RF LoRaTM

Long Range Transceiver

Features
• Upto 16KM Range
• Integrated LoRa™ Modem Semtech SX1272
• Highly Efficient Integral Impedance Matching Network
• Provides Full Functionality of the RFIC:
• 157 dB maximum link budget
• +20 dBm at 100 mW constant RF output vs. V supply
• +14 dBm high efficiency PA
• Built in RF switch
• High sensitivity: down to -130 dBm
RF-LORA
• Bullet-proof front end: IIP3 = -12.5 dBm
• 89 dB blocking immunity
• Small Form Factor: 23mm x 20mm
• Programmable bit rate up to 300 kbps
• Low RX current of 10 mA, 100nA register retention
• FSK, GFSK, MSK, GMSK, LoRaTM and OOK modulation
• Built-in bit synchronizer for clock recovery
• Preamble detection RF-LORA2
• 127 dB Dynamic Range RSSI
Applications
• Automatic RF Sense and CAD with ultra-fast AFC
• Home Automation
• Packet engine up to 256 bytes with CRC
• RF Alarms
• Built-in temperature sensor and low battery indicator
• Sensor networks
RF LORA
• 868/915MHz • Long Range Telemetry
RFLORA2 • Meter Reading
• 915MHz “Modular” FCC Certified • Irrigation Systems
• Wireless Applications
• Alarms
Description
The RF-LoRa module is an extremely high performance, cost effective radio module featuring the
Semtech SX1272 LoRa™ long range providing ultra-long range, spread spectrum communication and
high interference immunity within minimal current consumption.
This module including crystal, RF Changeover switch, impedance matching network and track layout
provide a simple digital interface and direct antenna connection. This enables a plug in RF solution with
maximum efficiency. Programming of the module is via SPI interface.
Using the RF-LoRa enables a fast and easy to market solution with cost effective license exempt
hardware.
The RF-LoRa Module is CE compliant. Providing that certain procedures are followed. (please refer to
application schematic later in this datasheet).

DS-RFLoRa-7
RF-LoRa Transceiver
RF-LORA Pin Description
ANT 1 16 nSEL

www.rfsolutions.co.uk
GND 2 15 SDI

RF-LORA
Vcc 3 14 SDO

RX_SWITCH 4 13 SCLK

TX_SWITCH 5 12 RESET

DIO0 6 11 DIO5

DIO1 7 10 DIO4

DIO2 8 9 DIO3

SMT Version Mechanical Dimensions Suggested Layout

19.95 +/- 0.5mm
17.45
2.5
2.5
2.35

1.78
2.54
1.78

www.rfsolutions.co.uk
LORA
23.15 +/- 0.5mm

PCB Layout

R 0.45 1.00

2.0

DIP Version
19.95 +/- 0.5mm

2.5
2.35

6.35
1.93mm

16.29mm
1.78
23.15 +/- 0.5mm

0.6mm 2.88
1.00
2.0

Part Numbers

Part Number Description Package

RF-LORA-868-SO FM Transceiver Module, 868MHz SMT
RF-LORA-868 FM Transceiver Module, 868MHz DIP
RF-LORA-915-SO FM Transceiver Module, 915MHz SMT
RF-LORA-915 FM Transceiver Module, 915MHz DIP

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 2
RF-LoRa Transceiver
RF-LORA2 Pin Description

N/C 1 16 nSEL

GND 2 15 SDI

Vcc 3 14 SDO

RX_SWITCH 4 13 SCLK

TX_SWITCH 5 12 RESET

DIO0 6 11 DIO5

DIO1 7 10 DIO4

DIO2 8 9 DIO3

SMT Version Mechanical Dimensions Suggested Layout

19.95 +/- 0.5mm PCB Layout

2.5
2.5

1.78
2.54
26.95 +/- 0.5mm

2.54
1.78

17.45
1.95

1.00

2.0
R 0.45

19.95 +/- 0.5mm

DIP Version 2.5

3.55

1.93mm
26.95 +/- 0.5mm

2.54

16.29mm
1.78
1.95

0.6mm

1.00 2.88

Part Numbers
Part Number Description Package
RF-LoRa2-915-SO FM Transceiver Module, 915MHz SMT
RF-LoRa2-915 FM Transceiver Module, 915MHz DIP

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 3
RF-LoRa Transceiver
Pin Description

PIN Definition Direction Function

Antenna pin connection.

