SIM8918NA LTE Wireless Data Module

Product Information

Specifications

• Processor: 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 Quad-cores at 2.0GHz with
  512KB L2 cache
• Memory: 2*16-bitBUS LPDDR4x SDRAM design
• Storage: Built-in eMMC 5.1 Flash, 16GB eMMC + 2GB LPDDR4x (or
  32GB eMMC+3GB LPDDR4x option, or 8GB eMMC + 1GB LPDDR3 option)
• SD: SDC2 external interface supports SD3.0 TF card (Maximum
  256G), support hot plug detection
• Operation System: Support Android 12/13
• System Upgrade: Upgrade via USB interface, support forced
  download
• Power Supply: Power Domain: 3.4V~4.4V, support single-cell
  lithium battery power supply
• Charge Display: Internal charger, supports high charging
  current up to 1.8A
• Camera: One 4-Lane MIPI_DSI interface, the highest resolution
  is 720*1680, HD+. Two CSI MIPI configurable 4/4 or 4/2/1 D-PHY2.5
  Gbps /channel
• Video Codec
• Audio: Audio Codec Voice Codec
• USB UART
• I2C SPI UIM Card
• Power Level: Class 3 (24dBm+1/-3dB) for WCDMA bands
• LTE Features
• UMTS Features
• GSM Features
• WLAN Features
• BT Features
• Satellite Positioning: GPS /GLONASS /BEIDOU/Galileo
• Temperature: Operation Temperature: -35~ +75 Extend Operation
  Temperature: -40 ~ +85 Storage Temperature: -40~ +90
• Physical Size

Package Information

Hardware Block Diagram

Product Usage Instructions

Power Supply and Charging

The SIM8918EASIM8918NA module requires a power supply in the
range of 3.4V to 4.4V. It supports single-cell lithium battery
power supply.

To charge the module, connect it to a power source using the
provided charger. The module supports high charging current up to
1.8A.

Memory and Storage

The SIM8918EASIM8918NA module has built-in eMMC 5.1 Flash for
storage. The available storage options are:

• 16GB eMMC + 2GB LPDDR4x
• 32GB eMMC+3GB LPDDR4x (option)
• 8GB eMMC + 1GB LPDDR3 (option)

The module also supports external SD card storage using the SDC2
interface. It supports SD3.0 TF cards with a maximum capacity of
256GB and hot plug detection.

Camera

The SIM8918EASIM8918NA module supports camera functionality. It
has one 4-Lane MIPI_DSI interface for display and two CSI MIPI
interfaces for camera input. The highest resolution supported is
720*1680, HD+.

FAQ

Q: What is the power supply range for the SIM8918EASIM8918NA
module?

A: The power supply range is 3.4V to 4.4V.

Q: How much storage does the module have?

A: The module has built-in eMMC 5.1 Flash with options for 16GB,
32GB, or 8GB storage.

Q: What is the maximum capacity supported by the external SD
card interface?

A: The external SD card interface supports SD3.0 TF cards with a
maximum capacity of 256GB.

SIM8918EASIM8918NA User Manual
LTE Wireless Data Module
SIMCom Wireless Solutions Limited
SIMCom Headquarters Building, Building 3, No. 289 Linhong Road, Changning District, Shanghai P.R. China Tel: 86-21-31575100 support@simcom.com www.simcom.com

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
GENERAL NOTES
SIMCOM OFFERS THIS INFORMATION AS A SERVICE TO ITS CUSTOMERS, TO SUPPORT APPLICATION AND ENGINEERING EFFORTS THAT USE THE PRODUCTS DESIGNED BY SIMCOM. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS BASED UPON REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED TO SIMCOM BY THE CUSTOMERS. SIMCOM HAS NOT UNDERTAKEN ANY INDEPENDENT SEARCH FOR ADDITIONAL RELEVANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY INFORMATION THAT MAY BE IN THE CUSTOMER’S POSSESSION. FURTHERMORE, SYSTEM VALIDATION OF THIS PRODUCT DESIGNED BY SIMCOM WITHIN A LARGER ELECTRONIC SYSTEM REMAINS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER OR THE CUSTOMER’S SYSTEM INTEGRATOR. ALL SPECIFICATIONS SUPPLIED HEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
COPYRIGHT
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS PROPRIETARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION WHICH IS THE PROPERTY OF SIMCOM WIRELESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED COPYING, TO OTHERS AND USING THIS DOCUMENT, ARE FORBIDDEN WITHOUT EXPRESS AUTHORITY BY SIMCOM. OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO THE PAYMENT OF INDEMNIFICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY SIMCOM IN THE PROPRIETARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REGISTRATION GRANTING OF A PATENT , A UTILITY MODEL OR DESIGN. ALL SPECIFICATION SUPPLIED HEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AT ANY TIME.
SIMCom Wireless Solutions Limited SIMCom Headquarters Building, Building 3, No. 289 Linhong Road, Changning District, Shanghai P.R. China Tel: +86 21 31575100 Email: simcom@simcom.com
For more information, please visit: https://www.simcom.com/module/smart_modules.html
For technical support, or to report documentation errors, please visit: https://www.simcom.com/ask/ or email to: support@simcom.com
Copyright © 2021 SIMCom Wireless Solutions Limited All Rights Reserved.

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1 Introduction

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

1.1 Product Outline
SIM8918x series module is a 4G Android smart module developing by the platform of Qualcomm QCM2290 a 64-bit applications processor with Arm Cortex-A53 quad-cores at 2.0GHz with 512KB L2 cache. SIM8918x series module has abundant multi-media functions, including the 1080P@30 fps video codec, the HD+ 720*1680@60Hz displaying screen, two MIPI-CSI cameras, and the multi-channel analogand digital-audio input and output. SIM8918x series module supports multiple communication modes, including the GSM/GPRS/EDGE, the WCDMA/HSPA+, the LTE-FDD, and the LTE-TDD. It also supports the WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and the BT4.x short range communication. For the satellite positioning system, SIM8918x series module supports the GPS, the GLONASS, the BEIDOU, and the Galileo. In conclusion, SIM8918x series module is a highly integrated product, which is widely applying to intelligent terminal devices in the field of the Internet of Things (IOT). Model Name: SIM8918EA,SIM8918E Product Name: LTE Wireless Data Module Brand name: SIMCom
1.2 Functional Overview

Feature

Description

Processor Memory

64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 Quad-cores at 2.0GHz with 512KB L2 cache 1804MHz clock 2*16-bitBUS LPDDR4x SDRAM design Built-in eMMC 5.1 Flash,
16GB eMMC + 2GB LPDDR4x
Or 32GB eMMC+3GB LPDDR4x (option)

Or 8GB eMMC + 1GB LPDDR3 (option)

SD
Operation System System Upgrade
Power Supply Charge Display
Camera

SDC2 external interface supports SD3.0 TF card (Maximum 256G), support hot plug detection Support Android 12/13 Upgrade via USB interface, support forced download Power Domain: 3.4V~4.4V, support single-cell lithium battery power supply. Internal charger, supports high charging current up to 1.8A One 4-Lane MIPI_DSI interface, the highest resolution is 720*1680, HD+. Two CSI MIPI configurable 4/4 or 4/2/1 D-PHY2.5 Gbps /channel

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Video Codec
Audio
Audio Codec Voice Codec
USB UART
I2C SPI UIM Card
Power Level

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
C-PHY~10 Gbps3.42 Gbps/channel Single ISP: 13 MP 30 ZSL; dual ISP: 25 MP 30 ZSL Real time sensor input resolution: 25MP or 13MP+13MP Encode: 1080p30 8-bit HEVC(H.265),H.264 Decode: 1080p30 8-bit H.264, HEVC(H.265),VP9 Concurrency: 1080p30 decode + 720p 30 encode 1-Channel Digital Audio Interface I2S: Support Master- and Salve-Mode 3-Channel Analog Audio Input Master Microphone MIC1: Differential Input Headphone Microphone MIC2: Single-end Input De-noise Microphone MIC3: Differential Input 4-Channel Digital Microphone Input 3-Channel Analog Audio Output Headphone: Class AB Amplifier Stereo Output Receiver: Class AB Amplifier Differential Output Lineout: Class AB Amplifier Differential Output MP3, AAC, He-AAC v1, v2, FLAC,APE, ALAC, AIFF EVS, EVRC, EVRC-B, and EVRC-WB G.711 and G.729A/AB GSM-FR, GSM-EFR, and GSM-HR AMR-NB and AMR-WB Support USB 3.1, support USB2.0 Support USB Type-C Interface Support OTG USB_VBUS OTG Mode 5V Power Output (500mA Typical) Support up to 3 Serial Ports A 2-Wire Serial Port for Debug Two 4-Wrie Serial Ports support hardware flow control, High-speed up to 4Mbps. Support up to seven I2C for touch screen, camera, sensor and other peripherals Support up to 2*SPI interfaces, support master mode, the highest rate 50MHz Support Dual Card Dual Standby: 1.8V/3.0V Dual Voltage
Class 4 (33dBm±2dB) for EGSM850
Class 4 (33dBm±2dB) for EGSM900
Class 1 (30dBm±2dB) for DCS1800
Class 1 (30dBm±2dB) for PCS1900
Class E2 (27dBm±3dB) for EGSM850 8-PSK
Class E2 (27dBm±3dB) for EGSM900 8-PSK
Class E2 (26dBm±3dB) for DCS1800 8-PSK
Class E2 (26dBm±3dB) for PCS1900 8-PSK
Class 3 (24dBm+1/-3dB) for WCDMA bands
Class 3 (23dBm±2dB) for LTE-FDD bands
Class 3 (23dBm±2dB) for LTE-TDD bands

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

LTE Features UMTS Features
GSM Features
WLAN Features
BT Features Satellite
Positioning Temperature Physical Size

Support 3GPP R10 CAT4 FDD and TDD Support 1.4 to 20 MHz RF Bandwidth Support Downstream 2×2 MIMO FDD: the maximum 150Mbps(DL) / the maximum 50Mbps(UL) TDD: the maximum 150Mbps(DL) / the maximum 35Mbps(UL) Support 3GPP R8 DC-HSDPA/HSPA+/HSDPA/HSUPA/WCDMA Support 16-QAM, 64-QAM and QPSK modulation DC-HSDPA: maximum 42Mbps(DL) HSUPA: maximum 5.76Mbps(UL) WCDMA: maximum 384Kbps(DL) / maximum 384bps(UL) R99: CSD: 9.6Kbps, 14.4Kbps GPRS: Support GPRS Multi-Slot Level 33(Default 33) Coding format: CS-1, CS-2, CS-3, and CS-4 Maximum 85.6Kbps(UL) / Maximum 107Kbps(DL) EDGE: Support EDGE Multi-Slot Level 33(Default 33) Support GMSK and 8-PSK modulation and coding Methods Downlink Coding Format: CS 1-4 and MCS 1-9 Uplink Coding Format: CS 1-4 and MCS 1-9 The maximum 236.8Kbps(UL) / The maximum 296Kbps(DL) 2.4G/5G Dual Frequency Range, Support 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Maximum 433Mbps Support the Wake-on-WLAN. Support the WAPI SMS4 hardware encryption. Support the AP mode and the STATION mode. Support the WIFI Direct. Support the 2.4G MCS 0~8 for HT20 and VHT20. Support the 2.4G MCS 0~7 for HT40 and VHT40. Support the 5G MCS 0~7 for HT20, HT40 Support the 5G MCS 0~8 for VHT20. Support the 5G MCS 0~9 for VHT40 and VHT80. BT2.1+EDR /3.0 /4.2 LE/5.x
GPS /GLONASS /BEIDOU/Galileo
Operation Temperature: -35~ +75 Extend Operation Temperature: -40 ~ +851 Storage Temperature: -40~ +90
Size: 40.5(±0.2)*40.5(±0.2)*2.85(±0.2)mm

