Svet Črnil

Description

Mobile connection and location for connected devices

The machine, measuring station or development system often needs a connection even where there is no network cable. SIM7600E-H combines 4G LTE mobile communication and GNSS satellite positioning. It is intended for telemetry, industrial automation, remote device monitoring and the development of IoT solutions. In the offer we mark it with the correct order of the SIM7600E-H mark; in the search you can also find the SIM7600HE record.

In the Council of Blacks we can help you plan what data the device will send, how often and how it will work when the connection is disconnected. Modem is the communication part of the system. Measurements, process control, user interface and data storage must be integrated into a meaningful whole that corresponds to your specific device.

Features of the European version SIM7600E-H

• Modem manufacturer: SIMCom; SIM7600-H family.
• Mobile standard LTE Cat-4; theoretical speed up to 150 Mbps at reception and up to 50 Mbps at broadcast.
• The E-H version supports LTE FDD bands B1, B3, B5, B7, B8 and B20 and LTE TDD B38, B40 and B41.
• Support for additional network modes depends on the version of the module and the availability of the operator network.
• Integrated GNSS support for satellite positioning, including GPS.
• The family has support for communication via USB and UART and managing AT commands.
• Development documentation and drivers are available from the manufacturer.

The maximum speed given is the property of the standard and module, not the guaranteed speed at your location. The actual transmission depends on the signal, antenna, operator, network load, data package and connection between modem and controller. In telemetry, reliable transmission of small messages is often more important than maximum transmission of a large file.

LTE data transmission and GNSS are different tasks

A mobile connection allows data sharing with a server or other service. To use the mobile data network, you need an active SIM card, a data package and the correct operator settings. GNSS provides position information from satellite signals. The device can process the position locally and then send it through a mobile connection.

For a stationary measuring station, you may need a position only when installed and a data connection at all times. For a mobile device, you can monitor both. It is also good to determine how the application marks an old or invalid position information. The last known position is not necessarily the current position of the device.

Inclusion in industrial automation

Typical use is sending working conditions, counters, measurements or service notices from a remote device. First, prepare a list of data and determine who uses them. The operator may be interested in the current state of play, the service needs a description of the malfunction, and production analysis is about time records. One common communication channel may support different tasks, provided that messages and processing rules are clearly defined.

When designing, separate local control from online review. The interrupted mobile connection must not accidentally change the authorised machine operating mode. What should the device do in case of failure, determine according to the process. The application may store prepared messages locally, submit them after the connection has been restored and indicate which records have already been accepted.

Specify a unique label and time for each event. This reduces the possibility of a re-sent message causing a double record or duplicated action. In the case of remote commands, the receiver should check the validity and permissible condition of the device. Mobile modem does not in itself solve application logic or permit management.

Connect to Development Tile or Computer

SIM7600E-H is used in various machine applications: as a basic module or built into a support or development plate. Power input, connection design, signal converters and package equipment are properties of concrete tiles. Therefore, we must not automatically conclude from the modem label 40-polni HAT connection, two SIM slots or supplied power supply.

Check the delivered performance scheme before connecting. The power output voltage of the power supply shall correspond to its input and the supply connection shall withstand the predicted current peaks of the modem. USB connection and UART serial connection have different requirements. In the case of a serial connection, do not equate the power supply to the signal voltage of each connector.

If you include modem in the project with ESP32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi or other computer, start with the simplest communication test. First check modem response, then SIM status and registration on the network, then open the data link. This avoids simultaneously finding faults in power supply, cable and program.

First start and test on location

1. Check the entire modem label and plate execution and prepare the appropriate power supply.
2. Connect the correct antennas to the marked connectors and place them in such a way that they are not enclosed in a metal housing.
3. Insert an appropriate SIM card and check its activity and PIN settings.
4. Establish communication with modem and check its response and status of network registration.
5. Set the APN according to the operator’s instructions and perform a small data transfer.
6. Separately check the GNSS and the validity of the position received if the project uses it.
7. Try signal loss, reboot and restore data connection.

Test at the end-use site. A good signal from the office computer doesn't confirm the operation in a metal cabinet or other facility. Record the antenna used, location of the installation and system response. If the problem is repeated, such a record makes it considerably easier to eliminate the cause.

Development example: Remote inspection station

Imagine a device that periodically saves the measurement and sends it to the server by time tag. The controller prepares data, modem provides connection, and the server provides display and archive. During connection failure, the device shall keep a limited series of pending records. After reconnection, they are delivered and clearly indicated the time of occurrence of the measurement, not just the time of transmission.

Such a development example shows why it is worth setting operating rules first. How much data can a device store? When is the measurement obsolete? What does the server display if it does not respond? The responses form your program and allow for an understandable test of the whole system. Modem is a useful communication building block.

Documentation and support Svet Črnil

Family technical data and version table can be found at: official site of SIMCom SIM7600X-H. To develop, use the AT command manual and hardware documentation corresponding to the label and version of your module. E-H, CE and other regional performances should not be considered automatically interchangeable.

Photo shows the communication core of the family SIM7600-H and is a modem reference; does not represent a list of attached antennas or accessories. At the Board of Blacks in Ljubljana, let us know on which modem controller you will connect and what data you want to download. So we can coordinate the connection, equipment and scope of development assistance before ordering.