Accelerate Your LoRaWAN® Development with LoRa Basics™ Modem-E for LR1121

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Accelerate Your LoRaWAN® Development with LoRa Basics™ Modem-E for LR1121

25 September 2024

LoRa, LoRa Edge, LoRaWAN

Introduction to the LoRa Basics Modem-E^™ for LR1121®

LoRa Basics Modem-E™ v2 for LR1121® marks a pivotal advancement in LoRaWAN® sensor development. Designed with a focus on providing zero-touch LoRaWAN stack integration, this newest release of Modem-E allows the possibility to co-host on the same sensor LoRaWAN and proprietary protocol leveraging state of the art RF performances of LR1121. This will be particularly valuable for customers wishing to offer single SKU devices for multiple LPWAN connectivity options, e.g. SigFox® or Amazon Sidewalk® as well as customers having legacy proprietary protocols and now desiring to bridge toward LoRaWAN yet keeping backward compatibility.

Moreover, the LoRa Basics Modem-E features an intuitive programming interface through simple APIs, simplifying integration for developers within their existing firmware development workflows. As the IoT market increasingly embraces LoRaWAN technology, the LoRa Basics Modem-E becomes indispensable for streamlining integration process, accelerate time to market, and reduce overall development costs for the next generation of smart applications.

Whether you are a wireless communication engineer, an IoT developer, or a technology enthusiast, this blog post is tailored for you. We will delve into the history, technical specifications, and compelling value proposition of the LoRa Basics Modem-E for LR1121.

A Brief History of LoRa Basics Modem-E

LoRa Basics Modem-E is expertly crafted from the open-source code of LoRa Basics Modem, specifically designed for seamless integration with the LR1121 (LoRa Connect™) chip. This third-generation LoRa chip represents a significant leap forward in LoRaWAN technology, offering an enhanced communication range and an embedded MCU tailored to run a full-featured LoRaWAN stack.

Semtech® launched the first version of LoRa Basics Modem-E (v.1.x) four years ago, closely linked to the LoRa Edge™ product family and its LoRa Cloud™ services on LR1110. This version was targeting applications requiring geolocation, particularly within asset tracking.

With the release of this new iteration of Modem-E, we have strategically

• Removed geolocation capabilities and device management services to focus exclusively on the LoRaWAN stack and embed all the new features the LoRa Alliance® has introduced into the LoRaWAN specification.
  
• Added the option to bypass the LoRaWAN stack and drive LR1121 as a mere transceiver that could be exploited to run proprietary protocols on the external MCU in conjunction or in alternative to LoRaWAN.
  
  

For further insights, explore this infographic: https://info.semtech.com/lora-basics-modem-e-infographic.

The Technical Brilliance Behind LR1121 Modem-E

The LoRa Basics Modem-E for LR1121 is offered as binary code, accessible for download from the GitHub LoRa-Netrepository. When deployed on devices integrating LR1121, it guarantees seamless LoRaWAN operation. Let us explore its remarkable features:

Certified LoRaWAN 1.0.4 Stack

The LR1121 Modem-E is equipped with a certified LoRaWAN 1.0.4 stack, ensuring stringent compliance and interoperability with existing LoRaWAN networks. Furthermore, customers integrating LR1121 Modem-E for their designs can leverage LoRaWAN certification bysimilarity, greatly expediting the certification process and lowering the associated costs.

Full-featured LoRaWAN stack for worldwide single SKU

This modem supports all LoRaWAN regional parameters and WW2.4GHz, providing flexibility for diverse applications. Additionally, it features LR-FHSS additional data rates as defined by the LoRaWAN specification for EU, US, and AU. Furthermore, Modem-E accommodates Class A, B, and C while also delivering multicast capabilities for Class B and C, ensuring the highest versatility across various use cases.

Advanced Features

Following the most recent enhancements introduced into the specification, several advanced features have been implemented.

• End Node Relay Capability: Lowers the cost of network deployment and management.
• FUOTA Packages: Ensures future compliance with security regulations and supports evolutive firmware intelligence. At the time of publication of this blog, FUOTA packages are available only in experimental mode i.e. non fully validated.
• Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) and Pre-configured ADR Profiles: Maximizes efficiency in spectrum utilization and power consumption. Learn more: https://lora-alliance.org/webinars-videos
  

By embracing innovation and technical excellence, the LR1121 Modem-E positions itself as a pivotal component in the evolution of LoRaWAN connected devices, driving sustainability and global impact in the industry.

Why opt for LoRa Basics Modem-E for LR1121?

Accelerate Your Time to Market

LoRa Basics Modem-E incorporates a pre-certified, embedded LoRaWAN stack, significantly expediting development timelines. This innovation empowers your product to reach the market with unprecedented speed.

Streamlined Integration

Designed for efficiency, this modem simplifies the integration process, effectively minimizing design complexity. Developers can seamlessly implement LoRaWAN capabilities without extensive modifications to their existing systems, promoting a more agile development environment.

Cost-Effective Solutions

By enabling the utilization of a lower-cost, low-memory footprint host MCU while delivering superior LoRa performance, LoRa Basics Modem-E significantly reduces development costs without compromising on quality. This approach reflects our commitment to driving accessibility in technology.

Assured Compliance and Interoperability

With its certification inheritance, LoRa Basics Modem-E guarantees LoRaWAN compliance and interoperability. This assurance not only offers peace of mind for the certification process but also facilitates seamless integration into existing networks.

Summary

The LoRa Basics Modem-E for LR1121 represents a significant advancement on the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape. This innovative solution not only accelerates time to market and streamlines integration but also effectively reduces development costs while ensuring compliance and interoperability. For those seeking to elevate their IoT development efforts, the LoRa Basics Modem-E stands as an indispensable resource.

Are you prepared to enhance your LoRaWAN integration and expedite your market entry?

Discover more and initiate your journey with LoRa Basics Modem-E for LR1121 today!

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