The reference design is based on Semtech’s SX1308 picocell gateway IC along with the SX1255 or SX1257 LoRa RF transceivers.

SX1257 LoRa RF transceiver

The likely market is in-the-home internet of things (IoT) applications such as home automation, metering and security systems.

Vivek Mohan, director of wireless products at Semtech, writes:

“The influx of LoRaWAN network rollouts throughout the world is making IoT more prevalent in everyday consumer applications, and this picocell gateway platform supplements the existing public LoRaWAN network infrastructure by providing coverage in hard-to-reach indoor areas.”

The picocell reference design can be used to connect thousands of sensors in a building or residential community within a range of one mile for outdoor sensor connectivity.

It can simultaneously receive LoRa and FSK messages on multiple channels.

Selling pricing for the LoRa picocell gateway through equipment manufacturers is expected to be less than $100 for fully certified products.