Murata Announces New Module Utilizing LoRa® for Asset Tracking

Murata announced a new compact low-cost low-power wide area network (LPWAN) wireless product. The module integrating Semtech’s LoRa® devices measures just 9.98 mm x 8.7 mm with a metal shield surrounding multiple electronic components to allow for faster time to market and increased cost savings for customers. Target applications include asset location, traceability, loss and theft prevention, and recovery and inventory management.

The solution combines Semtech’s LoRa Edge LR1110 transceiver IC and RF components and switch for a complete design. The module also includes slow and fast clocks for LR1110 IC operation and a low noise amplifier (LNA) for optimal Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) performance. It is powered with a wide voltage range of 1.8 to 3.6V and can be utilized in an operating temperature range of -40 to 85 degrees C.

Semtech’s LR1110 delivers long-distance coverage in the 860 MHz to 930 MHz range, a 22 dBm high power transmit path, and best-in-class receiver sensitivity that surpasses previous generations. Further, an up to 15dBm high efficiency transmit path is available for lower power consumption operation. Besides LoRa, the Long Range-Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (LR-FHSS), and Gaussian Frequency-Shift Keying (GFSK) transceiver modulation options, the solution offers both GNSS (GPS/BeiDou) low-power and 802.11bgn Wi-Fi passive scanning for geolocation purposes.

“Murata’s new module using the LoRa offering provides a next generation solution to help grow the ecosystem, including the LoRa Alliance®. In collaboration with Semtech, this product allows faster time to market for asset tracking products,” said Akira Sasaki, General Manager, Murata Manufacturing.

“Asset tracking applications provide accurate, real-time data visibility into high value goods moving through the supply chain around the world,” said Marc Pégulu, Vice President and General Manager for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “Our collaboration with Murata leverages the low power, long battery life, and multi-band connectivity capabilities of LoRa to dramatically simplify the cost and management of track and trace solutions.”

Early-stage samples and evaluation kits will be available in the second quarter of 2023. For more information on the module or to meet with Murata at CES 2023 (Booth #10249 in LVCC) to discuss the solution, please visit here.