SIM5320 3G WCDMA/HSDPA Module

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Overview
About SIM5320 3G WCDMA/HSDPA Module
The SIM5320 is a dual-band HSDPA/WCDMA and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE module designed for high-speed data communication in applications such as smartphones, industrial handhelds, M2M communication, and vehicle tracking. It supports HSDPA with downlink speeds up to 3.6 Mbps, ensuring robust and reliable connectivity.
⚡ Key Features
- 3G HSDPA/WCDMA Support – Delivers downlink speeds up to 3.6 Mbps.
- Quad-Band GSM Compatibility – Works with 850/900/1800/1900MHz networks.
- Versatile Applications – Ideal for M2M, IoT, and vehicle tracking.
- Reliable Cellular Communication – Ensures stable and high-speed data transfer.
🔗 Still choosing a SIM module? Check the ESP32 SIM Modules Comparison Table for a breakdown of LTE, 3G, and GPRS options. 🚀
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SIM5320 Specifications
Complete technical specification details for SIM5320 3G WCDMA/HSDPA Module
📊 Technical Parameters
SIM5320 Pinout
The SIM5320 pinout includes power, UART communication, control, status indication, antenna connections for WCDMA/GSM and GPS, and SIM card interface pins.
Visual Pinout Diagram

Pin Types
Quick Tips
HSDPA/WCDMA module with downlink speeds up to 3.6 Mbps,Quad-band GSM compatibility: 850/900/1800/1900MHz
GPS functionality with dedicated antenna connection,Requires SIM card for cellular connectivity
consumption: 2A peak during transmission,Default baud rate: 115200 bps (configurable via AT commands)
Pin Descriptions
| Pin Name | Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
1 VBAT | Power | Power supply input (3.3V to 4.2V) | Requires stable power supply with peak current up to 2A |
2 GND | Ground | Ground connection | Connect to common ground |
3 TXD | UART TX | UART Transmit Data (connects to microcontroller RX) | Default baud rate: 115200 bps |
4 RXD | UART RX | UART Receive Data (connects to microcontroller TX) | Default baud rate: 115200 bps |
5 PWRKEY | Control | Power on/off control (active low) | Pull low for at least 1 second to power on |
6 NETLIGHT | Status | Network status indication | LED indicator for network registration status |
7 STATUS | Status | Module operating status indication | Shows module power state |
8 ANT_MAIN | Antenna | Main antenna connection for WCDMA/GSM | Requires external 3G/GSM antenna |
9 ANT_GPS | Antenna | Antenna connection for GPS | Requires external GPS antenna for location services |
Wiring SIM5320 to ESP32
Connect the SIM5320 to your ESP32 via UART for AT command communication. The module requires a stable 3.3V-4.2V power supply with sufficient current capacity (peak 2A). External antennas are required for WCDMA/GSM and GPS functionality.
Visual Wiring Diagram

Connection Status
Protocol
Pin Connections
| SIM5320 Pin | Connection | ESP32 Pin | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
1 VBAT Required | 3.3V-4.2V Power Supply | Provide stable power (NOT from ESP32 pin) | |
2 GND Required | GND | Common ground connection | |
3 TXD Required | GPIO16 (RX2) | SIM5320 TX to ESP32 RX | |
4 RXD Required | GPIO17 (TX2) | SIM5320 RX to ESP32 TX | |
5 PWRKEY Optional | GPIO4 | Power control (pull low to power on) | |
6 ANT_MAIN Required | External 3G/GSM Antenna | Connect WCDMA/GSM antenna | |
7 ANT_GPS Optional | External GPS Antenna | Connect GPS antenna (optional) |
CRITICAL: Use a dedicated power supply (3.3V-4.2V, 2A peak) - DO NOT power from ESP32 pin!
