N428CS: SX1261 5Watt Ultra-High-Power LoRa Module | +37dBm | 169/433/868MHz | Extreme Range(1)
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N428CS High-Power LoRa Transceiver Module
Based on Semtech SX1261 – 5W Extreme-Range for Professional IoT and LoRaWAN Gateways
Product Overview
The N428CS designed for long-range, license-free wireless communication, integrating Semtech's SX1261 LoRa transceiver with a professional-grade Power Amplifier (PA) and Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA). Engineered for applications where maximum range and link reliability are paramount, it delivers an extraordinary +37 dBm (5 Watt) transmit output power while maintaining the excellent -148 dBm receiver sensitivity inherent to LoRa modulation.
This combination yields an unsurpassed link budget exceeding 185 dB, enabling reliable communication over tens of kilometers in challenging non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions. Designed for robustness, the N428CS operates across critical Sub-1GHz bands (169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915Mhz) and is built to withstand harsh industrial environments, making it the definitive choice for professional LoRaWAN gateways, private networks, and extreme-range telemetry applications.
All RF front-end components—including the high-power PA, LNA, transmit/receive switching, and harmonic filtering—are fully integrated on a compact 4-layer PCB. Developers receive a complete, optimized RF solution that eliminates the complexity and risk of discrete high-power RF design.
Key Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Industry-Leading Power Output | Integrated high-efficiency PA delivers +37 dBm (5W), providing maximum practical transmit power for license-free ISM bands, dramatically extending communication range and signal penetration. |
| Unmatched Link Budget | The synergy of +37 dBm TX and -148 dBm RX sensitivity creates a link budget exceeding 185 dB, enabling reliable links in the most challenging NLOS conditions over vast distances. |
| Complete, Optimized RF Chain | The module incorporates PA, LNA, RF switch, and matching network on a 4-layer PCB. This guarantees optimal performance, saves significant development time, and eliminates the risk of discrete high-power RF design. |
| Ultra-Low Power in Standby | Despite its high transmit power, standby current is just 12 µA, allowing efficient power cycling in battery-aware applications. |
| Industrial Ruggedness | Rated for -40°C to +80°C operation, ensuring reliability in outdoor and demanding industrial settings—from remote mining sites to harsh agricultural environments. |
| Full Protocol Support | Based on the SX1261, the module is fully compatible with LoRaWAN for global network connectivity and can also be programmed for proprietary long-range protocols using (G)FSK, MSK, or BPSK modulation. |
Detailed Technical Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Specification | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF PERFORMANCE | Frequency Bands | 169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz | Covers 160–175, 410–510, 860–960 MHz ranges; |
| Maximum Output Power | +37 dBm (5000 mW, 5W) | Requires VCC_PA = 5V, capable of 2A+ peak | |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -148 dBm | LoRa, SF12, BW=125 kHz (typical) | |
| LoRa Data Rate | 0 – 62.5 kbps | Adjustable via Spreading Factor (SF7-SF12) & Bandwidth | |
| Modulation | LoRa®, (G)FSK, MSK, BPSK | Full flexibility for standard or proprietary protocols | |
| Frequency Stability | ±2 kHz | High-stability oscillator | |
| HARDWARE | Module Dimensions | 43.0 × 29.0 × 3.0 mm | 4-layer PCB with optimized thermal design |
| Antenna Interface | 50Ω IPEX Connector (MHF Series) | Must use high-power rated antenna | |
| Host Interface | SPI, GPIOs (BUSY, DIO1, DIO2, etc.) | Standard SX1261 interface | |
| Package | Surface Mount Device (SMD) | ||
| ELECTRICAL | Digital/Analog Supply (VCC) | 3.3V (Typical) | For SX1261 core and analog circuits |
| PA Supply Voltage (VCC_PA) | 4.5V – 5.5V (5.0V Typical) | High-current rail; must supply up to 2A peak | |
| Tx Current (Peak) | 2000 mA (2A) | @ +37 dBm output, VCC_PA=5V | |
| Rx Current | 15 mA | Typical, continuous reception | |
| Standby Current | 12 µA | ||
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +80°C | Industrial grade |
Critical Design Considerations & Warnings
⚠️ Regulatory Compliance is Paramount
A 5W (37 dBm) output is at or above the legal limit for unlicensed operation in most ISM bands. Final product certification (FCC, CE, etc.) is complex, expensive, and mandatory. Users are solely responsible for ensuring compliance, which may involve power limiting, professional installation requirements, and adherence to specific operational rules.
