nrf9160 - SIM communication problem - Ooredoo SIM

Question

Hi! 
 I'm struggling with the following problem: 
 After inserting a SIM and AT+CFUN=1, I can check with the AT%XSIM the state of the SIM card/communication. 
 Normally I get "%XSIM: 1" when card is inserted and communication is running. 
 When no card is inserted I get "%XSIM: 0,9" which makes sense... 
 So far I've tried 1NCE, JT, Vodaphone - all of them are working - also, later on, the connections are working... 
 But when insert a Ooredoo SIM (for Qatar) , it simply stays at "%XSIM: 0.9" (SIM com error...) 
 Hardware: 
 
 nrf9160DK (nRF9160 SICA B1A, nrf9160_1.3.3) 
 Actitius IcarusV2 (nRF9160 SICA B1A , nrf9160_1.3.4) 
 
 The strage thing is: 
 When I put the different SIMs to my other boards (QUECTEL and GEMALTO modems), at least the SIM communication is working - even with the Ooredoo SIM... 
 Are there any option setting for the SIM communication? 
 Currently I don't have any idea where to start looking.... 
 Help/advice is strongly appreciated... 
 
 BR 
 Michael

mike_actinius · Accepted Answer

Hi Michael, 
 Here are some clarifications for you and anyone else that may encounter the Ooredoo SIMs: 
 The nRF9160 only supports 1.8v SIMs by default, please see infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp 
 There is no level shifting on the Icarus IoT Board (or the nRF9160DK as a matter of fact). 
 We have investigated the Ooredoo SIMs before, and unfortunately the verdict was that 1.8V is not supported, despite what the spec sheet says. This is the only SIM that we have seen with such behavior. 
 -- Mike