A new generation of IoT radios is set to extend global coverage with satellite links while offering cost-optimized options for deep coverage at ultra-low power, aiming to make connected devices more versatile and scalable.
Semtech has broadened its Gen 4 LoRa transceiver portfolio with two new additions — the LR2022 and LR2012 — aimed at extending global IoT connectivity options while balancing cost and performance. The parts join the LR2021, which debuted earlier this year, and together form a flexible architecture that targets a wide spectrum of Internet of Things applications.
The LR2022, a dual-band transceiver that blends global sub-GHz coverage with 2.4GHz and non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite connectivity. This makes it suitable for devices needing uninterrupted links across geographies, including those deployed in remote or infrastructure-poor regions. Semtech positions it as a cost-effective way to scale IoT deployments without the need for multiple SKUs or region-specific designs.
At the other end of the spectrum, the LR2012 strips down the feature set to deliver an entry-level option for budget-conscious designs. Focusing exclusively on sub-GHz operation, it still manages impressive sensitivity down to –142dBm, offering reliable performance for applications that prioritize deep coverage over multi-band versatility.
The key features are:
- Support for multi-PHY capability to integrate legacy wireless protocols.
- Enhanced radio performance with LoRa and FSK modulation.
- Efficient Channel Activity Detection (CAD) implemented.
- Support for multiple Spreading Factors.
- Includes Round-Trip Time of Flight (RTToF) measurement capability.
- Backward compatibility with the large existing installed base of LoRa devices
- Designed for low-power, long-range use cases, with strong link budget and range performance.
Both newcomers build on the foundation laid by the LR2021, a multi-protocol part with LoRa, LoRaWAN, and FLRC support, unveiled in March. Together, the Gen 4 lineup gives developers more latitude in selecting the right balance of features for their projects — whether that means integrating legacy systems, ensuring global compatibility, or optimizing link budgets for challenging environments.
For a sector increasingly dependent on standardized yet flexible connectivity solutions, the new LoRa options represent a significant step toward wider adoption of satellite and low-power IoT networks.For more information, click here.
