First LoRa technology evaluation kits

Microchip has unveiled a range of LoRa technology evaluation kits. The kits, the first of their kind, provide customers with all the components required to create a Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) for North America in the 915 MHz band (DV164140-2), or for Europe in the 868 MHz band (DV164140-1).

Each kit includes two Motes (LoRaWAN sensors) based on Microchip’s RN2483 or RN2903 LoRa modules, a LoRaWAN gateway and a local LoRaWAN server application.

LoRa technology is able to achieve a range of up to 10 miles and 10-year battery life and targets low data rates and low-duty-cycle applications for tracking and monitoring in applications such as energy, location, utility infrastructure, smart city, environment, agriculture and public safety. Although predominantly used for the uplink of sensor data, bidirectional communications allow real-time acknowledgement of mission-critical data and downlink control of remote actuator nodes.

Each kit can serve as a building block for the development of a long-range LoRa network where designers can expect up to 10 miles of range and 10 years of battery life using two AAA batteries. LoRa technology utilises spread spectrum modulation which delivers excellent data robustness in a noisy environment and works through physical obstructions. Because the two Motes are FCC Certified (DV164140-1) or European R&TTE Directive Assessed (DV164140-2), time to market can be significantly reduced through simplification of standards and government regulatory certification.