Skip to main content
X
RAK Logo White RegisteredRAK Logo White Registered
RAKwireless Documentation Center
Store

  • Home
  • RAK3172 RAK3172 Buy from store
  • Product Overview
  • Quick Start Guide
  • AT Command Manual
  • Low Level Development
  • Datasheet
  • product categories
  • wisduo
  • rak3172 module
  • datasheet

RAK3172 WisDuo LPWAN Module Datasheet

Overview​

Description​

RAK3172 is a low-power long-range transceiver module based on the STM32WLE5CC chip. It provides an easy-to-use, small-size, low-power solution for long-range wireless data applications. This module complies with Class A, B, & C of the LoRaWAN 1.0.3 specifications. It can easily connect to different LoRaWAN server platforms like TheThingsNetwork (TTN), Chirpstack, Actility, etc. It also supports LoRa Point-to-Point (P2P) communication mode, which helps you implement your own customized long-range LoRa network quickly.

You can configure the mode and operation of the module using AT commands via a UART interface. RAK3172 also offers low-power features, which are very suitable for battery-powered applications.

Features​

  • Based on STM32WLE5CCU6
  • LoRaWAN 1.0.3 specification compliant
  • Supported bands: EU433, CN470, IN865, EU868, AU915, US915, KR920, RU864, and AS923-1/2/3/4
  • LoRaWAN activation via OTAA/ABP
  • LoRa Point-to-Point (P2P) communication
  • Custom firmware using Arduino via RUI3 API
  • Easy to use AT command set via UART interface
  • Long-range - greater than 15 km with optimized antenna
  • ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit
  • 256 kbytes flash memory with ECC
  • 64 kbytes RAM
  • Ultra-low-power consumption of 1.69 μA in sleep mode
  • Supply Voltage: 2.0 V ~ 3.6 V
  • Temperature Range:
    • RAK3172: -20° C ~ 85° C
    • RAK3172-T: -40° C ~ 85° C
NOTE

There are two certification variants available for the RAK3172 Module: (1) with the CE & UKCA Certification Mark and (2) with FCC, IC, & RCM Certification Mark.

If you need LoRa module with BLE 5.0 capability, you can check RAK11720. RAK11720 is pin-to-pin compatible with RAK3172 and has additional pins for ground and BLE RF antenna port.

warning

Temperature ratings:
RAK3172 is -20° C to 85° C
RAK3172-T is -40° C to 85° C

Specifications​

This section covers the hardware and software specifications of RAK3172. Also, it includes the block diagram and the updated firmware link of the RAK3172 WisDuo module.

Overview​

Block Diagram​

Zoomable
Figure 1: RAK3172 System Block Diagram

Hardware​

The hardware specification discusses the interfaces, pinouts and its corresponding functions and diagrams. It also covers the parameters of both RAK3172 modules in terms of RF, electrical, mechanical, and operating characteristics.

Interfaces​

ModuleInterfaces
RAK3172UART2/LPUART1, UART1
Sub-GHz SPI interface​

A dedicated internal SPI interface called SUBGHZSPI is used to communicate with the RF subsystem of the STM32WLE5CCU6.

Pin Definition​

Zoomable
Figure 1: Board Pinout for RAK3172
warning

When using RF pin for antenna and not the IPEX connector variant, there are design considerations to make sure optimum RF performance.

  • RF trace must be away from interference (switching node of DC-DC supply, high current/voltage pulses from controllers of inductive load like motor, signal generators, etc.)
  • RF trace must have 50 Ohms impedance. It is advisable to use an impedance simulation software tool to achieve this requirement.
  • If using an external antenna connector, make it close to the RF pin.
  • Ground plane optimization is critical on certain antenna types like monopole.
  • GND trace used for RF path return must be directly connected to the GND plane and not be treated as thermal relief.
  • It is recommended for the RF trace to be routed in a curve and not in a sharp 90 degrees.

In addition, with a commitment to making IoT easy, RAK offers a dedicated service for Antenna RF Design which includes PCB design, tuning, matching, and RF testing.

