Tiny LoRaWAN modem module offers several low power modes

Murata has expanded its Type 1SJ product line with the addition of a miniature LoRaWAN modem module. Claiming the smallest available in the market today, the Type 1SJ modem module measures 10 × 8 × 1.6 mm and can be used in a range of demanding applications including asset tracking, utilities, agriculture, smart cities, smart buildings, industrial, and other IoT applications.

Designed to shorten a developer’s design cycle and implementation cost, the the Type 1SJ LoRaWAN modem module, based on a second-generation Semtech SX1262 radio frequency IC (RFIC), comes preloaded with AT Command-controlled modem firmware and a LoRaWAN stack with an AT Command middle layer. The device currently supports the US915 band in North America. Future modules will support bands in Europe, India, China, and Pacific Rim markets.

The LoRaWAN modem module, operating from a single supply rail up to 3.9 VDC, incorporates several low power modes that allow the real time clock (RTC) to operate while drawing a typical current of just 1.3 µA, enabling a single battery to operate for years, said Murata.

The module also integrates a STMicroelectronics STM32L0  microcontroller (MCU), an RF switch, 192 kB of Flash memory, and 20 kB of RAM. It also embeds a temperature controlled crystal oscillator (TXCO) and multiple communication interfaces including UART/I2C/SPI/ADC/USB, and various GPIOs. For ruggedness, the module is housed in a resin mold package and operates over the temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.

Murata also recently announced a collaboration with Senet, Inc., a provider of cloud-based software and services platform, to certify the operation of firmware updates over-the-air capabilities of the 1SJ LoRaWAN modem module with the Senet LoRaWAN network server. The integration ensures that the sensor-enabled IoT end devices built using the module will operate efficiently over Senet’s IoT network.

Delivering efficient firmware updates over the air is critical to IoT application performance and device lifecycle requirements, said Murata, that include implementing bug fixes, patching security vulnerabilities, and adding new features.