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
2 Package Information

2.1 Hardware Block Diagram

720*1680 LCD REAL Cam(25MP) Front Cam(25MP)
Type-C USB UIM Card1 UIM Card2 SD Card TP/Sensor/others
VPH_PWR VRTC Poweron singals GPIO Haptics output
USB_IN VPH_PWR Battery
GPIOs Flash output Charge LED Analog Micphone Earphone Headset LINEOUT

4-Lane DSI0 4-Lane CSI0 4-Lane CSI1

LC_networks

USB HS/USB_SS0+SS1 UIM1 UIM2 SDC2
I2C/I3C/SPI/UART GPIOs

Input/Output
Power Management

4 SMPS output
LC_networks
24 VREG output

IC-level interface

SPMI BUS

Analog inputs Clocks

User interfaces

General
houseke eping

38.4M XO

Pon singals

Charger
IC-level interface User inter faces

Audio Codec

AP
64-bit Arm CortexA53
Camera ISP/ VFE/Jpeg HW
Display Processor Video
Graphics Peripherals

Modem
4G/3G/2G MODEM Core
MODEM/Voice Processor
GNSS Baseband

Baseband
BT/WIFI Baseband

Codec Digital

Memory Support

RFFE1 RFFE2 TX_DAC I/Q PRX_CA1 I/Q

DRX_CA1 I/Q GPS_ADC I/Q

Transceiver

RFFE5

Front End Tx Module

MAIN

PA

Switch

DRX

LNA

GNSS

WLAN RX I/Q WLAN TX I/Q WLAN CNTRL clk/data WLAN-BT coex clk/data SSC data 2-wire
BT control/data 4-wire BT audio clk/data WLAN_CLK 38.4M

WCN 38.4M XO

BT/WiFi
RF_CLK 38.4M Sleep_CLK 32K

EBI0/EBI1 SDC1

eMMC flash + LPDDR4x

Figure 1: Module Block Diagram

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2.2 Pin Assignment Overview

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

146 VBAT 145 VBAT 144 GND 143 GND 142 USB_VBUS 141 USB_VBUS 140 GND 139 HS_DET 138 HPH_L 137 HPH_GND 136 HPH_R 135 GND 134 BAT_THERM 133 BAT_P 132 GND 131 ANT_DRX 130 GND 129 VDD_2V8 128 ADC 127 PM_GPIO_8 126 VRTC 125 LDO_IOVDD 124 PM_GPIO_3 123 GPIO_60 122 GND 121 ANT_GNSS 120 GND 119 GPIO_15 118 GPIO_14 117 GPIO_17 116 GPIO_16 115 PM_GPIO_4 114 PWR_KEY_N 113 GPIO_58
GPIO 57 112 111 VREG_15A_1V8

SD_VDD 38

SD_CLK 39

SD_CMD 40

SD_DATA0 41

SD_DATA1 42

LCD_RST 49

LCD_TE 50

VVBBAATT 21

GND 3

MIC1_P 4

MIC1_N 5

MIC2_P 6

GND 7

EAR_P 8

EAR_N LINEOUT_P

9 10

LINEOUT_M 11

GND
USB_DM USB_DP
GND

12 13
14

RESERVED USIM2_DET

15 16

USIM2_RST 17 *

USIM2_CLK 18

USIM2_DATA USIM2_VDD

19
20 *

USIM1_DET 21

USIM1_RST 22 *
USIM1_CLK 23

USIM1_DATA 24

USIM1_VDD 25

GND VIB_DRV_P

26

PWM 27

TP_INT_N 28 TP_RST_N 29
SD_LDO4 30 *

GPIO_28 31 UART0_TXD 32

UART0_RXD 33 *
UART0_CTS 34
UART0_RTS 35 *

36 *
37

186
CBL_PWR_N

147
MIC_BIAS1

187
GND

148
MIC3_P

188
GND

149
MIC3_N

189
GND

150
USB_SS2_ TX_P

190
GND

151
USB_SS2_
TX_M

191
GND

152
USB_SS2_ RX_P

192
USB_SS2_RX _M

153 *
UART1_RXD

193
RESERVED

154 *
UART1_TXD

194
GNSS_L NA_EN

155
MIC_BIAS3

195
CHG_LED

156

196

VREG_17A_3V0 CSI0_CLK_P

157
CSI0_CLK_N

185
BAT_ID

184
VPH_PWR

222

221

GND

GND

223
GND
224
GND

250
GND
251
GND

225
RESET_N

252
USB_SS1_ RX_P

226
GND
227
GND

253
USB_SS1 _TX_M
254
USB_SS1_ TX_P

228

255

GND

GND

229

256

GND

GND

230

231

GND

GND

197
CSI0_LN0_P

198
CSI0_LN1_P

158
CSI0_LN0_N

159
CSI0_LN1_N

** *

183
BAT_M
220
GND
249
USB_CC1
270
USB_SS1_ RX_M
271 GND
272 GND
273 GND
274 GND
257
RESERVED
232
RESERVED
199
CSI0_LN2_P
160
CSI0_LN2_N
*

5 5 5 6

5 7

5 8 5 9

182 *
GPIO_86

181
NFC_CLK

180
FLASH_LED

179
RESERVED

* *
178
RESERVED

177 *
GPIO_112

219

218

217

216

215

214

GND

GND

GND

GND

GND

GND

248
GND
269
GND

247
GND

246
USB_CC2

245
GND

268
GND

267
GPIO_111

266
GND

244
GND
243
GND

213
GND
212
GND

282 GND

281 GND

280 GND

265
GPIO_98

242
RESERVED

283 GND

286 GND

SIM8918
284

GND
275 GND

285 GND
276 GND

258

259

GND

GND

279 GND
278 GND
277 GND
260
GRFC_14

264
GPIO_100

241
GND

263
RESERVED

240
GND

262
GRFC_15

239 *
GPIO_101

261
GND

238
GND

211
GND
210
GND
209
GND
208
GND
207
GND

233

234

235

236

237

206

GND

GND

GND

GND

GND

GND

200
CSI0_LN3_P

201
PM_GPIO_7

202
GND

203
GND

204
GND

205
CAM1_I2 C_SDA

161
CSI0_LN3_N

162
GND

163
CAM2_PWDN

164 *
CAM2_RST

165 *
CAM_ MCLK2

166
CAM1_I2 C_SCL

GND 51

DSI_CLK_N 52

DSI_CLK_P 53

DSI_LN0_N 54

DSI_LN0_P DSI_LN1_N DSI_LN1_P

DSI_LN2_N

DSI_LN2_P DSI_LN3_N

GND 68

176
GND
175
RESERVED
174
RESERVED
173
GRFC_13
172
GND
171
GND
170
LPI_GPIO_ 26
169
LPI_GPIO_ 25
168
SNSR_ I3C_SCL
167
SNSR_ I3C_SDA

*111009 * *108

GPIO_36 GPIO_34 GPIO_33

*107
106

GPIO_35 GPIO_56

*105 GPIO_99

*104 *110023

GPIO_102 GPIO_103 GPIO_105

*101 GPIO_104

*

GPIO_55

100 GPIO_32

* 99 GPIO_107

* 98 * 97
96

GPIO_31 VOL_DOWN VOL_UP

* 95 DEBUG_TXD
94 DEBUG_RXD

* 93 SENSOR_I2C_SDA

*

92 91

SENSOR_I2C_SCL GGPNIDO_106

* 90
89 88 87
86 85
84
83 82
* 81 * 80 * 79
78 77
76 75 74

GND ANT_MAIN GND GND
CAM0_I2C_SDA CAM0_I2C_SCL
CAM1_PWDN
CAM1_RST CAM0_PWDN CAM0_RST GND ANT-WIFI/BT GND CAM_MCLK1
CAM_MCLK0

7 3

Note: GPIOs with * can be used to wake up the
module.

SDC2 USB UART USIM AUDIO GPIO Antenna TP LCM Camera Others RESERVED
POWER GND

CSI1_LN2_P 72

CSI1_LN2_N 71

CSI1_LN3_P 70

CSI1_LN3_N 69

CSI1_LN1_P 67

CSI1_LN1_N 66

CSI1_LN0_P 65

DSI_LN3_P 60 GND 61 6 2
CSI1_CLK_N CSI1_CLK_P 63 CSI1_LN0_N 64

TP_I2C_SCL 47 TP_I2C_SDA 48

SD_DATA2 43 SD_DATA3 44
SD_DET 45 USB_BOOT 46

Figure 2: Pin Assignment Overview

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
2.3 Top- and Bottom-View of the Module

Figure 3: View of the Module

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2.4 Mechanical Dimensional Size

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

Figure 4: Three-Dimensional Size (Unit: mm)

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
3 Interface Applications

3.1 Power Supply
The SIM8918x module operating power (VBAT) is 3.4V to 4.4V, and the typical voltage is 3.9V. The instantaneous peak current of the SIM8918x module could reach 3A. So, to enable the module is running smoothly, the power supply should be able to provide the peak current up to 3A. If the power supply is designed improperly, there would be a large voltage drop on the VBAT. The shutdown voltage of the SIM8918x module is 3.2V. If the voltage drop on the VBAT is lower than 3.2V, the module would power off.

3.1.1 Pin Overview

SIM8918x series module supports a single lithium battery power supply (4.2V or 4.35V battery cell). It also supports the other types of batteries. But the maximum voltage could not exceed the maximum allowance voltage of the module. Otherwise, the module would be burned. In terms of the non-battery power supply applications, the module would power by an LDO when the DC input is up to 5V. The reference design is showing in Figure 3.

DC INPUT
+ C101
100uF

C102 1uF

U101 MIC29302

2 Vin

Vout 4

1 On/Off

FB 5

GN D

PWR_CTRL

3

VBAT

R101 100K
R102 43K

+ C103 C104 330uF 100nF

R103 470R

Figure 5: LDO Power Supply Reference Design

Highly recommend selecting a relative high efficiency switching power supply for hardware design when the difference between the input (DC Input) and the output (VBAT) is too large.

