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RAK5166 WisLink LPWAN Concentrator Datasheet

Overview

Product Description

The RAK5166 is an LPWAN Concentrator Module with PCI Express M.2 Type 3042 form factor and Key B-M Dual Key IDs based on Semtech SX1303 and SX126X for Listen Before Talk feature, which enables easy integration into an existing router or other network equipment with LPWAN Gateway capabilities. It can be used in any embedded platform offering a free PCIe M.2 slot with a USB connection. Furthermore, the ZOE- M8Q GPS chip is integrated onboard.

This module is an exceptional, complete, and cost-efficient gateway solution offering up to 10 programmable parallel demodulation paths, 8 x 8 channel LoRa packet detectors, 8 x SF5-SF12 LoRa demodulators, and 8 x SF5-SF10 LoRa demodulators.

It is capable of detecting an uninterrupted combination of packets at 8 different spreading factors and 10 channels with continuous demodulation of up to 16 packets. This product is best for smart metering fixed networks and Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications.

Product Features

  • Designed based on PCI Express M.2 Type 3042 form factor and Key B-M Dual Key IDs
  • SX1303 baseband processor emulates 8 x 8 channels LoRa packet detectors
  • 8x SF5-SF12 LoRa demodulators
  • 8x SF5-SF10 LoRa demodulators
  • Gigh-speed 125/250/500 kHz LoRa demodulator
  • (G)FSK demodulator
  • 3.3 V PCI Express M.2
  • Compatible with Type 3042 Socket 2 Key B-M PCIe-based WWAN Module
  • Tx power up to 27 dBm
  • Rx sensitivity down to -139 dBm @ SF12
  • BW 125 kHz
  • Supports global license-free frequency band (EU868, IN865, RU864, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923-1/2/3/4)
  • Supports USB interfaces
  • Listen Before Talk
  • Fine Timestamp
  • Built-in ZOE-M8Q GPS module

Specifications

Overview

The overview shows the top and back views of the RAK5166 board. It also presents the block diagram that discusses how the board works.

Board Overview

RAK5166 is a compact LPWAN Gateway Module, making it suitable for integration in systems where mass and size constraints are essential. It has been designed with the PCI Express M.2 Type 3042 form factor in mind, so it can easily become a part of products that comply with the standard, where they allow cards with a thickness of at least 3.7 mm.

The board has two MHF4 IPEX connectors for the LoRa and GNSS antennas and a standard 75-pin connector (M.2) with Key B-M Dual Key IDs.

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Figure 1: RAK5166 Board Overview

Block Diagram

The RAK5166 concentrator is equipped with one SX1303 chip and two SX1250. The first chip is utilized for the RF signal and the core of the device, while the latter provides the related LoRa modem and processing functionalities.

Additional signal conditioning circuitry is implemented for PCI Express M.2 compliance, and two MHF4 IPEX connectors are available for external antenna integration.

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Figure 1: RAK5166 Block Diagram

Hardware

The hardware is categorized into seven (7) parts. It discusses the interfacing, pinouts, and their corresponding functions and diagrams. It also covers the parameters and standard values of the board.

Interfaces

  • Power Supply - The RAK5166 concentrator module must be supplied through the 3.3Vaux pins by a DC power supply. The voltage needs to be stable since the current drawn can vary significantly during operation based on the power consumption profile of the SX1303 chip (for more information, see the SX1303 Datasheet).

  • USB Interface - The USB interface mainly provides for the USB_D+, USB_D- pins of the system connector. The USB interface gives access to the configuration register of SX1303 via an MCU STM32L412KBU6. Only the slave side is implemented.

  • UART and I2C Interface - RAK5166 integrates a ZOE-M8Q GPS module which has UART and I2C interface. The PINs on the golden finger provide a UART connection and an I2C connection, which allows direct access to the GPS module. The PPS signal is not only connected to SX1303 internally but also connected to the golden finger which can be used by the host board.

