---
title: "Introduction to Mini-PCI Hat Board"
description: "## Basic Overview The **Mini-PCI HAT** is a versatile interface board designed for connecting Mini-PCI modules and sharing data over USB. While it follows the Raspberry Pi pinout for seamless integration, it can also be used as a **standalone board**…"
url: "https://eicut.com/wiki/raspberry-pi/hats/introduction-to-mini-pci-hat-board/"
updated: "2026-02-15"
category: Raspberry Pi / HATs
---

# Introduction to Mini-PCI Hat Board

## Basic Overview

The **Mini-PCI HAT** is a versatile interface board designed for connecting Mini-PCI modules and sharing data over USB. While it follows the Raspberry Pi pinout for seamless integration, it can also be used as a **standalone board** or with other similar platforms. In addition, processor interface pins allow direct control of the Mini-PCI module.

## Feature List

- SIM card socket
- Powerful 3A regulator for reliable Mini-PCI module power supply
- Status LEDs for module activity indication
- USB Type-C connector for power input
- USB 2.0 Type-A socket for data sharing

**Power over Ethernet (PoE) Class 4** circuit compliant with IEEE 802.3af/at standard, providing up to **25.5 W** of power to the board through a single Ethernet cable

## Board Resources

### Function Description

The main component and interface placement of the evaluation board is shown in the following figure:

![Top view of Introduction to Mini-PCI Hat Board](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Introduction-to-Mini-PCI-Hat-Board.webp)
**Top view**

  🔗**Important Power-On Instructions**

- If you are using it in **standalone mode**, connect the **Enable jumper** so that the module is powered.
- If you are using it as a **Raspberry Pi HAT**, set the **Enable pin** on the Raspberry Pi interface to **1** to turn on the module.

![Bottom view of Introduction to Mini-PCI Hat Board](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Introduction-to-Mini-PCI-Hat-Board-2.webp)
**Bottom view**

### Board Interfaces

The main pin placement of the evaluation board is shown in the following figure:

![Mini-PCI Hat Board pin map](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Introduction-to-Mini-PCI-Hat-Board-4-1024x950.webp)
**Pin out**

| NO. | Name | Comment |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **1** | Raspberry pi Socket |  |
| **2** | Mini-PCI Socket |  |
| **3** | LED Guide |  |
| **4** | USB Type-C | Only for Power |
| **5** | Micro Simcard Socket |  |
| **6** | Expansion Connector |  |
| **7** | USB 2.0 |  |
| **8** | POE Connector |  |

## Evaluation Board Dimensions

![Dimensions of MiniPCIe to Raspberry Pi HAT](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MiniPCIe-to-Raspberry-Pi-HAT-1024x748.webp)
**Board Dimensions : 89.2 \* 57 mm**

## Getting Started Preparation

### Software Requirements

Run the following commands to install the necessary software:
 sudo apt update
 sudo apt upgrade
 sudo apt install libqmi-utils

### Verifying Hardware Connection

With your module connected to the development board, run:

   C   lsusb

| 1 | lsusb |
| --- | --- |

If the module is detected correctly, you should see its vendor and product ID listed in the output,
 similar to the example provided in the photo.

![Terminal screenshot on Raspberry Pi](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Introduction-to-Mini-PCI-Hat-Board-5.webp)
**lsusb Output**

Next, check for the network interface:

   C   ifconfig -a

| 1 | ifconfig -a |
| --- | --- |

You should see a usb0 network interface appear in the list.

![Raspberry Pi terminal screenshot](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Introduction-to-Mini-PCI-Hat-Board-6.webp)
**ifconfig -a output**

### Module Configuration

Some modules require additional configuration. To set this up, first install and use a serial communication tool:

   C   sudo apt install minicom -y minicom -D /dev/ttyUSB0 -b 115200

| 12 | sudo apt install minicom -yminicom -D /dev/ttyUSB0 -b 115200 |
| --- | --- |

**Note**: ttyUSB0 is the serial port of my 4G module. If you are unsure which port your module is using, you can identify it with:

   C   lsusb -v -d 2c7c:6005 | grep “interface”

| 1 | lsusb -v -d 2c7c:6005 \| grep “interface” |
| --- | --- |

The ID used with lsusb -v -d (e.g., 2c7c:6005) comes from the vendor and product ID you noted
 earlier when you ran lsusb.
 Once connected to the correct port via Minicom, you can send AT commands to the module. To
 verify that the device is connected and responding correctly, send AT. The module should respond
 with OK.
 If the connection is successful, proceed with the following configuration commands:

   C   AT+QCFG="usbnet",1 AT+AUTOAPN=0 AT+QICSGP=1,1,"Access Point Name","","",0 AT+QNETDEVCTL=1,1,1

| 1234 | AT+QCFG="usbnet",1AT+AUTOAPN=0AT+QICSGP=1,1,"Access Point Name","","",0AT+QNETDEVCTL=1,1,1 |
| --- | --- |

