RAK5166 WisLink LPWAN Concentrator
Overview
Product Description
The RAK5166 is an LPWAN Concentrator Module with PCI Express M.2 Type 3042 form factor and Key B-M Dual Key IDs based on Semtech SX1303 and SX126X for Listen Before Talk feature, which enables easy integration into an existing router or other network equipment with LPWAN Gateway capabilities. It can be used in any embedded platform offering a free PCIe M.2 slot with a USB connection. Furthermore, the ZOE- M8Q GPS chip is integrated onboard. This module is an exceptional, complete, and cost-efficient gateway solution offering up to 10 programmable parallel demodulation paths, 8 x 8 channel LoRa packet detectors, 8 x SF5-SF12 LoRa demodulators, and 8 x SF5-SF10 LoRa demodulators. It is capable of detecting an uninterrupted combination of packets at 8 different spreading factors and 10 channels with continuous demodulation of up to 16
packets. This product is best for smart metering fixed networks and Internet-of- Things (IoT) applications.
Product Features
• Designed based on PCI Express M.2 Type 3042 form factor and Key B-M Dual Key IDs • SX1303 baseband processor emulates 8 x 8 channels LoRa packet detectors • 8x SF5-SF12 LoRa demodulators • 8x SF5-SF10 LoRa demodulators • Gigh-speed 125/250/500 kHz LoRa demodulator • (G)FSK demodulator • 3.3 V PCI Express M.2 • Compatible with Type 3042 Socket 2 Key B-M PCIe-based WWAN Module • Tx power up to 27 dBm • Rx sensitivity down to -139 dBm @ SF12 • BW 125 kHz • Supports global license-free frequency band (EU868, IN865, RU864, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923-1/2/3/4) • Supports USB interfaces • Listen Before Talk • Fine Timestamp • Built-in ZOE-M8Q GPS module
Specifications
Overview
The overview shows the top and back views of the RAK5166 board. It also presents the block diagram that discusses how the board works.
Board Overview
RAK5166 is a compact LPWAN Gateway Module, making it suitable for integration in systems where mass and size constraints are essential. It has been designed with the PCI Express M.2 Type 3042 form factor in mind, so it can easily become a part of products that comply with the standard, where they allow cards with a thickness of at least 3.7 mm.
The board has two MHF4 IPEX connectors for the LoRa and GNSS antennas and a standard 75-pin connector (M.2) with Key B-M Dual Key IDs.
Block Diagram
The RAK5166 concentrator is equipped with one SX1303 chip and two SX1250. The first chip is utilized for the RF signal and the core of the device, while the latter provides the related LoRa modem and processing functionalities.
Additional signal conditioning circuitry is implemented for PCI Express M.2 compliance, and two MHF4 IPEX connectors are available for external antenna integration.
Hardware
The hardware is categorized into seven (7) parts. It discusses the interfacing, pinouts, and their corresponding functions and diagrams. It also covers the parameters and standard values of the board.
Interfaces
• Power Supply - The RAK5166 concentrator module must be supplied through the 3.3Vaux pins by a DC power supply. The voltage needs to be stable since the current drawn can vary significantly during operation based on the power consumption profile of the SX1303 chip (for more information, see the SX1303 Datasheet).
• USB Interface - The USB interface mainly provides for the USB_D+, USB_D- pins of the system connector. The USB interface gives access to the configuration register of SX1303 via an MCU STM32L412KBU6. Only the slave side is implemented.
• UART and I2C Interface - RAK5166 integrates a ZOE-M8Q GPS module which has UART and I2C interface. The PINs on the golden finger provide a UART connection and an I2C connection, which allows direct access to the GPS module. The PPS signal is not only connected to SX1303 internally but also connected to the golden finger which can be used by the host board.
• GPS_PPS - RAK5166 reserved the GPS_PPS input for received packets time- stamped and Fine timestamp.
• MCU RESET - RAK5166 USB card includes the RESET active-low input signal to reset the MCU. SX1303’s RESET is controlled by MCU to reset the radio operations as specified by the SX1303 Specification.
• Antenna RF Interface - The module has two RF interfaces over a standard MHF4 IPEX connector with a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω. The RF port (J1) supports both Tx and Rx, providing the antenna interface for LoRa. The RF port (J2) provides the antenna interface for GPS.
Pinout Diagram
Pinout Description
RF Characteristics
Operating Frequencies
The board supports the following LoRaWAN frequency channels, allowing easy configuration while building the firmware from the source code.
Sensitivity Level
The following table gives typically sensitivity level of the RAK5166 Concentrator Module.
Electrical Requirements
Stressing the device above one or more of the ratings listed in the Absolute Maximum Rating section may cause permanent damage. These are stress ratings only. Operating the module at these or any conditions other than those specified in the Operating Conditions sections of the specification should be avoided. Exposure to Absolute Maximum Rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
The operating condition range defines those limits within which the functionality of the device is guaranteed. Where application information is given, it is advisory only and does not form part of the specification.
