LoRaWAN Transceiver:Working & Manufacturers

Introduction : A LoRaWAN transceiver is the radio chip/module inside an IoT end device that enables communication with a LoRaWAN gateway.

Functions & Working

  • It uses LoRa CSS modulation which converts digital payload into RF signals and vice versa.
  • It operates in ISM bands e.g. EU868, US915, AS923.
  • It configures spreading factor (SF7–SF12), bandwidth and coding rate.
  • It’s Tx power can be adjusted from +2 to +20 dBm.
  • It is designed for low power operation.
  • It is controlled by MCU via SPI or UART.
  • The MCU runs the LoRaWAN MAC stack, while the transceiver handles the physical radio.

Key Manufacturers

ManufacturersPart no. with features
SemtechSX127x Series
SemtechSX126x Series
HopeRFRFM95, RFM96, RFM98 (Based on SX1276 chipset)
MicrochipRN2483 (EU868), RN2903 (US915)
MurataCMWX1ZZABZ-078 ; Compact LoRaWAN module integrating ST STM32L0 MCU + Semtech SX1276

Conclusion: The LoRaWAN transceiver is the core hardware component that enables long range, low power wireless communication between IoT end devices and the network. By integrating LoRa modulation with configurable parameters such as spreading factor, bandwidth, and coding rate, transceivers strike a balance between range, data rate and energy efficiency.