GSM 5 Click is a compact add-on board representing a compact GSM cellular network communication solution. This board features the SARA-G450, a GSM/GPRS quad-band cellular module certified and approved by the main regulatory bodies and operators from u-blox. It features class 12 GSM/GPRS connectivity in the popular u-blox SARA form factor and comes with a comprehensive feature set, including an extensive set of internet protocols designed to provide fully integrated access to u-blox GNSS positioning with embedded A-GPS (AssistNow Online and AssistNow Offline) functionality. Besides a data rate up to 85.6 kbps and an advanced jamming detection feature, this board also offers a high-quality integrated audio interface allowing voice communication. This Click board™ is suitable for price-to-performance 2G cellular module M2M applications, such as utility metering and tracking systems.

GSM 5 Click as its foundation uses the SARA-G450, a compact quad-band 2.5G GSM/GPRS module from u-blox. Alongside low power consumption, the SARA-G450 module also features a baseband, RF transceiver, power management unit, and power amplifier in a single solution, supporting 2G, 3G, LTE, and LPWA (Cat M1 and Cat NB1) radio access technologies. Covering frequencies of 850/900MHz and 1800/1900MHz, it provides a fully qualified and certified solution, reducing cost and enabling a short time to market. It is ideally suited for M2M applications such as automatic meter reading, remote monitoring automation and control, surveillance, and security, asset tracking, and more.

This module has a comprehensive feature set, including an extensive set of internet protocols. It is also designed to provide fully integrated access to u-blox GNSS positioning with embedded A-GPS (AssistNow Online and AssistNow Offline) functionality. Any host processor connected to the cellular module through a single serial port can control both the module and positioning. The SARA-G450 module also offers extensive audio features, which users can access via an onboard 3.5mm audio jack, all configurable through the AT commands.

This Click board™ communicates with MCU using the UART interface with commonly used UART RX, TX, and hardware flow control pins UART CTS, RTS, and RI (Clear to Send, Ready to Send, and Ring Indicator) by exchanging standard AT commands. It operates at 115200 bps by default configuration to transmit and exchange data with the host MCU. An additional interface can also be found on the board as a test point for firmware upgrades and trace log capture (diagnostics purposes).

In addition to the UART pins, this Click board™ also has two additional marked as ON and OFF routed to the AN and RST pins of the mikroBUS™ socket used to turn ON/OFF the chip itself. Besides, it uses two orange LED indicators labeled GP1 and GP2 for optional user-configurable network-status visual indications such as registered home network, registered roaming, voice or data call enabled, and no service.

GSM 5 Click possesses the SMA antenna connector on which an appropriate antenna connects that Mikroe has in its offer. It is also equipped with a USB type C connector, which allows the module to be powered and configured by a personal computer (PC) using FT230X, a compact USB to a serial UART interface bridge, and a Nano-SIM card slot that provides multiple connections and interface options.

This Click board™ can operate with both 3.3V and 5V MCUs. A proper logic voltage level conversion is performed by appropriate voltage level translators, while the on-board LDO, the TPS7A7002, ensures the recommended voltage levels power module. However, the Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing easy-to-use functions and an example code that can be used, as a reference, for further development.

• Interface: UART, USB
• Compatibility: mikroBUS™
• Dimensions: 57.15 x 25.4mm
• Input Voltage: 3.3V or 5V
• Supply Voltage: Min. 3.3V, Max. 5V
• Frequency Range: Min. 850/1800MHz, Max. 900/1900MHz
• Data Rate: 85.6kbps
• Sensitivity: -109dBm
• Operating Temperature Range: Min. -40°C, Typ. +25°C, Max. +85°C

• Schematic
• SARA-G450 Datasheet
• FT230X Datasheet
• TPS7A7002 Datasheet
• AT Commands
• mikroSDK
• LibStock