RPi0 4G Cat1-Hub LTE Expansion Board for Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero 2W | Global Cat-1 Module, Driver-Free, 3× USB-C Host Ports, Pogo-Pin Powered

Overview

The RPi0 4G Cat1-Hub is a feature-packed USB expansion board custom-designed for the Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero W / WH / Zero 2W. Built to match the exact form factor and mounting holes of the Pi Zero, it connects effortlessly via four gold-plated pogo-pins without occupying any of the 40-pin GPIO headers, expanding your device with three USB 2.0 Type-C host ports.

Powered by the CAT1-GL global-version 4G Cat.1 module, this board supports wide international frequency bands, featuring a Nano-SIM slot alongside a reserved eSIM pad. Upgraded to the new 2607 hardware revision with SIM hot-swap support, it offers driver-free auto-dialing under Raspberry Pi OS and OpenWrt—delivering reliable cellular data speeds up to 10 Mbps for medium-speed IoT applications.

Versatile and developer-friendly, the board supports dual power input options, onboard status LEDs, BOOT/Reset controls, and exposed debug UART interfaces. It is the ultimate plug-and-play solution for building remote, low-power embedded cellular projects.

⚠️ Important Note: When using this expansion board, the Raspberry Pi Zero/Zero 2W development board cannot utilize the OTG function. If you need to use the OTG function, all interfaces on the expansion board will become unavailable.

Key Features

🌍 Global LTE Cat 1 Connectivity

• Wide Frequency Support: Covers global FDD and TDD bands for seamless worldwide IoT deployments.
• Balanced Data Speeds: Delivers up to 10 Mbps DL / 5 Mbps UL on FDD, and up to 8.96 Mbps DL / 3.1 Mbps UL on TDD.

⚡ Driver-less Plug-and-Play Setup

• Auto-Recognition & Dialing: Fully automatic setup under Raspberry Pi OS and OpenWrt without installing extra drivers.
• Ubuntu Ready: Easily configurable via standard Ethernet interface settings.

🔌 Expanded USB Connectivity & Stackable Design

• 3 x USB 2.0 Type-C Ports: Supports up to 1A per port for connecting keyboards, USB flash storage, sensors, or external hubs.
• Solder-Free Pogo-Pin Mount: Connects directly to the back of the Pi Zero using gold-plated spring pins—no soldering required and leaves the 40-pin GPIO completely free.

📶 Dual-SIM Flexibility & Hardware Enhancements

• Nano-SIM + eSIM Pad: Includes a rear Nano-SIM slot and reserved eSIM footprint (one active at a time).
• SIM Hot-Swap Support: Hardware revision 2607 allows swapping SIM cards without restarting the system.
• IPEX-1 Antenna Interface: Comes with a 4G rod antenna (supports external SMA/FPC antennas via optional adapter cables).

🔋 Low Power & Developer Options

• Optimized Energy Efficiency: Low consumption (~0.75W standby, ~1.25W DL, ~1.5W UL at 5V input) makes it ideal for battery-powered projects.
• Debug & Control Interface: Features onboard Power/Module/NET status LEDs, physical BOOT & Reset buttons, and 3.3V TTL Serial Breakout (Debug UART & AT UART).

Power Requirements & Safety Guide

Technical Specifications

Packing List

• 1 x RPi0 4G Cat1-Hub Expansion Board (CAT1-GL Global Version)
• 1 x 4G Rod-Type IPEX-1 Antenna
• Note: Raspberry Pi Zero mainboard, Nano-SIM card, power supply, mounting standoffs, and screws are not included.