About the meaning and the structure of the SIM card
The term SIM stands for “subscriber identity module”. SIM cards are identification cards in form of chips for mobile communication users. Among other things they have their own processor (CPU), a nonvolatile memory (NVM) and an internal memory (RAM).
As soon as the SIM card has a power connection, it is registered in the network as a unique number (ICCD = Integrated Circuit Card Identifier). On the one hand this number ensures the connection between a mobile device and the network operator, on the other hand that the mobile network isn´t used illegally.
Different sizes of SIM cards
- The standard or mini SIM has a size of 15 x 25 mm, its foundation was laid with the introduction of mobile phones.
- With 12 x 15 mm, the micro SIM is more than 50% smaller as its predecessor, however the chip is the same size as before.
- The nano SIM consists, with a size of 8.8 x 12.3 mm, almost completely out of the chip.
- eSIM (embedded SIM) is the latest version of the SIM cards and is permanently installed. It cannot be changed, but the eSIM can be transcripted.
How does the eSIM work and what are the differences to a SIM card?
As already mentioned, the “e” in eSIM means “embedded”. The eSIM works like the normal SIM card but is permanently installed and cannot be exchanged. The data on the eSIM can be transcripted flexibly and quickly during a tariff change.
The eSIM, introduced at the end of 2018, makes vendor and device switches way easier as well as connecting different devices. Because of the compact size of the eSIM, smaller devices such as smartwatches or fitness trackers can be equipped with more features. Advantages of the embedded SIM include the unity of the SIM and not having to break or cut your SIM card to have it fit in your new device. In addition, the well-known roaming charges abroad can be avoided, because the eSIM can also be activated in other countries.
What is the function of SIM cards in Mini-PCs?
Especially in Vehicle-PCs it can be a problem, that there is no internet connection at the PCs place of action. In this case the SIM card can be used to get the PC a proper internet connection. For example, in trucks that cross several countries, for navigation or communication tools, one of two SIM slots is used for the EU countries and the other slot is used for a third country which the truck must cross.
spo-comm Mini-PCs with SIM card slots
The systems of the RUGGED series, the RUGGED Ryzen, RUGGED GTX1050TI and the RUGGED Q170, and the MOVE series, the MOVE Q170 and the MOVE N3160 are equipped with two SIM slots each.
##See all PCs of the RUGGED series
##See all PCs of the MOVE series
