Hello,

I am currently searching for integrated circuit modules that provide a combined GPS-GSM(3g/4g) functionality. I have so far found modules from simcom.ee and adafruit. Can any one recommend any particular modules that they have found useful?

Also if any modules combine GPS-GSM and Bluetooth that will be even better.

Thanks for your help.

You may want to look at the Telit hybrid modules like the WE/HE922-3GR

http://www.telit.com/cellular/hybrid-modules/he922...

Described as "...the world’s first hybrid IoT modules that combine 3G Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GNSS into a single package."

I've not used this one, but I have used other Telit modules in the past and they are generally pretty good. Not always the cheapest though

I also worked with Telit cellular modules in the 2G and 3G families, some with and some without integrated GNSS (GPS). They work fine, but as noted, tend to be pricier. 

If the project is for fun, check out particle.io for some cellular modules combined with service options. They also have a "tracker" package with GPS.

The Swiss company u-blox is great, particle.io uses their modules for some of their dev board offerings.

If this is a commercial product with high volume, suggest u-blox and/or Telit if not worried about per unit costs. If per unit cost is an issue, consider Quectel or other Chinese vendors, but docs and support will be more difficult, as I've experienced.

Other possibles:

Sierra Wireless

MultiTech

Digi Transport

Good luck!

Matthew

https://covemountainsoftware.com/consulting/

PS: check out an article I wrote on writing software to work with cellular modules:

http://www.embedded.com/design/connectivity/444293...

I would echo what Matthew says - u-Blox are good quality although also pricey, but companies like Quectel and SimCom often use the same chipset(s) and basically produce "clones" of some of the u-Blox modules at much lower cost.

Careful what you spec for the communications piece - AT&T has discontinued GSM support in USA; other locales may have different timelines for shifting to different versions of 4G and discontinuing GSM in future. And beware the terms GSM, 3G, and 4G are used "creatively" in telecoms marketing - check carefully!
Hope that helps!

Many thanks to all for the useful replies. This is great to get me going and explore!

Thanks.