | Module power on/off/reset control, default is PWK pin | |
| 11 | GND | Negative power input | |
| 12 | P/G | Default is GND |
6.3. Pin Descriptions (P2)
Image: Pinout diagram for P2, detailing VEXT, VTTL, and CTS pins.
| Pin Number (P2) | NAME | Illustrate | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | VEXT | Internal 1.8V power output, maximum output current 50mA, cannot power high power loads | Electrostatically sensitive, no need to be suspended |
| 14 | VTTL | External reference level input for level conversion circuit, invalid by default | |
| 15 | CTS | Hardware flow control, main serial port CTS output | Voltage domain 3.3V |
6.4. Pin Descriptions (P3)
| Pin Number (P3) | NAME | Description | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | RI | Ringing indication, when receiving URC report, it outputs low level for 60ms, and then returns to high level state | Voltage domain 3.3V |
| 17 | DTR | Sleep wake-up: when the core board enters sleep mode, pull down DTR to wake up the core board | Voltage domain 3.3V |
| 18 | TXD2 | Serial port 2 sends, not used by AT firmware, just leave it floating | Voltage domain 3.3V |
| 19 | RXD2 | Serial port 2 receiving, not used by AT firmware, just leave it unconnected | Voltage domain 3.3V |
| 20 | VBAT | Module power input, supports 3.4~4.2V input, typical value 3.8V, can be used for lithium battery power supply; when using VIN power supply, VBAT output 3.8V | PEN pin is disabled when powered by VBAT |
| 21 | NET | Network status indication | |
| 22 | VIN | Power input positive, supports 5-16V DC input | You can connect one or both. |
| 23 | VIN | ||
| 24 | TXD | Send through the main serial port, which is convenient for monitoring the data interaction between the main control and the core board after the core board is installed | To assist in testing |
| 25 | RXD | Main serial port receiving, convenient for monitoring the data interaction between the main control and the core board after the core board is installed | |
| 26 | GND | Main serial port auxiliary test common ground pin | |
| 27 | VB | USB_VBUS, VBUS presence detection input | USB XH2.0 Terminal Blocks |
| 28 | UN | USB_N, USB bus differential negative | |
| 29 | UP | USB_P, USB bus differential positive | |
| 30 | GND | GND, ground |
Note on Pin Usage:
- For conventional applications, only VIN, GND, TXD, RXD, and PEN are typically needed. Other pins can be left floating.
- VBAT and VIN cannot be used as power input at the same time. If VBAT is used to power the core board, the PEN pin becomes invalid.
7. Warranty and Support
7.1. Manufacturer Information
Manufacturer: Hunan Sanai Electronic Co., Ltd
Address: Building C3, Yupingshan International Industrial City, Xieyuan Road, Ningxiang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changsha City, Hunan Province
Email: pur1@muz-tech.com
Telephone: 86-18188996558
7.2. EU Authorized Representative
Representative: EUREP ENV S.L.
Address: ES-AVDA INDUSTRIA, NUM 16, ESC. A, PUERTA 207, 28760 TRES CANTOS - (MADRID)
Email: eurep@eurep-gmbh.de
Telephone: 34-67870708
7.3. Compliance
This product conforms to relevant Union legislation:
- Electromagnetic compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU
- Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS) Directive 2011/65/EU
The following harmonized standards and technical specifications have been applied:
Image: CE, UKCA, and FC compliance logos.
WARNING: Keep out of reach of children.
7.4. User Manual (PDF)
A detailed user manual in PDF format is available for further reference. You can access it via the following link: SIMCOM Module User Manual (PDF).
8. User Tips
- Customization: If you have specific requirements for customization, contact the seller with your detailed needs. They can discuss feasibility with their engineers.
- Bare Board Purchase: If you intend to purchase only the bare development board without modules and antennas, contact customer service for options.