We all know Microchip, right?
When i read about Microchip adopting LoRa technology last August, I was expecting something interesting, and it seems I was right.
Microchip already had solutions based on almost every wireless technology known to man (MiWi -their own thing-, WiFi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, and some more 2.4 GHz and sub-GHz modules). Not having a solution based on LoRa technology, developed by Semtech, would seem illogical, a notable omission.
The Internet of Things by the gates, the LoRa capabilities (very long range with very low battery consumption) and the experience Microchip already has acquired, all boiled down to this:
The RN2483 module.
It will be very well suited for applications of industrial automation (M2M) and IoT. It has the LoRaWAN protocol stack already inside, witch means: it easily connects in star topology, in both public-operated (by some provider) and privately run networks. And being compatible with LoRa gateways, made by many manufacturers means that it is one step from the Internet!
I copy the main characteristics from the above link:
| Features | |
|
|
| Parameter Name | Value |
| Type | Sub-GHz Module |
| Power Output (dBm) | 14.00 (868MHz), 10.00 (433 MHz) |
| Interface | UART |
| Pin Count | 47 |
| Packages | Surface mount module |
| RF Module | Yes |
| RF Transceiver | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Freq. Range | 434, 868 MHz |
| Input Sensitivity (dBm) | -148 |
| Tx Power Consumption (mA) | 40 mA (14dBm, 868MHz) |
| Rx Power Consumption (mA) | 14.2 mA |
| OperatingVoltage | 3.6V DC |
Well, it is not released yet so I have no price to tell for sure, I expect it to be 2 – 3 times more expensive than the HopeRF modules I am currently working with, but I also expect it to be 2 – 3 times more easy to work with…
As I said, it seems interesting. Maybe I’ ll get one someday and check it myself.
Until then, have fun!
