SIM cards come in a variety of sizes or shapes. When the first SIM cards appeared, there was only one form: 1FF credit card size. Today, there are four standard sizes of removable SIM, as well as embedded SIM (MFF2). As cell phones decline over the years, so do their SIM cards. IoT SIM cards come in the same way as traditional consumer SIM cards.
How Do I Choose the Best SIM Device for My Device?
The form factor is just one option to select the correct SIM for your IoT device (Internet of Things). The best choice depends on the size of the phone and the amount of space that can be provided by the SIM card. It is important to note that the chips themselves are similar in form 2FF – 4FF — the difference in size and thickness of the card.
SIM Card Form Factors for IoT
- Micro SIM (2FF)
- Micro-SIM (3FF)
- Nano-SIM (4FF)
- Embedded SIM (MFF2)
Mini SIM (2FF)
At 25mm x 15mm x 0.76mm, the Mini-SIM is the largest removable SIM card currently in use. It has been around since the mid-1990s when it emerged as a small (then-time) reduction of mobile devices. Today, the Mini-SIM still works well on large connected devices, such as automotive and commercial equipment.
Micro SIM (3FF)
Micro SIM measures 15mm x 12mm x 0.76mm, much smaller than a Micro SIM. It is large enough to be manageable to easily replace SIM cards, but it fits better with medium-sized IoT devices such as tablets and telehealth monitors.
Nano SIM (4FF)
Measuring 12mm x 8.8mm x 0.67mm, the Nano SIM is smaller and thinner than its counterparts. It is an ideal solution for integrated IoT devices that include portable technology and mobile payment systems.
Embedded SIM (MFF2)
The embedded SIM or eSIM is sold directly to the motherboard of the device, so it is completely locked from the device. That means it is a good choice for IoT devices installed outside or in difficult situations. For larger applications, choosing eSIM can also simplify your delivery chain as it removes the step of physically inserting the SIM on all devices. It is often confusing with the word eSIM, as many people use it to refer to eSIM-enabled eIMs. But eSIM itself is just what it claims to be — embedded SIM — and it does not automatically enable remote access. More and more IoT designers are beginning to adopt e-SIM-enabled eSIMs, however, due to their flexibility and flexibility. (To find out more, see our eUICC SIM forum, Hologram Hyper.)
ESIM vs. Nano SIM
There is also some confusion about eSIM and Nano SIM, probably because they are both integrated and represent modern technology. Nano SIM is now widely available on Apple iPhones and other smartphones and is used on many IoT devices and due to its unpredictable size. But while the Nano SIM acts as a removable traditional SIM card, the eSIM is internal and permanently attached to the phone. If eSIM is enabled by eUICC, you can change ownership using the Offline Offer (OTA).
If you are designing an IoT device and are not sure if a Nano SIM or eSIM is a better choice, consider the following:
Device Accessibility
If used locally, will the device be easily accessible if you need to turn off the SIM card? For example, if you design an IoT sensor for smart farming applications, some sensors may end up far away from the corn field. If so, the eSIM capability enabled by eUICC to turn off SIM profiles remotely could be helpful.
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Consolidation
Other flexible coverage to consider. Dual SIM devices can switch between portable SIMs, but eUICC-enabled SIM can store several additional SIM profiles, making it easier to switch data settings and network providers. This is important when, for example, you are creating a tracking device that will travel around the country by tractor-trailer.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a SIM
When you compare your device with the SIM form factor, size and accessibility are the main concerns. Larger devices can incorporate larger SIM form objects, while smaller devices require smaller ones. Apart from those basics, here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Differences in Protective Casing
While its small size is advantageous for some applications, it also means that the Nano SIM does not have a plastic protective layer around the contact chip for other removable form features. For that reason, the Nano SIM may not be the best SIM technology for IoT devices exposed to extreme temperatures or weather conditions. For devices used outdoors, underground, or in hazardous areas, eSIM offers a good solution as it is locked inside the device.