RAKwireless Launches Affordable All-in-One IoT Module with LoRa, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Alpha Micro introduce the RAKwireless RAK11160, a compact, low-cost module that brings together multiple wireless technologies in one powerful device. The new RAK11160 module combines long-range LoRa connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), making it an ideal solution for modern Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
A Dual-Chip Design for Versatile Connectivity
At the heart of the RAK11160 are two well-known chips. The STMicroelectronics STM32WL handles LoRa communication, while the Espressif ESP32-C2 provides 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and BLE. This dual-core architecture enables flexible communication while keeping power consumption low. When Wi-Fi or BLE is not needed, the STM32WL can power down the ESP32-C2 to conserve energy.
This approach is particularly useful for applications where devices spend most of their time idle or in low-power modes but need occasional bursts of higher-speed connectivity. Examples include over-the-air updates or periodic data uploads.
Practical Applications in the Field
RAKwireless highlights several use cases where the RAK11160 shines. In agriculture, for instance, sensor nodes using LoRa can monitor environmental conditions. These devices can remain in ultra-low-power mode most of the time and only activate Wi-Fi or BLE when updates are necessary.
Another example involves mobile LoRa gateways installed in service vehicles. These gateways can transmit data at scheduled intervals, then power down to save energy between transmissions.
Development and Support
RAKwireless offers full support for developers. The STM32WL can be programmed using RUI3 within the Arduino IDE, while the ESP32-C2 supports both the Arduino core and the official ESP-IDF. This makes it easy to integrate into existing workflows and scale projects quickly.
The RAK11160 is available now and ships without antennas, so users should plan to add their own for LoRa and Wi-Fi/BLE connectivity.