Semtech Launches LoRa Core SX1303, a Low-Power Gateway Chip with GPS-Free Geolocation

Semtech has announced a new chipset in its LoRa Core portfolio, the SX1303, which it says is ideal for ultra-low-power gateway designs while offering accurate network-centric geolocation features — and it launches alongside a reference design.

"The new LoRa Core gateway IC enables the network-centric geolocation of LoRa devices without requiring the inclusion of GPS hardware at each individual end node," claims Pedro Pachuca, director of wireless products in Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group, of the launch. "Based on a fine timestamp capability that provides accurate time of arrival information for each demodulated message, the new chipset allows gateways to perform network-centric geolocation based on Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA)."

"This is ideal for several cost-sensitive asset tracking applications. The new LoRa Core IC helps customers accelerate the development of their applications operating the LoRaWAN protocol. Semtech is committed to delivering solutions to customers that simplify their application development cycle when using LoRa devices."

The SX1303 offers full footprint compatibility with the company's earlier SX1302, but offers a nanosecond resolution timestamp referenced to a pulse-per-second (PPS) signal, with accurate time-of-arrival information for every demodulated LoRa frame. Used for geolocation, the chip offers an accuracy down to around 240 feet — without the need for an external GPS receiver.

The company is providing the SX1303 alongside a reference gateway design with integrated fine-timestamp functionality, for customers in the US, Europe, and China. Semtech says its design represents an optimal bill-of-material (BOM) and the lowest possible power profile without sacrificing location accuracy.

More information on the SX1303 is available on the Semtech website.