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

DC INPUT

U101 LM2596-ADJ

1 Vin

Vout 2

+ C101 C102

5

100uF

On/Off

1uF

PWR_CTRL

3

GN D

FB 4

L101
100uH
+ D102 C103
330uF MBR360

FB101

VBAT

C104 100nF

270R@100MHz R101 2.2K

R102 1K

NOTE

Figure 6: DC-DC Power Supply Reference Design

1. Highly recommend disconnect the VBAT power supply to power off the module when the module is running abnormally. After that, restart the module by powering.
2. The module supports the charging function. There is a need to turn off the charging function in the software patch when the customers are using the power supply without the charging function. Or connect Schottky diodes in series on the VBAT channel to prevent the current anti-flowing into the chip.

3.1.2 Power Supply Stability Design
Highly recommend place bypass capacitors and voltage stabilizing components near the VBAT Pin to enhance the stability of the power supply. The reference design is showing in the Figure 5.

VBAT
SIM8918x Module
GND

C105 C104 C103

10pF

33pF

10uF

C102 100uF

C101 100uF

VBAT
D101 5V
1600W

Figure 7: DC-DC Power Supply Reference Design
C101 and C102 are two Low-ESR 100uF tantalum capacitors. C103 is a 1uF to 10uF ceramic capacitor. The function of C104 and C105 is to decrease the high frequency interference. D101 is a 5V/1600W transient voltage suppression diode, preventing the chip from being damaged by surge. For PCB wiring, the capacitors and the diodes should be close to the VBAT Pin as far as possible, and the VBAT wiring should

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be as short as possible with the width at least 3mm.

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

Vendor

1

PRISEMI

2

PRISEMI

Manufacture Number
PTVSHC3N4V5B PTVSHC2EN5VU

Power(Watts)
2800W 1600W

Package
DFN2020-3L DFN1610-2L

3.2 Power On & Power Off
The on-off of the SIM8918x series module has two status, including the normal on-off and the abnormal on -off. In terms of the high- and low-pressure, and the high- and low-temperature, it should be working within the maximum power domain when running the module. Otherwise, exceeding the absolute maximumpower domain would cause permanent damage to the module.

3.2.1 Power On

PWR_KEY_N (114 Pin) defines as the boot-up key when the VBAT is powering on, and triggering PWR_KEY_N with at least 2s low-level pulse starts the module. KPD_PWR_N Pin has internal pull-up, and the typical high-level voltage is 1.2V. The reference design is showing as below.

1.8V

PWR_KEY_N

R 1K

PMU

SIM8918x Module

Figure 8: Power On/Off Design with a Key

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

1.8V

PWR_KEY_N

R 1K

Pulse

4.7K 47K

PMU
SIM8918x module

Figure 9: Power On/Off Design with an OC Gate Highly recommend the customers consider the PWR_KEY_N Pin’s electrical characteristics when designing. The electrical characteristics are showing in following

Parameters Description

VIH

High-Level Input Voltage

VIL

Low-Level Input Voltage

Minimum Typical

0.8

–

–

–

Maximum Unit

–

V

0.6

V

3.2.2 Power On Sequence

Figure shows the power on sequence of the module.

VBAT

T>50ms

t>2s

PWR_KEY_N

VREG_L15A_1P8 VREG_L17A_3P0
LDO_2V8 LDO_IOVDD

128ms SW control

SW control

Figure 10: Power On/Off Design with an OC Gate

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
NOTE
Highly recommend pulling down the PWR_KEY_N Pin when booting up the VBAT voltage at 3.8V stabilizing for at least 50ms. Do not pull down the PWR_KEY_N Pin all the time.

3.2.3 Power Off
Pull down the PWR_KEY_N Pin with at least 1s to power off the module. There is a pop up prompt window confirming the action of shutting down the device when the module detects the control instructions. Apart from that, pulling down the PWR_KEY_N Pin with over 8s would be forced to restart the module.
Powering on and powering off are using the same pin, and they have the same reference design.
NOTE
1. The hardware design should cove the function of powering off the module. It is forbidden to run the module when powering off or restarting. Forced powering off the module adopts only when the module is running abnormally.
2. Highly recommend adding a low-cost MCU to control the PWR_KEY_N. Not only for the normal powering on and powering off but also for the watchdog function to protect the operation system.
3. Do not cut off the VBAT power supply directly when the module is running smoothly. It is to protect the internal flash memory.
4. Highly recommend to power off the module by the PWR_KEY_N Pin or the AT command before disconnecting the VBAT power supply.

3.3 VRTC

The VRTC is a standby power supply, connecting with a button battery or a large capacitor. VRTC would help to maintain the RTC timing when the VBAT is powering off. VRTC would also work as charging the button battery or a large capacitor when the VBAT is powering on.
If the RTC fails, the RTC clock could be synchronized by connecting the data when the module is powering on.
Please refer to the Table 10 for VRTC characteristics. The input power domain for the VRTC voltage supply is 2.0V to 3.25V. The typical voltage is 3.0V.

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The average current consumption is 10uA when disconnecting the VBAT and connecting the RTC only. When powering on via the VBAT, the RTC working error is 50ppm. Switching the power supply mode of the VRTC Pin cause the RTC working error is 200ppm. Highly recommend the ESR of the button battery is less than 2K when connecting an external rechargeable button battery. Highly recommend to pick SEIKO’s MS621FE FL11E. Highly recommend the ESR of the capacitor is 100uF when connecting an external large capacitor.
The reference designs for VRTC are showing below.
External Capacitor Power Supply for RTC

Large Capacitor

VRTC

Module
RTC Circuit

Figure 11: External Capacitor Power Supply for RTC

Non Rechargeable Battery Power Supply for RTC

Non Rechargeable
Battery

VRTC

Module
RTC Circuit

Figure 12: Non Rechargeable Battery Power Supply for RTC www.simcom.com

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

Rechargeable Battery Power Supply for RTC

Rechargeable Battery

VRTC

Module
RTC Circuit

Figure 13: Rechargeable Battery Power Supply for RTC
The typical voltage of the VRTC is 3.0V. And the average current consumption is 20uA when disconnecting the VBAT and connecting the RTC only. The VRTC characteristics are showing in Table 13.

Parameters
VRTC-IN T- series resistance
IRTC-IN
Accuracy Power ON Power OFF

Description
VRTC Input Voltage Standby Battery connecting in series resistor VRTC Current Consumption VBAT=0V
Power ON Power offVBAT on Power onVBAT=0

Minimum Typical

2.0

3.0

800

–

–

10

–

–

–

–

–

–

Maximum Unit

3.25

V

2000

–

uA

24

ppm

50

ppm

200

ppm

NOTE
1 If the VBAT is connecting an external non-removable rechargeable battery, float the VRTC Pin. Also, the software should be modified to turn off the VRTC charging instructions.
2 If the VBAT can be turn off and external Coin-cell battery doesn’t useit is recommended that a minimal 47uF capacitor add on VRTC pin.

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3.4 Power Output

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

SIM8918x series module has 18 power outputs in total, which are suitable for a wide range of external interfaces and peripherals. Highly recommend a capacitor of 33pF and a capacitor of 10pF parallel connection to the ground, which could prevent high-frequency interference effectively.

Power Name
VPH_PWR
VREG_L15A_1P8
USIM1_VDD USIM2_VDD SD_LDO4 SD_VDD VREG_L17A_3P0 LDO_IOVDD VDD_2V8 MIC_BIAS1 MIC_BIAS3

PIN Num
184
111
26 21 32 38 129 125 129 147 155

Output Voltage (V)
3.4~4.4
1.8
1.8/2.95 1.8/2.95 3.0 3.0 3.0 1.8 2.8 1.6-2.85V 1.8

Rated Current (mA)
2000
300
150 150 22 800 200 300 300 6 6

Default On
ON
ON
Off Off Off Off Off ON
ON Off Off

Description
Generated by either the charger or the battery External Power and External GPIO pull up and the 1.8V power level conversion SIM Card1 Power SIM Card2 Power SD Card pull-up Power SD Card Power Power for sensor LCM DVDD or camera IOVDD Camera AVDD Microphone Bias Microphone Bias

3.5 Charging and Battery Management

SIM8918x series module supports high charging current up to 1.8 A (100 mA step size).Supports trickle chargepre-chargeconstant current chargingand constant voltage charging. The module integrates the internal charging temperature rising control function. Decreasing the charging voltage and the charging current happens automatically when the temperature is too high.
SIM8918x series module could charge the battery. It supports several charging modes, including the trickle charging mode, the pre-charging mode, the constant current charging mode, and the other charging modes.
The Trickle Charging Mode: The system is running into the trickle charging mode when the voltage of the battery is lower than

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
2.1V. In this case, a charging current of 100mA (typical) is applied. The Pre-charging Mode:
The system is running into the pre-charging mode when the voltage of the battery is between 2.1V and 3.0V (The cut-off voltage is programmable between 2.4V and 3.0V, Default 3.0V). The charging current is about 300mA (The current is programmable between 100mA and 450mA, Default 300mA). The Constant Current Charging Mode: The system is running into the constant current charging mode when the voltage of the battery is between the cut-off voltage of the pre-charging mode and 4.2V (The voltage is programmable between 3.6V and 4.2V, Default 4.2V). The charging current is programmable between 0mA and 1800mA (The Default USB charging current is setting at 500mA in the software configuration). The Constant Voltage Charging Mode: The system is running into the constant voltage charging mode when the voltage of the battery is reaching at the predefined float voltage. The charging status would stop when the charging current is reaching at setting current.

PIN Name VBAT BAT_ID
BAT_THERM BAT _P BAT _M

PIN Num I/O

1

2

PI/

145

PO

146

Description
Module Power Input, Battery Charge Output

185

AI Battery Detection

134

AI Battery Thermal Detection

133

AI Battery Voltage Detection +

183

AI Battery Voltage Detection –

Note
Don’t be float. Highly recommend an external 100KR resistor connecting to the ground when no battery ID. Don’t be float. Connect to the battery NTC Resistor, Highly recommend an external 100KR resistor connecting to the ground when no battery. Connect to VBAT close to battery. Connect to GND close to battery.

SIM8918x series module has the function of battery detection. Generally, there is a BAT_ID Pin in the battery. Highly recommend an external 100KR resistor (R2) connecting to the ground when the battery has no BAT_ID. Avoid float.

SIM8918x series module has the function of battery temperature detection. This function requires an integrated thermistor in the battery (Recommend a 100KR ± 1% NTC Resistor). And the NTC resistor needs to connect to the BAT_THERM Pin. The module would charge fail when floating the BAT_THERM pin.

