The kit includes a LoRaWAN gateway, a pair of Microchip Mote end-device modules (LoRaWAN sensors) and a local LoRaWAN network server application. The technology targets low data rates and low-duty-cycle applications for tracking and monitoring such things as energy, location, utility infrastructure, smart city, environment, agriculture and public safety.
Steve Caldwell, Vice President, Wireless Solutions Group, Microchip, commented: “These new LoRa evaluation kits deliver what many of our customers have been asking for since we announced the industry’s first certified module earlier this year. These LoRa evaluation kits are another industry first and deliver everything needed for a developer to create a LoRaWAN network right at their desk.”
“The momentum behind LoRaWAN technology is accelerating because it has the performance and low power consumption that really meet the needs of LPWAN-based applications. Another reason for the success of the LoRaWAN specification is the collaboration of LoRa Alliance members like Microchip. We appreciate their initiative in pulling together this very helpful starter kit,” added Marc Pegulu, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless and Sensing Product Group, Semtech.
Semtech and Microchip are both members of the LoRa Alliance and are committed to standardising the LoRaWAN specification to allow interoperability between IoT networks and applications throughout the world. A LoRaWAN network typically offers up to 10 miles of range and 10-year battery lifetime, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and maintenance. In addition, LoRa technology provides proven signal strength in dense urban areas.
The LoRa evaluation kit is available from microchipDIRECT for $499.00 each.