LoRa transceiver modules are first in class with fully compatible BLE 5.0

Update: May 25, 2021

Avnet Silica now offers Miromico’s FMLR-8x-x-STLx LoRa IoT modules that run a fully compatible BLE 5.0 stack using Semtech’s 2.4GHz SX1280 LoRa transceiver. The solution does not need any extra BLE 5.0 device. Target IoT applications include track and trace, building automation, mining, farming, construction monitoring, telemetry, remote data logging, and many others.

Built on Semtech’s LoRa 2.4GHz technology, Miromico offers a firmware platform that enables multiple wireless protocols running on the same microcontroller, i.e., LoRa and BLE 5.0. The combination of these technologies in the same wireless module is a powerful new technology. It facilitates commissioning, configuration, local data monitoring, or firmware update of IoT devices utilising smartphones, tablets, car navigation systems, or other iOS or Android-based devices. After the initialisation process, it operates LoRa 2.4GHz long-range applications anywhere around the world. For such dual-protocol use-cases, standard IoT devices normally need to integrate separate, costly BLE chipsets to connect to the mobile phones. After the initial setup through deployment, these extra BLE chipsets become redundant.

“Full BLE 5.0 support as a firmware option for our SX1280-based 2.4GHz LoRa modules and products is a game-changer for developers implementing IoT technologies,” said Marcel Wappler, CTO of Miromico. “It enables new unique applications with very low additional costs compared to hardware-based BLE solutions. Our first goal was to provide the most important BLE peripheral role to our customers, and we are delighted that Avnet Silica is now stocking BLE-ready SX1280 modules and dev kits.”

“Miromico is a key partner for Avnet Silica, and now with the addition of BLE 5.0 support in the modules based on Semtech’s LoRa 2.4GHz technology, further unique market opportunities are available,” said Marco Giegerich, director business development EMEA at Avnet Silica.