SIM7080G LPWA Module
The SIM7080G is a versatile LPWA module that provides reliable communication capabilities for various IoT applications. Its compact design, low power consumption, and multiple interfaces make it an ideal choice for projects requiring cellular and GNSS functionalities.

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SIM7080G pinout
The SIM7080G pinout includes power, UART communication, control, status indication, dual antenna connections (cellular and GNSS), and SIM card interface pins for LTE CAT-M/NB-IoT and GNSS functionality.
| Pin | Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VBAT | Power | Power supply input (2.7V to 4.8V) | Requires stable power supply with peak current up to 2A |
| GND | Ground | Ground connection | Connect to common ground |
| TXD | UART TX | UART Transmit Data (connects to microcontroller RX) | Default baud rate: 115200 bps |
| RXD | UART RX | UART Receive Data (connects to microcontroller TX) | Default baud rate: 115200 bps |
| PWRKEY | Control | Power on/off control (active low) | Pull low for at least 500ms to power on |
| RESET | Control | Module reset (active low) | Pull low to reset the module |
| NETLIGHT | Status | Network status indication | LED indicator for network registration status |
| STATUS | Status | Module operating status indication | Shows module power state |
| ANT_MAIN | Antenna | Main antenna connection for LTE | Requires external LTE antenna |
| ANT_GNSS | Antenna | Antenna connection for GNSS | Requires external GNSS antenna for location services |
LTE CAT-M1 and NB-IoT connectivity for low-power IoT applications
Ultra-low power consumption: 3μA in sleep mode
Integrated multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS)
Supports LTE bands: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B12, B13, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B66
Requires SIM card for cellular connectivity
Power consumption: 2A peak during transmission
Default baud rate: 115200 bps (configurable via AT commands)
Wiring the SIM7080G to ESP32
Connect the SIM7080G to your ESP32 via UART for AT command communication. The module requires a stable 2.7V-4.8V power supply with sufficient current capacity (peak 2A). External antennas are required for both LTE and GNSS functionality.
| SIM7080G pin | ESP32 pin | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| VBAT | 3.3V Power Supply | Provide stable power (NOT from ESP32 pin) |
| GND | GND | Common ground connection |
| TXD | GPIO16 (RX2) | SIM7080G TX to ESP32 RX |
| RXD | GPIO17 (TX2) | SIM7080G RX to ESP32 TX |
| PWRKEY | GPIO4 | Power control (pull low to power on) · optional |
| RESET | GPIO5 | Module reset control · optional |
| ANT_MAIN | External LTE Antenna | Connect LTE antenna |
| ANT_GNSS | External GNSS Antenna | Connect GNSS antenna (optional) · optional |
CRITICAL: Use a dedicated power supply (2.7V-4.8V, 2A peak) - DO NOT power from ESP32 pin!
Default UART baud rate is 115200 bps
Ultra-low power mode: 3μA in sleep, ideal for battery-powered IoT
External LTE antenna is mandatory for network connectivity
GNSS antenna is optional but required for location services
Pull PWRKEY low for at least 500ms to power on the module
Monitor NETLIGHT pin for network registration status
Insert active SIM card before powering on
Ensure good antenna placement for optimal signal reception
Supports both LTE CAT-M1 (eMTC) and NB-IoT protocols
SIM7080G code examples
SIM7080G Arduino example
Copy// SIM7080G on ESP32 UART2: module TXD -> GPIO16 (RX2), RXD -> GPIO17 (TX2), PWRKEY -> GPIO4
#define PWRKEY_PIN 4
#define MODEM_BAUD 115200
HardwareSerial modem(2); // UART2
void powerOnModem() {
pinMode(PWRKEY_PIN, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(PWRKEY_PIN, LOW);
delay(1200); // Hold PWRKEY low to power the module on
digitalWrite(PWRKEY_PIN, HIGH);
delay(5000); // Give the module time to boot and register
}
void sendATCommand(const char *command) {
modem.println(command);
delay(500);
while (modem.available()) {
Serial.write(modem.read());
}
}
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
modem.begin(MODEM_BAUD, SERIAL_8N1, 16, 17); // RX=GPIO16, TX=GPIO17
powerOnModem();
Serial.println("Testing AT communication...");
sendATCommand("AT"); // Should answer OK
sendATCommand("ATI"); // Module identification
sendATCommand("AT+CSQ"); // Signal quality
sendATCommand("AT+CREG?"); // Network registration status
}
void loop() {
// Bridge the Serial Monitor and the modem so you can type AT commands directly
while (Serial.available()) modem.write(Serial.read());
while (modem.available()) Serial.write(modem.read());
}This sketch talks to the SIM7080G over the ESP32's second hardware UART (UART2, RX on GPIO16, TX on GPIO17) - the ESP32 has three hardware UARTs, so the AVR-style SoftwareSerial library is neither available nor needed. GPIO4 pulses the module's PWRKEY to power it on, then a few basic AT commands verify communication, signal quality and network registration. The loop bridges the Serial Monitor to the module so you can type further AT commands interactively. Power the module from a supply that can deliver its transmit-burst current - not from the ESP32's 3.3V regulator.
