Semtech Unveils Next Generation LoRa Gateway Reference Design Platform

Semtech Corporation, a supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced a next generation reference design platform for its LoRa RF gateway that will enable upgraded features, including GPS-free geolocalization for asset tracking applications, and is compatible with existing LoRa network infrastructure and existing deployed LoRa end-points.

The new reference design platform includes additional digital signal processing (DSP) alongside Semtech’s SX1301 baseband processor to enable the new features through a simple software upload.

Gateway products based on the new reference platform should be completely compatible and interoperable with existing deployed LoRa-based low power, wide area networks (LPWANs). Since the new geolocalization features will work entirely within the LoRaWAN network infrastructure, an operator will have the ability to add asset tracking to any sensor in the field. Once the new gateway is added, customers can choose to operate the gateway with or without the new features.

This substantial addition to LoRa LPWANs is expected to dramatically reduce the cost of deploying asset tracking sensors by removing GPS hardware and increasing the coin-cell battery lifetime.

“We’re excited to announce this new reference design that will give end-users an easy way to benefit from new features,” said Marc Pegulu, Vice President and General Manager of Semtech’s Wireless, Sensing and Timing Product Group. “This platform demonstrates how Semtech innovation drives continuous value creation to LoRa network and service providers and their customers. With this important addition, we anticipate further acceleration of LoRa LPWAN adoption, and we believe our LoRa technology is fully equipped to help scale Internet of Things applications worldwide.”

The reference design platform has been licensed to several early adopters for LoRaWAN network deployments in 2016, and Semtech plans to enable more LoRa gateway licensees in the second quarter of 2016.