2017 2nd IEEE International Conference On Recent Trends in Electronics Information & Communication Technology (RTEICT), May 19-20,

2017, India

Design and Development of GSM and GPS

Tracking Module
Bharavi U Sukesh Rao M
Dept of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Dept of Electronics and Communication Engineering,
N.M.A.M.I.T. Nitte bharavi225@gmail.com N.M.A.M.I.T. Nitte.

Abstract— The GSM and GPS technologies and their serial port [5]. In this project the module will be designed
applications have great demand in the consumer market areas using SIM808 by SIMCom [4]. The designed GSM and GPS
like automobile, surveillance and navigation. The GSM and GPS module will have serial connector with level shifting circuitry
technologies will be integrated into a single board which can be for interfacing with computer and microcontroller, USB
used for various wireless applications. The integrated GSM and
support for firmware upgrading, Microphone and Speaker
GPS module will be made using SIM808 by SIMCom which has
both GPS and GSM engines. Schematic of different parts of interfaces, SIM card holder, GSM and GPS antennas and
module are designed. The circuit design of Regulator, SIM card indicator LEDs in single board which can be powered by 5 V
interface, Antenna interface, USB interface, Indicator circuit and power supply. In this project circuits for all parts of GSM and
other parts are done using ISIS schematic tool of Proteus Design GPS module are designed. Then PCB layout of the module is
Suite v8.3. Footprints of all the components are created and PCB designed. Circuit and PCB layout is designed using ISIS
Layout of SIM808 module is designed using ARES tool. schematic tool and ARES tool of Proteus Design Suite
Operation of module is observed in different operating modes. v8.3.After development working of board is tested. GSM and
The developed module is interfaced with PC to test the features of GPS module will be interfaced with PC through serial port and
GSM and GPS by sending AT commands. Developed module can
its response to AT commands are observed. GSM service is
be used in applications like tracking and automobile.
tested by making calls and sending SMS. Using GPS antenna
Keywords— GSM, GPS, Integration, Tracking applications, coordinates of current location of the module is received from
Schematic, Layout, AT Commands satellites. The received information can be used for tracking
and mapping purpose. The designed module also supports
I. INTRODUCTION Bluetooth and can be connected to nearby Bluetooth enabled
devices.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) technology will give
three dimensional information about location of object. Details II. INTRODUCTION TO SIM808
of the object about its latitude, longitude and altitude can be
provided by using signals from four GPS satellites. Developed SIM808 is one of the chips which provide GSM and GPS
SIM808 module will receive coordinates from satellites using solutions. It is manufactured by SIMCom. SIM808 has
GPS technology to find exact location. The Global System for integrated GSM/GPRS engine, GPS engine and a Bluetooth
Mobile Communications (GSM) is a cellular network used engine. SIM808 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS module that can
around the globe [1]. Modem having GSM capability can work on frequencies GSM 850MHz, EGSM 900MHz, DCS
provide communication with the help of SIM card. With GSM 1800MHz and PCS 1900MHz. It features GPRS multi-slot
enabled module can be used to send and receive SMS and to class 12/ class 10. GPRS coding schemes CS-1, CS-2, CS-3
make calls. There are number of applications which make use and CS-4 are supported by SIM808. So SIM808 can be used to
of both GPS and GSM. In this project module is developed develop a module which uses GSM and GPS services to
which will use both GSM and GPS technologies [2]. So by provide tracking solutions for wireless applications. It has SIM
interfacing the module with microcontroller, computer or card interface and provide GSM communication like mobile.
using as a standalone it can be used for those applications in SIM808 supports both 6 pin and 8 pin SIM cards. SIM808 has
tracking and navigation which require both GSM and GPS unbalanced asynchronous serial port with status and control
technologies. There are many modules and chips in market lines which supports data rates of 1200 bps to 460800 bps.
which will support GSM and GPS technologies. M66 Serial port of SIM808 comes with autobauding feature.
produced by Quectel is one of the chips which can provide Module can be controlled by sending AT commands through
both GSM and GPS services. It gives optimal performance in serial port. SIM808 also comes with USB support which can
SMS & Data transmission and audio service in harsh be used for software upgrade and audio interface features.
environment using 2G data chipset. It can be used as a SIM808 has three antenna ports to which GSM, Bluetooth and
platform for size sensitive applications since it has a compact GPS antennas can be connected [4].
size of 15.8 × 17.7 × 2.3mm [3]. SIM900 is a module
manufactured by SIMCom which can provide Voice, SMS, III. SCHEMATIC DESIGN OF SIM808 MODULE
Data and Fax services with low power consumption.SIM900 Circuits for parts of module like Power supply, Level
module can be controlled by sending AT commands through conversion circuit for serial port, SIM card interface and