Absolute Maximum Rating
The limiting values given below are following the Absolute Maximum Rating System (IEC 134).
The product is not protected against over voltage or reversed voltages. If necessary, voltage spikes exceeding the power supply voltage specification, given in the table above, must be limited to values within the specified boundaries by using appropriate protection devices.
Maximum ESD
NOTE Although this module is designed to be as robust as possible, electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the module. This module must be protected at all times from ESD when handling or transporting. Static charges may easily produce potentials of several kilovolts on the human body or equipment, which can discharge without detection. Industry-standard ESD handling precautions should be used at all times.
Power Consumption
Power Supply Range
Input voltage at 3V3 must be above the normal operating range minimum limit to switch on the module.
Mechanical Characteristics
The board weighs 5.9 grams, and it is 30 mm wide and 42 mm tall. The dimensions of the module fall completely within the PCI Express M.2 Card Electromechanical Specification, except for the card’s thickness (3.7 mm at its thickest).
Environmental Characteristics
Operating Conditions
NOTE Unless otherwise indicated, all operating condition specifications are at an ambient temperature of 25°C. Operation beyond the operating conditions is not recommended and extended exposure beyond them may affect device reliability.
Schematic Diagram
RAK5166 M.2 concentrator module was designed by RAKWireless for SX1303. The USB interface can be used on the M.2 connector. Figure 5 shows the minimum application schematic of the RAK5166. You should use at least 3.3 V / 1 A DC power, and connect the USB interface to the main processor.
Models / Bundles
In general, the RAK5166’s variation is defined as RAK5166 - XYZ, where X, Y, Zare the model variants. Take a look at the tables below to know the variants and their specification.
Regulatory
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
2.2 This module has been assessed against the following FCC rule parts: CFR 47 FCC Part 15 C (15.247, DTS and DSS) and CFR 47 FCC Part 15 E (NII). It is applicable to the modular transmitter
2.3 This radio transmitter 2AF6B-5166 has been approved by Federal Communications Commission to operate with the antenna types listed below, with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The concrete contents to check are the following three points.
Maximum antenna gains are shown in item 2.7 below.
Should be installed so that the end user cannot modify the antenna
Feed line should be designed in 50ohm Fine-tuning of return loss etc. can be performed using a matching network. The antenna shall not be accessible for modification or change by the end user.
2.4 The module complies with FCC Part 15.247 and apply for Single module approval.
2.5 Trace antenna designs: Not applicable, the antenna connector for this module are integrated into the module. Use of external antennas or antennas integrated into the host circuit board are not an option.
2.6 This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator & your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
2.7 The following antennas have been certified for use with this module. Only antennas of the same type with equal or lower gain may also be used with this module. Other types of antennas and/or higher gain antennas may require the additional authorization for operation. The installer should use unique antenna connector and Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The manufacturer of module will inform installer to meet with the FCC part 15.203 in the warning part. Antenna Specification list below:
2.8 Please notice that if the FCC identification number is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module. This exterior label can use wording such as “Contains FCC ID: 2AF6B-5166”; any similar wording that expresses the same meaning may be used.
2.9 Testing of the host product with all the transmitters installed – referred to as the composite investigation test- is recommended, to verify that the host product meets all the applicable FCC rules. The radio spectrum is to be investigated with all the transmitters in the final host product functioning to determine that no emissions exceed the highest limit permitted for any one individual transmitter as required by Section 2.947(f). The host manufacturer is responsible to ensure that when their product operates as intended it does not have any emissions present that are out of compliance that were not present when the transmitters were tested individually.
If the modular transmitter has been fully tested by the module grantee on the required number of channels, modulation types, and modes, it should not be necessary for the host installer to re-test all the available transmitter modes or settings. It is recommended that the host product manufacturer, installing the modular transmitter, perform some investigative measurements to confirm that the resulting composite system does not exceed the spurious emissions limits or band edge limits (e.g., where a different antenna may be causing additional emissions).
The testing should check for emissions that may occur due to the intermixing of emissions with the other transmitters, digital circuitry, or due to physical properties of the host product (enclosure). This investigation is especially important when integrating multiple modular transmitters where the certification is based on testing each of them in a stand-alone configuration.
2.10 Any company of the host device which install this modular should perform the test of radiated & conducted emission and spurious emission etc. according to FCC Part 15C: 15.247 and 15.209 & 15.207, 15B class B requirement, only if the test result comply with FCC part 15C: 15.247 and 15.209 & 15.207,15B class B requirement. Then the host can be sold legally. The host product manufacturer is responsible for compliance to any other FCC rules that apply to the host not covered by the modular transmitter grant of certification. If the grantee markets their product as being Part 15 Subpart B compliant (when it also contains unintentional-radiator digital circuity), then the grantee shall provide a notice stating that the final host product still requires Part 15 Subpart B compliance testing with the modular transmitter installed.
