Murata's Multi-Band LoRa Radio Module Simplifies IoT Design and Supply-Chain Management

­Murata announced its groundbreaking Type 2GT module, a multi-band, low-power radio (LoRa®) module – marking a significant leap forward in the development of IoT devices requiring versatile wireless connectivity. This highly integrated module delivers a comprehensive solution that caters to the complex demands of global certification standards, facilitating seamless deployment in diverse regions and industries. The measures just 9.98 x 8.70 x 1.74mm and is built on a PCB housed in a metal case and packaged as a land grid array. 

The Type 2GT leverages Semtech’s advanced LR1121 RF transceiver IC, a thermally compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), a second 32KHz crystal, an RF switch, and an RF matching network. These components ensure maximum frequency accuracy and reliable performance under varying environmental conditions. For end-device designers, this translates to simpler and small sized PCB designs, reduced time to market, and lower development costs, thanks to the module’s ease of integration and streamlined certification process. 

The module’s support of multiple frequency bands—including sub-GHz bands, the 2.4GHz ISM band, and the 2.1GHz satellite communications S-band—underscores flexibility and scalability, meeting the needs of various IoT applications such as smart agriculture, Industrial and environmental sensing, building and home automation. Other markets which could benefit from its features include asset tracking, utilities metering, remote-controlled toys, and drones. Support for the 2.4GHz ISM band enables higher data rates, common channel plan across the globe, and enables designers to avoid the duty-cycle limitations imposed on sub-GHz communications by European standards.

“We are thrilled to witness Murata’s strategic expansion with their cutting-edge, third-generation multi-band LoRa® modules” said Carlo Tinella, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Semtech. “This advancement provides the industry with a pivotal tool to streamline and secure the development process for applications operating across sub-GHz and 2.4GHz LoRa® frequencies. Murata’s commitment to reducing design complexity and certification challenges empowers developers worldwide, enabling swift and versatile IoT solutions for everything from smart agriculture to urban infrastructure.” 

Murata’s Type 2GT module is certified to European CE and American FCC standards, the Japanese TELEC standard, and the Canadian IC standard enabling designers to reuse module RF test reports across different certification authorities. This will significantly lower compliance barriers, fostering innovation across the IoT ecosystem to serve users in multiple geographies. More information on specifications, block diagrams, and evaluation kits can be found on Murata’s Type 2GT Module site.