GPRS GSM SIM900 Arduino Shield – Quad-Band 2G GSM/GPRS Module with UART, SMS & Voice Call

The SIM900 Arduino Shield is designed to add traditional cellular communication capabilities to Arduino-compatible microcontroller projects. It uses the SIM900 GSM/GPRS modem and communicates through serial AT commands, allowing a controller to issue commands and receive responses from the cellular modem.

The quad-band modem supports 850/900/1800/1900MHz GSM frequencies and provides functionality for SMS, voice communication, and GPRS data. SIMCom documents UART, analog audio, SIM-card connectivity, GPIO, and AT-command control as core interfaces/functions of its GSM/GPRS modem family.

The shield is particularly useful for projects that need communication without Wi-Fi or a local network, provided a compatible 2G GSM service is available. Since network availability varies by country and operator, users should confirm that their SIM card and mobile network still support the required 2G service before deployment.

Features

• SIMCom SIM900 GSM/GPRS modem
• Quad-band GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz
• 2G GSM and GPRS communication
• SMS sending and receiving
• Voice call support
• UART serial communication
• AT command control
• Arduino shield-style form factor
• D7/D8 serial configuration for SoftwareSerial applications
• Full-size SIM card socket
• 3.5mm microphone and speaker/audio connections
• U.FL and SMA antenna connection provisions
• Onboard network status indication
• Suitable for remote cellular communication projects

Applications

• Remote monitoring systems
• SMS-based alarm systems
• Industrial automation
• Agricultural monitoring
• Remote environmental data logging
• Cellular telemetry
• Asset monitoring
• Smart vending systems
• Remote security systems
• Arduino-based GSM projects
• GPRS-based IoT prototypes
• Cellular robotics and remote-control projects

How to Use

1. Insert a compatible GSM SIM card into the SIM socket.
2. Connect a suitable GSM antenna before attempting network communication.
3. Configure the shield's serial interface according to your Arduino or microcontroller setup.
4. If using SoftwareSerial, configure the appropriate D7/D8 pins according to the board's jumper/settings.
5. Connect the shield to a suitable external power source capable of handling cellular transmission current demands.
6. Connect the UART interface to the Arduino or other microcontroller.
7. Open a serial terminal or Arduino program and communicate with the SIM900 using AT commands.
8. Check network registration before attempting SMS, voice, or GPRS operations.
9. For GPRS applications, configure the appropriate operator APN and establish the required data connection.

Important Notes

• This shield is designed for 2G GSM/GPRS networks. Verify 2G availability with your mobile operator before purchasing or deploying it.
• Cellular transmission can produce high instantaneous current demand. Do not assume an Arduino USB port can reliably power the shield during GSM operation.
• Use a suitable regulated external power supply appropriate for the specific shield revision.
• Connect the antenna before using the cellular transmitter.
• Make sure the SIM card is active and compatible with the supported GSM network.
• UART jumper settings must match the serial pins used by your software.
• D7/D8 configuration is board-dependent; verify the actual jumper arrangement before programming.
• Keep the antenna and RF section away from sensitive analog circuitry where practical.
• Product images, PCB layout, connector type, and component brands may vary with stock.
• Actual dimensions and weight may vary slightly due to manufacturing tolerances.
• GPRS performance depends on network coverage and operator service availability.

Package Includes

• 1 × GPRS GSM SIM900 Arduino Shield Board

Documentation

1. Visit Lastminuteengineers blog for Send Receive SMS & Call with SIM900 GSM Shield & Arduino

Schematic of this Shield