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

SIM8918x series module has the function of battery’s fuel gauge. It estimates the real-time power of the battery accurately. Not only protect the battery and prevent the over dis-charge but also help the users to estimate the entertainment time and save the important data. For different types of batteries, modifying the software settings enables the designated battery working properly.
The BAT_P Pin and the BAT _M Pin must be connected whether the module is powering on by a battery or a stable power supply. The module would not work well if floating these two pins. These two pins are for battery voltage detection. Differential pair routing and stereo ground plane are needed.

SIM8918x MODULE
BAT_P BAT_M

BATTERY CONNECTOR

VBAT BAT_ID
BAT_THERM GND
R2 100K

R3 100K

VBATT BATT_ID
BATT_THERM
GND NTC

Figure 14: Battery Connection Reference Design

3.6 USB Interface

3.6.1 Micro-USB Interface and Type-C Interface

SIM8918x series module supports a USB interface, complying with USB 3.1/2.0 protocol and supporting USB OTG. The highest speed for the USB3.1 is up to 10Gbps, and for the USB 2.0 is up to 480Mbps. It is downward compatible with full speed (12Mbps) mode. USB_HS interface supports the function of the AT command transmission, of the data transmission, of the software debugging, and of the software upgrading.
SIM8918x series module recommends Type-C USB. When used Micro-USB interfacethe CC1 pin need to connect to the Micro USB connector`s USB_IDand 10K pull-up resistor to VBUS.

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The Type-C Interface Reference Design

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

Figure 15: USB Type-C Connection Reference Design

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The Micro-USB Interface Reference Design

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

igure 16: USB Micro-USB Connection Reference Design
3.6.2 Micro-USB Interface and Type-C Interface Feature

PIN Name USB_SS1_RX_P/M USB_SS1_TX_P/M USB_SS2_RX_P/M USB_SS2_TX_P/M USB _DP/M USB_CC1/USB_CC2 USB_VBUS

PIN Num 252/270 254/253 152/192 150/151 13/14 249/246 141/142

USB Mode USB_SS1_RX_P/M USB_SS1_TX_P/M USB_SS2_RX_P/M USB_SS2_TX_P/M USB _DP/M CC VBUS

PCB wiring protocols and hardware design notices for USB signals ar listing below. www.simcom.com

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
Differential pair routing, 90+-10% differential impedance, and stereo ground plane are needed.
Reserved ESD protection components close to the USB interface: Highly recommend the TVS junction capacitance value on the USB2.0 signal lines less than 2pF. Highly recommend the TVS junction capacitance value on the USB3.1 signal lines less than 0.5pF.
Do not wiring the USB signals under the crystal oscillator, the oscillator, the magnetic devices, and the RF signals. Highly recommend routing in the inner layer and stereo ground plane.
Highly recommend the USB2.0 signals, the USB3.1 TX signals, and the USB 3.1 RX signals are wiring as differential pairs separately.

3.7 UART/SPI/I2C/I2S Interface
SIM8918x series module supports multiple sets of the UART, the I2C, the SPI, and the I2S. The combination of multiple interfaces is flexible and achievable by the configuration of GPIOs. The interface voltage is 1.8V.

3.7.1 UART/SPI/I2C Interface Multiplexing

Set PIN Name
UART0_CTS
UART0_RTS 1
UART0_TX
UART0_RX
CAM0_PWDN 2
CAM1_PWDN
TP_I2C_SDA 2
TP_I2C_SCL
DEBUG_TXD 3
DEBUG_RXD
GPIO_14
GPIO_15 4
GPIO_16
GPIO_17

PIN GPIO
Num

36

GPIO_0

37

GPIO_1

34

GPIO_2

35

GPIO_3

80

GPIO_4

82

GPIO_5

48

GPIO_6

47

GPIO_7

94

GPIO_12

93

GPIO_13

118 GPIO_14

119 GPIO_15

116 GPIO_16

117 GPIO_17

Multiplex1 SPI

Multiplex2 UART

Multiplex3 I2C/I3C

SPI1_MISO

UART0_CTS

I2C1_SDA/I3C1_SDA

SPI1_MOSI

UART0_RTS

I2C1_SCL/I3C1_SCL

SPI1_CLK

UART0_TX

SPI1_CS_N

UART0_RX

APPS_I2C_SDA

APPS_I2C_SCL

TP_I2C_SDA

TP_I2C_SCL

DEBUG_UART_TXD

DEBUG_UART_RXD

SPI2_MISO

UART2_CTS

I2C4_SDA

SPI2_MOSI

UART2_RTS

I2C4_SCL

SPI2_SCLK

UART2_TX

SPI2_CS_N

UART2_RX

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

CAM0_I2C_SDA

84

5

CAM0_I2C_SCL

83

CAM1_I2C_SDA

205

6

CAM1_I2C_SCL

166

UART1_RXD

153

7

UART1_TXD

154

GPIO_98

265

GPIO_99

105

8

GPIO_100

264

GPIO_101

239

GPIO_105

102

GPIO_104

101

9

GPIO_103

103

GPIO_102

104

SENSOR_I2C_SDA 92 10
SENSOR_I2C_SCL 91

SNSR_I3C_SDA

167

11

SNSR_I3C_SCL

168

GPIO_22

GPIO_23

GPIO_29

GPIO_30

GPIO_70

GPIO_69 GPIO_98 GPIO_99 GPIO_100

DMIC1_CLK DMIC1_DATA DMIC2_CLK

GPIO_101

DMIC2_DATA

GPIO_105

GPIO_104

GPIO_103

GPIO_102 GPIO_109

GPIO_110

LPI_GPIO_21

LPI_GPIO_22

UART1_RXD UART1_TXD LPI_MI2S0_CLK LPI_MI2S0_WS LPI_MI2S0_DATA0 LPI_MI2S0_DATA1 LPI_MI2S1_DATA1 LPI_MI2S1_DATA0 LPI_MI2S1_WS LPI_MI2S1_CLK

CAM0_I2C_SDA CAM0_I2C_SCL CAM1_I2C_SDA CAM1_I2C_SCL
SENSOR_I2C_SDA SENSOR_I2C_SCL SNSR_I3C_SDA SNSR_I3C_SCL

SIM8918x series module defines the default configuration for these pins highlighting in green. Please consult SIMCom staff to review the reference design and functions for these pins.
SIM8918x series module supports 2 sets of SPI, 3 sets of UART, and 8 sets of I2C (including camera’s I2C), 2 sets of I2S. Choosing only one function among the SPI, the UART, and the I2C in the same bus set. For example, the SPI2 and the UART2 could not function well at the same time.
Highly recommend an external 2.2KR resister pulling up to the 1.8V power supply for I2C. Do not reuse the Debug UART as GPIO12 and GPIO13. SPI interface could support the working frequency up to 50MHz.

3.7.2 UART Voltage Level Shift Circuit
SIM8918x series module supports up to 3 sets of the UART interfaces, including the 2 sets of the 4-Lane interface, and the Debug UART for debugging. The two sets of the 4-Lane interface support the hardware flow control with the highest speed up to 4Mbps. The interface voltage for UART on the SIM8918x series module is 1.8V. Taking a voltage level shift chip for voltage switching if needed. Highly recommend pick TI’s TXS0104EPWR, and the reference design is showing in the following Figures.

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VREG_L15A_1P8
100pF
UART_CTS UART_RTS UART_TXD UART_RXD

VCCA OE

VCCB GND

A1

B1

A2

B2

A3

B3

A4

B4

TXS0104EPWR

VDD_3.3V
100pF
UART_CTS_3.3V UART_RTS_3.3V UART_TXD_3.3V UART_RXD_3.3V

Figure 17: UART Voltage Level Shift Reference Design The compatible reference design is showing below.

SIM8918x Module
VREG_L9A_1P8

VREG_L15A_1P8

4.7K 47K

4.7K

DTE
VDD

TXD

RXD

Figure 18: TX Voltage Level Shift Reference Design

SIM8918x Module
VREG_L15A_1P8

VREG_L15A_1P8
4.7K

DTE
VDD

4.7K RXD

47K TXD

Figure 19: RX Voltage Level Shift Reference Design

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3.7.3 SPI Interface

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

SIM8918x series module supports up to 2 sets of the SPI interfaces. They only support the host mode, and the highest working frequency is 50MHz.

PIN Name UART0_CTS UART0_RTS UART0_TXD UART0_RXD GPIO_14 GPIO_15 GPIO_16 GPIO_17

PIN Num I/O Description

36

DI SPI1_MISO

37

DO SPI1_MOSI

34

DO SPI1_SCLK

35

DO SPI1_CS_N

118

DO SPI2_MISO

119

DO SPI2_MOSI

116

DI SPI2_SCLK

117

DO SPI2_CS_N

Notes SPI Data Input Signal SPI Data Output Signal SPI Clock Signal SPI Chip Select Signal SPI Data Input Signal SPI Data Output Signal SPI Clock Signal SPI Chip Select Signal

3.7.4 I2C Interface
SIM8918x series module supports up to 8 sets of the I2C interfaces, but only open the following 6 sets of the I2C interfaces by default. They only support the host mode, and the highest speed is 400Kbps. Highly recommend an external 2.2KR resister pulling up to the 1.8V power supply for I2C.

PIN Name
TP_I2C_SDA TP_I2C_SCL CAM0_I2C_SDA CAM0_I2C_SCL CAM1_I2C_SDA CAM1_I2C_SCL SENSOR_I2C_SDA SENSOR_I2C_SCL SNSR_I3C_SDA SNSR_I3C_SCL

PIN Num 48 47 84 83 205 166 92 91 167 168

I/O

Pull Up Voltage

DI/DO DO DI/DO DO DI/DO DO DI/DO DO DI/DO DO

VREG_L15A_1P8 VREG_L15A_1P8 CAMERA IOVDD CAMERA IOVDD CAMERA IOVDD CAMERA IOVDD VREG_L15A_1P8 VREG_L15A_1P8 VREG_L15A_1P8 VREG_L15A_1P8

Description
TP I2C Data Signal TP I2C Clock Signal Camera I2C Data Camera I2C Clock Camera I2C Data Camera I2C Clock Sensor I2C Data Sensor I2C Clock Sensor I3C Data Sensor I3C Clock

Notes For TP For Cameras For Cameras For Sensors For Sensors

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3.7.5 I2S Interface

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

SIM8918x series module supports 2 set of the I2S interfaces. It supports the input- mode, the output-mode, and the host-/device-mode.

