Small embedded GSM modem?

I am looking for the smallest GSM/GPRS/EDGE modem for use in a project?
 In the US, I found one by Multitech, but I am not sure how it pairs to
others if there are any that are easily available to OEM designers in
the US.

Any ideas?

Thank you.

A

> I am looking for the smallest GSM/GPRS/EDGE modem for use in a project?
>  In the US, I found one by Multitech, but I am not sure how it pairs to
> others if there are any that are easily available to OEM designers in
> the US.
> 
> Any ideas?
> 
> Thank you.
> 
> A
> 

Have a look at Siemens modules.

http://www.siemens.com/wm/


Maciek.

amerdsp wrote:
> I am looking for the smallest GSM/GPRS/EDGE modem for use in a project?
>  In the US, I found one by Multitech, but I am not sure how it pairs to
> others if there are any that are easily available to OEM designers in
> the US.
> 
> Any ideas?

I'm using the Siemens MC55, they are very small.

Leon

Yes, I was considering that.  Do you know a reputable site/dealer that
sells in the US?

Thanks

A

amerdsp wrote:
> Yes, I was considering that.  Do you know a reputable site/dealer that
> sells in the US?

TDC distributes them here in the UK. Siemens should have US
distributors on their web site.

Leon

I have a few questions about the MC55/56 and I apologize if they sound
too naive:

- How would you go about connecting it to another board? Directly or
using a ribbn cable to the hirose 50 pin connector?

- Do you use an antenna with it, and if yes, which one so it remains a
small package?

- Does it have a Sim card receptacle or is that an add on?

Thanks in advance.

A

amerdsp wrote:
> I have a few questions about the MC55/56 and I apologize if they sound
> too naive:
>
> - How would you go about connecting it to another board? Directly or
> using a ribbn cable to the hirose 50 pin connector?
>
> - Do you use an antenna with it, and if yes, which one so it remains a
> small package?
>
> - Does it have a Sim card receptacle or is that an add on?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> A

The Hirose 50 way connector (0.5 mm spacing leads) has to go on a PCB;
it's one of the smallest board-board connectors made, BTW. I've
designed a prototyping PCB for it, with a SIM card socket and a 10 way
connector to the MCU board on it.

I've got an awkward short between two pads on the 50 way connector,
right under the plastic, I can just see it with a microscope. That's
probably why I can't get the thing working. 8-(

The antenna is external, TDC supplies an adapter cable which connects
the tiny coax socket to an SMA connector.

Leon

Thank you for the prompt reply.  Which MCU are using with it?  What I
will be doing is to try to send images to a server over EDGE or GPRS.
I am trying not to make a mistake and buy components that end up not
working together.

Any suggestions/pointers will definitely help.

Best,

A

amerdsp wrote:
> Thank you for the prompt reply.  Which MCU are using with it?  What I
> will be doing is to try to send images to a server over EDGE or GPRS.
> I am trying not to make a mistake and buy components that end up not
> working together.

PIC 16F88. I'll be using a 16F690 on the production version as I will
need some more I/O.

Leon

Thank you for the prompt reply.  Which MCU are using with it?  What I
will be doing is to try to send images to a server over EDGE or GPRS.
I am trying not to make a mistake and buy components that end up not
working together.

Any suggestions/pointers will definitely help.

Best,

A