SIM800L VS SIM900A[Video&FAQ]: How to differentiate them?

• The Mini GSM / GPRS breakout board is based on the SIM800L module, which supports a quad-band GSM/GPRS network and can send GPRS and SMS message data remotely. The board is small in size and consumes little power. In sleep mode, the current consumption is as low as 1mA thanks to the power conservation technology. It uses a UART port to interface with the microcontroller and supports commands such as 3GPP TS 27.007, 27.005 and SIMCOM improved AT Commands.

• The SIM800L Component allows you to make phone calls, send text messages, and receive them. A UART bus must be used to link the device, which must support both receiving and transmitting lines. The UART bus must be set to the same speed as the module, which is 9600bps by default. +VCC, GND, RX, and TX are the needed connecting wires.

• SIM900A Modem is based on SIMCOM's Dual Band GSM/GPRS SIM900A modem. It operates over the 900/ 1800 MHz band. SIM900A can automatically search these two bands. AT Commands can also be used to change the frequency bands. The baud rate can be changed from 1200-to 115200 using the AT command. The inbuilt TCP/IP stack on the GSM/GPRS modem allows you to connect to the internet through GPRS.

• SIM900A is a wireless module that is both small and dependable. This is a complete GSM/GPRS module in SMT format, developed with a high-performance single-chip processor based on the AMR926EJ-Score, allowing for tiny dimensions and cost-effective solutions.

SIM800L Features

• Supports Quad-band: GSM850, EGSM900, DCS1800 and PCS1900

• Connect onto any global GSM network with any 2G SIM

• Make and receive voice calls using an external 8Ω speaker & electret microphone

• Send and receive SMS messages

• Send and receive GPRS data (TCP/IP, HTTP, etc.)

• Scan and receive FM radio broadcasts

• Transmit Power:

  -Class 4 (2W) for GSM850

  -Class 1 (1W) for DCS1800

• Serial-based AT Command Set

• FL connectors for cell antennae

• Accepts Micro SIM Card

SIM900A Features

• Single supply voltage: 3.4V – 4.5V

• Power saving mode: Typical power consumption in SLEEP mode is 1.5mA

• Frequency bands: SIM900A Dual-band: EGSM900, DCS1800. The SIM900A can search the two frequency bands automatically. The frequency bands also can be set by AT command.

• GSM class: Small MS

• GPRS connectivity:GPRS multi-slot class 10 (default) , GPRS multi-slot class 8 (option)

• Transmitting power: Class 4 (2W) at EGSM 900, Class 1 (1W) at DCS 1800

• Operating Temperature: -30ºC to +80ºC

• Storage Temperature: -5ºC to +90ºC

• DATA GPRS: download transfer max is 85.6KBps, Upload transfer max 42.8KBps

• Supports CSD, USSD, SMS, FAX

• Supports MIC and Audio Input

• Speaker Input

• Features keypad interface

• Features display interface

• Features Real-Time Clock

• Supports UART interface

• Supports single SIM card          

• Firmware upgrade by debug port

• Communication by using AT commands

SIM800L Pinout

SIM900A Pinout

SIM800L Dimensions

SIM900A Dimensions

The SIM800L is a GSM module with a serial interface. It can send and receive text messages and receive phone calls. It can also connect to the internet and receive FM signals. The SIM800L can be connected to a microcontroller using the serial UART interface, and in the example shown below, connected to an Arduino.

The module recognizes AT commands, which can be used to do things like check signal strength, get the SIM card number, check the network connection and battery state, in addition to reading texts, and making and receiving calls.

The module is usually powered by a conventional +4.0V power source. It requires +4.5V regulated electricity to operate, and any greater voltage may cause harm to the module. Furthermore, the power source must be capable of delivering a peak current of 2A. The UART interface is set up as shown in the diagram. Simply connect the RXD of the module to the TXD of the Arduino, and the TXD to the RXD of the ARDUINO.

For voltage reference, the controller and module's ground must be linked. The MIC is connected to AUDIO IN, while the speaker or headset is connected to AUDIO OUT. Finally, we must attach a functional GSM SIM card to the module. On powering the module, the NET LIGHT LED will blink periodically to state a successful connection.

SIM800L Equivalents

• SIM808

SIM900A Equivalents

• SIM800L, QUECTEL M95

SIM800L Applications

• Remote System Monitoring

• Home Alarm System

• Remote Controlling System

• Security Access Control

• Vehicle tracking

• SMS Gateway

• Pre-paid Electricity

SIM900A Applications

• Cellular Communication

• Robotics

• Mobile Phone Accessories

• Servers

• Computer Peripherals

• Automobile

• USB Dongles

When comparing the SIM800L with SIM900A in many aspects, the major difference between them is that the SIM800L is a newer module, and the SIM900A is the older module. Additionally, the SIM800L Supports Bluetooth and FM, while the SIM900A does not support Bluetooth. The SIM800L is a newer and improved version of the SIM900A that includes more capabilities such as Bluetooth connectivity and FM reception, as well as greater signal reception and a lower price.

• SIM800L Datasheet

• SIM900A Datasheet