Pin No.NameTypeDescription
1PA3/UART2_RXIReserved - UART2/LPUART1 Interface (AT Commands and FW Update)
2PA2/UART2_TXOReserved - UART2/LPUART1 Interface (AT Commands and FW Update)
3PA15/PIN_A4I/OGPIO and ADC
4PB6/UART1_TXOUART1 Interface
5PB7/UART1_RXIUART1 Interface
6PA1I/OGPIO only
7PA13/SWDIOReserved - SWD debug pin (SWDIO)
8PA14/SWCLKReserved - SWD debug pin (SWCLK)
9PA12/I2C_SCLI/OGPIO and I2C (SCL)
10PA11/I2C_SDAI/OGPIO and I2C (SDA)
11GNDGround connections
12RFRF Port (only available on RAK3172 No-IPEX connector variant)
13PA7/SPI1_MOSII/OGPIO and SPI (MOSI)
14PA6/SPI1_MISOI/OGPIO and SPI (MISO)
15PA5/SPI1_CLKI/OGPIO and SPI (CLK)
16PA4/SPI1_NSSI/OGPIO and SPI (NSS)
17GNDGround connections
18GNDGround connections
19PA8I/OGPIO only
20PA9I/OGPIO only
21BOOT0Boot0 mode enable pin - high active
22RSTMCU Reset (NRST)
23GNDGround connections
24VDDVDD - Voltage Supply
25PA10/PIN_A3I/OGPIO and ADC
26PB2/PIN_A2I/OGPIO and ADC
27PB12I/O10 kΩ internally pulled-up for high freq variant or pulled-down for low freq variant
28GNDGround connections
29PA0I/OGPIO only
30PB5I/OGPIO only
31PB4/PIN_A1I/OGPIO and ADC
32PB3/PIN_A0I/OGPIO and ADC

RF Characteristics​

The RAK3172 supports two different frequency variations: RAK3172(L) Low Radio Frequency and RAK3172(H) High Radio Frequency.

NOTE

Performance test and evaluation of RAK3172-T (with TCXO), can be found on the RAK3172-T TCXO Verification Report

Operating Frequencies​
ModuleRegionFrequency
RAK3172(L)EuropeEU433
ChinaCN470
RAK3172(H)EuropeEU868
North AmericaUS915
AustraliaAU915
KoreaKR920
AsiaAS923-1/2/3/4
IndiaIN865
RussiaRU864

Electrical Characteristics​

Operating Voltage​
FeatureMinimumTypicalMaximumUnit
VCC2.03.33.6Volts (V)
Operating Current​
FeatureConditionMinimumTypicalMaximumUnit
Operating CurrentTX Mode87 (@ 20 dBm 868 Mhz)mA
RX Mode5.22mA
Sleep Current​
FeatureConditionMinimum (2.1 V)Typical (3.3 V)MaximumUnit
Current ConsumptionEU868-1.69-μA
US915-1.69-μA
CN470-1.69-μA
NOTE

For the reference application schematic of RAK3172 with minimum components requirements, refer to the RAK3272S Breakout Board Datasheet.

Mechanical Characteristics​

Module Dimensions​
Zoomable
Figure 1: RAK3172 Physical Dimension
Layout Recommendation​
Zoomable
Figure 1: RAK3172 Layout

Environmental Characteristics​

Operating Temperature​
ModuleMinimumTypicalMaximumUnit
RAK3172-202585° C
RAK3172-T-402585° C
Storage Temperature​
FeatureMinimumTypicalMaximumUnit
Storage Temperature-4085° C
Recommended Reflow Profile​
Zoomable
Figure 1: Reflow Profile for RAK3172

Standard conditions for reflow soldering:

  • Pre-heating Ramp (A) (Initial temperature: 150° C): 1~2.5° C/sec
  • Soaking Time (T2) (150~180° C): 60~100 sec
  • Peak Temperature (G): 230~250° C
  • Reflow Time (T3) (> 220° C): 30~60 sec
  • Ramp-up Rate (B): 0~2.5° C/sec
  • Ramp-down Rate (C): 1~3° C/sec

Software​

Download the latest RAK3172 WisDuo LPWAN Module firmware provided below. RAK3172(L) and RAK3172(H) use the same firmware and it will automatically detect the variant of the module being used.

The bin file contains the application code only and you need the RAK DFU Tool to upload this file to the module.

The hex file contains both the bootloader and the application code. You need to use STM32CubeProgrammer to upload this.

warning

Uploading the .hex file via STM32CubeProgrammer will erase all configured data on the device.

RAK3172 uses UART2 serial pins to upload the latest firmware.

NOTE

RAK3172 should automatically go to BOOT mode when the firmware is uploaded via RAK DFU Tool or WisToolBox.

If BOOT mode is not initiated, you can manually send AT+BOOT command to start bootloader mode.

Firmware​

ModelVersionSource
RAK3172 (.bin)RUI3 Application Code only (default baudrate = 115200)Download
RAK3172 (.hex)RUI3 Bootloader and Application Code(default baudrate = 115200)Download
RAK3172-T (.bin)RUI3 Application Code only(default baudrate = 115200)Download
RAK3172-T (.hex)RUI3 Bootloader and Application Code (default baudrate = 115200)Download
RAK3172 (OLD)DEPRECATED V1.0.4 (default baudrate = 9600)Download
warning

There are RAK3172 devices loaded with old firmware versions which are not based on RUI3 (RAKwireless Unified Interface V3). These devices have v1.0.4 and below.

