Difference between SIM800 and SIM900 GSM modules

Difference between SIM800 and SIM900 GSM modules

SIM900 was discontinued, SIM800 is a product developed by SIMCOM to replace SIM900, and it’s also the most mature and stable GSM module.

Today this article would introduce the differences between SIM900 and SIM800 from hardware and AT Command. 

1.Hardware

The differences for hardware design?

1)For SIM800 and SIM800C, the operating voltage range for modem is 3.4V to 4.4V. （Reduce range）

2)The operating voltage range for SIM900 and SIM900A is 3.2V to 4.8V.

3)SIM800 has a PIN connect to Bluetooth antenna.4)Despite these differences, the hardware design is almost identical. If the power supply is within the range of 3.4V to 4.4V, the same hardware circuit can be used for SIM IC.

SIM800 VS SIM900 ON PIN Definition （difference）

PIN NO.	SIM800	SIM900
2	GND	NC
6	PCM_OUT	NC
23	KPLED	NC
24	VBUS	NC
27	USB_DP	DBG_TXD
28	USB_DM	DBG_RXD
53	ANT_BT	GND

SIM800 VS SIM900 Difference

Difference	SIM800	SIM900
BT FUNCTION	SUPPORT	NOT SUPPORT
PCM/SPI/SD INFERFACE	ALL SUPPORT	SUPPORT SPI ONLY
PWM	1 PWM	2 PWMs
INTERRUPT FUNCTION	SOME GPIO	ALL GPIO
USB INTERFACE	SUPPORT	NOT SUPPORT
DEBUG PORT	USB	DEBUG_TXD/DBG_RXD
KEYPAD	5*5*2	4*5
RF SYNC	SUPPORT（220uS）	NOT SUPPORT

SIM800 VS SIM900 Difference

Difference	SIM800	SIM900
POWER SUPPLY	3.4~4.4V	3.2~4.8V
PWRKEY VOLTAGE DOMAIN	VBAT	3V
VRTC INPUT VOLTAGE	1~2.8V	2~3.15V
VDD_EXT OUTPUT CURRENT	50mA	10mA
KPLED	100mA	NOT SUPPORT
PWRKEY ACTIVE VOLTAGE	<1.7V	<0.42V
VIH	2.1<VIH<3.1	2.4<VIH
VIL	-0.3<VIL<0.7	VIL<0.4
VOH	>2.4V	>2.7V
VOL	<0.4V	<0.1V

2.AT Command

AT command is 99 percent same.

Notable difference is that the SIM800 module has support for Blutooth. So the AT command is extended for Bluetooth/FM functionality.

Similarities in AT commands

Functionality	SIM800	SIM900
Call a number	ATD<phoneNumber>;	ATD<phoneNumber>;
Hang up a call	ATH	ATH
Message send	AT+CMGS=”<phoneNumber>”	AT+CMGS=”<phoneNumber>”
Message read	AT+CMGR=1	AT+CMGR=1
Message delete	AT+CMGD=1	AT+CMGD=1

This means most of the Arduino Libraries newer mind using SIM800 or SIM900 based GSM module.

Why switch to SIM800?

1. SIM900 was phased out, SIM800 can replace SIM900.
2. SIM800 has better signal reception.
3. SIM800 has more features, such as Bluetooth 3.0.
4. SIM800 is more cheaper than SIM900.
5. SIMCOM won’t publish firmware update for SIM900.

Where to buy modules?

–Free Create is located in Hong Kong, China. It’s a distributor for M2M modules. Since it establishment, it’s engaged in proving GSM/GPRS/EDGE,

WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+, CDMA 1xRTT/EV-DO, FDD/TDD-LTE, eMTC(CAT-M1), NB-IOT wireless cellular communication, GPS/GLONASS/BEIDOU satellite positioning and other technical platforms.

About the detail difference in hardware design, pls refer to “SIM800_Hardware Design” and “SIM800F_SIM900_Hardware_Comparison“.

About the detail difference in AT Command, pls refer to “SIM800_ATC_Command_V1.10” and“SIM800F_SIM900_ATC_Comparison_V1.00“, or search it on SIMCOM official website.

• We will analyze the differences about SIM800 series modules（SIM800, SIM800C, SIM800L, SIM800F）next article, if you have any questions pls contact us directly.

• Skype: live:1034802111
• Email: adeline@hkfreecreate.com

Original link 》》》HKFreeCreate