Features
- 4G LTE CAT1 Connectivity: Provides reliable cellular communication with LTE-FDD support.
- Wide Network Compatibility: Supports LTE bands B1, B3, B7, B8, B20, and B28 for international deployment.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports up to 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds.
- UART AT Command Interface: Enables simple communication with microcontrollers and embedded systems.
- Multiple Network Protocols: Supports TCP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, MQTT, NTP, PPP, and NDIS protocols.
- USB Type-C Network Function: Works as a USB network adapter for PCs and embedded computers.
- Low Power Consumption: Supports sleep mode with power consumption as low as 0.6mA.
- Wake-Up Support: Provides UART data wake-up and periodic interrupt wake-up functions.
- Flexible Power Input: Supports 5V USB power and 5V–12V external power supply.
- Wide Controller Compatibility: Works with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, UNIHIKER, LattePanda, and other platforms.
- Industrial Temperature Range: Designed for reliable operation in harsh environments.
Principle of Operation
The Air780EU module operates by connecting to cellular LTE CAT1 networks through an external 4G antenna. The internal cellular chipset manages communication with mobile networks and provides data connectivity to the host controller through UART or USB interfaces.
The connected microcontroller communicates with the module using standard AT commands. These commands allow the user to configure network settings, send and receive data, access cloud services, and communicate using protocols such as MQTT, HTTP, and TCP/IP.
For low-power applications, the module can enter sleep modes and wake up through UART activity or external interrupt signals. This makes it suitable for remote monitoring devices powered by batteries or solar systems.
Applications
- Agricultural and forestry monitoring systems
- Industrial IoT data collection
- Remote environmental monitoring
- Smart agriculture devices
- Remote lighting control systems
- Warehouse and building automation
- Industrial PC 4G connectivity expansion
- Mobile payment terminals
- Remote control and telemetry systems
- Home automation and smart IoT devices
Pinout
| Pin | Function |
|---|---|
| VCC | Power input (5V–12V through terminal / 5V USB) |
| GND | Ground connection |
| TX | UART transmit output |
| RX | UART receive input |
| USB Type-C | USB communication and network card function |
| SMA Connector | External 4G LTE antenna connection |
Wiring
The Air780EU can be connected to most microcontrollers through the UART interface.
| Air780EU | Arduino / ESP32 |
|---|---|
| VCC | 5V |
| GND | GND |
| TX | MCU RX |
| RX | MCU TX |
The module uses AT commands through UART for configuration, network registration, and data transmission.
First Time Setup
- Insert a Nano SIM card into the SIM slot.
- Connect the 4G antenna to the SMA concnector.
- Connect the module to a 5V power source.
- Connect UART TX/RX pins to your controller.
- Open a serial monitor at the correct baud rate.
- Send AT commands to verify communication.
- Configure network settings and IoT communication parameters.
Technical Details
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | 4G CAT1 IoT Communication Module |
| Model | Air780EU |
| Brand | DFRobot Gravity |
| LTE Bands | LTE-FDD B1/B3/B7/B8/B20/B28 |
| Data Rate | Up to 10 Mbps Downlink / 5 Mbps Uplink |
| Communication Interface | UART, USB Type-C |
| Control Method | AT Commands |
| Protocols | TCP, UDP, PPP, HTTP, HTTPS, MQTT, NTP, NDIS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM |
| Logic Level | 3.3V / 5V Compatible |
| Antenna Interface | SMA Female |
| Operating Voltage | 5V USB / 5V–12V External Input |
| Sleep Current | Approximately 0.6mA |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| PCB Dimensions | 42mm × 37mm |
Resources
- DFRobot Gravity Air780EU 4G CAT1 Communication Module Wiki
- Dimension
- Schematics
- CADSTP Files
- Datasheet
Features
- 4G LTE CAT1 Connectivity: Provides reliable cellular communication with LTE-FDD support.
- Wide Network Compatibility: Supports LTE bands B1, B3, B7, B8, B20, and B28 for international deployment.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports up to 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds.
- UART AT Command Interface: Enables simple communication with microcontrollers and embedded systems.
- Multiple Network Protocols: Supports TCP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, MQTT, NTP, PPP, and NDIS protocols.
- USB Type-C Network Function: Works as a USB network adapter for PCs and embedded computers.
- Low Power Consumption: Supports sleep mode with power consumption as low as 0.6mA.
- Wake-Up Support: Provides UART data wake-up and periodic interrupt wake-up functions.
- Flexible Power Input: Supports 5V USB power and 5V–12V external power supply.
- Wide Controller Compatibility: Works with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, UNIHIKER, LattePanda, and other platforms.
- Industrial Temperature Range: Designed for reliable operation in harsh environments.
Principle of Operation
The Air780EU module operates by connecting to cellular LTE CAT1 networks through an external 4G antenna. The internal cellular chipset manages communication with mobile networks and provides data connectivity to the host controller through UART or USB interfaces.
The connected microcontroller communicates with the module using standard AT commands. These commands allow the user to configure network settings, send and receive data, access cloud services, and communicate using protocols such as MQTT, HTTP, and TCP/IP.
For low-power applications, the module can enter sleep modes and wake up through UART activity or external interrupt signals. This makes it suitable for remote monitoring devices powered by batteries or solar systems.
Applications
- Agricultural and forestry monitoring systems
- Industrial IoT data collection
- Remote environmental monitoring
- Smart agriculture devices
- Remote lighting control systems
- Warehouse and building automation
- Industrial PC 4G connectivity expansion
- Mobile payment terminals
- Remote control and telemetry systems
- Home automation and smart IoT devices
Pinout
| Pin | Function |
|---|---|
| VCC | Power input (5V–12V through terminal / 5V USB) |
| GND | Ground connection |
| TX | UART transmit output |
| RX | UART receive input |
| USB Type-C | USB communication and network card function |
| SMA Connector | External 4G LTE antenna connection |
Wiring
The Air780EU can be connected to most microcontrollers through the UART interface.
| Air780EU | Arduino / ESP32 |
|---|---|
| VCC | 5V |
| GND | GND |
| TX | MCU RX |
| RX | MCU TX |
The module uses AT commands through UART for configuration, network registration, and data transmission.
First Time Setup
- Insert a Nano SIM card into the SIM slot.
- Connect the 4G antenna to the SMA concnector.
- Connect the module to a 5V power source.
- Connect UART TX/RX pins to your controller.
- Open a serial monitor at the correct baud rate.
- Send AT commands to verify communication.
- Configure network settings and IoT communication parameters.
Technical Details
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | 4G CAT1 IoT Communication Module |
| Model | Air780EU |
| Brand | DFRobot Gravity |
| LTE Bands | LTE-FDD B1/B3/B7/B8/B20/B28 |
| Data Rate | Up to 10 Mbps Downlink / 5 Mbps Uplink |
| Communication Interface | UART, USB Type-C |
| Control Method | AT Commands |
| Protocols | TCP, UDP, PPP, HTTP, HTTPS, MQTT, NTP, NDIS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM |
| Logic Level | 3.3V / 5V Compatible |
| Antenna Interface | SMA Female |
| Operating Voltage | 5V USB / 5V–12V External Input |
| Sleep Current | Approximately 0.6mA |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| PCB Dimensions | 42mm × 37mm |