PIN Name
GPIO_98 GPIO_99 GPIO_100 GPIO_101 GPIO_102 GPIO_103 GPIO_104 GPIO_105

PIN Num
265 105 264 239 104 103 101 102

Multiple I2S
LPI_MI2S0_CLK LPI_MI2S0_WS LPI_MI2S0_DATA0 LPI_MI2S0_DATA1 LPI_MI2S1_CLK LPI_MI2S1_WS LPI_MI2S1_DATA0 LPI_MI2S1_DATA1

I/O Description

DO DO DI/DO DI/DO DO DO DI/DO DI/DO

I2S0 Clock I2S0 Word Select I2S0 Data0 I2S0 Data1 I2S1 Clock I2S1 Word Select I2S1 Data0 I2S1 Data1

3.8 SD Card Interface
SIM8918x series module supports SD 3.0/MMC cards with 4-Bit data interface or SDIO 3.0 devices. The SD cards comply with the following protocols.
SD Specifications Part 1 Physical Layer Specification Version 3.00 Part A2 SD Host Controller Standard Specification Version 3.00 Part E1 SDIO Specification Version 3.00

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SD_LDO4 VREG_L15A_1P8
SD_DATA2 SD_DATA3
SD_CMD SD_VDD SD_CLK
SD_DATA0 SD_DATA1 SDCARD_DET_N
SIM8918x
Module

100K

10K_NC

0R

TVS closed to SD card

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

51K_NC
4.7uF 33pF

SD CARD
1 DAT2 2 DAT3 3 CMD 4 VDD 5 CLK 6 VSS 7 DAT0 8 DAT1 9 DET_SW
10 GND 11 GND 12 GND 13 GND

Figure 20: SD Card Reference Design

3.9 TP Interface

SIM8918x series module provides an I2C interface, an interruption function pin, and a reset pin, connecting the touching panel to operate.

SIM8918x
Module
GND TP_RST_N TP_I2C_SCL TP_I2C_SDA TP_INT_N VREG_L17A_3P0

VREG_L15A_1P8 VREG_L15A_1P8

2.2 K
1uF

2.2K 10K
33pF

TP Interface
1 GND 2 TP_RST_N 3 TP_I2C_SCL 4 TP_I2C_SDA 5 TP_INT_N
6 TP_2V8

NOTE

Figure 21: TP Interface Reference Design

Highly recommend an external 2.2KR resister pulling up to the 1.8V power supply for TP I2C.

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3.10 LCD Interface

SIM8918x series module’s video output interface meets the requirements of MIPI_DSI standard. It has a 4Lane DSI DPHY 1.2 interface with the speed up to 1.5Gbps. It supports screen display with the maximum resolution of 720*1680 (HD+) at 60Hz.

The PWM pin of the module could control the backlight brightness by software configuration.

The MIPI signal lines are high-speed signal lines. Highly recommend place a common mode inductor close to the LCM to avoiding EMI interference. Float the MIPI_Lane2 and the MIPI_Lane3 when the LCM only has 2-Lane differential pair data signals. Highly recommend adopting the module’s integrated reference circuits if the LCD interface has no bias voltage hardware design.

SIM8918x module
PWM VREG_L17A_3P0

GPIO LCD_TE LCD_RST_N
GND DSI_LN2_P
DSI_LN2_N
GND DSI_LN1_P DSI_LN1_N
GND DSI_CLK_P DSI_CLK_N
GND DSI_LN0_P DSI0_LN0_N
GND DSI_LN3_P DSI0_LN3_N
GND VREG_L15A_1P8
VDD_2V8

NC 100nF
0ohm

LCM
1 LCD_ID 2 DSI_TE 3 LCD_RST 4 GND 5 TDP2 6 TDN2 7 GND 8 TDP1 9 TDN1 10 GND 11 TCP 12 TCN 13 GND 14 TDP0 15 TDN0 16 GND17 TDP3 18 TDN3 19 GND 20 VIO18 21 AVDD28
22 GND 23 VLED_N 24 VLED_P 25 GND

VREG_L17A_3P0 PWM

VPH_PWR

LCD_AVDD LDO

EN

GND

1uF

10K

4.7uF

VPH_PWR

Backlight Drive IC
EN
GND

LED_N LED_P

10K 4.7uF

3P8S

Figure 22: LCD Interface & the Backlight Reference Design

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3.11 Camera Interface

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

SIM8918x series module’s video input interface meets the requirements of MIPI_CSI standard. 2 sets of 4-Lane CSI interfaces. Support 2 (4-Lane + 4-Lane ) cameras or Support 3 (4-Lane + 2-Lane + 1-Lane) cameras. Dual ISP support. Support DPHY 1.2 with the speed up to 1.5Gbps/Lane or support CPHY 1.0 with the speed up to 10.26Gbps(total). Two cameras: (13 MP + 13 MP or 25 MP) at 30 fps or (16 MP + 16 MP) at 24 fps, Only support one when the ISP is over 16M pixels. Support 3 MCLKs, 3 RESET, 2 CCI I2C interfaces, and the GPIOs with different functions.
3.11.1 CPHY & DPHY Interface of the Cameras
SIM8918x series module supports CPHY 1.0. The difference between the CPHY and the DPHY are the different effective transmission mode. CPHY enables the data transmission speed faster through the following technical improvements. Firstly, CPHY converts the original 2-Lane group transmission of DPHY into 3-Lane group transmission. Then, CPHY does not need the Clock lane. The two are compatible in pin definitions.

CSIx PHY1 of 2
Lane0 Lane1 Lane2 Lane3 Lane4

DPHY
MIPI_CSIx_DCLK_P MIPI_CSIx_DCLK_N MIPI_CSIx_DLN0_P MIPI_CSIx_DLN0_N MIPI_CSIx_DLN1_P MIPI_CSIx_DLN1_N MIPI_CSIx_DLN2_P MIPI_CSIx_DLN2_N MIPI_CSIx_DLN3_P MIPI_CSIx_DLN3_N

CPHY
NC MIPI_CSIx_TLN0_A MIPI_CSIx_TLN0_B MIPI_CSIx_TLN0_C MIPI_CSIx_TLN1_A MIPI_CSIx_TLN1_B MIPI_CSIx_TLN1_C MIPI_CSIx_TLN2_A MIPI_CSIx_TLN2_B MIPI_CSIx_TLN2_C

Figure 21 shows the application diagram of the CSI interface. It is a combination configuration, including 2 DPHY sensors, 2 CPHY sensors, a DPHY sensor, and a CPHY sensor.. The following applications are flexible.

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

Figure 23: CPHY & DPHY Interface Applications
3.11.2 DPHY Applications

SIM8918x

CSI0

Controls

PH Y

Clock LANE#0 LANE#1 LANE#2 LANE#3
CAM0_PWDN
CAM0_RST
CAM0_MCLK

CSI1

Controls

PH Y

CAM0_I2C_SDA
CAM0_I2C_SCL
Clock LANE#0 LANE#1 LANE#2 LANE#3
GPIO_47 CAM1_PWD_N
GPIO_46 CAM1_RST_N
GPIO_35 CAM3_MCLK

CAM1_I2C_SDA CAM1_I2C_SCL

VDD_2V8

Rear camera connector

ESD/EMC Filterin g

VDD_IOVDD 2.2 K
2.2 K

ESD/EMC Filterin g

ES D protector

AUX camera connector

eLDO DVDD_0
1.05V

VPH_PWR GPIO

eLDO AFVDD_0/1
2.8V
eLDO VDD_IOVDD

VPH_PWR GPIO

VDD_2V8

eLDO DVDD_1
1.05V

VPH_PWR GPIO

AFVDD_0/1 VDD_IOVDD

ES D protector

2.2 K

VDD_IOVDD
Place filters near connectors

2.2 K

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Figure 24: camera reference design

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

3.12 Audio Interface
SIM8918x series module supports following audio interfaces: Three analog audio inputs
MIC1 differential pair interface for the master microphone MIC3 differential pair interface for the denoising microphone MIC2 single ended interface for the audio jack. Three-Channel analog audio output interface. Receiver Lineout Stereo Headphone Two-Channel digital microphone interface. Support 4 digital microphones.

3.12.1 Microphone Interface
ECM Type

A: Differential

MIC_BIAS1
SIM8918x Module
MIC1_P
MIC1_N

1.1KR
0R
Differential Pair Wiring & Stereo ground plane
0R
1.1KR

Place close to the microphone ends

10pF 10pF 10pF

33pF TVS 33pF 33pF TVS

ECM Type Microphone

Figure 25: ECM Type Microphone Reference Design(Differential)

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

B: Single-ended

MIC_BIAS1
SIM8918x Module 2.2KR
0R MIC1_P

MIC1_N

2.2KR NC_0R

Place close to the microphone ends

10pF

33pF TVS

ECM Type Microphone
0R

Figure 26: ECM Type Microphone Reference Design(single-ended)

MEMS Type

SIM8918x Module
MIC_BIAS1

MIC1_P MIC1_N

Differential Pair Wiring & Stereo ground plane

0R 0R 1.1 uF

Place close to the microphone ends

MEMS Type Microphone
VDD

OUT

10pF

33pF

GND
TVS 0R

Figure 27: MEMS Type Microphone Reference Design

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SIM8918x Module
MIC_BIAS1 DMIC1_CLK DMIC1_DATA

0.1uF

MIC_BIAS3 DMIC2_CLK DMIC2_DATA

0.1uF

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

0R
0R 0R
0R
0R 0R
0R
0R 0R
0R
0R 0R

SEL BIAS CLK DATA
SEL BIAS CLK DATA
SEL BIAS CLK DATA
SEL BIAS CLK DATA

DMIC1 DMIC2 DMIC3 DMIC4

Figure 28: Digital Microphone Reference Design

3.12.2 Headphone Interface

HS_DET HPH_R HPH_L MIC2_P
HPH_REF
SIM8918x Module

Place close to the headset jack. Reserved magnetic beads or 0R resistor for debugging.

1000 OHM@100MHZ

1000 OHM@100MHZ

1000 OHM@100MHZ

1000 OHM@100MHZ 1000 OHM@100MHZ

Headphone Jack

0R

33pF 33pF 33pF

TVS

Figure 29: Headphone Reference Design
NOTE
1. Highly recommend the HS_DET and the HPH_L form a detection loop, and the HPH_L has an internal 100KR resistor pulling down to the ground. The HS_DET is connecting to the HPH_L presenting actively low when disconnecting the headphone. The HS_DET presenting high when inserting the headphone.
2. Picking a bidirectional TVS on the network due to the negative voltage on the HPH signal.

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Parameter
Output Power 1 Output Power 2 Output Voltage Loads Off Impedance

Testing Condition
Input = 0 dBFS, 32 load. Input = 0 dBFS, 16 load. Input = 0 dBFS

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

Minimum Typical Maximum Unit

–

31.25 –

mW

–

62.5

mW

0.94

0.99

–

Vrms

–

16/32 –

–

20

–

3.12.3 Lineout Interface
SIM8918x series module output Class-AB differential LINEOUT_P/M. It can drive external speaker amplifier for loudspeaker.
One differential class-AB amplifier 2Vrms ground reference differential output Programmable 0 dB or 6 dB gain Supports differential 1000ohm (minimum) and 300pF(typical ) load.