978-1-5090-3704-9/17/$31.00 © 2017 IEEE

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Audio Interface are designed [4]. Schematic design of the

SIM808 module is done using ISIS schematic tool of Proteus
Design Suite v8.3.
A. REGULATOR
The integrated board is powered by input of 5 V. The VBAT
pins of SIM808 require input power in range of 3.4 V to 4.4 V.
So linear regulator is used to convert 5 V input into 4 V.
Regulator used in design of this module is TPS7A7001 by
Texas Instruments. Regulator TPS7A7001 will provide 4 V,
2A output with the help of external divider network. The value
of resistors in network which will decide the output can be
chosen using the equation 1 [6]. This 4 V will be given to
VBAT pins of SIM808. Fig.1 shows regulator circuit designed
using TPS7A7001 in Proteus ISIS Tool.
Fig.2 : SIM card Interface of Module
Vout=0.5(1+ R1/R2) (1)
D. AUDIO INTERFACE
Audio channel of SIM808 is connected to Audio jacks. These
differential audio lines will support Speaker and Microphone.
Audio lines of SIM808 can drive a 32 Ω speaker with
maximum output power of 96 mW. Capacitors are used in
circuit for remove noise produced by high frequency lines
present in board [4]. Fig.3 shows schematic of Audio Interface
of module.

Fig.1: Regulator Circuit Designed Using TPS7A7001

B. SERIAL INTERFACE
The serial port contains data lines TXD and RXD, hardware
flow control lines CTS and RTS, status lines DCD, RI and
DTR. Since serial port of SIM808 operates at 2.8 V, level Fig.3: Schematic Design of Audio Interface
shifting is required to communicate with PC. IC SP3238 is E. OTHER PARTS
used for level shifting. SP3238 has drivers to produce RS-232
level output from 2.8 V TTL level signals and receivers to Module’s ON/OFF circuitry is designed using PWRKEY pin
of SIM808. Operating modes of module can be changed by
convert RS-232 signals into 2.8 V signals compatible for serial
grounding the PWRKEY pin which is internally pulled up by
port of module [4].
SIM808. USB interface is provided by USB_DP and USB-
DM pins.USB data are transmitted through differential
C. SIM CARD INTERFACE datelines. Indicator LEDs will be driven by transistors
SIM card Interface supports both 1.8 V and 3 V SIM cards. according to output at STATUS and NETLIGHT pins of
Internal regulator inside module powers the SIM card. SIM808. Reset button is kept in module to reset the SIM808
Resistors are added in SIM data lines. ESD protection when module is not working properly and not responding to
component SMF05CTG and capacitors are used for protect the AT commands. The external capacitor is used to provide RTC
interface and shield it from noise produced by high frequency backup for module. The backup capacitor will be connected to
lines. Ground of SIM card holder will be connected directly to VRTC pin of SIM808. [5].
main ground to reduce noise [4]. Fig.2 shows schematic of
IV. LAYOUT DESIGN OF SIM808 MODULE
SIM Card Interface of module designed in Proteus ISIS Tool.
ARES layout tool in Proteus is used to design layout and draw
Printed Circuit Board. After circuits for all parts of module

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like Power supply, Level conversion circuit for serial port,