2.11 The host manufacturer is recommended to use FCC KDB 996369 D04 Module Integration Guide recommending as
"best practice" RF design engineering testing and evaluation in case non-linear interactions generate additional non- compliant limits due to module placement to host components or properties.
2.12 This module is stand-alone modular. If the end product will involve the Multiple simultaneously transmitting condition or different operational conditions for a stand-alone modular transmitter in a host, host manufacturer have to consult with module manufacturer for the installation
Canada Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Please notice that if the ISED certification number is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module. This exterior label can use wording such as the following: “Contains IC: 25908-5166” any similar wording that expresses the same meaning may be used. l'appareil hôte doit porter une étiquette donnant le numéro de certification du module d'Industrie Canada, précédé des mots « Contient un module d'émission », du mot « IC: 25908-5166» ou d'une formulation similaire exprimant le même sens, comme suit
The device meets the exemption from the routine evaluation limits in section 2.5 of RSS 102 and compliance with RSS-102 RF exposure, users can obtain Canadian information on RF exposure and compliance. Le dispositif rencontre l'exemption des limites courantes d'évaluation dans la section 2.5 de RSS 102 etla conformité à l'exposition de RSS-102 RF, utilisateurs peut obtenir l'information canadienne surl'exposition et la conformité de rf. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator and your body. Cet émetteur ne doit pas être Co-placé ou ne fonctionnant en même temps qu'aucune autre antenne ouémetteur. Cet équipement devrait être installé et actionné avec une distance minimum de 20 centimètres entre le radiateur et votre corps. This radio transmitter [IC: 25908-5166] has been approved by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below, with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The concrete contents to check are the following three points.
Maximum antenna gains are shown in following table.
Should be installed so that the end user cannot modify the antenna;
Feed line should be designed in 50ohm. Fine-tuning of return loss etc. can be performed using a matching network.
Le présent émetteur radio [IC: 25908-5166] a été approuvé par Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal. Les types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, et dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué pour tout type figurant sur la liste, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur. Le contenu concret à vérifier sont les trois points suivants.
Les gains maximaux d’antenne sont montrés dans le tableau suivant.
doivent être installés de façon que l'utilisateur final ne peut pas modifier l'antenne
La ligne d’alimentation doit être conçue en 50ohm. Le réglage précis de la perte de rendement, etc. peut être effectué en utilisant un réseau correspondant..
Notice to OEM integrator
Must use the device only in host devices that meet the FCC/ISED RF exposure category of mobile, which means the device is installed and used at distances of at least 20cm from persons. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. The end user manual shall include FCC Part 15 /ISED RSS GEN compliance statements related to the transmitter as show in this manual(FCC/Canada statement).
Host manufacturer is responsible for compliance of the host system with module installed with all other applicable requirements for the system such as Part 15 B, ICES 003. Host manufacturer is strongly recommended to confirm compliance with FCC/ISED requirements for the transmitter when the module is installed in the host. The use condition limitations extend to professional users, then instructions must state that this information also extends to the host manufacturer’s instruction manual.
Host manufacturer is strongly recommended to confirm compliance with FCC/ISED requirements for the transmitter when the module is installed in the host. Must have on the host device a label showing Contains FCC ID: 2AF6B-5166 or IC: 25908-5166 Both FCC ID and IC ID are not to be placed on the host at the same time and only hosts going into the US can use the FCC ID and only hosts going into Canada can use the IC ID.
l'hôte doit utiliser l'instrument uniquement dans des dispositifs qui répondent à la fcc / (catégorie d'exposition rf mobile, ce qui signifie le dispositif est installé et utilisé à une distance d'au moins 20 cm de personnes. le manuel de l'utilisateur final doit inclure la partie 15 / (fac rss gen déclarations de conformité relatives à l'émetteur que de montrer dans ce manuel. le fabricant est responsable de la conformité de l'hôte, le système d'accueil avec le module installé avec toutes les autres exigences applicables du système comme la partie 15 b, ices - 003. accueillir le fabricant est fortement recommandé de confirmer la conformité avec les exigences de la fcc / (émetteur lorsque le module est installé dans l'hôte.
le dispositif d'accueil doivent avoir une étiquette indiquant contient FCC ID: 2AF6B-5166,IC: 25908-5166 Doit avoir sur l'appareil hôte une étiquette indiquant Contient l'ID FCC 2AF6B-5166 ou IC : 25908-5166 L'ID FCC et l'ID IC ne doivent pas être placés sur l'hôte en même temps et seuls les hôtes se rendant aux États-Unis peuvent utiliser l'ID FCC et seuls les hôtes se rendant au Canada peuvent utiliser l'ID IC.
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