Module
LINEOUT_P LINEOUT_N

Audio PA
2.2uF
2.2uF

Close to speaker

10pF 10pF 10pF

33pF TVS 33pF 33pF TVS

Figure 30: Speaker Reference Design

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

3.12.4 Handset Interface

SIM8918x

Module

10pF

EAR_P

10pF

EAR_N

10pF

Differential Pair Wiring & Stereo ground plane
33pF
33pF
33pF

Place close to the Handset

10pF 10pF 10pF

33pF TVS 33pF 33pF TVS

Figure 31: Handset Reference Design

Parameter
Output Power
Output Voltage Loads

Testing Condition
PA gain = 6 dB, 32 , THD+N 1% PA gain = 6 dB, 10.67 , THD+N 1% Input = 0 dBFS, PA gain = 6 dB

Minimum
115
1.93 10.67

Typical
125
1.97 32

Maximum Unit

–

mW

–

mW

–

Vrms

–

3.13 USIM Card Interface

SIM8918x series module offers two UIM Cards interface, supporting dual card dual standby. The UIM Cards interface also supports the 1.8V/2.95V dual voltage and the hot plug detection.
NOTE
The standard software version supports dual cards, and the single card function needs to be supported by the special software version.
The reference design for the UIM Card is showing in the Figure 30.

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

VREG_L15A_1P8 USIM_VDD
USIM_RST USIM_CLK USIM_DET USIM_DATA
Module

R1 100K/NC

UIM_DET Default Configuration is low active: UIM Card with DET Pin: Connect R1, R3, Disconnect R2

UIM Card no DET Pin: Disconnect R1, R3, Connect R2
22R 22R R3 0R/NC 22R

VCC RST CLK DET

GND VPP
I/O COM

R2 NC/0R

100nF

22pF

UIM Card
TVS
C<30pF

NOTE

Figure 32: UIM Card Interface Reference Design

1. The USIM_DATA Pin of the module pulls up to the USIM_VDD internally. Avoid external pull up. 2. Place the TVS close to the USIM Card receptacle interface. 3. Highly recommend the parasitic capacitance of the TVS on the USIM_CLK should be less than
30pF. 4. Highly recommend the 22R resistor in series on the signal lines to enhance the ESD protection. 5. Highly recommend reserved 22pF capacitor pulling down to the ground on the USIM_DATA line
preventing the radio frequency interference.

3.14 ADC

SIM8918x series module offers one 16-Bit resolution ADC providing by the power management IC.

Parameter
Input power domain Resolution Analog input bandwidth Sample rate ADC resolution (LSB) 1/1 channel end-to-end accuracy 1/1 channel end-to-end accuracy with internal
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Description
Programmable

Minimum Typical

0

–

–

16

–

500

–

4.8

–

64.879

Calibrated data result -11

6

Maximum Unit

1.875

V

–

bits

–

kHz

–

MHz

–

uV

11

mV

Calibrated data result -12.5

7

12.5

mV

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pull-up 1/3 channel end-to-end accuracy 100 K pull-up 400 K pull-up 30 K pull-up 1/1 channel AMUX input resistance 1/3 channel AMUX input resistance
NOTE

Calibrated data result -20

Trimmed value

99.5

Trimmed value

398

Trimmed value

29.7

10

1

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

10

20

mV

100

100.5

k

100

402

k

30

30.3

k

–

–

M

–

–

M

ADC input power domain is 0~1.875V. Highly recommend connecting the ADC with a resistance voltage division circuit preventing the module from burning due to the high power supply voltage ADC detection.

3.15 Sensor Interface

SIM8918x series module communicates with sensors via I2C or I3C. It supports various sensors, including the hall sensor, the acceleration sensor, the geomagnetism sensor, the gyroscope sensor, the temperature sensor, the light sensor, and the pressure sensor.

PIN Name

PIN Num

I/O

SENSOR_I2C_SCL 92 DO

Description
Sensor I2C Clock Signal

SENSOR_I2C_SDA 91 DI/DO Sensor I2C Data Signal

GPIO_32 GPIO_35 GPIO_33 GPIO_34 GPIO_36 SNSR_I3C_SDA
SNSR_I3C_SCL

99 DI 107 DI 108 DI 109 DI 110 DI 167 DI
168 DI

Accelerate Interruption Pin PS/Light Sensor Interruption Pin Gyroscope Sensor Interruption
Pin Magnetic Sensor Interruption Pin Hall Sensor Interruption Pin Sensor I3C Clock Signal
Sensor I3C Clock Signal

Note
Highly recommend an external 2.2KR resistor pulling up to the VREG_L15A_1P8 ACCL_GYRO_INT1 ALPS_INT_N
ACCL_GYRO_INT2
MAG_INT_N HALL_INT Highly recommend an external 2.2KR resistor pulling up to

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VREG_L15A_1P8 111 PO VREG_L17A_3P0 129 PO

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

Sensor I2C Pull Up VDD or VDDIO Power Supply AVDD3.0V Power Supply for sensor

the VREG_L15A_1P8

3.16 Motor Interface

VIB_DRV_P 0R
SIM8918x 1uF Module

Motor

Figure 33: Motor Interface Reference Design
3.17 LED Interface
SIM8918x series module supports charge indicate LED. Selecting a LED chip with the common anode is needed. The maximum current on the channel is 5mA.
USB_VBUS
SIM8918x Module
CHG_LED 5mA
Figure 34: LEDs Interface Reference Design

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3.18 Flash LED Interface

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

SIM8918x series module offers two channels of efficient FLASH_LED interface. The maximum current on each channel is 1A.

FLASH_LED
SIM8918x Module

100nF
Flash1A Torch200mA

Figure 35: Flash LED Interface Reference Design

3.19 Forced Emergency Download Interface
SIM8918x series module offers a FORCED_USB_BOOT Pin, which is an emergency download interface. Pulling up the FORCED_USB_BOOT to the VREG_L15A_1P8 before powering on enables the module to run into the emergency download mode, which is also applying for the treatment when the product starts abnormally. Highly recommend reserved the testing points for software upgrading and debugging.
SIM8908x Module
VREG_L15A_1P8 10K
FORCED_USB_BOOT

Figure 36: Emergency Download Interface Reference Design www.simcom.com

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

4 WIFI & BT
SIM8918x series module offers a common antenna interface combining the WIFI and the BT function. The customers could connect the external WIFI and BT two in one antenna via this interface. In the TDD mode, the WIFI and the BT coexist.

4.1 WIFI Outline

SIM8918x series module supports the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz dual bands WLAN wireless communication. It
supports multiple modes, including the 802.11a, the 802.11b, the 802.11g, the 802.11n, and the 802.11ac.
The highest rate is 433Mbps. The characteristics are as follows. Support the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz dual frequency bands, with the frequencies of
2402MHz~2482MHz and 5180MHz~5825MHz respectively. Support the Wake-on-WLAN. Support the WAPI SMS4 hardware encryption. Support the AP mode and the STATION mode. Support the WIFI Direct. Support the 2.4G MCS 0~8 for HT20 and VHT20. Support the 2.4G MCS 0~7 for HT40 and VHT40. Support the 5G MCS 0~7 for HT20, HT40 Support the 5G MCS 0~8 for VHT20. Support the 5G MCS 0~9 for VHT40 and VHT80.

4.1.1 WIFI Feature

2.4GHz

Mode
802.11b 802.11b 802.11g 802.11g 802.11n HT20

Rate
CCK 1Mbps CCK 11Mbps 6Mbps 54Mbps MCS0

Bandwidth
–20M 20M 20M

Output Power1
15dBm±2dB 15dBm±2dB 15dBm±2dB 15dBm±2dB 15dBm±2dB

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5GHz

802.11n HT20 802.11n HT40 802.11n HT40 802.11a 802.11a 802.11n HT20 802.11n HT20 802.11n HT40 802.11n HT40 802.11ac VHT20 802.11ac VHT20 802.11ac VHT40 802.11ac VHT40 802.11ac VHT80 802.11ac VHT80

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

MCS7

20M

MCS0

40M

MCS7

40M

OFDM 6Mbps

20M

OFDM 54Mbps 20M

MCS0

20M

MCS7

20M

MCS0

40M

MCS7

40M

MCS0

20M

MCS8

20M

MCS0

40M

MCS9

40M

MCS0

80M

MCS9

80M

15dBm±2dB 14dBm±2dB 14dBm±2dB 16dBm±2dB 8dBm±2dB 16dBm±2dB 10dBm±2dB 13dBm±2dB 8dBm±2dB 16dBm±2dB 8dBm±2dB 13dBm±2dB 8dBm±2dB 11dBm±2dB 8dBm±2dB

NOTE
The output power value is testing based on the standards of Mask and EVM.

2.4GHz 5GHz

Standard
802.11b 802.11b 802.11g 802.11g 802.11n HT20 802.11n HT20 802.11n HT40 802.11n HT40 802.11a

Speed
CCK 1Mbps CCK 11Mbps 6Mbps 54Mbps MCS0 MCS7 MCS0 MCS7 OFDM 6Mbps

Bandwidth
–20M 20M 20M 20M 40M 40M 20M

Receiving Sensitivity
< -89dBm < -79dBm < -85dBm < -68dBm < -85dBm < -67dBm < -82dBm < -64dBm < -85dBm

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802.11a 802.11n HT20 802.11n HT20 802.11n HT40 802.11n HT40 802.11ac VHT20 802.11ac VHT20 802.11ac VHT40 802.11ac VHT40 802.11ac VHT80 802.11ac VHT80

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

OFDM 54Mbps 20M

MCS0

20M

MCS7

20M

MCS0

40M

MCS7

40M

MCS0

20M

MCS8

20M

MCS0

40M

MCS9

40M

MCS0

80M

MCS9

80M

< -68dBm < -85dBm < -67dBm < -82dBm < -64dBm < -85dBm < -62dBm < -82dBm < -57dBm < -79dBm < -54dBm

4.2 BT Outline

SIM8918x series module supports the BT5.0. It supports multiple modes, including the GFSK, the 8-DPSK, and the /4-DQPSK. The performance indexes are showing as follows.

BT RF Feature

BLE Emission Power: 7dBm±2dB

Emission Feature
Mode Emission Power
Receiving Feature
Mode

DH5 10dBm±2dB
DH5

Receiving Sensitivity

< -90dBm

2DH5 8dBm±2dB
2DH5 < -90dBm

3DH5 8dBm±2dB
3DH5 < -80dBm

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

5 GNSS
SIM8918x series module supports multiple positioning systems, including the GPS, the GLONSS, and the BeiDou. LNA is a built-in component in the module to effectively enhance the receiving sensitivity of GNSS.
5.1 GNSS Outline

Paramater
CN0 Static Drift Sensitivity
TTFF

Status
CN Value CEP-50 Tracking Recapturing Cold Booting Cold Booting Warm Booting Hot Booting

Typical
44@-130dBm 5 -159 -156 -148
<35 <15 <5

Unit
dB/Hz m dBm dBm dBm s s s

5.2 GNSS RF & Antenna Design Guideline

The GNSS signal is a weak signal. If the antennas and the routings are not designed properly, it is easy to interfere with the GNSS signal, resulting in the decline of the GNSS receiving sensitivity, and even the GNSS positioning time. To avoid the negative effects, the following principles shall be observed in GNSS RF Design.
The isolation between the GNSS antenna and other antennas shall be at least 15dB. The GNSS RF signal lines and RF related components must be away from the high-speed signals,
the power switch signals, and other clock signals. The GNSS antenna must be away from the LCD screen, the camera, and other peripherals. The GNSS antenna shall be placed close to the top of the equipment as far as possible. Refer to chapter 6.4 for the GNSS antenna reference design.