1 Antenna In/Out
Keep short (50phms Impedance)
2 GND - Ground connection
3 Vcc In Power connection

Enable RX RF Path Active High

4 RX_SWITCH In TX PIN5 RX PIN4
RX Mode 0 1

Enable TX RF Path Active High

5 TX_SWITCH In TX PIN5 RX PIN4
TX Mode 1 0

6 DIO0 In/Out Digital I/O software configured

7 DIO1 In/Out Digital I/O software configured

8 DIO2 In/Out Digital I/O software configured

9 DIO3 In/Out Digital I/O Software configured

10 DIO4 In/Out Digital I/O software configured

11 DIO5 In/Out Digital I/O software configured

12 RESET In Reset Trigger Input

13 Serial Clock In SPI Serial Clock Input

14 Serial Data Out Out SPI Serial Data Output

15 Serial Data In In SPI Serial Data Input

16 nSEL In Device Select Active Low

RF-LoRa
The RF-LoRa module is available at 868 and 915MHz.
RF-LORA module is CE Compliant and meets the requirements for FCC part 15.

RF-LoRa2
RF-LoRa2 module is identical to RF-LoRa with the addition of an integrated ufl connector and screening
can.
RF-LORA2 was developed with the aim to achieve FCC certification of the module.
This enables the end product that RF–LoRa2 is incorporated into to automatically use the RF-LORA2
module FCC certificate without further testing RF-LoRa2 module is available 915MHz.

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 4
RF-LoRa Transceiver
Block Diagram

XTAL
S
SDI

P
SDO

SCLK LNA
nSEL I RF RF
RF Switch
MATCHING ANT
CIRCUIT
IC PA
DIO
0-5 Battery Voltage
Detector

RX SWITCH
TX SWITCH

Application Resources

The RF-LoRa is a ready to use application of the Semtech SX1272.

Access to the programming and configuration of Semtech 1272 Transceiver are via the modules
interface SPI line.

The RF-LoRa has been developed with Semtech to provide a low cost platform application of the
1272 transceiver. This offers optimal design realisation and easy integration within the end
application.
The most important aspect of any RF Module is to maximise the performance of the transceiver at
the external module pads.
In particular the impedance matching network which is the most sensitive section of the RF
module design.
In order to maximise signal propagation to the external pad of the module, a specific layout is
required which is not (usually) the smallest physical size (beware of small RF modules!).
Many RF Module manufacturers simply reproduce the IC manufacturers data characteristics
where in practice the Module RF performance is considerably lower.

To ensure that the latest details in programming this device are offered, we have not included the
1272s programming information in this document.

You can find the datasheet at the link below:

SX1272 Datasheet

Programming, configuration and further resource data including;

LoRa Calculator: fast evaluation of link budget, time on air and energy consumption.

Packet Error Rate Firmware User Guide.

LoRa Modem Designer's Guide.

is available from Semtech at the below links:

Semtec Website

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 5
RF-LoRa Transceiver
Application schematic Interfacing a PICTM Micro Controller

The above schematic shows an easy interface to a PIC Microcontroller.

This is the same application circuit that we used for range testing (please see our range test
information later in the document).

We also have application source code available for download on our website. This configures the RF
LoRa Module for maximum range.

Walk Test application

Also available is the source code used to carry out a simple range test.
In order to use this two application boards are required, one acts as a beacon transmitter, the
other as the beacon receiver. The TX board will illuminate the GREEN LED when transmitting and the
Receiver will illuminate the RED LED when RECEIVING
The Transmitter board transmits an RF beacon every second (Green LED flashes to indicate
transmission).
This enables a one man range test, by placing either board in a fixed location and monitoring the
beacon signals.

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 6
RF-LoRa Transceiver
Electrical Specifications

Absolute Maximums

Symbol Parameter Minimum Maximum Unit

Vdd Positive power supply -0.3 +3.9 V

Vin Voltage on Digital Inputs -0.3 Vdd+0.3 V
Vin Voltage on Analogue Inputs -0.3 Vdd+0.3 V
RX Max Rx input power +10 dBm
Top Operating temperature -40 +85 ˚C
Tst Storage temperature -55 115 ˚C

Recommended Operating Conditions

Symbol Parameter Minimum Maximum Unit
Vdd Positive power supply 2.2 3.7 V
Top Working temperature 0 55 ˚C

DC Characteristics

Parameter Symbol Test Min Typ Max Unit

Supply Voltage Range VDD 1.8 3.3 3.6

RC oscillator, main digital regulator, and
Power Saving Modes IShutdown — 30 — nA
low power digital regulator OFF.

IStandby Register values maintained. — 50 — nA

Crystal Oscillator and Main Digital Regulator

IReady — — mA
ON, all other blocks OFF.