  • GPS_PPS - RAK5166 reserved the GPS_PPS input for received packets time-stamped and Fine timestamp.

  • MCU RESET - RAK5166 USB card includes the RESET active-low input signal to reset the MCU. SX1303’s RESET is controlled by MCU to reset the radio operations as specified by the SX1303 Specification.

  • Antenna RF Interface - The module has two RF interfaces over a standard MHF4 IPEX connector with a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω. The RF port (J1) supports both Tx and Rx, providing the antenna interface for LoRa. The RF port (J2) provides the antenna interface for GPS.

Pin Definition

Pinout Diagram
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Figure 1: RAK5166 Pinout Diagram
Pinout Description
TypeDescription
IOBidirectional
DIDigital input
DODigital output
OCOpen collector
ODOpen drain
PIPower input
POPower output
NCNo connection
Pin No.RAK5166 PinTypeDescriptionRemarks
1NC (CONFIG_3=GND) No connection by defaultReserved for CONFIG_3
23.3 VPI3.3 VDC supply
3GNDGround
43.3 VPI3.3 VDC supply
5GNDGround
6NCNo connection
7USB_D+IOUSB differential data (+)Require differential impedance of 90 Ω
8NCNo connection
9USB_D-IOUSB differential data (-)Require differential impedance of 90 Ω
10NCNo connection
11GNDGround
KEY-B Notch
20NCNo connection
21NC (CONFIG_0=GND)No connection by defaultReserved for CONFIG_0
22NCNo connection
23NCNo connection
24NCNo connection
25NCNo connection
26NCNo connection
27GNDGround
28NCNo connection
29NCNo connection
30NC (Optional: MCU_RESET)No connection by defaultReserved for MCU_RESET
31NCNo connection
32NCNo connection
33GNDGround
34NCNo connection
35NCNo connection
36NC No connection
37NC No connection
38NCNo connection
39GNDGround
40NC (Optional: I2C_SCL)No connection by defaultReserved for connecting to GPS module ZOE-M8Q's I2C_SCL internally
41NCNo connection
42NC (Optional: I2C_SDA)No connection by defaultReserved for connecting to GPS module ZOE-M8Q's I2C_SDA internally
43NCNo connection
44NCNo connection
45GNDGround
46GPS_RESETDIGSP module ZOE-M8Q reset inputActive low, leave open if not in use
47NCNo connection
48NC (Optional: 1PPS)No connection by defaultReserved for GPS module Time pulse output
49NCNo connection
50MCU_RESETDIRESET signal for MCU of RAK5166Active low
51GNDGround
52HOST_UART_RXDOHOST_UART_RXConnect to GPS module ZOE-M8Q's UART_TX internally, leave open if not in use
53NCNo connection
54HOST_UART_TXDIHOST_UART_TXConnect to GPS module ZOE-M8Q's UART_RX internally, leave open if not in use
55NCNo connection
56NC (Optional: 1PPS)No connection by defaultReserved for GPS module Time pulse output
57GND Ground
58NCNo connection
KEY-M Notch
67NCNo connection
68NCNo connection
69NC (CONFIG_1=GND)No connection by defaultReserved for CONFIG_1
703.3 VPI3.3 VDC supply
71GNDGround
723.3 VPI3.3 VDC supply
73GNDGround
743.3 VPI3.3 VDC supply
75NC (CONFIG_2=GND)No connection by defaultReserved for CONFIG_2

RF Characteristics

Operating Frequencies

The board supports the following LoRaWAN frequency channels, allowing easy configuration while building the firmware from the source code.

RegionFrequency (MHz)
EuropeEU868
North AmericaUS915
AsiaAS923
AustraliaAU915
KoreaKR920
IndiaIN865
Sensitivity Level

The following table gives typically sensitivity level of the RAK5166 Concentrator Module.

