Getting Started with the Raspberry Pi 4G LTE HAT

Overview

The 4G Raspberry Pi HAT is a powerful and versatile add-on designed for seamless integration with Raspberry Pi models, including A+, B+, Pi 2, Pi 3, Pi 4, Pi 5, and Zero, as well as PCs. Equipped with a 40-pin GPIO connector, it ensures easy plug-and-play compatibility. The HAT features the Quectel EG25-GL CAT4 LTE module, providing high-speed 4G communication, SMS functionality, and cloud platform integration for IoT and M2M applications. Additionally, it offers precise GNSS positioning with Qualcomm® IZat technology, making it ideal for industrial routers, rugged tablets, video transmission, and digital signage. The HAT supports communication through UART and USB, with software tools included for easy configuration and debugging via AT commands.

At its core, the EG25-GL module ensures robust performance with global frequency band support, offering reliable connectivity across LTE, UMTS/HSPA+, and GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks. Backward-compatible with 4G, 3G, and 2G, it supports multiple communication protocols such as MIMO, DFOTA, and DTMF. Its multi-constellation GNSS receiver ensures accurate and fast positioning.

Package Contents

The 4G LTE HAT package includes everything needed for installation and operation:

• Screws and Studs All required hardware for securely mounting and fixing the HAT.
• Screwdriver A tool for easy installation.
• 2x 4G Antenna Ensures reliable LTE connectivity.
• USB-A to USB-C Adapter Enables connection between the HAT and the Raspberry Pi’s USB 3.0 port.
• 2x20 Pin Stacking Header Provides the necessary height for proper alignment and clearance during installation.
• 0.3M Type-C Data Cable Supports both power supply and data transmission.

Hardware preparation

Raspberry Pi 5	GPS Antenna	Raspberry Pi 4G LTE CAT4 HAT
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Features

• Supports global frequency bands with no regional restrictions.
• Plug-and-play with Raspberry Pi, no driver installation required.
• Includes 2x LTE Antennas and all necessary mounting accessories, no additional purchases needed.
• High-speed LTE CAT4 communication, supporting Max. 150 Mbps (DL) and Max. 50 Mbps (UL).
• Supports dial-up, SMS, TCP, UDP, PPP, FTP, HTTP, NTP, PING, QMI, NITZ, SMTP, MQTT, CMUX, HTTPS, FTPS, SMTPS, SSL, MMS, FILE.
• Supports GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, QZSS.
• Enables high-speed 4G communication with Raspberry Pi/PC via USB 2.0 interface.
• Additional USB-C power interface, which can be enabled by DIP Switch to provide separate power supply for the module, offering higher load capability.
• On-board LED PWR/NET status lights for easy monitoring of network status and module operation.
• On-board RST PWR button for quick manual reset and module on/off control.
• RST/PWR/RX/TX pins connected to Raspberry Pi via 40-pin GPIO, enabling control of Reset, module on/off, and UART communication when enabled by DIP Switch.

Specification

EG25-GL 4G Module Specifications

Attribute	Details
Region/Operator	Global
Dimensions (mm)	29.0 × 32.0 × 2.4
Weight (g)	Approx. 4.9
Operating Temperature	-35°C to +75°C
Extended Temperature	-40°C to +85°C
Frequency Bands
- LTE-FDD	B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/18/19/20/25/26/28/66
- LTE-TDD	B34/38/39/40/41
- WCDMA	B1/2/4/5/6/8/19
- TD-SCDMA	Not supported
- GSM/EDGE	B2/3/5/8
GNSS	GPS/GLONASS/BDS/Galileo/QZSS
Enhanced Features
- DTMF	Supported
- DFOTA	Supported
- QMI/RmNet	Supported
- QuecFile®	Supported
- (U)SIM Card Detection	Supported
Max. Data Rates
- LTE-FDD (Mbps)	150 (DL)/50 (UL)
- LTE-TDD (Mbps)	130 (DL)/30 (UL)
- DC-HSPA+ (Mbps)	42 (DL)/5.76 (UL)
- WCDMA (kbps)	384 (DL)/384 (UL)
- EDGE (kbps)	296 (DL)/236.8 (UL)
- GPRS (kbps)	107 (DL)/85.6 (UL)
Protocols Supported	TCP, UDP, PPP, FTP, HTTP, NTP, PING, QMI, NITZ, SMTP, MQTT, CMUX, HTTPS, FTPS, SMTPS, SSL, MMS, FILE
Electrical Features
- Supply Voltage Range	3.3–4.3 V, typical 3.8 V
- Power Consumption (Power Off)	7 µA
- Power Consumption (Sleep)	1.3 mA
- Power Consumption (Idle)	15.7 mA

Hardware Overview

4G LTE HAT and Raspberry Pi GPIO connection

The 4G LTE HAT connects to the Raspberry Pi via its standard 40-pin GPIO interface, enabling seamless integration. The key GPIO connections and their functions are as follows:

• Power Supply (5V): The HAT receives power from the Raspberry Pi through the 5V pins on the GPIO header. After connecting the PowerMode Switch Jumper, the Raspberry Pi can be powered through these pins in reverse

• UART Communication (RX/TX): The Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins 8 (TXD) and 10 (RXD) are connected to the HAT, serving as the primary UART interface for communication with the 4G module.It is important to note that the DIP switches on the PCB need to be adjusted. The future settings will be discussed in detail under the DIP switches section later.