**Important**: You must replace <Access Point Name> with the actual APN provided by your mobile carrier. If you do not know your APN, you can obtain it from your SIM card provider. APNs vary
 between different network operators (such as Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, etc.). Also, please keep in mind
 that this step is optional; skip it if your module does not support AUTOAPN

### Using UART of Raspberry Pi to communicate with module

If you want to communicate with the module through the Raspberry Pi’s on-board UART follow
 these steps.
 Enable Raspberry Pi UART interface
 Run:

   C   sudo raspi-config

| 1 | sudo raspi-config |
| --- | --- |

Navigate to:
 Interface Options → Serial Port
 When prompted:
 1. “Login shell over serial?” → No (this prevents the Pi’s terminal from occupying the UART)
 2. “Enable hardware serial port?” → Yes
 Exit and reboot your system when prompted.
 After the reboot, verify the serial interface:

   C   ls -l /dev/serial\*

| 1 | ls -l /dev/serial\* |
| --- | --- |

You should see something like /dev/serial0 (typically linked to /dev/ttyAMA0 or /dev/ttyS0
 depending on your Pi model).
 The last step is opening a terminal session to the modem:

   C   sudo minicom -D /dev/serial0 -b 115200

| 1 | sudo minicom -D /dev/serial0 -b 115200 |
| --- | --- |

Type AT and press Enter → you should receive OK. That confirms the UART path is working

![Screenshot of raspi-config tool](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Introduction-to-Mini-PCI-Hat-Board-7.webp)
**Accessing raspi-config**

![raspi-config screenshot](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Introduction-to-Mini-PCI-Hat-Board-8.webp)
**In raspi-config → Interface Options, select I6 Serial Port to enable serial console/shell access.**

![raspi-config serial port setup dialog](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Introduction-to-Mini-PCI-Hat-Board-9.webp)
**In raspi-config → Interface Options → I6 Serial Port: Select to disable login shell over serial**

![Enable Serial Port HardwareAlt text:](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Introduction-to-Mini-PCI-Hat-Board-910.webp)
In raspi-config → Interface Options → I6 Serial Port: Select to enable the UART hardware

## FAQ

    What is the Mini-PCIe to Raspberry Pi HAT?

A full-size **Mini-PCIe adapter** that follows the official Raspberry Pi 40-pin HAT standard — adds 4G/5G, GNSS, Wi-Fi, or any Mini-PCIe module to your Pi with **USB + SIM + PoE + 3 A power** in one board.

    Can I use it without a Raspberry Pi?

Yes — works perfectly as a **standalone USB Mini-PCIe adapter**. Just place the **Enable jumper** and power via USB-C or PoE.

    How do I power the module?

Three ways:
 • **USB-C** (5 V)
 • **PoE IEEE 802.3af/at** up to 25.5 W (perfect for outdoor Pi)
 • From Raspberry Pi 5 V pins (when used as HAT)

    How do I turn the Mini-PCIe module on?

• HAT mode → set GPIO (BCM 26) high or use the **Enable jumper**
 • Standalone → place the **Enable jumper**
 The onboard **3 A regulator** instantly powers the module.

    Does it provide a SIM card slot?

Yes — built-in **push-push micro-SIM (3FF)** socket directly wired to the Mini-PCIe card.

    Can I send AT commands from Raspberry Pi UART?

Yes — the board routes the module’s **UART** to Pi GPIO 14/15 (serial0). Just enable serial in raspi-config and use **minicom -D /dev/serial0 -b 115200**.

    How do I get internet on the Pi?

Most modules (Quectel, Sierra, Telit) appear as **usb0** or **wwan0**.
 Install **libqmi-utils** and use **qmicli** or **udhcpc -i wwan0** — or simply let NetworkManager handle it.

    What are the status LEDs?

• **PWR**: 3.3 V rail active
 • **USB**: Mini-PCIe USB link up
 • **SIM**: SIM card detected
 • **NET**: Connected to expansion header (module-dependent)

    Is PoE really supported?

Yes — full **IEEE 802.3af/at Class 4** PoE (up to 25.5 W). Use any PoE injector/switch — no extra power cable needed even for 5G modules.

    What modules are officially tested?

All Quectel **EP06, EM12, EM16, EM18, RM50x, RG200, EC25, EG25-G**, Sierra Wireless, Telit, Simcom, and many 4G/5G Mini-PCIe modules work perfectly.

[![MiniPCIe to Raspberry Pi HAT](https://eicut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Frame-45_11zon-273x300.webp)](https://eicut.com/product/minipcie-to-raspberry-pi-hat/)