A Comprehensive Guide to LoRa Modules

1. Introduction: What Is LoRa?

LoRa (short for “Long Range”) is a radio modulation technology for wireless LAN networks in non-cellular Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) wireless communication network technologies.  The physical (PHY) silicon layer, or wireless spread spectrum modulation technique, creates a non-cellular, long-range communication link. LoRa devices have revolutionized the Internet of Things (IoT) by enabling data communication over a long range while using minimal power. It is ideal for IoT devices, asset tracking and control, public or private networks, irrigation and agriculture applications, industrial automation, and any long-range, battery-powered sensor application.

2. Differences between LoRa and LoRaWAN

LoRa refers to the physical (PHY) layer used for long-range, low-power communication and is a radio signal transmitted over the air using spread spectrum technology. LoRaWAN is the network standard and system architecture for managing communication between LoRaWAN devices and the network server, defining the communication standard and system architecture at the MAC (Media Access Control) layer. LoRaWAN implements encryption and device authentication to protect data integrity and privacy.

LoRaWAN is a network (protocol) using LoRa, operating in the sub-gigahertz unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) spectrum. LoRa technology provides the communication layer for the LoRaWAN standard, which has been ratified as an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard. As shown in Figure 1, "LoRa" is Semtech's physical radio layer chipset. It is derived from chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology. A MAC network layer stack is required to make this a usable device. MAC can either be separately developed as a proprietary networking layer or use the LoRaWAN specification developed by the LoRa Alliance and the open-source software available to implement it.

The technology is utilized by public, private, or hybrid networks. It offers an extensive range and deep penetration communication capabilities, making it a preferred choice for battery-powered applications such as environmental monitoring and connected spaces like smart metering and smart buildings. LoRa connects devices to the Cloud, providing a "voice" to things—helping make the world a better place to live, work, and play.

Networks with LoRa, such as those leveraging the LoRaWAN standard, fill the technology gap left by Cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) networks that require either high bandwidth or high power or have a limited range or inability to penetrate deep indoor environments.

LoRaWAN features a data rate of 293 bps to 50 kbps. Its standard adapts the data rate dynamically depending on how far the sensor is from the gateway, thus optimizing the signal's time-on-air and reducing collisions. LoRaWAN offers a transmit current of 18mA at 10dBm and 84mA at 20dBm.

The following table lists the differences between LoRa and LoRaWAN:

3. What are LoRa modules?

LoRa® modules are compact, high-performance wireless communication solutions that combine Semtech's LoRa transceiver chipset with Murata's miniature packaging expertise. They provide long-range, low-power connectivity, which is ideal for IoT applications. These modules support global ISM bands from 868 MHz to 916 MHz, making them suitable for worldwide applications.

The LoRa module from Murata (Figure 2) is designed to be a fully standalone solution housed in a metal-shielded package. It comprises a Semtech SX12xx RF ultra-long-range spread spectrum wireless transceiver and an STM32L0 series ARM Cortex M0+ 32-bit, low-power microcontroller from ST Microelectronics. It is integrated with TCXO and has low-drift thermal characteristics, providing an accurate clock source for the RF transceiver. The module can transfer data via a UART, SPI, or I2C peripheral interface. The resin-molded package provides physical ruggedness, allowing the module to operate across the temperature range -40 ^oC to +85 ^oC.

Murata’s LoRa module is designed to operate in both hosted and hostless modes. It runs with an AT command set in hosted mode, allowing control via an external host microcontroller. In hostless mode, it leverages its integrated microcontroller, featuring 512 kB of flash and 32 kB of RAM, enabling fully autonomous operation without needing an external host.

4. Types of LoRa modules

Murata offers a diverse range of LoRa modules tailored for various IoT applications, each distinguished by specific features and capabilities. It offers several LoRaWAN modules, including the Type 1SJ, Type 2GT, Type 1WL, and Type 2DT.

• Type 1SJ is a small module with low power consumption and high output performance, integrating Semtech's SX1262 RFIC with an STM32L0 microcontroller.
• Type 2GT offers multi-band LoRa and Long-Range - Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum capabilities, suitable for long-range communication applications.
• Type 1WL is a fused LoRaWAN geolocation module that supports BLE 5.3 and optional GNSS.
• Type 2DT is designed for ultra-low power IoT tracking applications, featuring Semtech's LR1110 transceiver for LoRa, GNSS, and Wi-Fi scanning.

The following table lists the key differences between the different types.

