N429CS 1 Watt LoRa Module | SX1261 sky66423 | +31dBm | 868/915MHz
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N429CS 1.2Watt SX1262 sky66423 LoRa® RF Transceiver Module
Optimized Performance for Long-Range, Power-Efficient LoRaWAN® Solutions
📦 Product Overview
N429CS is a LoRa RF module built on the Semtech SX1261 transceiver with an integrated Skyworks SKY66423 FEM.
Output power: +27 dBm at 3 V, +30 dBm at 4.2 V, and +31 dBm at 4.8 V.
LoRa sensitivity: –148 dBm. Covers 860–930 MHz (EU and US bands) and supports LoRaWAN®.
Designed for high‑volume, battery‑sensitive end‑nodes and gateways that need reliable kilometer‑range links.
✨ Key Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Superior Range & Efficiency | Delivers +31 dBm transmit power and industry-leading -148 dBm sensitivity for a robust link budget, extending device reach while optimizing for lower peak current draw (~600 mA) compared to higher-power alternatives. |
| LoRaWAN® Compatible | Fully supports the LoRa® physical layer and is designed for seamless integration with LoRaWAN® network stacks, enabling quick deployment in both public and private IoT networks. |
| Cost-Effective Performance | Long‑range LoRa performance in a low‑cost package, built for high‑volume metering and sensor networks. |
| Professional RF Integrity | 4‑layer impedance‑controlled PCB for stable RF, signal integrity, and interference immunity in real‑world environments. |
| Complete Design Freedom | All SX1261 pins are brought out for custom firmware, power tuning, and direct peripheral access. |
| Ultra-Low Standby Power | N429CS deep sleep: 1 µA standby current, extends battery life for remote sensing. |
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Core RF IC | Semtech SX1261 | High-performance LoRa® transceiver |
| Frequency Bands | 868 MHz, 915 MHz | Model-specific |
| Max. Output Power | +31 dBm (typ)+27 dBm at 3V, +30 dBm at 4.2V and +31 dBm at 4.8V with integrated Skyworks FEM sky66423 | 1.2W, requires VCCPA = 5.0V |
| Receiver Sensitivity (LoRa®) | -148 dBm (typ) | @ SF12, 125 kHz |
| LoRa® Data Rate Range | 0.3 – 62.5 kbps | Programmable spreading factor |
| Modulation | LoRa®, (G)FSK, BPSK | Hardware-supported |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCC) | 3.3V (2.4V – 3.6V) | For SX1261 core |
| PA Supply Voltage (VCCPA) | 5.0V (4.5V – 5.5V) | For +30 dBm output |
| TX Current (peak) | 600 mA (typ) | @ +31 dBm output |
| RX Current | 15 mA (typ) | @ LoRa® mode |
| Standby Current | 1 µA (typ) | Deep sleep mode |
| Interface | SPI | 3.3V logic level |
| Antenna Connection | 50Ω RF Pad / IPEX Connector | |
| PCB Design | 4-Layer, Impedance Controlled | Ensures consistent RF performance |
| Pin Accessibility | Full SX1261 pin breakout | All GPIOs and control pins available |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +80°C | Industrial grade |
📊 Performance Data
| Parameter | Value | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Range | Up to 10 km | Clear line-of-sight, 3 dBi antenna, SF12, 125 kHz |
| Link Budget | Up to 178 dB | +31 dBm TX, -148 dBm RX sensitivity |
| Frequency Stability | ±1.5 ppm | Integrated TCXO crystal |
🔌 Module Pinout Description
Please refer to the full N429CS datasheet for detailed pinout and footprint drawings.
| Pin No. | Pin Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND | Power | Power Ground |
| 2 | GND | Power | Power Ground |
| 3 | VCCPA | Power | PA Power Supply. Range: 4.5V – 5.5V |
| 4 | VCCPA | Power | Same as pin 3 |
| 5 | GND | Power | Power Ground |
| 6 | DIO1 | Digital I/O | Programmable GPIO / IRQ |
| 7 | DIO2 | Digital I/O | Programmable GPIO |
| 8 | DIO3 | Digital I/O | Programmable GPIO |
| 9 | DIO4 | Digital I/O | Programmable GPIO |
| 10 | DIO5 | Digital I/O | Programmable GPIO |
| 11 | DIO6 | Digital I/O | Programmable GPIO |
| 12 | DIO7 | Digital I/O | Programmable GPIO |
| 13 | NSS | Digital Input | SPI Chip Select (active low) |
| 14 | SCK | Digital Input | SPI Clock |
| 15 | MOSI | Digital Input | SPI Master Out Slave In |
| 16 | MISO | Digital Output | SPI Master In Slave Out |
| 17 | RESET | Digital Input | Module Hardware Reset (active low) |
| 18 | BUSY | Digital Output | Status indicator (high when busy) |
| 19 | VCC | Power | Core Supply. 3.3V typical |
| 20 | GND | Power | Power Ground |
| 21 | RF | RF I/O | 50Ω Antenna Port |
| 22 | GND | Power | Power Ground |
🌍 Target Applications
Smart Metering (AMR/AMI) – Long-life, long-range water, gas, and electricity meters.
