Microchip introduces the first module that meets the ultra-long range, low-power networking standard

     Microchip Technology announced the first in a new family of lorA-compliant low-data rate wireless networking modules that enable Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless communication over a distance of more than 10 miles (suburban) with a battery life of more than 10 years. It is also able to connect millions of wireless sensor nodes with LoRa technology gateways. The new 433/868 MHz RN2483 device is an RF module that has been evaluated by the European R&TTE Directive, which significantly speeds up development and reduces development costs. In addition, the new module is small in size (17.8x26.3x3 mm) and has 14 GPIOs, allowing the flexibility to connect and control a large number of sensors and actuators with very little space.

     Steve Caldwell, Microchip's vice president of Wireless Products, said: "The RN2483 module is a revolutionary end-node IoT solution designed for the emerging LoRa technology network, enabling extremely long distance two-way communication and significantly extending battery life. As a founding member of the LoRa Alliance, we are working hard to ensure that our modules are compatible with all partner gateways and back-end network service providers."

     According to the authoritative market research company Gartner, by 2020, the number of connected items will reach 25 billion. The IoT market is currently experiencing explosive growth, and the challenge for developers is how to build a simple, robust infrastructure with limited resources. As a result, they wanted a solution that was the lowest total cost of ownership, easy to design, fast to market, interoperable, and deployable on a national scale.

     The RN2483 module comes with a LoRaWAN protocol stack that easily connects to the established and rapidly growing LoRa consortium infrastructure - including privately managed local area networks (Lans) and public networks operated by telecommunications companies - to create a nationwide low power wide area network (LPWAN). The integration of the protocol stack allows the module to work with any single chip microcomputer with a UART interface, including hundreds of Microchip PIC® MCUS. In addition, the RN2483 comes with Microchip's simple ASCII command interface for easy configuration and control.

     LoRa technology has several advantages over other wireless systems. It uses spread spectrum modulation technology to demodulate noise below 20 dB. This ensures a highly sensitive, reliable network connection while improving network efficiency and eliminating interference. In contrast to mesh networks, the star topology of the LoRaWAN protocol eliminates synchronization overhead and hops, thereby reducing power consumption and allowing multiple concurrent applications to run on the network. At the same time, LoRa technology enables communication over a much longer distance than other wireless protocols, which allows the RN2483 to operate without a repeater, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership. In addition, compared to 3G and 4G cellular networks, LoRa technology is more scalable and cost-effective for embedded applications.

     The RN2483 module solves a long-standing dilemma for wireless application developers, where designers have to choose between longer distances and lower power consumption. With LoRa, designers can now do both, maximizing longer distance communication and lower power consumption while saving additional repeater costs. In addition, the RN2483 helps them secure network communications with AES-128 encryption.

     The RN2483's scalability, reliable communication performance, mobility, and ability to operate in harsh outdoor environments make it ideal for a wide range of low-data rate wireless monitoring and control designs. Examples of IoT and M2M applications include smart cities (street lights, parking and traffic sensors), energy metering (electricity/water/gas smart meters), and industrial/commercial/home automation (HVAC control, smart appliances, security systems and lighting).