If the host microcontroller code is based on this old firmware, we have a RAK3172 AT Command migration guide that explain in detail the few differences between the two AT commands set.

Models and Bundles​

Ordering Information​

P/NModelTCXOAntenna InterfaceFrequencySKU
RAK3172-8-SM-NIRAK3172Without TCXONo IPEX8XX MHz for RU864/IN865/EU868305044
RAK3172-9-SM-NIRAK3172Without TCXONo IPEX9XX MHz for US915/AU915/KR920/AS923306041
RAK3172-9-SM-NIRAK3172Without TCXONo IPEXAS923-1 Japan309044
RAK3172-43-SM-NIRAK3172Without TCXONo IPEXEU433301026
RAK3172-47-SM-NIRAK3172Without TCXONo IPEXCN470302033
RAK3172-T-8-SM-NIRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXONo IPEX8XX MHz for RU864/IN865/EU868305054
RAK3172-T-9-SM-NIRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXONo IPEX9XX MHz for US915/AU915/KR920/AS923306051
RAK3172-T-9-SM-NIRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXONo IPEXAS923-1 Japan309054
RAK3172-T-43-SM-NIRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXONo IPEXEU433301029
RAK3172-T-47-SM-NIRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXONo IPEXCN470302037
RAK3172-TE-8-SM-NIRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXONo IPEX8XX MHz for RU864/IN865/EU868305058
RAK3172-TE-9-SM-NIRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXONo IPEX9XX MHz for US915/AU915/KR920/AS923306055
RAK3172-TE-9-SM-NIRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXONo IPEXAS923-1 Japan309057
RAK3172-TE-43-SM-NIRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXONo IPEXEU433-
RAK3172-TE-47-SM-NIRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXONo IPEXCN470-
RAK3172-8-SM-IRAK3172Without TCXOWith IPEX8XX MHz for RU864/IN865/EU868305045
RAK3172-9-SM-IRAK3172Without TCXOWith IPEX9XX MHz for US915/AU915/KR920/AS923306042
RAK3172-9-SM-IRAK3172Without TCXOWith IPEXAS923-1 Japan309045
RAK3172-43-SM-IRAK3172Without TCXOWith IPEXEU433301025
RAK3172-47-SM-IRAK3172Without TCXOWith IPEXCN470302032
RAK3172-T-8-SM-IRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEX8XX MHz for RU864/IN865/EU868305055
RAK3172-T-9-SM-IRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEX9XX MHz for US915/AU915/KR920/AS923306052
RAK3172-T-9-SM-IRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEXAS923-1 Japan309055
RAK3172-T-43-SM-IRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEXEU433301030
RAK3172-T-47-SM-IRAK3172-TWith ±2.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEXCN470302038
RAK3172-TE-8-SM-IRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEX8XX MHz for RU864/IN865/EU868305057
RAK3172-TE-9-SM-IRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEX9XX MHz for US915/AU915/KR920/AS923306054
RAK3172-TE-9-SM-IRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEXAS923-1 Japan309056
RAK3172-TE-43-SM-IRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEXEU433-
RAK3172-TE-47-SM-IRAK3172-TEWith ±0.5 ppm TCXOWith IPEXCN470-

Certification​

anatel

ANATEL Certification

ce

CE Certification

fcc

FCC Certification

ised

ISED Certification

jrl

JRL Certification

kc

KC Certification

lorawan

LoRaWAN Certification

rcm

RCM Certification

reach

REACH Certification

rohs

RoHS Certification

rsm

RSM Certification

ukca

UKCA Certification

wpc

WPC Certification

Home
Low Level Development
  • Overview
    • Description
    • Features
  • Specifications
    • Overview
      • Block Diagram
    • Hardware
      • Interfaces
        • Sub-GHz SPI interface
      • Pin Definition
      • RF Characteristics
        • Operating Frequencies
      • Electrical Characteristics
        • Operating Voltage
        • Operating Current
        • Sleep Current
      • Mechanical Characteristics
        • Module Dimensions
        • Layout Recommendation
      • Environmental Characteristics
        • Operating Temperature
        • Storage Temperature
        • Recommended Reflow Profile
    • Software
    • Firmware
  • Models and Bundles
    • Ordering Information
  • Certification

LoRa® is a registered trademark or service mark of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates. LoRaWAN® is a licensed mark.

Copyright © 2014-2024 RAKwireless Technology Limited. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2014-2024 RAKwireless Technology Limited. All rights reserved.

FacebookRAKwireless FacebookTwitterRAKwireless TwitterInstagramRAKwireless InstagramLinkedInRAKwireless LinkedInYoutubeRAKwireless YoutubePinterestRAKwireless PinterestTikTokRAKwireless TikTokGithubRAKwireless GithubHacksterRAKwireless HacksterDiscordRAKwireless Discord