Industrial & Environmental Sensors – Remote monitoring of tank levels, soil conditions, air quality, and equipment status.
Asset Tracking – Logistics and pallet tracking devices requiring extended battery life and reliable location updates.
Smart City & Building Automation – Parking sensors, waste management sensors, and building monitoring systems.
LoRaWAN® End Devices & Gateways – Serves as an excellent RF core for both battery-operated endpoints and cost-effective gateway designs.
📦 Ordering Information
| Ordering Code | Core IC | Frequency Range | Output Power | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N42CS-868M | SX1261 | 860–880 MHz | +31 dBm | EU LoRaWAN®, ISM |
| N429CS-915M | SX1261 | 910–930 MHz | +31 dBm | Americas LoRaWAN®, ISM |
Please confirm the exact frequency range variant when ordering.
📦 Package Includes
1 × N429CS module (tape & reel option for volume orders)
Quick Start Guide
Access to online documentation and example code
✅ Regulatory Compliance
| Region | Standard | Status |
|---|---|---|
| EU | EN 300 220, EN 301 489, EN 60950 | Compliant |
| US | FCC Part 15 | Modular approval pending – pre‑scanned |
| Environmental | RoHS, REACH | Compliant |
📞 Contact our compliance team for certification support.
❓ Why Choose the N429CS?
| Advantage | N429CS Delivers |
|---|---|
| LoRa® Ecosystem Leader | Built on Semtech SX1261, the industry standard for long-range LPWAN. |
| Optimized Power Efficiency | +31 dBm output with 800 mA peak current – balances range and battery life. |
| Exceptional Sensitivity | -148 dBm sensitivity ensures reliable links even in challenging environments. |
| Cost-Effective | Value-engineered for high-volume deployments without compromising performance. |
| Design Flexibility | Full pin access enables custom firmware and direct integration with host MCUs. |
| Ultra-Low Standby | 1 µA sleep current extends battery life to years. |
| Multi-Band Support | One hardware platform covers global ISM bands, simplifying inventory. |
| Industrial Grade | -40°C to +80°C operation, 4-layer PCB for robust performance. |
📐 Product Line Positioning: Find Your Fit
The N429CS is part of our comprehensive LoRa® SMD module family. Compare and select the right module for your project.
| Feature / Model | N401CS | N429CS (this product) | N427CS | N428CS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core IC | SX1261 | SX1261 | SX1261 | SX1261 |
| Output Power | +22 dBm | +31 dBm | +33 dBm | +37 dBm |
| PA + LNA | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Form Factor | SMD | SMD | SMD | SMD (shielded) |
| Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI |
| Antenna | IPEX + stamp hole | IPEX + stamp hole | IPEX + stamp hole | IPEX + stamp hole |
| Ideal For | LoRa Battery sensors, short range | Long-range end nodes, cost-sensitive gateways | Long-range end nodes, gateways | Long-range end nodes, gateways |
| Development Effort | Full (SDK) | Full (SDK) | Full (SDK) | Full (SDK) |
🧭 Simple Selection Guide
Need a low-power, long-range module for battery-powered sensors?
→ Choose N401AS – +22 dBm, ultra-low power, cost-optimized.Looking for a balance of range and cost for end nodes or gateways?
→ Pick N429CS – +31 dBm with PA, full SDK access, ideal for custom LoRaWAN® devices.Want a drop‑in solution with AT commands – no programming?
→ Consider N427CS – +33 dBm, pre-loaded AT firmware, fastest time‑to‑market.Need a shielded module for harsh industrial environments?
→ Go with N428CS – +37 dBm, metal shielding, enhanced EMI protection.Prototyping with a USB dongle?
→ Our N431AP (0.1W) evaluation boards expose full debug pins and USB interface for rapid development.
📘 Full product family comparison
🚀 Start Your Project
📄 Download N429CS Full Datasheet
📘 SX1262/1 Datasheet & Design Guide
🧪 Request Samples / Evaluation Board
📞 Contact Technical Sales
Note: Specifications subject to change without notice. Actual performance may vary depending on environmental conditions and system design.