SIM card interface and Antenna interface are designed it was
proceeded to design layout for Printed Circuit Board of
SIM808 GSM and GPS module. Circuits of all the parts of
module which are designed in ISIS schematic tool are
transferred to ARES in single file. ARES is a layout design
tool provided by Proteus to draw printed circuit. In ARES tool
PCB footprints are created for components used in module.
Footprints of SIM808, Regulator TPS7A7001, SIM Card
Holder, Antenna Pads, Audio Jack are created and placed in
layout. Footprints created for parts of module are shown in
Fig.4.Routings are provided using traces. The layout is
designed according to PCB design rules which specify
clearances, trace styles and trace widths to be used during
design of the layout. Traces are drawn using top copper and
bottom copper layers. Power signal traces have width of 1mm
so that sufficient current of up to 2 A can be provided to
VBAT pins of SIM808.Other signal traces will have default Fig.5: Designed PCB Layout of SIM808 Module
width of 0.65mm.Table I shows the minimum clearances
specified for pads, traces and edges in design rules. The care is
taken keep the size of the board small and make the optimum
use of available area in board. The designed PCB layout of
SIM808 module is given in Fig.5. In Proteus designed Printed
Circuit Board can be visualized in 3D to check how board will
come out and to avoid possible flaws when printed circuit will
be drawn. The 3D view of the designed PCB shown Fig.6 is
examined to check for design errors. The Gerber files are
generated in Proteus Design Suite. Printed Circuit Board is
manufactured according information in Gerber files.
Components are soldered in place and developed module is
tested and used. The designed PCB has a size of 100 mm×80
mm. The GSM and GPS module developed using SIM808 is
shown in Fig.7.

Table I. Clearances Specified in Design Rules

Clearances Minimum width
Fig. 6: 3D view of Designed PCB Layout
Pad-Pad 0.2286 mm
Pad-Trace 0.254 mm
Trace-Trace 0.254 mm
Graphics 0.381 mm
Edge/Slot 0.381 mm

Fig.7: GSM and GPS Module Developed Using SIM808

V. PARTS OF SIM808 MODULE

Developed GSM and GPS module uses SIM808 to give GSM,
GPS services and has Regulator, Serial Interface, SIM Card
Fig. 4: Footprints of Components Created in ARES PCB Design Tool
holder, USB Connector and Antenna connectors integrated in
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single PCB. The Block Diagram of designed GSM and GPS F.AUDIO JACKS
module is shown in Fig.8. Microphone and speaker can be connected to module through
3.5 mm audio jacks. Capacitors are used to remove
interference from GSM signals and noise in audio channels.

F.INDICATOR LEDS
NET LED is driven by NETLIGHT pin of SIM808. It gives
information about status of network received by module.
STAT LED is driven by STATUS pin of SIM808 and will
indicate the mode of operation of GSM and GPS module.
VI. TESTING THE GSM AND GPS MODULE AND
RESULTS
The SIM808 GSM and GPS module is powered by 5 V
regulated DC supply. The module can be switched ON or OFF
using switch by grounding the PWRKEY pin of SIM808 for a
second. PWRKEY pin is internally pulled up to 3.1 V. When
PWRKEY pin is pulled down to ground, output at STATUS
pin of SIM808 will be go high and module will start operating
Fig. 8: Block Diagram of GSM and GPS Module
in normal mode [4]. When module is operating in normal
mode the output at all the pins of SIM808 will be 2.8 V and
A. POWER SUPPLY serial port will be active. Fig.9 shows output at status pin
Module is powered by 5 V, 2 A DC power supply. This changing to 2.8 V when module is switched into normal mode.
voltage is converted to 4 V and applied to VBAT pins of This output is given to STAT LED. Serial connection is
SIM808 using regulator and external resistor network. established between PC and module through D9 connector.
Module is designed as a Data Communication Equipment
B.SERIAL PORT (DCE) and can be controlled by AT commands [7].Hyper
Serial port is provided in module for communication with Terminal is used in PC to communicate with Module. Module
computer or microcontroller. Serial communications with PC will respond with “OK” when command “AT’ is sent to
are done through D9 connector kept on module. Level shifting SIM808 to synchronize the baud rate. Module supports
circuitry is designed using SP3238 to convert signals from RS- baudrates from 1200 bps to 460800 bps. Module will
232 serial port into TTL level signals and vice versa. The automatically synchronize to baud rate of connected Data
external controller can access RX and TX pins of SIM808 Terminal Equipment (DTE). Module is interfaced with PC
through serial port provided in module. with baud rate of 9600 bps, 1 stop bit and no parity bits. SIM
Card is inserted into holder and network status can be
C.USB CONNECTOR observed by NET LED. The module can be registered to
The developed module has Type B USB connector on board. network using the command “AT+CREG=1”. Fig.10 shows
It is used to connect the SIM808 to computer. The firmware output at NETLIGHT pin of SIM808 when module is
debugging and software upgrade can be done through USB registered to network. The output will be high for 64 ms and
interface. When connected to PC, SIM808 will detect VCHG low for 3000 ms [4]. After module is registered to network,
and module automatically enters USB download mode GSM functions like sending and receiving texts are tested
. using AT commands [7]. The command
D.SIM CARD HOLDER “AT+CMGF=<Mode>” is used to select the mode of the SMS.
The developed module has a 6 pin SIM card holder which Mode of SMS can be set to text or data by selecting 1 or 0
supports mini SIM card. GSM services like SMS and call can respectively. SMS is sent from the module using the command
be accessed by inserting SIM card. SIM interface is powered “AT+CMGS=<Number>”. Commands ATD, ATA and ATH
by internal regulator inside SIM808. SIM card holder is kept are used to make, receive and hang up calls respectively [7].
away from the GSM antenna and closer to SIM808 in PCB to Fig.11 shows accessing GSM services from module by
avoid interference to SIM card data. ESD protection circuit is interfacing it with PC. GPS functionality of the module is also
used to protect lines carrying SIM card data. accessed using AT commands.SIM808 Module can track the
satellites and download information about current location
E.ANTENNA PORTS from satellites. This information about location is transmitted
The module has SMA antenna pads to which GSM and GPS by serial port to PC. AT command “AT+CGPSPWR=1” is
antennas are plugged. The antennas must have impedance of used to Power ON GPS engine of SIM808. Information about
50 ohms. Both antennas are placed away from each other in current location can be obtained by using command
PCB. GPS antenna will fetch information about coordinates “AT=CGPSINF=<Mode>”. When mode is set to 0, module
from satellites. GSM antenna is required for voice and data will respond with details of location like longitude, latitude
communications. and altitude along with UTC time, Time taken to fix, Satellites
tracked and speed through serial port [8]. Fig .12 shows GPS
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functionality of the module controlled by AT commands. In