SIM7080G ESP-IDF example
Copy#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.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 = 115200,
.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_sim7080g() {
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_sim7080g();
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);
}
}This ESP-IDF example initializes UART communication with the SIM7080G module and powers it on using the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4). The UART interface is configured with GPIO17 as TX and GPIO16 as RX. An AT command is sent to test communication, and responses from the module are printed to the console. Additional functionalities, such as SMS, GNSS data retrieval, or NB-IoT/LTE-M communication, can be implemented.
SIM7080G ESPHome example
Copyuart:
tx_pin: GPIO17 # module RXD
rx_pin: GPIO16 # module TXD
baud_rate: 115200
# ESPHome's sim800l component speaks the generic SIM AT command set, which these modules share for SMS
sim800l:
on_sms_received:
- logger.log:
format: "Received '%s' from %s"
args: [ 'message.c_str()', 'sender.c_str()' ]ESPHome has no dedicated LTE-modem component, and the custom platform older examples used was removed in 2025. The sim800l component speaks the generic SIM AT command set for SMS, which the SIM7080G shares - wire UART2 as shown (115200 baud) and you get on_sms_received plus sim800l.send_sms actions. Data connectivity (LTE networking) is outside ESPHome's scope.
SIM7080G PlatformIO example
Copy[env:sim7080g]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
monitor_speed = 115200#include <HardwareSerial.h>
#include <Arduino.h>
HardwareSerial sim7080g(1);
#define PWRKEY 4
void power_on_sim7080g() {
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);
sim7080g.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, 16, 17); // RX, TX
power_on_sim7080g();
// Test AT command
sim7080g.println("AT");
delay(1000);
while (sim7080g.available()) {
Serial.write(sim7080g.read());
}
// Send SMS
sim7080g.println("AT+CMGF=1"); // Set SMS to text mode
delay(1000);
sim7080g.println("AT+CMGS=\"+1234567890\""); // Replace with recipient's number
delay(1000);
sim7080g.print("Hello from SIM7080G");
sim7080g.write(26); // CTRL+Z to send SMS
delay(5000);
}
void loop() {
// Handle incoming data or other functionalities
}This PlatformIO code interfaces with the SIM7080G module using HardwareSerial on an ESP32. The power_on_sim7080g function toggles the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4) to activate the module. The AT command is sent to test communication, and SMS functionality is implemented in the setup. Additional functionalities, like GNSS data retrieval or LTE-M/NB-IoT connectivity, can be added in the loop.
SIM7080G MicroPython example
Copyfrom 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_sim7080g():
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_sim7080g()
# 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 SIM7080G" + chr(26))This MicroPython code communicates with the SIM7080G module over UART. The power_on_sim7080g function activates the module using the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4). The send_at function sends AT commands and prints the responses. The script initializes the module, tests communication, and demonstrates how to send an SMS. Additional logic for handling GNSS or NB-IoT/LTE-M communication can be added.
SIM7080G specifications
About the SIM7080G
The SIM7080G is SIMCom’s follow-up to the SIM7000: the same pair of LPWA standards, LTE Cat-M1 (eMTC) and NB-IoT (now NB2 instead of NB1), but sold as a single global-band part rather than split across regional A/C/E/G variants - the band list covers Cat-M B1-B28/B66/B85 and NB B1-B28/B66/B71, which removes the “did I order the right region” trap that complicates buying a SIM7000. Multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou) is built in on the same UART.
Power figures look better on paper than the SIM7000: SIMCom’s datasheet gives roughly 3 uA in power-saving mode against the SIM7000’s 9 uA. In practice that gap narrows once a real carrier board is involved - user reports around LILYGO’s T-SIM7080G boards put standard sleep current closer to 1.2 mA and note the board’s own power circuitry can add hundreds of microamps beyond the module itself, so battery-life claims from the chip datasheet alone should be treated as a ceiling, not a guarantee, until measured on the actual hardware.
TinyGSM explicitly supports the SIM7070/SIM7080/SIM7090 family, so no fork is needed. Choose the SIM7080G over the SIM7000 for a new LPWA design (fewer variant headaches, better standby numbers); choose SIM7600G or A7670 instead if the project needs real throughput or voice calling rather than occasional small packets. As always with these modules, budget for a 2A-capable supply for transmit bursts - not the ESP32’s own 3.3V rail.
SIM7080G troubleshooting
Module Fails to Power On
›
Issue: The SIM7080G 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.
SIM Card Not Recognized
›
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.
Poor Network Signal or Connectivity Issues
›
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.
AT Commands Not Responding
›
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.
GPS Functionality Not Working
›
Issue: The SIM7080G 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.
Where to buy the SIM7080G

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