UART baud rate is 115200 bps
logic level shifters if ESP32 operates at 5V (though ESP32 is 3.3V)
3G/GSM antenna is mandatory for network connectivity
antenna is optional but required for location services
PWRKEY low for at least 1 second to power on the module
NETLIGHT pin for network registration status
active SIM card before powering on
good antenna placement for optimal signal reception
SIM5320 Troubleshooting
Common issues and solutions to help you get your sensor working
Common Issues
Issue: The SIM5320 module does not power up or respond to commands.
Possible causes include insufficient power supply, incorrect wiring, or faulty hardware.
Solution: Ensure the module is connected to a stable power source within the recommended voltage range of 3.4V to 4.2V. Verify that all connections are secure and correctly configured. If the problem persists, consider testing the module with a different power source or replacing it.
Issue: The module fails to detect or register the SIM card.
Possible causes include improper SIM card insertion, unsupported SIM card type, or SIM card lock.
Solution: Ensure the SIM card is properly inserted into the module's SIM card slot and is compatible with the GSM network. Verify that the SIM card is active and unlocked. If necessary, test the SIM card in another device to confirm its functionality.
Issue: The module experiences weak signal strength or fails to maintain a stable network connection.
Possible causes include improper antenna connection, environmental interference, or network coverage limitations.
Solution: Ensure the GSM antenna is securely connected to the module and positioned for optimal signal reception. Avoid placing the module near sources of electromagnetic interference. Check the network coverage in your area to ensure adequate signal strength.
Issue: The module does not respond to AT commands sent from the microcontroller or computer.
Possible causes include incorrect baud rate settings, faulty serial connections, or improper command syntax.
Solution: Verify that the baud rate of the module matches that of the microcontroller or computer; the default baud rate is 115200 bps. Check that the TX and RX lines are correctly connected and that there are no loose connections. Ensure that AT commands are correctly formatted and terminated with a carriage return.
Issue: The SIM5320 module fails to acquire GPS signals or provide location data.
Possible causes include improper antenna connection, obstructed view of the sky, or GPS functionality not enabled.
Solution: Ensure the GPS antenna is properly connected and has a clear view of the sky to receive satellite signals. Verify that the GPS functionality is enabled by sending the appropriate AT commands to power on the GPS engine.
Debugging Tips
Use the Serial Monitor to check for error messages and verify the sensor's output. Add debug prints in your code to track the sensor's state.
Use a multimeter to verify voltage levels and check for continuity in your connections. Ensure the power supply is stable and within the sensor's requirements.
Additional Resources
SIM5320 Programming Examples
Ready-to-use code examples for different platforms and frameworks
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
SoftwareSerial sim5320(10, 11); // RX, TX
#define PWRKEY 9
void powerOnSIM5320() {
pinMode(PWRKEY, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(PWRKEY, LOW);
delay(1000); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
digitalWrite(PWRKEY, HIGH);
delay(5000); // Wait for the module to initialize
}
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
sim5320.begin(9600);
powerOnSIM5320();
// Test AT command
sim5320.println("AT");
delay(1000);
while (sim5320.available()) {
Serial.write(sim5320.read());
}
// Set SMS text mode
sim5320.println("AT+CMGF=1");
delay(1000);
while (sim5320.available()) {
Serial.write(sim5320.read());
}
// Send SMS
sim5320.println("AT+CMGS=\"+1234567890\""); // Replace with recipient's number
delay(1000);
sim5320.print("Hello from SIM5320");
sim5320.write(26); // CTRL+Z to send
delay(5000);
while (sim5320.available()) {
Serial.write(sim5320.read());
}
}
