Kits provide all the components required to create a low-power, wide-area network

Microchip announce complete LoRa technology evaluation kits, claimed to be the industry’s first. The new kits provide customers with all the components required to create a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) for North America in the 915MHz band (DV164140-2), or for Europe in the 868MHz band (DV164140-1). Each kit includes two Motes (LoRaWAN sensors) based on their RN2483 or RN2903 LoRa modules, a LoRaWAN gateway and a local LoRaWAN server application. The technology 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. The 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.