Fig.12 we can see the coordinates of location obtained by
developed module.

Fig.12: GPS Functionality of Module Controlled by AT commands

The module can output the GPS data in NMEA format. GPS
NMEA output from GPS engine can be controlled by
command “AT+CGPSOUT=<Mode>”. By setting the mode to
255 we can debug the NMEA output in serial port [8]. Visual
Fig.9: Output Change at STATUS Pin of Module
GPS software is used to accept a NMEA formatted data
coming through serial port and graphically display it. So we
can see information about longitude, latitude and altitude of
location of module. Fig.13 shows NMEA GPS output
displayed in Visual GPS software. The displayed coordinates
are checked and verified that those are actual coordinates of
location of module.

Fig.10: Output at NETLIGHT Pin When Module is Registered to Network

Fig.13: NMEA GPS Output Displayed in Visual GPS Software

VII. CONCLUSION
The GSM and GPS module is designed and developed using
SIM808. Schematics for all parts of module are designed. PCB
layout of module is designed. After module is developed
parts of module like regulator, Serial Interface, SIM card
Interface and Antenna interface are tested and verified that
they are working properly. GSM and GPS module is
interfaced with PC through serial port. Module is tested by
sending AT commands from PC and checking its response to
them. GSM features of module are tested by inserting SIM
card. Module can be used to make and receive calls. SMSs are
sent from the module. GPS features are verified by connecting
the GPS antenna and getting current coordinates from
Fig.11: Accessing GSM services from Developed Module
satellites. GPS data received from satellites is transmitted

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through serial port and can be used for mapping and tracking
applications.
REFERENCES
[1] Atish Shinde, Prashant Thakare, Nikita Gilbile, Prof. M.A. Maindarkar
“GPS/GSM Enabled Personal Tracker”, IJSRD - International Journal
for Scientific Research & Development, Vol. 4, Issue 02, 2016.
[2] P.Raji, S.Ashok “Development of GSM and GPS based cost effective
telematics module”, IJAREEIE-International Journal of Advanced
Research in Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering,
Vol. 5,Issue 5, May 2015.
[3] M66 Hardware Manual,Quectel,Shanghai,2014
[4] SIM808 Hardware Design Manual,SIMCom,Shanghai ,2015.
[5] SIM900 Hardware Design Manual,SIMCom,Shanghai ,2009
[6] TPS7A7001 Datasheet,Texas Instruments, Dallas,Texas,2015
[7] SIM800 series AT commnads Manual,SIMCom,Shanghai,2016.
[8] SIM808 GPS Application Manual,SIMCom,Shanghai,2014

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