Hong Kong-based SG Wireless has introduced a module that supports the LoRaWan wireless protocol and integrates the Semtech SX1276 long range, low power transceiver and RF power amplifier with an ST Microelectronics MCU.
 
The full-stack IoT provider established by EMS firm Season Group has introduced the SGW2828 LoRa module with a maximum of 30dBm transmit power and frequency hopping, together with high sensitivity.
 
The module supports connectivity of above 6km even in dense urban areas, shown by on-site test in Hong Kong. It also supports multiple sensors within its 24.8 by 12.8 by 3.0mm mechanical dimensions.
 
It suits IoT applications that require long-range wireless communications and high interference immunity with low current consumption, such as smart buildings, smart cities, smart agriculture, smart logistics and supply chain.
 
As a typical application of LoRa technology, IoT-enabled small building devices find LoRa suitable in view of its features such as low energy consumption, building penetration, low path loss, wide deployment footprint, and ease of installation and maintenance. In fact, the smart buildings market, driven by growing energy concerns and increasing government initiatives on smart infrastructure projects, is one of the fastest growing segments for IoT. It is expected to register a CAGR of over 23% from 2020 to 2025, according to Research & Markets.
 
It can be connected with any types of sensors in smart building devices, such as thermostats, sprinkler controllers, door locks, leakage monitors and smoke alarms.
 
The module will transfer the sensor data to the local server of the user, for example building management companies or property developers, or to a remote cloud server provided by SG Wireless. The server will show the data changes on a dashboard with tailored web application software. The user can monitor the data for energy management from, say, lighting and cooling, work space optimisation, water leakage detection and security management via any mobile devices anytime, anywhere.
 
Key benefits generated from the application of LoRa-enabled IoT devices include reduction of energy costs and operating expenses, increasing tenant satisfaction, and raising property values.
 
“SG Wireless aims to develop different solutions to cater to the IoT needs of different customers,” said Ken Wong, chief technology officer at SG Wireless. “We have already developed a range of high performance and scalable BLE products. The SGW2828 is our first LoRa product targeting the ultra long range, wide area IoT application needs of customers. It is part of our full-stack LoRa system.”
 
Apart from these ready-to-use, pre-certified IoT products, the company also offers services encompassing network, infrastructure, data store, application and enterprise integration, and provides a seamless process through manufacturing hurdles, which is usually one of the toughest parts of the technology development journey.
 
“We want to help our customers leverage advanced technologies to efficiently tackle issues and go further with their business,” said Wong. “Our ultimate aim is to design and manufacture products that improve the world’s living standard.”