LPWA Module	Chipset	Technology	Size (mm)	Package	Frequency / Band
Type 1SJ	SX1262 and STM32L	LoRa Modulation	10.0 × 8.0 × 1.6	Resin Mold	860–930 MHz
Type 1WL	LR1110, STM32WB, MT3333	LoRa, Wi-Fi® passive scanner, Bluetooth®, GNSS, GNSS low-power scanner	17.0 × 17.5 × 2.15 (max)	Metal Case	860–930 MHz
Type 2DT	LR1110	LoRa, LR-FHSS, Wi-Fi scanner, GNSS scanner	9.98 × 8.70 × 1.74	Metal Case	860–930 MHz
Type 2GT	LR1121	LoRa, LR-FHSS, FSK	9.98 × 8.70 × 1.74 (max)	Metal Case	860–930 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 2.1 GHz, S-Band

Table 2: Key features of different types of LoRa modules

Details of each type of module

Type 1SJ LoRa modules

The Type 1SJ module is one of the smallest LoRaWAN modules in the industry, measuring just 10.0 mm × 8.0 mm × 1.6 mm. As shown in Figure 3, it is based on a second-generation Semtech SX1262 Radio Frequency IC (RFIC). The module features an open STM32L0 microcontroller (MCU) from STMicroelectronics, an RF switch, 192 kB of flash memory, and 20 kB of RAM. The module supports ISM bands from 868 MHz to 916 MHz. It is housed in a tiny module with a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator (TXCO) and multiple communication interfaces, including UART / I2C / SPI / ADC / USB and various GPIOs. The module incorporates several low-power modes that allow the real-time clock (RTC) to operate while drawing a typical current of just 1.3 µA.

The new Type 1SJ LoRa module will help designers develop solutions that meet the most demanding requirements, especially in asset tracking, utilities, agriculture, smart cities, smart buildings, industrial, and other IoT applications.

Type 2GT LoRa modules

Murata Type 2GT is a new-generation LoRa® connectivity module that offers multi-band LoRa and Long Range Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (LR-FHSS) communication over sub-GHz and 2.4GHz ISM bands, as well as satellite S-band connectivity.

Figure 4: Block diagram of Type 2GT Module ( Source: Murata)

The Type 2GT module, based on Semtech's third-generation LoRa Connect "LR1121" transceiver, features a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), crystal oscillators, matching network, RF switch, and multiple communication interfaces. The module is designed for global deployment with a single ordering part number. It supports LoRa and LR-FHSS communication over 860-930 MHz sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz ISM bands and 2.1 GHz satellite S-Band connectivity. It also supports the 2.4GHz ISM band, ensuring higher throughput and eliminating European duty cycle limitations. The module can operate from -40°C to 85°C and is designed to help designers develop solutions for IoT applications such as smart homes, agricultural sensors, building automation, smart cities, asset tracking, retail store sensors, smart meters, and environmental sensors.

Type 1WL LoRa modules

The Type 1WL is a multi-technology fused LoRaWAN geolocation module designed for low-cost IoT tracking devices for indoor and outdoor environments. The module (Figure 5) is based on Semtech's LoRa Edge LR1110 solution and features an ultra-low power STM32WB series dual-core wireless microcontroller from STMicroelectronics with 1 MB of Flash Memory and 256 KB of SRAM. The Type 1WL (633-part) module also features MediaTek's high-performance MT3333 GNSS chipset. It also houses a TCXO, crystal oscillators, SAW filter, LNA, RF switch, and multiple communication interfaces including UART/I2C/SPI/ADC/USB and various GPIOs.

The Type 1WL module is RoHS compliant and offers several benefits, including an open MCU design for user application code and a small, highly integrated geolocation module. The simple RF design requires minimal additional components. This simplified PCB design is a single solution for indoor and outdoor geolocation use cases. Power consumption is reduced as asset location is determined in a cloud-based server. The RF certification can be reused for end-product certification. This module offers a quick time-to-market solution and extensive STMicroelectronics tools for application development.

The Type 1WL module, capable of operating from -30°C to 85°C, is designed to aid designers in creating solutions for IoT asset tracking applications, including asset location, recovery, traceability, supply chain, logistics, cold chain monitoring, inventory management, and loss/theft prevention.

The evaluation kit LBEU5ZZ1WL-633evk supports the Type 1WL module. It features an ST-LINK/V2-1 embedded debug tool interface, LEDs, push-buttons, a buzzer, an antenna, a MEMS accelerometer and pressure sensor, and a USB OTG connector in Micro-B format. These features make it easier for development engineers to build products quickly.

Figure 6 shows a typical hardware configuration. The SDK includes Abeeway application firmware and an extensible command-line interface for testing and software development. The 1WL-SDK is a fully integrated platform for ST Mbed Development, featuring power-optimized FreeRTOS and drivers for various module components like LoRaWAN, BLE, GNSS, Wi-Fi®, and discovery board peripherals. It also integrates LCTT-tested LoRaWAN stacks that are compliant with the latest LoRaWAN standards and regional profiles.