ISPI Ac- SPI active 1.3 mA

tive 5
TUNE Mode Current ITune_RX RX — 6.5 — mA
ITune_TX TX — 6.9 — mA
RX Mode Current — 10 — mA
TX Mode Current RFOP = +20dBm on PA Boost — 12
RFOP = +17dBm on PA Boost 5 mA
RFOP = +13dBm on PA Boost 90
RFOP = + 7dBm on PA Boost 28
18

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 7
RF-LoRa Transceiver
Power Consumption FSK Modulation

The table below gives power consumptions figures based on the following parameters:
VBAT1 = VBAT2 = Vcc = 3.3V
Temp= 25degC
Fxosc=32MHz, Frf=915MHz, Pout= +13dBm.
2 level FSK modulation without pre-filtering, FDA=5KHz, Bit Rate=4.8kbps

Symbol Description Conditions Typ Max Unit

IDDSL Supply Current Sleep Mode 0.1 1 uA

ID-
Supply Current Idle Mode RC Oscillator enabled 1.5 uA
DIDLE
IDDST Supply Current Standby Mode XTAL Oscillator enabled 1.4 1.6 mA
Supply Current Synthesizer
IDDFS FSRx 4.5 mA
Mode
LnaBoost off 10.5
IDDR Supply Current Receive Mode mA
LnaBoost on 11.2
125
RFOP=+20dBm on PA_BOOST
90
IDDT Supply Current Transmit Mode RFOP=+20dBm on PA_BOOST mA
28
18

Power Consumption LORA Modulation

The table below gives power consumption figures based on the following parameters:
Vcc = 3.3V
Temp= 25degC
Fxosc=32MHz, Frf=915MHz,, Bandwidth = 125KHz, Spreading Factor = 12, Error Correction =
4/6
Packet Error Rate = 1% with CRC on Payload enabled
Pout= +13dBm.
Payload length = 10bytes, Preamble =12 symbols (programmed register Preamble length = 8)

Symbol Description Conditions Typ Max Unit

LnaBoost off, BW=125KHz 9.7

LnaBoost off, BW=250KHz 10.5 mA
Supply current in receiver Lo- LnaBoost off, BW=500KHz 12
IDDR_L
Ra Mode LnaBoost on, BW=125KHz 10.8
LnaBoost on, BW=250KHz 11.6 mA
LnaBoost on, BW=500KHz 13
IDDT_H_ Supply Current Transmitter Using PA_BOOST pin
90 mA
L Mode RFOP=17dBm

PLEASE NOTE: RFO is not connected on the RF-LORA the RF out is connected through PA-BOOST
only.

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 8
RF-LoRa Transceiver
Range Test Notes

Transmitter and Receiver boards were built using simple Vero board and a PIC microcontroller
(16F886). The transmitter sent a beacon signal at 1 second intervals. The receiver acknowledges
this signal back to the transmitter.
A simple piece of wire was used as antenna for both transmitter and receiver.
This test was designed to represent a real life application. It is often difficult to design an
application with all RF features to an optimum potential i.e. the antenna was not 100% ideal as
there was no antenna ground plane, and the motherboard was rudimentary,

Our Range Testing was conducted on Brighton to Shoreham Seafront providing an open Line of Sight
Test.
1. The Transmitter was mounted on a plastic wheelie bin 4ft from the ground.
2. The Receiver was carried on the dashboard of a vehicle ( 5ft above ground) along the seafront.
Line of sight was not achieved until the receiver was at least 9km distance
3. As the receiver travelled away from the transmitter Line of sight was lost . A Reliable signal was
observed to about 3K range, thereafter the signal became intermittent. When the Transmitter
and Receiver regained Line of sight a reliable signal was again observed. This continued for the
available distance (about 12KM) at which point the terrain prevented further testing. At the
longest available range the signal was 100% reliable.

Test conditions

- TA = +25 °C
- VDD= +3.3 Vdc
- Dry, Broken Sunshine, Relative Humidity 45%
• RF input and output levels can typically be achieved at the antenna port after filtering
components.

Conclusion
The product performed as expected. Unfortunately we ran out of land to test a LOS beyond 12Km ,so
the maximum range is further than tested here.
It is also clear that the product performs considerably better when in LOS.

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 9
RF-LoRa Transceiver
Range Test Results (Line of Sight)

Range Test Results (Non Line of Sight)

This is subjective as the buildings were random!

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 10
RF-LoRa Transceiver
Module identification

Frequency of operation
Blue 868MHz
Brown 915MHz Test
Green Pass

RF LoRa module re-flow guide

Profile feature Value (lead free)

Ramp up rate 3oC /s
Pre-heat Temperature
- Temperature Min (TSmin) 1500C
- Temperature Max (Tsmax) 2000C
- Pre-heat time 60-100s
Peak Temperature (TP) 2400C
Time at TP 10-20sec
Ramp down rate 60C/s
Time from 250C to peak 8 mins max.

DS-RF-LoRa-7 Page 11
RF-LoRa Transceiver
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DO NOT
Discard with normal waste, please recycle.

ROHS Directive 2011/65/EU and amendment 2015/863/EU

Specifies certain limits for hazardous substances.

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Waste electrical & electronic equipment. This product must be disposed of through a licensed WEEE collection point. RF Soluti ons Ltd., fulfills its
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Whilst the information in this document is believed to be correct at the time of issue, RF Solutions Ltd does not accept any liability whatso-
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