Technical Details

This section introduces the concepts and terms that are crucial for the understanding, implementation and use of Base HAT.

Product name and Model name: 3G/4G & LTE Base HAT - S121
Rated input voltage(V): 5V DC
Rated input current(A): 3.0A
Max. operating and storage temperature: -25°C to 70°C
Product specification: Cellular Modem - Smart Card Carrier Board
Use method of product: Data transmission over mobile broadband

Precautions or Warning

The Sixfab Base HAT contains highly sensitive electronic circuitry and is an Electrostatic Sensitive Device (ESD). Handling the board or modems without proper ESD protection may destroy or damage it permanently. Proper ESD handling and packaging procedures must be applied throughout the processing, handling and operation of any application that incorporates the board. ESD precautions should be implemented on the single-board computer where the Base HAT is stacked. Failure to observe these precautions can result in severe damage to the module!

Pinout

Pinout image alt

Pin Descriptions

Pin NumberBCM PinPin NameDescription
8UART_TXPCI RXThis pin functions as the serial data input to the module for UART communication. Disconnected by default.
10UART_RXPCI TXThis pin functions as the serial data output from the module for UART communication. Disconnected by default.
13GPIO27USER LEDActive HIGH, to switch on the USER LED, the pin's state should be HIGH.
15GPIO22USER BUTTONThis pin normally pulled-down to ground. When the button is pressed, pin switches to HIGH.
31GPIO6RIThis pin is Ring indicator functions as the indication for receiving call or SMS, can be calibrated to HIGH or LOW using the AT commands.
33GPIO13DTRWhen the module is in sleep mode, DTR pin allows to wake the module up by pulling it to LOW.
35GPIO19W_DISABLEThis pin is used to turn Airplane Mode on the module, by pulling it HIGH.
37GPIO26HAT_PWR_OFFPower regulator control. Normally pulled-down, when this pin drove to HIGH, Hat's power will cut off.

Layout

Layout image alt

Compatible Mini PCIe Modules

ManufacturerModule
QuectelEC25, LTE-EP06, EC21 , EC20 Mini PCIe LTE IoT Module, UC20 , LTE-EP06
TelitLM960, LE910V2, HE910,LE910C1, LE910C4, and more
ThalesPLS62W, mPLS8, mPLAS9
SierraAirPrime MC Series
HuaweiME909s-120, ME909s-821, and more
SimcomSIM7100, SIM7230, and more
ZTEZM8620, and more
U-BloxMPCI-L2 Series

Use of different mini PCIe modules with Base HAT

If one is looking to use different mini PCIe modules other than the ones mentioned above, it should be compared with the pinout of mini PCIe below. The following mentioned pins are connected to the Base HAT. The minimum requirement is to match VCC_3V3, GND, USIM_VDD, USIM _DATA, USIM_CLK, USIM_RST, USB_DM & USB_DP

Compatible module alt

Compatible Boards

  1. Raspberry Pi 4, 3, 2, B+, A+, Zero i.e. RPi which contains 40W GPIO header.
  2. Asus Tinker Board
  3. Rock 64*
  4. Orange Pi*
  5. Samsung ARTIK’s Eagleye board*
  6. Latte Panda

📖 Note 1

The Base HAT doesn't need or has a driver. Rather The host computer(such as RPi, Asus Tinker Board) needs the driver of the compatible module that will be used with the Base HAT. For example, if you are using Quectel's EC25 with the Base HAT, then your host device should have the driver for Quectel EC25. Nowadays, most of the Linux kernel comes with the required drivers installed as a result the modules are recognized.

📖 Note 2

These compatibility list created by assuming you’ve connected the Base HAT to the device via USB. UART communication can be work with every device in the list easily which has 3.3V level UART port.

❗️ Warning

For the best working condition, power the Raspberry Pi with a minimum 2 Amps 5V adapter while using the Base HAT attached. We don’t recommend the usage of long and low-quality micro USB cables between Base Shield and Raspberry Pi. It causes data and power loss. Thus, the cable included the package works greatly.

Dimension

Dimension image alt

LEDs

  • PWR LED: When the module is powered up, this RED led turns on
  • SGNL LED: This BLUE led indicates the status of the connection. When the connection is established and data is being transmitted/received, this led will blink at special intervals. Otherwise, if there is no connection, the led will remain off.
  • USER LED: It is a programmable user-led can be controlled from the GPIO27 of Raspberry Pi for debugging or just fun.

Buttons

  • User Button: It is a programmable user button that is connected to GPIO22. Reads HIGH by default.

Solder Jumper(SJ)

When you observe the HAT, you will come across some solder Jumpers marked as SJx (SJ1, SJ2, SJ3, etc). These solder jumpers are either connected or disconnected by default. These can be used to enable or disable the default use case. These SJ are provided for the cases where the specific GPIO are conflicting with the users requirement. Disconnecting the jumpers may lead to loss in some programmable feature. For instance, Cutting the SJ4 trace which is RI, Ring Indicator used as indication for call or SMS cannot be used.

Disconnecting: Cut the narrow trace between the middle of these solder jumper with a utility knife.
Connecting/Reconnecting: Solder the jumper to connect the traces.

The SJ details of the HAT(v1.0.0) are mentioned below.
Solder JumperCorresponding GPIODefault StatePurposeAffect of changing the default state
SJ1GPIO26CONNECTEDCut to disconnect from HAT_PWR_OFF.Cannot control the power of the HAT.
SJ2GPIO19CONNECTEDCut to disconnect from W_DISABLE.Cannot disable Wireless communication.
SJ3GPIO13CONNECTEDCut to disconnect DTR pin from GPIO.Cannot use for sleep mode control.
SJ4GPIO6CONNECTEDCut to disconnect RI pin from GPIO.Cannot read the Ring indicator.
SJ5GPIO22CONNECTEDCut to disconnect USER BUTTONCannot use User Button.
SJ6GPIO27CONNECTEDCut to disconnect USER LEDCannot use User Led.
SJ7RXDNOT CONNECTEDSolder to connect RX of module. Used to communicate over UART.-
SJ8TXDNOT CONNECTEDSolder to connect TX of module. Used to communicate over UART.-

USB vs UART

With Quectel mini PCIe modules, the Base HAT can be used via USB or UART. Using USB is recommended since the speed slows down via UART.
UART of the HAT is disconnected by default. In order to use the UART, the SJ7 and SJ8 needs to be soldered.
The Telit module cannot be used via UART with Base HAT. The UART will work with modules where the RX TX are at PCIe pin 11 & 13.

🔍 Info

To use the UART follow the steps mentioned in the UART Configuration guide.