• Reset (RST): GPIO pin 29 is connected to the 4G module's reset pin, allowing the Raspberry Pi to reset the 4G module by toggling the signal (default is low, high triggers reset).It is important to note that the DIP switches on the PCB need to be adjusted. The future settings will be discussed in detail under the DIP switches section later.

• Power Control (PWR): GPIO pin 31 connects to the 4G module's power control pin, enabling the Raspberry Pi to turn the module on with a high signal or off with a low signal. These connections ensure that the Raspberry Pi can power, communicate with, and control the 4G LTE HAT effectively.It is important to note that the DIP switches on the PCB need to be adjusted. The future settings will be discussed in detail under the DIP switches section later.

Power Supply

The 4G LTE HAT supports multiple power supply modes to ensure flexibility and compatibility:

1. Raspberry Pi 40-pin 5V Power Supply: The HAT can draw power directly from the 5V pins on the Raspberry Pi’s 40-pin GPIO header. This method is suitable for small-scale applications but may be insufficient for larger power demands, requiring testing for reliability.

2. Raspberry Pi USB-A or USB-C Power Supply: The HAT can be powered through the Raspberry Pi’s onboard USB-A or USB-C port. An adapter included in the kit simplifies this setup, allowing a direct connection to the HAT.

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3. External USB-C Power Supply: An independent USB-C power source (5V, 3A) can be connected to the HAT for high-power applications. By using a jumper wire, the HAT can also supply power directly to the Raspberry Pi through the 40-pin GPIO header. These options provide flexibility to accommodate different application requirements and power needs.It is important to note that the DIP switches on the PCB need to be adjusted. The future settings will be discussed in detail under the DIP switches section later.

Power the 4G HAT separately

Power both the 4G HAT and the Raspberry Pi.

SIM Card Slot

The 4G LTE HAT includes a SIM card slot for the CAT4 module, supporting Nano SIM cards with 3V or 1.8V voltage. For proper installation, the SIM card slot should be vertically aligned with the Raspberry Pi's network port located below it. This ensures a secure connection and optimal performance.

Antenna Connectivity

The 4G LTE HAT supports three antenna connections, each using IPEX 1 connectors:

1. MAIN LTE Antenna Connector: Used for primary LTE connectivity.
2. AUX LTE Antenna Connector: Provides auxiliary LTE support for enhanced performance.
3. GPS/GNSS Antenna Connector: Dedicated for GPS and GNSS functionality, ensuring precise positioning.

These antenna options ensure robust and reliable connectivity for LTE and location-based applications.

LED Indicators

The 4G LTE HAT features two LED indicators for status monitoring:

• PWR LED (Red): Lights up to indicate the power status of the HAT.
• NET LED (Blue): Indicates the network connection status. It flashes at specific intervals during active connections and data transfer, while remaining off if no connection is established.

Network Indicator States and Corresponding Network Status

Indicator	Indicator State	Corresponding Network Status
NET_STATUS	Flashing (200 ms on / 1800 ms off)	Registered to 2G network
	Flashing (1800 ms on / 200 ms off)	Registered to 4G network
	Always on	Data transmission in progress
	Off	No network connection

These LEDs provide quick visual feedback on the HAT's power and network activity.

USB-C Interfaces

The 4G LTE HAT includes two USB-C interfaces with distinct functions:

1. USB-C 1 Interface

• Integrated with the EC25 module, it supports USB 2.0 functionality.
• Allows for AT command communication, data transmission, GNSS NMEA output, software debugging, and firmware upgrades.

2. USB-C 2 Interface

• Used to provide a high-power supply of up to 5V-15V to the LTE HAT.
• The power supply can be toggled using the DIP switch.
• After connecting the PowerMode Switch Jumper, this interface can be used to directly power the Raspberry Pi.

These interfaces ensure efficient communication, debugging, and power delivery for the HAT. These interfaces facilitate efficient communication and debugging for the HAT, with the USB-C 2 interface dedicated solely to power delivery.

Boot Pads

• Provides access to the LTE module's USB_BOOT pin and 1.8V VDD.
• Shorting the USB_BOOT pin forces the LTE module into boot mode, enabling firmware burning via the USB-C 1 interface.

RST/PWR Buttons

• RST Button: Performs a one-click reset of the LTE module. The button is horizontally mounted and designed for easy operation.
• PWR Button:In the off state, pressing the button powers on the HAT. ○While powered on, pressing and holding the button turns it off.