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

6 Antenna Interface
SIM8918x series module has four antenna interfaces, including the MAIN antenna, the DRX antenna, the GNSS antenna, and the WIFI/BT antenna. To ensure the well RF performance of the products, the RF lines wiring through the antenna pin to the antenna interfaces must meet the following requirements.
Ensure the RF lines are wiring with the 50 impedance. The RF lines must have a complete stereo ground plane. The RF lines must away from the other interference sources, including the high-speed signals, the
clock signals, the sound sensing devices, and the motor, etc. The RF lines shall be as short as possible to avoid loss and interference.

6.1 MAIN Antenna & DRX Antenna

The MAIN antenna interface and the DRX antenna interface feature are showing as follows. MAIN Antenna & DRX Antenna Feature

PIN Name
ANT_MAIN ANT_DRX

PIN Num
87 131

I/O
AI/AO AI

Description
2G/3G/4G Main Antenna Interface 4G DRX Antenna Interface

Feature
50 Impedance 50 Impedance

6.1.1 Operating Frequency Band and Maximum power:

SIM8918x series module’s operating frequency bands are showing as follows.

Operating Frequency Band

Band
GSM850

Frequency
824-849MHz

GSM1900

1850-1910MHz

Maximum power Channel
33.0 dBm±0.5
29.0 dBm±0.5

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WCDMA B II WCDMA B V

1850-1910MHz

23.0dBm +1/-3

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

824-849MHz

22.5dBm +1/-3

WCDMA B IV

1710-1755 MHz

22.5dBm +1/-3

LTE B2 LTE B4 LTE B5 LTE B7 LTE B12

1850-1910 MHz 1710-1755 MHz

23.0dBm ±0.5 23.0dBm

824-849MHz

23.0dBm ±0.5

2500-2570MHz

23.0dBm ±0.5

699-716MHz

23.0dBm ±1.0

LTE B13 LTE B17

777-787MHz

23.0dBm ±0.5

704-716MHz

23.0dBm ±1.0

LTE B25

1850-1915MHz

23.0dBm

LTE B26

814-849MHz

23.0dBm ±1.5

LTE B38 LTE B41 LTE B66

2570-2620MHz 2496-2690MHz 1710-1780MHz

23.0dBm ±0.5 23.0dBm ±0.5 23.0dBm ±0.5

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LTE B71

663-698MHz

GNSS(BDS/ Galileo/ 1559~1610 MHz GLONASS/ GPS):

23.0dBm ±0.5 /

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual /

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6.1.2 RF Reference Design

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

SIM8918x series module’s MAIN antenna reference design is showing as follows.

GND ANT_TRX
GND
SIM8908x Module

RF Testing Interface

59

(Optional)

60

61

Antenna Matching Circuit

R1

C1

C2

MAIN Antenna

Figure 37: MAIN Antenna Reference Design
R1, C1, and C2 are the antenna matching components. All these three components are adjustable to match the efficient and effective communication quality based on the interface debugging result. Selecting R1 with 0R resistor by default, and reserved C1 and C2 with disconnection by default. Highly recommend reserved an RF testing interface to modify accurately and conveniently. Considering the low cost, recommend ensure 50 impedance for the RF lines and cancel the RF testing interface.
SIM8918x series module’s DRX antenna reference design is showing as follows.

GND ANT_DRX
GND
SIM8908x Module

RF Testing Interface

40

(Optional)

41

42

Antenna Matching Circuit

R1

C1

C2

DRX Antenna

Figure 38: DRX Antenna Reference Design R1, C1 and C2 are the antenna matching components. All these three components are adjustable to match the efficient and effective communication quality based on the interface debugging result. Selecting R1 with 0R resistor by default, and reserved C1 and C2 with disconnection by default. Highly recommend reserved an RF testing interface to modify accurately and conveniently. Considering the low cost, recommend ensure

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual 50 impedance for the RF lines and cancel the RF testing interface.

6.2 WIFI/BT Antenna Interface

SIM8918x series module’s WIFI/BT antenna interface feature is showing as follows. WIFI/BT Antenna Feature

PIN Name
ANT_WIFI/BT

PIN Num
77

I/O
AI/AO

Description
WIFI/BT Antenna Interface

Feature
50 Impedance

SIM8918x series module’s WIFI/BT operating frequency bands are showing as follows. WIFI/BT Operating Frequency Band and Maximum power

Type
802.11a/b/g/n/ac
BT 5.0

Frequency Band
2412MHz~2462 MHz 5150 MHz ~5825 MHz 2402 MHz ~2480 MHz

Maximum Power
16.0dBm ±0.5
10.5dBm ±1

SIM8918x series module’s WIFI/BT antenna reference design is showing as follows.

GND ANT_WIFI/BT
GND
SIM8908x Module

WIFI/BT Antenna

RF Testing Interface

1

(Optional)

Antenna Matching Circuit

2

R1

3

C1

C2

Figure 39: WIFI/BT Antenna Reference Design
In Figure 37, R1, C1 and C2 are the antenna matching components. All these three components are adjustable to match the efficient and effective communication quality based on the interface debugging result. Selecting R1 with 0R resistor by default, and reserved C1 and C2 with disconnection by default. Highly recommend reserved an RF testing interface to modify accurately and conveniently. Considering the

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual low cost, recommend ensure 50 impedance for the RF lines and cancel the RF testing interface.

6.3 GNSS Antenna Interface

SIM8918x series module’s GNSS antenna interface feature is showing as follows.

GNSS Antenna Feature

PIN Name
ANT_GNSS

PIN Num

I/O

Description

121 AI GNSS Antenna Interface

Feature
50 Impedance

SIM8918x series module’s GNSS operating frequency bands are showing as follows.

GNSS Operating Frequency Band

Type
GPS GLONASS BeiDou

Frequency Band
1575.42±1.023 1597.5~1605.8 1559.05 ­ 1563.14

Unit
MHz MHz MHz

6.3.1 GNSS Passive Antenna Reference Design

SIM8918x series module’s GNSS passive antenna reference design is showing as follows.

GND ANT_GNSS
GND
SIM8908x Module

RF Testing Interface

48

(Optional)

49

50

Antenna Matching Circuit

R1

C1

C2

GNSS Passive Antenna

Figure 40: GNSS Passive Antenna Reference Design

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
R1, C1 and C2 are the antenna matching components. All these three components are adjustable to match the efficient and effective communication quality based on the interface debugging result. Selecting R1 with 0R resistor by default, and reserved C1 and C2 with disconnection by default. Highly recommend reserved an RF testing interface to modify accurately and conveniently. Considering the low cost, recommend ensure 50 impedance for the RF lines and cancel the RF testing interface.

6.3.2 GNSS Active Antenna Reference Design
SIM8918x series module’s GNSS active antenna reference design is showing as follows.

GND ANT_GNSS
GND

RF Testing Interface (Optional)
48
49

SIM8908x Module

Attenuator

GNSS Active Antenna
C1
47nH 10ohm

VDD

Figure 41: GNSS Active Antenna Reference Design

In Figure 39, highly recommend reserved the attenuator, and the attenuation value is determined by the gain of the external active antenna. Generally speaking, the attenuation value and antenna gain of the attenuator meet the following formula.

Antenna Gain = Attenuation value + Cable Losses

VDD is using to for the active antenna’s power supply. The voltage value is determined by the antenna’s feature. C1 is using to isolate straight, and the default value is 33pF. Highly recommend reserved an RF testing interface to modify accurately and conveniently. Considering the low cost, recommend ensure 50 impedance for the RF lines and cancel the RF testing interface.

6.4 RF Signals PCB Wiring Guideline

Highly recommend the characteristic impedance of all RF signal lines shall be controlled at 50 when the

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
customers route their PCB. Generally, the impedance of RF signal lines is determined by the dielectric constant (ER), the wiring width (W), the ground clearance (S), the height of the reference ground plane (H), and other factors.
RF routing characteristic impedance control usually adopts the microstrip-slot line and the coplanar waveguide-slot line. The reference designs of 50 impedance are showing as follows.
Micro strip-slot Line Structure

Layer1 Prepreg
Layer2

2W

2W

H

W

Figure 42: Two Layers PCB Microstrip-slot Line Structure

Two Layers PCB Microstrip-slot Line Structure Impedance Control Feature

Thickness Er

1mm

4.2

1.6mm

4.2

Signal Thickness
0.035mm 0.035mm

Signal Layer Layer1 Layer1

Reference Layer Impedance Width

Layer2 Layer2

50 ohm 50 ohm

1.7mm67 mil 3mm118 mil

Coplanar Waveguide-slot Line

Layer1 Prepreg
Layer2

S

S

H

W

Figure 43: Two Layers PCB Coplanar Waveguide-slot Line Structure

Two Layers PCB Coplanar Waveguide-slot Line Structure Impedance Control Feature

Thickness Er

1mm

4.2

1.6mm

4.2

Signal Thickness Signal

0.035mm 0.035mm

Layer1 Layer1

Reference Impedance

Layer2 Layer2

50 ohm 50 ohm

S

W

0.65mm25.6 mil 0.2mm7.8 mil 0.65mm25.6 mil 0.15mm5.9 mil

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

Layer1 Prepreg
Layer2 Prepreg Layer3 Prepreg
Layer4

SW S H
2W W 2W

Figure 44: Four Layers PCB Coplanar Waveguide-slot Line Structure (Reference Layer Three)

Layer1 Prepreg
Layer2 Prepreg Layer3 Prepreg
Layer4

SW S H

2W

W

2W

Figure 45: Four Layers PCB Coplanar Waveguide-slot Line Structure (Reference Layer Four)

To ensure the well RF performance of the products, the RF lines wiring through the antenna pin to the antenna interfaces must meet the following requirements.
Ensure the RF lines are wiring with the 50 impedance. The RF lines must have a complete stereo ground plane. Add more ground holes around the RF signal lines and the reference ground to enhance the RF
performance. The RF lines must away from the other interference sources, including the high-speed signals, the
clock signals, the sound sensing devices, and the motor, etc. The RF lines shall be as short as possible to avoid loss and interference. The GND pin adjacent to the RF interface pin of the module is not subject to thermal pad treatment
and is in full contact with the ground. Avoid wiring crossing the whole PCB. Avoid the right-angle routing. Highly recommend wiring with a
circular arc or a 135-degree routing. Be aware of the distance between the components and the lower PCB ground, especially for the RF
connecting device package. Digging out the GND copper foil on the surface of the PCB below the connector if necessary. The distance between the ground hole and the signal line shall be at least 2 times the line
width(2*W).