void loop() {
// Add code to handle incoming messages or other functionalities
}#include <stdio.h>
#include "driver/uart.h"
#include "driver/gpio.h"
#include "freertos/task.h"
#define TX_PIN 17
#define RX_PIN 16
#define PWRKEY_PIN 4
#define UART_PORT UART_NUM_1
void init_uart() {
uart_config_t uart_config = {
.baud_rate = 9600,
.data_bits = UART_DATA_8_BITS,
.parity = UART_PARITY_DISABLE,
.stop_bits = UART_STOP_BITS_1,
.flow_ctrl = UART_HW_FLOWCTRL_DISABLE
};
uart_param_config(UART_PORT, &uart_config);
uart_set_pin(UART_PORT, TX_PIN, RX_PIN, UART_PIN_NO_CHANGE, UART_PIN_NO_CHANGE);
uart_driver_install(UART_PORT, 1024, 0, 0, NULL, 0);
}
void power_on_sim5320() {
gpio_set_direction(PWRKEY_PIN, GPIO_MODE_OUTPUT);
gpio_set_level(PWRKEY_PIN, 0);
vTaskDelay(1000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
gpio_set_level(PWRKEY_PIN, 1);
vTaskDelay(5000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS); // Wait for the module to initialize
}
void app_main(void) {
init_uart();
power_on_sim5320();
char *test_cmd = "AT\r\n";
uart_write_bytes(UART_PORT, test_cmd, strlen(test_cmd));
while (true) {
char data[128];
int len = uart_read_bytes(UART_PORT, data, sizeof(data), 100 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS);
if (len > 0) {
data[len] = '\0';
printf("Response: %s\n", data);
}
vTaskDelay(1000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS);
}
}uart:
tx_pin: GPIO17
rx_pin: GPIO16
baud_rate: 9600
switch:
- platform: gpio
name: "SIM5320 Power"
pin:
number: GPIO4
inverted: true
switch:
- platform: template
name: "Send AT Command"
turn_on_action:
- uart.write: "AT\r\n"
sensor:
- platform: custom
lambda: |-
return {nullptr};
sensors:
- name: "SIM5320 Response"platformio.ini
[env:sim5320]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
monitor_speed = 115200main.cpp
#include <HardwareSerial.h>
#include <Arduino.h>
HardwareSerial sim5320(1);
#define PWRKEY 4
void power_on_sim5320() {
pinMode(PWRKEY, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(PWRKEY, LOW);
delay(1000); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
digitalWrite(PWRKEY, HIGH);
delay(5000); // Wait for initialization
}
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
sim5320.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, 16, 17); // RX, TX
power_on_sim5320();
// Test AT command
sim5320.println("AT");
delay(1000);
while (sim5320.available()) {
Serial.write(sim5320.read());
}
// Send SMS
sim5320.println("AT+CMGF=1"); // Set SMS to text mode
delay(1000);
sim5320.println("AT+CMGS=\"+1234567890\""); // Replace with recipient's number
delay(1000);
sim5320.print("Hello from SIM5320");
sim5320.write(26); // CTRL+Z to send SMS
delay(5000);
}
void loop() {
// Handle incoming data or other functionalities
}from machine import UART, Pin
import time
# Initialize UART
uart = UART(2, baudrate=9600, tx=17, rx=16)
pwrkey = Pin(4, Pin.OUT)
def power_on_sim5320():
pwrkey.value(0)
time.sleep(1) # Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
pwrkey.value(1)
time.sleep(5) # Wait for module to initialize
def send_at(command):
uart.write(command + '\r\n')
time.sleep(1)
while uart.any():
print(uart.read().decode('utf-8'), end='')
# Power on the module
power_on_sim5320()
# Test communication
send_at('AT')
# Send SMS
send_at('AT+CMGF=1') # Set SMS to text mode
send_at('AT+CMGS="+1234567890"') # Replace with recipient's number
uart.write("Hello from MicroPython" + chr(26))Wrapping Up SIM5320
The ESP32 SIM5320 3G WCDMA/HSDPA Module is a powerful SIM sensor that offers excellent performance and reliability. With support for multiple development platforms including Arduino, ESP-IDF, ESPHome, PlatformIO, and MicroPython, it's a versatile choice for your IoT projects.
Best Practices
For optimal performance, ensure proper wiring and follow the recommended configuration for your chosen development platform.
Safety First
Always verify power supply requirements and pin connections before powering up your project to avoid potential damage.
Ready to Start Building?
Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to integrate the SIM5320 into your ESP32 project and bring your ideas to life!








