nRF9151 - Cannot Read ICCID on External SIM (works with eSIM)

[Milan Pipaliya]

Hello,

I am working with the nRF9151 board and trying to read SIM/eSIM information.

Steps I followed:

Used nRF Programmer → Erase all.

Opened Board Configuration → selected eSIM and 3V3.

Flashed quick start program.

Sent CLI commands:

AT
OK
AT+CPIN?
<response>
AT%XICCID
<response>

When using the onboard eSIM, I am able to get the ICCID successfully.

Issue:
When I attach an another eSIM, I get errors:

> AT
OK
> AT+CPIN?
+CME ERROR: 13
> AT%XICCID
+CME ERROR: 0

What exactly does +CME ERROR: 13 indicate in this case?

Any guidance would be very helpful.

Thanks

[Michal]

Hello,

I will try to find more information on that and get back to you.

Best regards,

Michal

[Michal]

So CME ERROR: 13 indicates "SIM FAILURE"

See https://support.micromedia-int.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010426299-GSM-modem-CME-ERRORS-Equipment-Related-GSM-Errors

What kind of eSIM are you trying to use?

Best regards,

Michal

[Milan Pipaliya]

Hi Michal,

Thanks for the pointer on CME ERROR: 13 (SIM failure).

Here’s what I tested:

• eSIMs: ST4SIM and Twilio MFF2 eSIM

• Physical SIM: Anomonda IoT SIM

Results

• On one nRF9151 DK board, all of the above SIMs work: AT commands run fine and I can read the ICCID.

• On another nRF9151 DK board, it fails with CME 13.

Observation

• Following our process (shared in the video): after AT+CFUN=0 then AT+CFUN=1, the working board brings up the SIM supply and I can measure 1.8 V.

• On the failing DK board, the 1.8 V rail never comes up after AT+CFUN=1.

If you have ideas on why CFUN wouldn’t enable the SIM 1.8 V on the DK (hardware gating, PMIC config, or modem FW differences), I’m all ears. I can share more logs if needed.i'v also test solder issue but it is also correct.

[Michal]

Are both of those nRF9151 DKs the same version?

What about the DIP switches on those boards? Are they set up the same way?

[FlorianStorz]

Hello, 

I am struggling with the exact same behaviour and would like to ask if you were able to find the solution for this problem? 

I would highly appreciate an answer, thanks in advance. 

Best regards, 
Florian