Signal Bandwidth (kHz)Spreading FactorSensitivity (dBm)
12512-139
1257-125
2507-123
50012-134
5007-120

Electrical Requirements

Stressing the device above one or more of the ratings listed in the Absolute Maximum Rating section may cause permanent damage. These are stress ratings only. Operating the module at these or any conditions other than those specified in the Operating Conditions sections of the specification should be avoided. Exposure to Absolute Maximum Rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

The operating condition range defines those limits within which the functionality of the device is guaranteed. Where application information is given, it is advisory only and does not form part of the specification.

Absolute Maximum Rating

The limiting values given below are following the Absolute Maximum Rating System (IEC 134).

SymbolDescriptionConditionMinMax
3V3Module supply voltageInput DC voltage at 3V3 pins-0.3 V3.6 V
USBUSB D+/D- pinsInput DC voltage at USB interface pins-3.6 V
MCU_RESETRAK5166 reset inputInput DC voltage at RESET input pin-0.3 V3.6 V
GPS_PPSGPS 1 PPS inputInput DC voltage at GPS_PPS input pin-0.3 V3.6 V
Rho_ANTAntenna ruggednessOutput RF load mismatch ruggedness at ANT1-10:1 VSWR
TstgStorage temperature-40° C85° C
warning

The product is not protected against over voltage or reversed voltages. If necessary, voltage spikes exceeding the power supply voltage specification, given in the table above, must be limited to values within the specified boundaries by using appropriate protection devices.

Maximum ESD
ParameterMinTypicalMaxRemarks
ESD_HBM1000 VCharged Device Model JESD22-C101 CLASS III
ESD_CDM1000 VCharged Device Model JESD22-C101 CLASS III
NOTE

Although this module is designed to be as robust as possible, electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the module. This module must be protected at all times from ESD when handling or transporting. Static charges may easily produce potentials of several kilovolts on the human body or equipment, which can discharge without detection. Industry-standard ESD handling precautions should be used at all times.

Power Consumption
ModeConditionMinTypicalMax
Active Mode (TX)The power of the TX channel is 27 dBm and 3.3 V supply.511 mA512 mA513 mA
Active Mode (RX)TX disabled and RX enabled.70 mA81.6 mA101 mA
Power Supply Range

Input voltage at 3V3 must be above the normal operating range minimum limit to switch on the module.

SymbolParameterMinTypicalMax
3V3Module supply operating input voltage3 V3.3 V3.6 V

Mechanical Characteristics

The board weighs 5.9 grams, and it is 30 mm wide and 42 mm tall. The dimensions of the module fall completely within the PCI Express M.2 Card Electromechanical Specification, except for the card's thickness (3.7 mm at its thickest).

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Figure 1: RAK5166 Dimensions

Environmental Requirements

Operating Conditions
ParameterMinTypicalMaxRemarks
Normal operating temperature-40° C+25° C+85° CNormal operating temperature range (fully functional and meet 3GPP specifications)
NOTE

Unless otherwise indicated, all operating condition specifications are at an ambient temperature of 25° C. Operation beyond the operating conditions is not recommended and extended exposure beyond them may affect device reliability.

Schematic Diagram

RAK5166 M.2 concentrator module was designed by RAKWireless for SX1303. The USB interface can be used on the M.2 connector. Figure 5 shows the minimum application schematic of the RAK5166. You should use at least 3.3 V / 1 A DC power, and connect the USB interface to the main processor.

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Figure 1: RAK5166 Schematic Diagram

Models / Bundles

In general, the RAK5166's variation is defined as RAK5166 - XYZ, where X, Y, Zare the model variants. Take a look at the tables below to know the variants and their specification.

SymbolDescription
X - Supported region1 - US915
2 - EU868
Y - GPS Module1 - GPS
2 - No GPS
Z - Additional features0 - No additional features
ModelFrequencyGPS
RAK5166-110US915
RAK5166-120US915
RAK5166-210EU868
RAK5166-220EU868