Summary of RAKWIRELESS RAK4260 IS A TINY LORAWAN MODULE BASED ON MICROCHIP SAMR34 LORA SIP
Rakwireless launched the RAK4260, a compact 15x15 mm LoRaWAN module using the Microchip ATSAMR34J18 SiP. It features low power consumption (790 nA sleep), wide frequency support (862–1020 MHz), and rich interfaces like I2C and SPI. An evaluation board is available for testing, utilizing carrier boards and offering multiple power options.
Parts used in the RAK4260 Project:
- RAK4260 LoRaWAN Module
- Microchip ATSAMR34J18B LoRa SiP
- RAK4260 Evaluation Board
- RAK5005 Carrier Board
- RAK4261 Intermediate Board
- Micro USB Port
- 2-pin Battery Header
- 2-pin Solar Panel Header
- Wisblock Add-on Modules Connectors
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.
Key Specifications:
- High quality Low power LoRa® device (Microchip ATSAMR34J18 SiP)
- Fully supported 862 to 1020 MHz frequency coverage (all LoRaWAN bands)
- High level of accuracy and stability (32MHz TXCO)
- Max Tx Power: 20dBm; Max Sensitivity: -148dBm; Rx Current: 17mA (typical)
- Rich selection of interfaces: I2C, SPI, ADC, UART, GPIOs
- Small form factor: 6×6 mm compact BGA package
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 documentation 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.
Read more: RAKWIRELESS RAK4260 IS A TINY LORAWAN MODULE BASED ON MICROCHIP SAMR34 LORA SIP
- What is the size of the RAK4260 module?
The module measures 15x15x1.2 mm. - How much power does the device consume in sleep mode?
It consumes 790 nA in sleep mode. - Does the module support all LoRaWAN bands?
Yes, it supports full frequency coverage from 862 to 1020 MHz. - Can I access GPIOs on the evaluation board?
Yes, the evaluation board provides easy access to GPIOs and serial interfaces. - What are the power options available on the evaluation board?
The board offers micro USB, a 2-pin battery header, and a 2-pin solar panel header. - Is the documentation fully complete?
No, documentation is still work in progress but includes a getting started guide. - Which SDK is the demo firmware based on?
The demo firmware is based on the Microchip SDK.
