nRF9151 - eSIM

[Mich@l]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking into using LTE-M with nRF9151, and in that context I’m considering using an eSIM.
I’d like to ask a few general questions around this topic:

1. Are there any best practices for using eSIM with nRF9151?
2. Are there any recommended eSIM devices or vendors?
3. What typically determines compatibility between nRF9151 and a given eSIM solution?
4. Are there any Nordic examples, tutorials, or reference materials related to LTE-M together with eSIM on nRF91-series?

If anyone already has any experience with LTE‑M and eSIM on nRF9151 (or nRF916x), it would be great to hear what worked well and any key lessons learned along the way.
Thanks in advance for any input.

Best regards,
Michal

[Simon D-M]

Hi Michal,

1. Are there any best practices for using eSIM with nRF9151?

We have some hardware design guidelines for the UICC interface (link) which is the interface that the modem uses to communicate to the SIM. So, by extent, this gives some tips and best practice to implement a SIM/eSIM card.

2. Are there any recommended eSIM devices or vendors?

Not really... It is a bit hard to recommend anything because it depends a lot on the application.

3. What typically determines compatibility between nRF9151 and a given eSIM solution?

Basically, you probably want a SIM/eSIM that runs on 1V8, as 3V SIMs are not supported by default. It would still be possible to use it, but will require some level shifter and an independent power supply.

Of course, you also need a card that can use LTE-M, NB-IoT or both. 

I also found this issue (link), where someone had a problem with his SIM not working because it had no active profile. So I would recommend having a SIM that has at least one active profile.

4. Are there any Nordic examples, tutorials, or reference materials related to LTE-M together with eSIM on nRF91-series?

Sure, for the hardware implementation, you can take a look at the hardware of the nRF9151 DK (link) as it has a MFF2 footprint for a eSIM to be soldered on. You probably won't need to do a circuitry as complicated as the one we have on this DK, but it is a good example. There is also some advice in the UICC interface documentation I linked above.

For the software, I would recommend taking our "Cellular IoT Fundamentals" course on DevAcademy. We have also a plethora of sample in our SDK concerning cellular applications.

I hope I was able to help you. Tell me if you have more questions!

Best regards,

Simon D-M

[Xifeng]

Could you please help identify which AT command to support SGP.32?

[Simon D-M]

Hi,

Can you please make a new ticket about that? 

Please give more information about which provider you want to use, used hardware, modem firmware version, and everything that would seem relevant.

Best regards,

Simon D-M