Adafruit FONA 3G Cellular Breakout - European version
The Adafruit FONA 3G Cellular Breakout (European Version) is an all-in-one 3G cellular modem with integrated GPS, supporting dual-band UMTS/HSDPA on 900/2100 MHz WCDMA for use on European and Australian 3G networks. It also provides quad-band 2G GSM fallback (850/900/1800/1900 MHz).
Built around the SIM5320E module, this compact 1.75 × 1.6-inch breakout provides voice calling, SMS, GPRS data, and GPS geolocation in a single board. It features built-in level shifting (2.8–5 V logic), LiPo battery charging via Micro-USB, native USB serial with AT command and GPS NMEA ports, and indicator LEDs for power and network status.
Key Features
- 3G European Bands – Dual-band UMTS/HSDPA 900/2100 MHz WCDMA + quad-band 2G GSM fallback
- Integrated GPS – Qualcomm PM8015, 16 channels, ~2.5 m accuracy, ~1 s hot start
- Voice, SMS, and Data – Make/receive calls, send/receive SMS, GPRS data (TCP/IP, HTTP)
- Native USB – Serial ports for AT commands, GPS NMEA, and modem access
- LiPo Battery Charging – On-board charger via Micro-USB; requires 500 mAh+ battery
- Level Shifting – Works with 2.8–5 V logic levels
- TRRS Headphone Jack – Standard 4-pole jack for Android/iPhone-compatible headsets
- Speaker + Mic Breakouts – Pads for external 8 Ω speaker and electret microphone
- uFL Antenna Connectors – Separate uFL ports for GSM and GPS antennas
- Standard SIM Slot – Accepts a mini SIM card (2G or 3G)
- AT Command Interface – Controllable via UART from any 3–5 V microcontroller
GPS Specifications
- Channels: 16 acquisition
- Signal: GPS L1 C/A code
- Tracking Sensitivity: −157 dBm
- Cold Start Sensitivity: −144 dBm
- TTFF Cold Start: ~100 s typical
- TTFF Hot Start: ~1 s typical
- Accuracy: ~2.5 m
Also Available
- FONA 3G American Version (850/1900 MHz WCDMA)
- FONA 808 – Mini Cellular GSM + GPS Breakout (2G, easier to use)
- FONA Mini Cellular GSM Breakout – uFL Version
Required Accessories (Not Included)
- 2G or 3G mini SIM card
- LiPo battery – 500 mAh or larger
- Micro-USB cable for charging and USB communication
- External uFL GSM antenna
- External active GPS antenna (uFL; may need uFL-to-SMA adapter)
Ideal For
- IoT projects requiring cellular data on European/Australian 3G networks
- GPS asset tracking and geolocation
- Remote sensing and telemetry
- Voice and SMS-enabled embedded devices
Package Contents
- 1× Adafruit FONA 3G Cellular Breakout – European Version
The Adafruit FONA 3G Cellular Breakout - European version appears in the following collections:
