iPad 2 3G GSM & CDMA Teardown
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 6 Steps
Apple decided to spice up the iPad 2 lineup by offering a variety of options that could rival a Baskin Robbins menu: two colors, three storage sizes, and three connectivity choices (Wi-Fi only, 3G GSM on AT&T, and 3G CDMA on Verizon). That’s a total of 18 different versions, all basically the same device. For our teardown, we picked the black, 16GB, Wi-Fi only version to dig into. We didn’t feel the need to take apart the other 17, but we thought it was worth comparing the Wi-Fi only, GSM, and CDMA versions to see how they stack up.
Step 1
- When checking out the GSM and CDMA versions of the iPad 2, the quickest way to spot the difference is the microSIM slot.
- On the GSM model, you’ll find the microSIM slot tucked in the upper left corner. The case is specially crafted there to fit the SIM tray and ejector mechanism.
- On the flip side, the CDMA version skips the whole SIM card thing and uses the WWAN board’s circuitry to handle user info. That leaves a blank spot on the outer case above the WWAN board where the microSIM slot hangs out on the GSM model.
Step 2
Out of the three options, if you're looking for the safest choice when it comes to protecting yourself, the Wi-Fi-only version tucked into your chest pocket is probably the one you'd want to go with. At least it won't add too much bulk if you're on the move.
- Check out the lineup of WWAN antennas from top to bottom: GSM, CDMA, and Wi-Fi versions, each showing their unique setups.
- The CDMA iPad 2 steps up the game with an extra antenna, much like the Verizon iPhone 4’s antenna layout.
- The Wi-Fi model skips the WWAN antenna altogether, so no black plastic antenna window at the top—just sleek solid aluminum instead.
- Curious why GSM and CDMA need different antenna designs? Dive deeper with our iPhone 4 Verizon teardown for the full scoop.
Step 3
Grab a 6-inch metal ruler to help you with accurate scaling during the repair.
- Take a look at the logic boards for the Wi-Fi, GSM, and CDMA models, stacked up neatly from top to bottom.
- For the 3G models, the WWAN boards are snugly connected to their logic boards by some surface-mounted ribbon cables.
- These cables are like a best friend – they keep the WWAN board firmly attached to the logic board, which means the WWAN board isn't something you can swap out easily.
Step 4
Surprise! All these chips hang out inside the Verizon iPhone 4.
- Here are the key chips that bring 3G connectivity to the CDMA iPad 2:
- Qualcomm MDM6600 Baseband/RF Transceiver – the brains handling your 3G signals
- Qualcomm PM8028 Power Management IC – keeping the power flowing smoothly
- Toshiba Y890A111222KA – probably a combo of DRAM and flash memory doing its thing
- Skyworks 77710 Power Amplifier Module – boosting your signal strength
- Skyworks 77711 Power Amplifier Module – another power amp helping out
Step 5
- Here are the key players on the GSM iPad 2 3G board:
- Intel 36MY1EF chip packing 128Mb of Numonyx NOR flash along with Elpida Mobile DDR SDRAM.
- Infineon 337S3833 Baseband Processor, the brains behind the cellular connection.
- Skyworks & TriQuint Transmit Modules, handling the signal transmission with style.
- Infineon 338S0626 GSM/W-CDMA Transceiver, keeping your calls and data flowing.
- Broadcom BCM4751 Integrated Monolithic GPS Receiver, the upgraded GPS component compared to the BCM4750 in the iPhone 4.
Step 6
Sharp-eyed folks might spot that the GSM model’s headphone jack is MIA. It bravely took one for the team in our iPad 2 headphone jack article.
Since the CDMA version skips a microSIM card slot, it actually shares the exact same headphone jack assembly as the Wi-Fi model.
- Check out the headphone jacks lined up from top to bottom: Wi-Fi, CDMA, and GSM versions.
- They look pretty much the same, except the GSM model has a microSIM card slot sneaking in there.