Power Supply Design
The 5V PA supply must be exceptionally robust, capable of delivering 2.5A+ continuously with very low noise and ripple. Use high-quality DC-DC converters and substantial bulk capacitance (e.g., 470 µF low-ESR tantalum or polymer) placed in close proximity to the module pins. Refer to our power supply design guide for high-power RF modules.
Thermal Management is Crucial
Dissipating approximately 2.5W of heat (at the PA) requires serious thermal consideration. The application PCB must incorporate a large ground plane with multiple thermal vias directly under the module. For sustained transmission or high duty cycles, an external heatsink is strongly recommended. See our thermal design recommendations.
Antenna Selection
Only use antennas explicitly rated for 5W+ transmit power to avoid damage and ensure safety. The use of directional antennas (Yagi, panel) can increase Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) beyond legal limits and must be calculated carefully. Consult our high-power antenna selection guide for detailed specifications.
Target Applications
Professional LoRaWAN Gateways and Concentrators
Create high-performance base stations with maximum coverage area, reducing the number of gateways required for regional deployments. Learn more about gateway reference designs.Private Long-Range Networks
Build backbone links for industrial SCADA systems, farm-wide sensor networks, or remote area communications spanning 10 km and beyond. Explore private network applications.Extreme-Range Telemetry
Monitor and control assets in mining, oil and gas, forestry, and maritime environments where conventional wireless solutions cannot reach. View case studies.Emergency & Disaster Recovery Communications
Deploy robust, temporary communication links when infrastructure is compromised or unavailable.Backhaul Links for Sensor Networks
Aggregate data from distributed LoRa networks over long distances to central processing facilities.
Development Support
The N428CS leverages the extensive ecosystem surrounding the Semtech SX1261:
Software Compatibility: Fully compatible with standard SX1261 driver libraries, including Semtech's official drivers and open-source implementations.
LoRaWAN Stack Integration: Can be integrated with LoRaMAC-node, ChirpStack, and other leading LoRaWAN stack implementations for gateway development.
Development Tools: Standard SPI interface enables straightforward connection to any host MCU. All SX1261 digital I/O pins are accessible.
Documentation: Comprehensive datasheets, application notes, and reference designs available.
Note: Successful integration requires experienced RF and embedded engineering expertise. We recommend reviewing all technical documentation thoroughly before commencing design.
Ordering Information
| Order Code | Core IC | Frequency Range | Output Power | Key Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N428CS-169M | SX1261 + PA + LNA | 160 – 175 MHz | +37 dBm | Long-Range Utility/Industrial (EU); |
| N428CS-433M | SX1261 + PA + LNA | 410 – 510 MHz | +37 dBm | Global Industrial Telemetry; |
| N428CS-868M | SX1261 + PA + LNA | 860 – 880 MHz | +37 dBm | High-Power EU LoRaWAN Gateway; |
| N428CS-915M | SX1261 + PA + LNA | 910 – 930 MHz | +37 dBm | High-Power EU LoRaWAN Gateway; |
Custom frequency variants and volume pricing available upon request.
Compare with the sx1261 Family
These modules are built around the TI CC1125 narrowband transceiver, offering a proven balance of performance and power efficiency.
| Model | Frequency Bands | Output Power | Sensitivity @ 1.2 kbps | Form Factor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N401CS-B | 169/433/868/915 MHz | +15 dBm | -148 dBm | SMD | Low‑power sensors, short range |
| N429CS | 868/915 MHz | +31 dBm | -148 dBm | SMD | Medium‑range sensors |
| N427CS | 169/433/868/915 MHz | +33 dBm | -148 dBm | SMD | Long‑range end nodes |
| N428CS | 169/433/868/915 MHz | +37 dBm | -148 dBm | SMD | Industrial gateways, extreme range |
📘 View full sx1261 product family — including evaluation boards and design resources
📘 View full product family — including evaluation boards and design resources
Related Resources
SX1261 Product Page – Detailed information on the core transceiver
High-Power Antenna Selection Guide – Optimize your range with properly rated antennas
LoRaWAN Gateway Reference Designs – Implementation examples and case studies
Technical Support Forum – Connect with other engineers using the N428CS
Contact Applications Engineering – For design assistance and volume inquiries
Get Started
📄 Download N428CS Datasheet (PDF)
Specifications subject to change without notice. Actual range performance depends on antenna selection, environmental conditions, and local regulatory constraints. 5W operation may be subject to licensing or specific usage conditions in some jurisdictions. Ensure compliance with applicable radio regulations prior to deployment.