Type 2DT LoRa module

The Type 2DT module is a LoRa Edge solution for asset management using LoRa technology. It supports LoRa ISM bands from 860 to 930 MHz, Wi-Fi® passive scanning 802.11b/g/n, and low-power GNSS scanning. It offers an ultra-low power design, long battery life, superior sensitivity, and high flexibility for low-cost IoT tracking devices indoors and outdoors. Figure 7 shows the module is based on Semtech's latest LoRa Edge LR1110 solution. It features a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), crystal oscillators, LNA, RF switch, SPI interface, and various GPIOs. It can operate from -40 to 85°C and is suitable for various temperatures.

The Geolocation module is a small, highly integrated solution available in the market. It allows simple RF design with minimal additional components. It simplifies PCB design, offering a single solution for both indoor and outdoor geolocation use cases. The module's RF certification facilitates end-product certification.

The SPI interface gives access to the configuration register via a synchronous full-duplex protocol. The SPI runs on the external SCK clock, allowing high-speed operation up to 16 MHz. The Type 2DT module will help designers develop solutions for IoT asset tracking applications such as asset location, asset recovery, traceability, supply chain, logistics, cold chain monitoring, inventory management, and loss and theft prevention.

The ANT ports have a 50-ohm impedance and are used for LoRa, GNSS, and Wi-Fi signals. When connected to an SMA or antenna using an RF trace, a 32MHz TCXO powered by the VTCXO of the LR1110 IC is included. The Type 2DT module uses 11 digital I/Os from the LR1110.

The LBAA0XV2DT-158EVK is the Type 2DT Evaluation Kit, which can be used for communication tests and power evaluation. Running an application requires an external MCU. The Type 2DT module is designed to aid designers in creating solutions for IoT asset tracking applications, including asset location, recovery, traceability, supply chain, logistics, cold chain monitoring, inventory management, and loss/theft prevention.

5. Frequently asked questions about LoRa modules

What are LoRa modules?

LoRa modules are complete integrated solutions for long-range wireless communication. They use the LoRa transceiver chipset, microcontroller, and integrated TCXO crystal oscillator in a compact metal-shielded package. Radio Law pre-certifies them to operate in the 800-900 MHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band, serving a wide range of compact end devices. These modules are a building block for connecting sensors, actuators, and IoT edge devices through a LoRa-based network.

What is LoRa used for?

LoRa is a long-range, low-power, low-data-rate wireless communication technology widely used to connect a broad range of IoT devices, such as sensors, across vast distances. It enables efficient communication in smart cities for applications like lighting and waste management, supports remote monitoring and control in agriculture and industrial environments, facilitates asset tracking in remote or challenging locations, and enables smart metering for utilities like water, gas, and electricity meters.

Why use LoRa instead of Wi-Fi?

LoRa is preferred over Wi-Fi for applications that require long-range, low-power communication, particularly in battery-operated devices. Unlike Wi-Fi, which consumes more power and has a shorter range, LoRa is optimized for sending small data packets over long distances while maintaining minimal energy usage, making it ideal for IoT and remote monitoring applications.

Why is LoRa so good?

LoRa operates in the sub-GHz unlicensed frequency bands, which offer better penetration through obstacles. It is designed for long-range use and has low power consumption. Its small and compact form factor makes it a suitable option for embedded IoT applications. 

Can I use a LoRa module without an antenna?

A LoRa module without an antenna is not recommended, since it can cause signal loss, poor range, and potential damage due to reflected energy. Avoid using a LoRa module without an antenna unless you're using a dummy load or testing at extremely low power and short distances.

What are the disadvantages of LoRa?

Some limitations include low data rates, making it unsuitable for high-bandwidth applications. Duty cycle regulations restrict transmission time, affecting network capacity. Higher latency and jitter limit its use in real-time applications.

How far can LoRa transmit?

The range is more than 10 km, typically between 15 and 20 km. The realistic range is typically 10 km. However, other factors will influence this "realistic range", such as network and node-gateway positioning, surrounding environment (presence of physical obstacles), antenna performance, and Tx power mode.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing how we connect and interact with devices, with various network options available for smart solutions. LoRaWAN technology, IoT's de facto wireless platform, offers a mix of long-range and low-power for various verticals. LoRaWAN is optimized for ultra-low power and long-range applications and operates in the unlicensed and free-to-access Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) sub-GHz spectrum, which is unlicensed and free for network operators and device manufacturers.

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