Skyworks Solutions has developed advanced front-end solutions for LoRa applications. LoRa, short for long range, is a low-power wide-area networking (LPWAN) technology operating in unlicensed ISM bands that is rapidly gaining traction within the internet of things (IoT). Devices deployed on LoRaWAN networks follow the LoRaWAN protocol specification as defined by the LoRa Alliance, a technology alliance of more than 500 members.
Designers of LoRa-based end devices face several challenges in getting a product to market, where hardware, software and cloud connectivity must all seamlessly integrate and operate. One of these challenges is designing a product to support various power levels based on geographic region and end application. As LoRa modulation uses spread spectrum techniques, end devices can be designed to transmit up to the maximum allowed levels for each specific region. For example, in North America, the maximum allowed transmit power for spread-spectrum radios is +30 dBm (1 W), while in Europe it is +27 dBm (0.5 W).
LoRa transceivers advertise their integrated power amplifiers (PA) can efficiently transmit, in some cases, up to +22 dBm from a 3.7 V battery. However, for decaying or reduced battery voltages, the maximum power that can be transmitted declines significantly. These transceivers also provide the option to use an internal voltage regulator to maximize efficiencies and maintain a constant output power. However, using an internal voltage regulator doesn’t resolve the issue of delivering more power at lower battery voltages. It even comes at a penalty of increased size and BoM cost, as the voltage regulator operation requires the use of a large external ~15 µH inductor.
Another critical challenge is meeting regulatory (i.e. FCC, CE) compliance on spurious emissions. Compliance requires adding an intricate harmonic filtering and matching network between the transceiver and antenna switch. For product designers with limited experience in RF design, this can result in multiple design iterations that delay the time to market.
Skyworks’ compact LoRa-based solutions (FEMs) are facilitating long-range, high-efficiency platforms across the Internet of Things (IoT) and a wide range of smart end markets, creating a more connected world. Semtech, a leading developer of Lora chipsets is leveraging these FEMs in their newest suite of low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) products. Specifically, Semtech is integrating Skyworks’ advanced front-end solutions with their next-generation LoRa devices and wireless radio frequency technology (LoRa Technology) for picocell gateways.
LoRa Front End Modules from Skyworks
SKY66420-11: The SKY66420-11 is a highly integrated RF front-end module designed for high-power Industrial, Scientific, Medical (ISM) band applications operating in the 860 to 930 MHz frequency range. It is designed for ease of use and maximum flexibility with fully matched 50 Ohm TX, RX inputs, and antenna outputs. It also has digital controls compatible with 1.6 to 3.6 V CMOS levels. The RF blocks operate over a wide supply voltage range from 2.0 to 4.8 V allowing the SKY66420-11 to be used in battery-powered applications. The SKY66420-11 is available in a 16-pin, 3.0 x 3.0 x 0.75 mm Multi-Chip Module (MCM) package and is suitable for IoT, smart meters, LP-WAN devices, and Industrial applications.
SKY66421-11: The SKY66421-11 is a highly integrated RF front-end module that supports LoRa, SigFox, and other unlicensed band technologies, while operating from the 860 to 930 MHz frequency range. It is fully matched 50 Ohm TX and RX inputs and antenna outputs and has digital controls that are compatible with 1.6 to 3.6 V CMOS levels. The RF blocks operate over a wide supply voltage range from 2.0 to 4.8 V allowing the SKY66421-11 to be used in battery-powered applications over a wide spectrum of the battery discharge curve. It is available in a 16-pin, 3.0 x 3.0 x 0.75 mm Multi-Chip Module (MCM) package and is ideal for LP-WAN devices, smart meters, range extenders, and IoT applications.
SKY66422-11: The SKY66422-11 is a high-performance, highly integrated RF front-end module designed for high-power Industrial, Scientific, Medical (ISM) band applications operating in the 860 to 930 MHz frequency range. It is designed for ease of use and maximum flexibility with fully matched 50 Ω TX and RX inputs, and digital controls compatible with 1.6 to 3.6 V CMOS levels. The RF blocks operate over a wide supply voltage range from 2.5 to 3.6 V allowing the SKY66422-11 to be used in battery-powered applications over a wide spectrum of the battery discharge curve. The SKY66422-11 is packaged in a 16-pin, 3.0 x 3.0 x 0.75 mm Multi-Chip Module (MCM) package.
SKY66423-11: The SKY66423-11 is a highly integrated RF front-end module designed for high-power Industrial, Scientific, Medical (ISM) band applications operating in the 860 to 930 MHz frequency range. It is designed for ease of use and maximum flexibility with fully matched 50 Ohm TX, RX inputs, and antenna outputs. It also has digital controls compatible with 1.6 to 3.6 V CMOS levels. The RF blocks operate over a wide supply voltage range from 2.0 to 4.8 V allowing the FEM to be used in battery-powered applications. The SKY66423-11 is available in a 16-pin, 3.0 x 3.0 x 0.75 mm Multi-Chip Module (MCM) package and is suitable for IoT, smart meters, LP-WAN devices, and Industrial applications.
LoRa is quickly emerging as a leading wireless standard for IoT across energy management, smart agriculture, industrial automation, security, the connected home, and more. According to industry estimates, the global LPWAN market is expected to grow from $1 billion in 2016 to more than $24 billion by 2021, a compounded annual growth rate of 89 percent. Besides, IDATE projects that LPWAN unit shipments will more than triple from 109 million in 2017 to 339 million by 2025.
Click here to read the white paper by Skyworks on LoRa Front End Solutions.