DIP Switches

• Power-On Self-Start Switch:
  • 0 (Off): Disabled.
  • 1 (On): Enables automatic power-on of the LTE HAT after power is applied.
• External Power Switch:
  • 0 (Off): Disabled.
  • 1 (On): Allows external power supply via the USB-C 2 interface.
• RX Connection Switch:
  • 0 (Off): Disabled.
  • 1 (On): Enables communication with the Raspberry Pi UART-RX.
• TX Connection Switch:
  • 0 (Off): Disabled.
  • 1 (On): Enables communication with the Raspberry Pi UART-TX.
• RST Connection Switch:
  • 0 (Off): Disabled.
  • 1 (On): Allows the Raspberry Pi to control LTE module resets via GPIO.
• PWR Connection Switch:
  • 0 (Off): Disabled.
  • 1 (On): Enables the Raspberry Pi to control the LTE module’s power state via GPIO.

Layout

The 4G LTE HAT is designed with careful alignment and placement for seamless integration with the Raspberry Pi 5:

• USB-C 1 Connector: After installation, it aligns vertically with the Raspberry Pi 5’s USB 3.0 interface.
• USB-C 2 Connector: Aligns vertically with the Raspberry Pi 5’s USB-C power port.
• Nano SIM Card Slot: Positioned to align vertically with the Raspberry Pi 5’s Ethernet port.
• Status Lights (PWR/NET): These lights are vertically aligned with the Raspberry Pi 5’s status LEDs for clear visibility.
• Antenna Connectors: Three evenly spaced antenna connectors are located at the rear of the board for easy attachment.
• Boot Pads: Conveniently located on the outer edge of the board, allowing users to easily short-circuit them for boot mode operations.

This thoughtful layout ensures compatibility, ease of use, and an organized setup when paired with the Raspberry Pi 5.

HAT Structure and Raspberry Pi Compatibility

The 4G LTE HAT is designed to match the Raspberry Pi’s size, ensuring seamless integration. Key compatibility and structural features include:

• 40-Pin GPIO Alignment: The HAT connects through the 40-pin GPIO header and aligns perfectly with the Raspberry Pi. A stacking connector is added to maintain compatibility with the official Raspberry Pi heatsink.

• USB-A to USB-C Adapter Support: After installing the stacking connector, the USB-C 1 port is positioned at an appropriate height, allowing direct connection with a USB-A to USB-C adapter.

• Camera Connector Access: The PCB layout reserves space around the Raspberry Pi 5 camera connector, with holes provided to allow the camera cable to pass through easily.

• Fixed Mounting Holes: The HAT includes four mounting holes that align with the Raspberry Pi 5’s mounting points, ensuring secure attachment using copper pillars and screws.

• Height Adjustment: The stacking header raises the HAT to a suitable height above the Raspberry Pi, providing clearance for components and ensuring the USB-C 1 port is accessible.

These design considerations make the HAT fully compatible with the Raspberry Pi 5 while maintaining ease of installation and functionality.

Assemble Guide

Software Preparation

For Windows

Step 1: Install Drivers

For Windows users, download and install the required driver for your module. This is mandatory for proper communication with the module.

Step 2: Connect the Module Plug the module into your PC using the USB cable. Ensure the SIM card is properly inserted into the module.

Step 3: Power On the Module Press the Power Button on the module to turn it on.

Step 4: Access Communication Ports Once the driver is installed, you will see three separate COM ports available for communication with the module.

Step 5: Install GUI Tool (QCOM v1.6)

Download and install QCOM v1.6, a graphical interface for interacting with the module. Open the tool to begin sending AT commands.

Step 6: Configure and Test the COM Port

Open the GUI tool and select the appropriate COM port for the module. Adjust the communication settings as required (e.g., baud rate).

In the command typing box, type the following test command:

AT

Step 7: Verify Output

The module will respond with the following output if the setup is successful:

OK

Raspberry Pi

Step 1: Install Drivers

• 1.1. Verify Kernel Compatibility Ensure your Raspberry Pi has the latest kernel installed. Use the following command to check the kernel version:

uname -r

For this guide, the kernel version is 6.6.xx (Bookworm). Install the corresponding Quectel USB Driver.

• 1.2. Update and Install Required Tools Run the following commands to update the system and install necessary tools:

sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install git make gcc

• 1.3. Download and Install the Quectel USB Driver Clone the driver repository and build the driver:

git clone https://github.com/QuecPython/Quectel_Linux_USB_Serial_Option_Driver.git
cd Quectel_Linux_USB_Serial_Option_Driver/src/v6.4.11
sudo make install

• 1.4. Connect and Verify

Connect the module to the Raspberry Pi via USB. Press the power button on the module. Verify the module is properly detected:

lsusb

ls /dev/ttyUSB*

For AT commands, use /dev/ttyUSB2 as the communication port.

Step 2: Install Minicom

• 2.1. Install Minicom Install the Minicom tool for sending AT commands:

sudo apt install minicom

• 2.2. Configure Minicom Run Minicom in setup mode:

sudo minicom -s

Configure settings such as:

Port: /dev/ttyUSB2
Baud Rate: 9600
Parity: N

Step 3: Test with AT Commands

• 3.1 Open Minicom on the configured port

sudo minicom -D /dev/ttyUSB2

Type the following command to test communication:

AT

The module should respond with:

OK

Resources

• [Web Page] LTE EG25-G

• [Web Page] AT Commands Manual V2.0

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