What is SIM Card? SIM Card Parts and Function

by | Last Updated On May 4, 2023

Understand What is SIM Card, SIM Card Parts and Function and Different Types of SIM Card. GSM, CDMA, Standard, Micro and Nano SIM Card.

What is a SIM Card? Well, SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It is one of the most important part of any mobile phone. In some countries it is also known as ICC (Integrated Circuit Card) and UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card).

In simple terms, a SIM Card is basically a microcontroller-based access module or a small portable memory chip that stores information about the mobile phone user, a 16-digit or 17-digit code to identify its country of origin, network carrier information and a unique user ID / Mobile Phone Number.

Different Sizes of SIM Card

SIM Cards are available in 3 basic sizes: Standard, Micro, and Nano.

Out of these three sizes, the Standard Size is the original. Micro and Nano SIM Cards were made smaller by trimming off the extra plastic around the main circuit. Have a look at the following image for better understanding.

"Different

Types of SIM Card

SIM Cards are of mainly 2 Types – GSM and CDMA:

GSM SIM

GSM stands for Global System for Mobiles. It can be removed and inserted in any mobile cell phone.

CDMA SIM

CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access. It cannot be removed from the original Phone.

eSIM Card

Nowadays there is a new Mobile Phone Communication Technology called eSIM. eSIM stands for Embedded SIM. There are no physical Chip involved. A small chip is pre-assembled inside the phone and works in a similar way to the NFC chip. You can also port / swap your Network Operator because the information on eSIM is re-writable.

SIM Card Parts and Function

Different Parts of Circuit on a SIM Card have different Function. Following are the Major Parts of a SIM.

  1. VCC (Power Supply)
  2. RST (Reset)
  3. CLK (Clock)
  4. D+ and D- (Optional USB Pad)
  5. GND (Ground)
  6. VPP (Voltage Programming Power)
  7. SIM Data I/O Pin

Have a Look at the following diagram for understand SIM Card Parts and Function.

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SIM Card FAQs

There are three main types of SIM cards: standard SIM (also known as mini-SIM), micro SIM, and nano SIM.

The standard SIM is the largest and was used in older devices, while the micro SIM is smaller and used in many mid-range devices. The nano SIM is the smallest and used in many newer devices, including most iPhones.

To activate a new SIM card, you need to contact your carrier or service provider and provide them with the SIM card number, your personal information, and your device's IMEI number (if asked). They will then activate the SIM card and you can start using it.

Yes, you can use your SIM card in another device as long as it is compatible with the device and the network. If you are switching to a new device, you may need to adjust the APN settings on the new device to ensure that it can connect to the network.

If your SIM card is lost or stolen, you should contact your carrier or service provider immediately to report the issue and have the SIM card deactivated. They will then issue you a new SIM card and you can start using it once it is activated. It is also a good idea to change your passwords and notify your contacts if any personal information was stored on the lost or stolen device.

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Santosh Das

Santosh is an Electronics Geek, Blogger, Young Entrepreneur and Founder of this Mobile Phone Repairing Website. Santosh possesses vast experience in the field of electronics, telecommunication, Soldering, SMT, ESD Safety, Keep visiting for daily dose of Tips and Tutorials.

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6 Responses

  1. josphat says:
    March 16, 2022 at 5:48 am

    hi how can use networking frr

    Reply
  2. Lewis Brumby says:
    August 9, 2021 at 9:49 pm

    Hi, is there anywhere that tells us what each part of the sim card does, such as the clock?

    Reply
  3. Melak Abera says:
    December 25, 2019 at 12:41 am

    thank you very much!

    Reply

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