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Semtech SX1278 LoRa RF Module Technical Specifications

FREE-SKY (HK) ELECTRONICS CO.,LIMITED / 11-10 10:22

This article will discuss the SX1278 LoRa RF Module’s specifications, features, applications, alternatives, and setup guidelines, highlighting why it remains one of the most versatile and powerful wireless modules available today.


Catalog

1. SX1278 LoRa RF Module Overview
2. SX1278 LoRa RF Module Alternatives
3. SX1278 LoRa RF Module Pinout
4. SX1278 LoRa RF Module Block Diagram
5. SX1278 LoRa RF Module Specifications
6. SX1278 LoRa RF Module Features
7. SX1278 LoRa RF Module Applications
8. Setting Up the SX1278 LoRa Module
9. SX1278 LoRa RF Module Mechanical Drawing
10. Manufacturer
11. Conclusion
SX1278 LoRa RF Module

SX1278 LoRa RF Module Overview

The SX1278 LoRa RF Module features Semtech’s patented LoRa™ modulation technology. It delivers ultra-long-range wireless communication with exceptional sensitivity of up to -148 dBm and an output power of +20 dBm. Designed for optimal performance, it provides a superior link budget and robust connectivity, making it ideal for applications requiring extended range, reliability, and low power consumption.

Operating mainly in the 433 MHz ISM band, the SX1278 supports both LoRa™ and (G)FSK modulation modes, ensuring flexibility across various IoT systems such as smart metering, remote monitoring, and industrial automation. Its advanced design minimizes current consumption while maintaining high interference immunity and selectivity - perfect for battery-powered or low-maintenance deployments.

Combining long-range performance, efficiency, and affordability, the SX1278 module stands out as a reliable solution for next-generation wireless systems. If you are interested in purchasing the SX1278 LoRa RF Module, feel free to contact us for pricing and availability.

SX1278 LoRa RF Module Alternatives

Module
Frequency Band
Range
Data Rate
Power Consumption
Modulation Type
Key Features / Advantages
Typical Applications
NRF24L01
2.4 GHz
Up to 1 km (with PA/LNA version)
Up to 2 Mbps
Low
GFSK
High data rate, low power, SPI interface, low cost
Wireless peripherals, short-range IoT, sensor networks
433 MHz RF Module
433 MHz
100 – 300 m (LoS)
~4.8 kbps
Moderate
ASK / OOK
Simple design, easy to use, low cost
Basic wireless control, remote key fobs, simple telemetry
XBee (Series 2)
2.4 GHz (Zigbee)
1 – 3 km (high-power version)
250 kbps
Moderate
DSSS (Zigbee)
Mesh networking, reliable communication, easy configuration
Home automation, industrial control, wireless networking

SX1278 LoRa RF Module Pinout

SX1278 LoRa RF Module Pinout

Pin Name
Pin Type
Description / Function
GND
Power
Ground connection (connect to system ground).
GND
Power
Additional ground pin for stability.
3.3V
Power
Power supply input (3.3V DC). Do not connect to 5V.
RESET
Control
Resets the module when pulled low. Used for hardware reset.
DIO0
Digital I/O
Digital I/O pin 0 - typically used for RX/TX done interrupts.
DIO1
Digital I/O
Digital I/O pin 1 - used for CAD or other interrupt signaling.
DIO2
Digital I/O
Digital I/O pin 2 - used for frequency hopping or interrupts.
DIO3
Digital I/O
Digital I/O pin 3 - general-purpose digital input/output.
GND
Power
Ground connection (right-side reference).
NSS (CS)
SPI
Chip Select - active low, selects the LoRa device for SPI communication.
MOSI
SPI
Master Out Slave In - SPI data input to the module.
MISO
SPI
Master In Slave Out - SPI data output from the module.
SCK
SPI
Serial Clock - SPI clock signal from the master device.
DIO5
Digital I/O
Digital I/O pin 5 - general-purpose or interrupt use.
DIO4
Digital I/O
Digital I/O pin 4 - general-purpose or interrupt use.
GND
Power
Additional ground pin for right-side grounding.

SX1278 LoRa RF Module Block Diagram

SX1278 LoRa RF Module Block Diagram

The block diagram of the SX1278 LoRa RF Module illustrates the internal structure and signal flow that enable its long-range, low-power wireless communication. The module supports both LoRa™ and (G)FSK/OOK modulation schemes, which are handled by separate modulation and demodulation blocks. These systems work through high-band and low-band Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) to manage frequency synthesis for both transmission and reception, ensuring stable operation across the 137–525 MHz frequency range.

At the front end, the RF input/output stages (RFI_HF, RFO_LF, etc.) connect to the antenna system through power amplifiers (PA_HF, PA_LF, PA_BOOST) that determine signal strength. The ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converters) and mixers handle signal conversion between analog and digital domains, enabling accurate modulation and demodulation. Internal crystal and RC oscillators provide precise timing and frequency reference, supported by integrated power distribution for analog, digital, and RF sections.

The SPI interface on the right connects the SX1278 to an external microcontroller, allowing configuration and data exchange through registers. The LoRa/FSK FIFO buffer manages data flow, while digital pins (NSS, MISO, MOSI, SCK, DIO, RESET) facilitate control, data transfer, and interrupt signaling.


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