LoRaWAN-bolt-on
Introduction
The LoRaWAN Bolt-on module integrates the AI Thinker RA-02 LoRa module onto the ESP32-CAN-X development board. It enables long-range wireless communication with low power consumption, making it ideal for IoT applications such as remote sensing, smart agriculture, and industrial automation.
Features
- AI Thinker RA-02 LoRa module based on the SX1278 LoRa transceiver.
- Supports LoRaWAN protocol for long-range communication.
- Frequency: 433MHz (or other regional LoRa frequencies as per regulations).
- Spread spectrum communication with high noise immunity.
- Low power consumption and deep sleep support.
- Data transmission up to 10 km in open environments.
- SPI interface for communication with the ESP32-CAN-X.
- Compact SMD package with 16 pins (8 on each side).
- External antenna support via u.FL (IPEX) connector.
Getting Started
Components
The LoRaWAN Bolt-on includes:
- AI Thinker RA-02 LoRa Module
- Custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
- 2 x 20-pin Headers (available separately)
Hardware Connection
The RA-02 module is an SMD package and will be directly soldered onto the PCB.When stacking the LoRaWAN Bolt-on onto the ESP32-CAN-X development board, ensure proper alignment of the icons on the boards, particularly the LoRa antenna and USB positions, to maintain correct functionality.
Separate Headers
Additionally, 2 x 20-pin headers must be soldered onto the PCB to provide the necessary connections. These headers are available from various sources such as Amazon and eBay (male/female versions available).
Block Diagram, Pin Description, and Connections
Block Diagram
Pin Description
| Pin No. | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND | System Ground |
| 2 | GND | System Ground |
| 3 | 3.3V | Power Supply (3.3V) |
| 4 | RESET | Reset Pin |
| 5 | DIO0 | Digital I/O for LoRa Interrupts |
| 6 | DIO1 | Digital I/O for LoRa Interrupts |
| 7 | DIO2 | Digital I/O for LoRa Interrupts |
| 8 | DIO3 | Digital I/O for LoRa Interrupts |
| 9 | GND | System Ground |
| 10 | DIO4 | Digital I/O for LoRa Interrupts |
| 11 | DIO5 | Digital I/O for LoRa Interrupts |
| 12 | SCK | SPI Clock |
| 13 | MISO | SPI MISO (Master In Slave Out) |
| 14 | MOSI | SPI MOSI (Master Out Slave In) |
| 15 | NSS | SPI Chip Select |
| 16 | GND | System Ground |
ESP32-CAN-X Connections
| Connections | RA-02 Pin | ESP32 GPIO |
|---|---|---|
| MISO | Pin 13 | GPIO16 |
| MOSI | Pin 14 | GPIO15 |
| SCK | Pin 12 | GPIO17 |
| NSS | Pin 15 | GPIO18 |
| RESET | Pin 4 | GPIO05 |
| DIO0 | Pin 10 | GPIO04 |
| GND | Pin 1/2/9/16 | GND |
| 3.3V | Pin 3 | 3.3V |
| 3.3V | Pin 3 | 3.3V |
| RX LED | NC | GPIO09 |
| TX LED | NC | GPIO08 |
Demo Code
Access the source code repository through the provided link.
