Murata announces world’s smallest LoRa®-based module with significantly reduced current consumption

Hoofddorp, Netherlands: Murata announces a new LoRa®-based module that, at just 10.0 mm x 8.0 mm x 1.6 mm, is the smallest available in the world today. Suitable for a wide range of high-volume applications where small size, long range, extended battery life, security and a competitive price point are requirements.
Based upon a second-generation Semtech SX1262 radio frequency IC (RFIC), the Type 1SJ (https://wireless.murata.com/type-1sj.html) LoRa module also features an open STM32L0 microcontroller (MCU) from STMicroelectronics along with an RF switch and 192kB of Flash memory and 20kB of RAM. This extensive memory provision ensures that sufficient resources are available for the application layers. Also housed in the tiny module is a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator (TXCO) and multiple communication interfaces including UART / I2C / SPI / ADC / USB and various GPIOs.
Designed for deployment globally, the module supports ISM bands from 868 MHz to 916 MHz, including those used in Europe, USA, India, China and the Pacific Rim. The device has a single part number globally, simplifying customer supply chains.
Operating from a single supply rail (up to 3.9V DC), the Type 1SJ module incorporates several low power modes that allow the real time clock (RTC) to operate while drawing a typical current of just 1.3µA. This enhanced current consumption allows devices based upon Murata’s module to operate for years from a single battery.
“Semtech’s LoRa technology, with its long range, flexible capabilities, is the platform of choice for Internet of Things (IoT) applications,” said Pedro Pachuca, Director of Wireless Products. “Murata’s new LoRa-based module will help develop and expand its unique IoT solutions in a variety of industries, including asset tracking smart buildings and utilities.”
The open MCU allows the module to be easily flashed with code from Trusted Objects that ensures the Flash memory is secure and encrypted, protecting the end system against the ever-increasing threat of malicious tampering. The resin mold package provides physical ruggedness, allowing the module to operate across the temperature range -40ºC to +85 ºC.
The new Type 1SJ LoRa-based module will help designers to develop solutions that meet the most demanding requirements, especially in areas such as asset tracking, utilities, agriculture, smart cities, smart buildings, industrial and other IoT applications.
Sample quantities of the new module, along with a full evaluation kit are available with immediate effect.