GSM GPRS SIM808 Module SMS Chip Development Board
GSM GPRS SIM808 Module SMS Chip Development Board
GSM GPRS SIM808 Module SMS Chip Development Board
The SIM808 is a compact quad-band GSM/GPRS module with integrated GPS functionality, enabling developers to add cellular communication and location tracking capabilities to embedded systems and IoT applications. Professional engineers, IoT developers, and embedded systems designers use this module to build remote monitoring systems, vehicle tracking solutions, and SMS-based alert systems that require reliable 2G connectivity and real-time positioning. This module solves the critical challenge of adding wireless communication and geolocation to microcontroller-based projects without requiring complex cellular infrastructure integration.
Product Overview
The SIM808 module operates on quad-band GSM frequencies (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and supports GPRS data transmission at speeds up to 85.6 kbps, making it ideal for applications requiring intermittent data connectivity and SMS messaging. The module integrates a complete GPS receiver with AGPS support, allowing accurate location tracking with typical accuracy of 5-10 meters. It communicates with microcontrollers via UART serial interface using standard AT commands, simplifying integration into Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and PIC-based projects. The development board includes a SIM card slot, antenna connectors, power management circuitry, and breakout pins for easy prototyping without soldering surface-mount components.
What distinguishes the SIM808 is its dual functionality combining cellular communication with satellite positioning in a single module, eliminating the need for separate GPS and GSM modules. The module features low power consumption modes suitable for battery-powered applications, with standby current as low as 2.8mA and active transmission current around 500mA. The development board variant includes voltage regulation circuits to operate from standard 5V or 3.7V power sources, integrated LED indicators for network status and GPS lock detection, and protective circuitry against voltage spikes and reverse polarity. This makes it production-ready for prototyping and small-batch manufacturing without additional shield design.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | GSM GPRS GPS Module Development Board |
| Module Model | SIM808 |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| GSM Bands | 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad-band) |
| GPRS Speed | Up to 85.6 kbps (Class 10) |
| GPS Accuracy | 5-10 meters (with AGPS) |
| Communication Interface | UART (TTL level, 9600-115200 baud) |
| Power Supply | 3.7V-5V DC with onboard regulator |
| Dimensions | 24mm x 24mm x 3.5mm (module), Board varies |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
Key Features
- Quad-band GSM/GPRS connectivity enabling SMS transmission and data communication across all major cellular networks in India and globally
- Integrated GPS receiver with AGPS support providing real-time location tracking without requiring separate positioning modules
- UART serial interface with standard AT command set ensuring compatibility with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other microcontroller platforms
- Low power consumption with multiple sleep modes (2.8mA standby) extending battery life in portable and remote monitoring applications
- Development board includes voltage regulation, SIM slot, antenna connectors, and status LEDs eliminating need for additional circuit design
- Dual SIM socket support on some variants allowing network failover and cost optimization through multiple carrier selection
Applications and Use Cases
- Vehicle tracking and fleet management systems using GPS location combined with GPRS data upload to cloud servers for real-time monitoring and route optimization
- Remote environmental monitoring stations transmitting sensor data via GPRS and receiving configuration commands via SMS from central control systems
- IoT-based alarm and alert systems sending SMS notifications for security breaches, equipment failures, or threshold violations in industrial facilities
- Smart agriculture solutions tracking water pump locations, soil moisture levels, and sending SMS alerts to farmers for irrigation scheduling and equipment maintenance
- Asset tracking and anti-theft systems for valuable equipment using GPS positioning with SMS confirmation of location coordinates at regular intervals
- Emergency response systems in remote areas where GPS coordinates are transmitted via SMS to rescue services when connectivity is limited
How to Use
Connect the SIM808 development board to your microcontroller via UART pins (TX/RX), ensuring proper voltage level matching if using 5V logic. Insert an active GSM SIM card into the SIM slot, connect a compatible GSM antenna to the antenna connector, and provide 3.7V-5V power through the onboard power pins. Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud rate and send AT commands to configure the module: AT+CPIN? verifies SIM card status, AT+CREG? checks network registration, and AT+CGPSINFO retrieves GPS coordinates. For SMS functionality, use AT+CMGF=1 to set text mode and AT+CMGS="phonenumber" to send messages. For GPRS data transmission, configure APN settings using AT+SAPBR commands and establish HTTP connections for cloud data upload.
When implementing GPS functionality, allow 30-60 seconds for initial satellite acquisition (cold start) and use AGPS for faster subsequent fixes. Monitor the GPS status indicator LED on the development board to confirm satellite lock before reading coordinates. For production applications, implement error handling for network timeouts, implement AT command retry logic with exponential backoff, and use the module's built-in watchdog timer to recover from communication hangs. Power management is critical for battery-operated deployments: use AT+CSCLK=1 to enable sleep mode during idle periods, reducing current consumption to 2.8mA, and wake the module via RTS pin when data transmission is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SIM808 and SIM900 modules?
The SIM808 integrates GPS positioning capability within the same module, while SIM900 is GSM/GPRS only and requires a separate GPS module for location tracking. SIM808 operates at lower power consumption and is more suitable for compact IoT applications requiring both communication and positioning. SIM900 offers slightly better GPRS performance but lacks integrated positioning, making it better suited for applications requiring only cellular connectivity without location tracking.
Can I use this module with Arduino and what libraries are required?
Yes, the SIM808 is fully compatible with Arduino boards. Use the SoftwareSerial library for UART communication on Arduino Uno/Nano, or hardware Serial on Arduino Mega. Popular libraries include TinyGSM for simplified AT command handling and DFRobot's SIM808 library for direct GPS and SMS functions. Connect TX pin to Arduino RX and RX pin through a voltage divider (5V to 3.3V) to Arduino TX. Ensure adequate power supply as the module draws up to 500mA during transmission, requiring a dedicated 2A power supply rather than Arduino's onboard regulator.
What SIM card plans work best with the SIM808 module?
Any standard GSM SIM card works with SIM808, but choose plans optimized for IoT usage with low-cost data and SMS bundles. In India, Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone offer IoT-specific plans with unlimited SMS and affordable data rates. Avoid plans with automatic data activation or premium services as the module uses basic 2G GPRS which may incur higher charges than 4G plans. Ensure the SIM card has GPRS enabled and verify with your provider that 2G services are still active in your region, as some areas have begun 2G sunset processes.
How accurate is the GPS positioning on the SIM808?
GPS accuracy typically ranges from 5-10 meters under open sky conditions with clear satellite visibility. Accuracy improves significantly with AGPS (Assisted GPS) enabled, which downloads satellite orbit data via GPRS, reducing time to first fix from 60+ seconds to 10-15 seconds. In urban canyons, dense vegetation, or indoors, accuracy degrades to 15-50 meters or becomes unavailable. For critical applications requiring meter-level accuracy, consider augmenting with RTK-GPS modules, but for general tracking and geofencing applications, SIM808's accuracy is sufficient.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
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- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
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