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Powering GSM module

Volodymyr Shymanskyy edited this page Dec 2, 2016 · 10 revisions

Some GSM modules come without integrated power converter, so it may require some specific power supply. For example this cheap SIM800L module:

Operating Voltage - 3.6V to 4.2V
Operating Current - up to 2A

Since we don't get standard voltage regulators at this voltage, we need to use adjustable voltage regulators. Here are some options to correctly power your GSM module.

Liner voltage regulators

One of the cheapest options, is to use LM317, LM338.
Here is the resistor value calculator

Buck DC-DC converter

This is much more efficient than a liner voltage regulator. Any 2A-rated DC-DC converter would do.

18650 battery or a 3.7v Li-Po cell

Cool, those batteries voltage is generally in the range of 3.7V - 4.2V (3.7V nominal and 4.2V when charging).

Diode

With a 5V power supply, we can use a 1N4007 diode, as it has a 0.7V drop.

Lab Power Supply

No comments. Just use it, if you have one.

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