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

6.5 Antenna Installation

6.5.1 GNSS Passive Antenna Reference Design

SIM8918x series module’s antenna interface installation requirements are showing as follows. Antenna Installation Requirements

Antenna
GSM/WCDMA/LTE
Wi-Fi/BT

Paramaters’ Requirements
Standing wave ratio: 2
Gain (dBi):
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850: 0.64 dBi GSM/GPRS/EDGE 1900: 2.12 dBi WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA Band II: 2.12 dBi WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA Band IV: 2.95 dBi WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA Band V: 0.64 dBi LTE FDD Band 2: 2.12 dBi LTE FDD Band 4: 2.95 dBi LTE FDD Band 5: 0.64 dBi LTE FDD Band 7: 2.90 dBi LTE FDD Band 12: 1.57 dBi LTE FDD Band 13: 2.23 dBi LTE FDD Band 17: 1.57 dBi LTE FDD Band 25: 1.87 dBi LTE FDD Band 26: 1.40 dBi LTE FDD Band 66: 2.95 dBi LTE FDD Band 71: 0.22 dBi LTE TDD Band 38: 1.64 dBi LTE TDD Band 41: 2.90 dBi Maximum Input Power (W): 50
Input Impedance (): 50
Polarization Type: Vertical
Insertion Loss: < 1dB
(GSM850/GSM1900, WCDMA B2/B4/B5,
LSTEtanBd2in/Bg4w/Ba5ve/Br7a/tBio1:2/B213/B38/B41)
(2.4G) Gain (dBi): 4.01
(5G) Gain (dBi): 4.32
Maximum Input Power (W): 50
Input Impedance (): 50
Polarization Type: Vertical

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GNSS

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual Frequency Range: 1559 – 1607MHz Polarization Type: Right-Handed Circular or Linear Polarization Standing wave ratio: < 2 (Typical) Passive Antenna Gain: > 0dBi Active Antenna Noise Coefficient: < 1.5dB (Typical) Active Antenna Gain: > -2dBi Active Antenna Integrated LNA Gain: <17dB (Typical) Active Antenna Total Gain: <17dBi (Typical)

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6.6 Safety Caution

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual

Safety Caution Marks

Requirements
When in a hospital or other health care facility, observe the restrictions about the use of mobiles. Switch the cellular terminal or mobile off, medical equipment may be sensitive and not operate normally due to RF energy interference.
Switch off the cellular terminal or mobile before boarding an aircraft. Make sure it is switched off. The operation of wireless appliances in an aircraft is forbidden to prevent interference with communication systems. Forgetting to think much of these instructions may impact the flight safety, or offend local legal action, or both. Do not operate the cellular terminal or mobile in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Switch off the cellular terminal when you are near petrol stations, fuel depots, chemical plants or where blasting operations are in progress. Operation of any electrical equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres can constitute a safety hazard. Your cellular terminal or mobile receives and transmits radio frequency energy while switched on. RF interference can occur if it is used close to TV sets, radios, computers or other electric equipment. Road safety comes first! Do not use a hand-held cellular terminal or mobile when driving a vehicle, unless it is securely mounted in a holder for hands free operation. Before making a call with a hand-held terminal or mobile, park the vehicle.

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SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
GSM cellular terminals or mobiles operate over radio frequency signals and cellular networks and cannot be guaranteed to connect in all conditions, especially with a mobile fee or an invalid SIM card. While you are in this condition and need emergent help, please remember to use emergency calls. In order to make or receive calls, the cellular terminal or mobile must be switched on and in a service area with adequate cellular signal strength. Some networks do not allow for emergency call if certain network services or phone features are in use (e.g. lock functions, fixed dialing etc.). You may have to deactivate those features before you can make an emergency call. Also, some networks require that a valid SIM card be properly inserted in the cellular terminal or mobile.
FCC Statement This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this devi ce may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including inte rference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s aut hority to operate the equipment. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installe d and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However , there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause har mful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, t he user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: · Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. · Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. · Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. · Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Important Note: Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Country Code selection feature to be disabled for products marketed to the US/Canada. This device is intended only for OEM integrators under the following conditions: 1. The antenna must be installed such that 20 cm is maintained between the antenna and users, and 2. The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or antenna, 3. For all products market in US, OEM has to limit the operation channels in CH1 to CH11 for 2.4G band by
supplied firmware programming tool. OEM shall not supply any tool or info to the end-user regarding to Regulatory Domain change. (if modular only test Channel 1-11) As long as the three conditions above are met, further transmitter testing will not be required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this module installed.
Important Note: In the event that these conditions cannot be met (for example certain laptop configurations or co-location with another transmitter), then the FCC authorization is no longer considered valid and the FCC ID cannot be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate FCC authorization.

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
End Product Labeling The final end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following” Contains FCC ID: 2AJYU-8XRA002 “.
Manual Information to the End User The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to install or remove this RF module in the user’s manual of the end product which integrates this module. The end user manual shall include all required regulatory information/warning as show in this manual.
ISED Statement – English: This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. The digital apparatus complies with Canadian CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B). – French: Le présentappareilestconforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitationestautorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produi re de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareildoit accepter tout brouillageradioélectriquesubi, mêmesi le brouillag eest susceptible d’encompromettre le fonctionnement. This radio transmitter (ISED certification number: 23761-8XRA002) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device. Le présent émetteur radio (ISED certification number: 23761-8XRA002) a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d’antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal. Les types d’antenne non inclus dans cette liste, et dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour l’exploitation de l’émetteur.
Antenna Type: External Antenna Antenna Gain: WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA Band II: 2.12 dBi WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA Band IV: 2.95 dBi WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA Band V: 0.64 dBi LTE FDD Band 2: 2.12 dBi LTE FDD Band 4: 2.95 dBi LTE FDD Band 5: 0.64 dBi LTE FDD Band 7: 2.90 dBi LTE FDD Band 12: 1.57 dBi LTE FDD Band 13: 2.23 dBi LTE FDD Band 17: 1.57 dBi LTE FDD Band 25: 1.87 dBi LTE FDD Band 26: 1.40 dBi LTE TDD Band 41: 2.90 dBi LTE FDD Band 66: 2.95 dBi LTE FDD Band 71: 0.22 dBi WLAN 2.4G&Bluetooth: 4.53dBi WLAN 5G: 4.66dBi
Radiation Exposure Statement This equipment complies with Canada radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
Déclaration d’exposition aux radiations Cet équipement est conforme Canada limites d’exposition aux radiations dans un environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé à distance minimum de 20cm entre le radiateur et votre corps.
This device is intended only for OEM integrators under the following condition: The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or antenna. As long as the condition above is met, further transmitter test will not be required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this module installed. Cet appareil est conçu uniquement pour les intégrateurs OEM dans les conditions suivantes: Le module émetteur peut ne pas être coïmplanté avec un autre émetteur ou antenne. Tant que les 1 condition ci-dessus sont remplies, des essais supplémentaires sur l’émetteur ne seront pas nécessaires. Toutefois, l’intégrateur OEM est toujours responsable des essais sur son produit final pour toutes exigences de conformité supplémentaires requis pour ce module installé.
Important Note: In the event that these conditions cannot be met (for example certain laptop configurations or co-location with another transmitter), then the Canada authorization is no longer considered valid and the IC cannot be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate Canada authorization. Note Importante: Dans le cas où ces conditions ne peuvent être satisfaites (par exemple pour certaines configurations d’ordinateur portable ou de certaines co-localisation avec un autre émetteur), l’autorisation du Canada n’est plus considéré comme valide et l’ IC ne peut pas être utilisé sur le produit final. Dans ces circonstances, l’intégrateur OEM sera chargé de réévaluer le produit final (y compris l’émetteur) et l’obtention d’une autorisation distincte au Canada. End Product Labeling
The final end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following: Contains IC: 23761-8XRA002. Plaque signalétique du produit final Le produit final doit être étiqueté dans un endroit visible avec l’inscription suivante: Contient des IC: 237618XRA002
Manual Information to the End User The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to install or remove this RF module in the user’s manual of the end product which integrates this module. The end user manual shall include all required regulatory information/warning as show in this manual. Manuel d’information à l’utilisateur final L’intégrateur OEM doit être conscient de ne pas fournir des informations à l’utilisateur final quant à la façon d’installer ou de supprimer ce module RF dans le manuel de l’utilisateur du produit final qui intègre ce module. Le manuel de l’utilisateur final doit inclure toutes les informations réglementaires requises et avertissements comme indiqué dans ce manuel.
Caution: (i) The device for operation in the band 5150­5250 MHz is only for indoor use to reduce the potential for
harmful interference to co-channel mobile satellite systems; (ii) (ii) For devices with detachable antenna(s), the maximum antenna gain permitted for devices in the bands
5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz shall be such that the equipment still complies with the EIRP limit; (iii) (iii) For devices with detachable antenna(s), the maximum antenna gain permitted for devices in the band
5725-5850 MHz shall be such that the equipment still complies with the EIRP limits specified for point-topoint and non-point-to-point operation as appropriate; and Operations in the 5.25-5.35GHz band are restricted to indoor usage only. In addition, for the frequency band 5600-5650MHz of Canadian weather radar work, the equipment is limited by software to limit the work of this frequency band, and the user can not independently change.

SIM8918EA_SIM8918NA_User Manual
Avertissement: (i) les dispositifs fonctionnant dans la bande de 5150 à 5250MHz sont réservés uniquement pour une
utilisation à l’intérieur afin de réduire les risques de brouillage préjudiciable aux systèmes de satellites mobiles utilisant les mêmes canaux; (ii) pour les dispositifs munis d’antennes amovibles, le gain maximal d’antenne permis pour les dispositifs utilisant les bandes de 5250 à 5350MHz et de 5470 à 5725 MHz doit être conforme à la limite de la p.i.r.e; (iii) pour les dispositifs munis d’antennes amovibles, le gain maximal d’antenne permis (pour les dispositifs utilisant la bande de 5725 à 5850 MHz) doit être conforme à la limite de la p.i.r.e. spécifiée pour l’exploitation point à point et l’exploitation non point à point, selon le cas; Les opérations dans la bande de 5.25-5.35GHz sont limités à un usage intérieur seulement.

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Documents / Resources

SIMcom SIM8918NA LTE Wireless Data Module [pdf] User Manual SIM8918NA LTE Wireless Data Module, SIM8918NA, LTE Wireless Data Module, Wireless Data Module, Data Module

References

• User Manual