RAK5146 LoRaWAN Hub Module

RAK5146: High-Performance, Versatile LoRaWAN Gateway Hub Module

The RAK5146 is a compact, versatile LPWAN hub module, ideal for easy integration into architectures where space is limited. Based on the powerful Semtech SX1303 chip and featuring "Listen Before Talk" technology, it connects easily to a router, existing network equipment or host motherboard, transforming them into high-performance LoRaWAN gateways. Compatible with any embedded platform with a free mini-PCIe slot and SPI/USB connection, it also features a ZOE-M8Q GPS chip for precise time synchronization.

Complete, cost-effective gateway solution

The RAK5146 is more than just easy to integrate. It is a complete, cost-effective gateway solution offering outstanding data processing capabilities. It features 10 programmable parallel demodulation channels, enabling it to handle a large number of packets from different LoRa devices simultaneously.

This configuration enables the module to continuously detect and demodulate up to 16 packets from 8 spreading factors and 10 different channels. These features make the RAK5146 an ideal solution for fixed smart meter networks and Internet of Things (IoT) applications requiring support for a large number of devices.

Technical data

• Compact mini-PCIe format
• SX1303 baseband processor :
  • 8 x 8 channels LoRa packet detectors
  • 8 LoRa SF5-SF12 demodulators
  • 8 LoRa SF5-SF10 demodulators
  • 1 high-speed 125/250/500 kHz LoRa demodulator
  • 1 (G)FSK demodulator
• 3.3 V Mini PCI-e power supply, compatible with 3G/LTE mini PCI-e cards
• Transmit power up to 27 dBm, receive sensitivity down to -139 dBm @ SF12, 125 kHz bandwidth
• Support for international unlicensed frequency bands (EU868, CN470, US915, AS923, AU915, KR920, IN865)
• SPI/USB interfaces (optional)
• Listen Before Talk function
• Precise time stamping
• Integrated ZOE-M8Q GPS module

Detailed description

The "Specifications" section provides a detailed overview of the RAK5146 module, including top and bottom views of the board, and a block diagram illustrating its internal operation.

Map overview

The compact format of the RAK5146 module makes it ideal for integrations requiring optimized space management. Compliant with the PCI Express Mini Card standard, it integrates easily into products compatible with this format, provided they accept cards with a minimum thickness of 5.5 mm. The card features two UFL interfaces for LoRa and GNSS antennas, as well as a standard 52-pin connector (mPCIe).

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RAK5146 interfaces

The RAK5146 features several interfaces for powering, configuring and connecting devices:

• Power supply 3.3 V supplied by a DC power supply via the pins 3.3Vaux. Voltage must be stable, as power consumption varies according to the activity of the SX1303 chip (see its data sheet for details).
• Configuration :
  • SPI: Allows access to the SX1303 configuration registers via a system connector.
  • USB: Also allows access to configuration registers via an on-board microcontroller.
• GPS :
  • UART and I2C: These interfaces, integrated into the ZOE-M8Q GPS module, provide direct access for communication and synchronization.
  • GPS_PPS: Provides an input to precisely time incoming packets.
• Reset One entry RESET to restart the module's radio operations.
• Antenna: RF interface via standard UFL connector (50 Ω) handles signal transmission and reception.

Contact us to learn more about the RAK5146 module and how it can meet the needs of your IoT project.
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Certifications