Rakwireless has just announced a new module part of their LPWAN family: RAK4260 LoRaWAN module based on Microchip ATSAMR34J18B LoRa SiP and at just 15x15x1.2 mm, one of the smallest LoRaWAN modules in the market.
The new module is cheaper than the company’s earlier RAK811 module and consumes less power at just 790 nA in sleep mode. The company also provides a RAK4260 evaluation board with easy access to GPIOs and serial interfaces.
RAK4260 LoRaWAN Module
Specifications:
- SiP – Microchip ATSAMR34J18 SiP with SAM L21 Arm Cortex M0+ MCU @ 48 MHz, up to 40 KB RAM, up to 256 KB Flash
- LoRa Connectivity
- Frequency Range – 862 to 1020 MHz
- High level of accuracy and stability (32MHz TXCO)
- Max Tx Power: 20dBm; Max Sensitivity: -148dBm; Rx Current: 17mA (typical)
- Compliant with LoRaWan 1.0.2
- Expansion – Castellated holes with I2C, SPI, ADC, UART, GPIOs
- Power Consumption
- Low RX current of 13.6mA
- 790 nA in sleep mode
- Dimensions – 15×15 mm
RAK4260 Evaluation Board
The evaluation board is based on RAK5005 carrier board and RAK4261 intermediate board which has RAK4260 soldered to it.
There aren’t any details about the board by we can see three power options with micro USB port, 2-pin battery header, and 2-pin solar panel header. There are various expansion headers as well as and connectors for Wisblock add-on modules.
Documentation and Software
Documentation is still work in progress, but you’ll find a getting started guide on the download page explaining how to flash the firmware, and configure the board with The Things Network (TTN). The demo firmware is based on Microchip SDK, and you’ll find the source code on Github. [Update:There’s also a doc page for with details].
Availability and Pricing
Both the module and evaluation board are available on Aliexpress, with a pack of 50 modules selling for $440 (or $8.80 per unit), and the EVB4260 EVB going for $25 plus shipping.
More information may eventually be available on the product page.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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now RAK-Lora is ready for Arduino inside ATSAMR34J18
Seems to be missing FCC, TELEC etc certs? The main selling point of the RAK811 for me was that it had those certs. There are very few modules that have TELEC and they cost way more.
Hi, on their website they mention a module size of 6×6 mm² but I suppose that is not the module size but rather the size of the sam r34?
Correct. I told them this morning. I thought they changed it already.
I know how this works out of experience:
Marketing guys: “Why ask r&d for the actual specs, it’s right here on the microchip website.”