Microchip Technology RN2903 Users Manual

Low-Power Long Range LoRa® Technology

Transceiver Module

General Features

• On-board LoRaWAN™ protocol stack

• ASCII command interface over UART

• Compact form factor: 17.8 x 26.7 x 3.34 mm

• Castellated SMT pads for easy and reliable PCB
mounting

• Environmentally friendly, RoHS compliant

• Compliance:

- Modular Certified for the United States (FCC)

and Canada (IC)

- Australia and New Zealand

• Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) over UART, see

“RN2903 LoRa
Reference User’s Guide” (DS40001811)

®

Technology Module Command

RN2903

Description

Operational

• Single operating voltage: 2.1V to 3.6V (3.3V
typical)

• Temperature range: -40°C to +85°C

• Low-power consumption

• Programmable RF Communication Bit Rate up to
300 kbps with FSK modulation, 12500 bps with

®

Technology modulation

LoRa

• Integrated MCU, Crystal, EUI-64 Node Identity
Serial EEPROM, Radio Transceiver with Analog
Front End, Matching Circuitry

• 14 GPIOs for control and status

RF/Analog Features

• Low-Power Long Range Transceiver operating in
the 915 MHz frequency band

• High Receiver Sensitivity: down to -146 dBm

• TX Power: adjustable up to +18.5 dBm high
efficiency PA

• FSK, GFSK, and LoRa Technology modulation

• IIP3 = -11 dBm

• Up to 15 km coverage at suburban and up to 5 km
coverage at urban area

Microchip’s RN2903 Low-Power Long Range LoRa
Technology Transceiver module provides an easy to
use, low-power solution for long range wireless data
transmission. The advanced command interface offers
rapid time to market.

The RN2903 module complies with the LoRaWAN
Class A protocol specifications. It integrates RF, a
baseband controller, command Application
Programming Interface (API) processor, making it a
complete long range solution.

The RN2903 module is suitable for simple long ran ge
sensor applications with external host MCU.

Applications

• Automated Meter Reading

• Home and Building Automation

• Wireless Alarm and Security Systems

• Industrial Monitoring and Control

• Machine to Machine (M2M)

• Internet of Things (IoT)

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 1

RN2903

Table of Contents

1.0 Device Overview .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 General Specifications ................................................................................................................................................................. 6

3.0 Typical Hardware Connections..................................................................................................................................................... 8

4.0 Physical Dimensions .................................................................................................................................................................... 9

5.0 Application Information............................................................................................................................................................... 10

6.0 Regulatory Approval................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Appendix A: Revision History............................................................................................................................................................... 19

The Microchip Web Site....................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Customer Change Notification Service................................................................................................................................................ 21

Customer Support................................................................................................................................................................................ 21

Product Identification System............................................................................................................................................................... 23

TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS

It is our intention to provide our valued customers with the best documentation possible to ensure successful use of your Microchip
products. To this end, we will continue to improve our publications to better suit you r needs. Our publications will be refined and
enhanced as new volumes and updates are introduced.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact the Marketing Communications Department via
E-mail at [e-mail]. We welcome your feedback.

Most Current Data Sheet

To obtain the most up-to-date version of this data sheet, please register at our Worldwide Web site at:

http://www.microchip.com

You can determine the version of a data sheet by examining its literature number found on the bottom outside corner of any page.
The last character of the literature number is the version number, (e.g., DS30000000A is version A of document DS30000000).

Errata

An errata sheet, describing minor operational differences from the data sheet and recommended workarounds, may exist for current
devices. As device/documentation issues become known to us, we will publish an errata sheet. The errata will specify the revision
of silicon and revision of document to which it applies.

To determine if an errata sheet exists for a particular device, please check with one of the following:

• Microchip’s Worldwide Web site; http://www.microchip.com

• Your local Microchip sales office (see last page)
When contacting a sales office, please specify which device, revision of silicon and data sheet (include literature number) you are

using.

Customer Notification System

Register on our web site at www.microchip.com to receive the most current information on all of our products.

DS50002390B-page 2  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

RN2903

1

GND

2

UART_RTS

3

UART_CTS

4

RESERVED

5

RESERVED

6

UART_TX

7

UART_RX

8

GND

GND

9

GPIO13

10

GPIO12

11

GND

20

GND

12

VDD

13

GPIO11

14

GPIO10

15

NC

16

NC

17

NC

18

NC

19

NC

40

39

38

37

36

35

34

33

32

31

30

21

29

28

27

26

252423

22

GND

GND

GND

GND

GND

GND

RF

NC

VDD

GND

47

46

45

44

43

42

41

GND

NC

TEST 0

TEST 1

RESET

GPIO0

GPIO1

GPIO2

GPIO3

GPIO4

GPIO5

GPIO6

GPIO7

GPIO8

GPIO9

NC

User Hardware:
Status LEDs, 6witches, /ogic IOs, etc.

RN2903 Module

MCU

LoRa®Technology

Radio

Command Processor

14 GPIO Pins

Real Time

Clock

LoRaWANTMProtocol Stack

I2C

SPI

UART

32768 Hz

Crystal

EUI-64

EEPROM

Host MCU

Antenna

915 MHz

1.0 DEVICE OVERVIEW

The RN2903 transceiver module features LoRa
Techno logy RF modul ati on, which provides long range
spread spectrum communication with high interference
immunity.

Using LoRa Technology modulation technique,
RN2903 can achieve a receiver sensitivity of -146 dBm.
The high sensitivity combined with the integrated
+18.5 dBm output power amplifier yields industry
leading link budget, which makes it optimal for
applications requiring extended range and robustness.

FIGURE 1-1: RN2903 TOP VIEW

LoRa Technology modulation also provide s significant
advantages in both blocking and selectivity compared
to the conventional modulation techniques, solving the
traditional design compromise between extended
range, interference immunity, and low-power
consumption.

The RN2903 module delivers exceptional phase noise,
selectivity, receiver linearity, and IIP3 for significantly
lower power consumption. The level of conductive
harmonics is below -70 dBm. Figure 1-1, Figure 1-2,
and Figure 1-3 show the top view, the pinout, and the
block diagram of the module.

FIGURE 1-2: RN2903 PIN DIAGRAM

FIGURE 1-3: RN2903 BLOCK DIAGRAM

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 3

RN2903

Table 1-1 describes the pins of the module.

TABLE 1-1: PIN DESCRIPTION

Pin Name Type Description

1 GND Power Ground supply terminal
2 UART_RTS Output Communication UART RTS signal
3 UART_CTS Input Communication UART CTS signal
4 RESERVED — Do not connect
5 RESERVED — Do not connect
6 UART_TX Output Communication UART Transmit (TX)
7 UART_RX Input Communication UART Receive (RX)
8 GND Power Ground supply terminal

9 GPIO13 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
10 GPIO12 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
11 GND Power Ground supply terminal
12 VDD Power Positive supply terminal
13 GPIO11 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
14 GPIO10 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
15 NC — Not connected
16 NC — Not connected
17 NC — Not connected
18 NC — Not connected
19 NC — Not connected
20 GND Power Ground supply terminal
21 GND Power Ground supply terminal
22 GND Power Ground supply terminal
23 RF RF analog RF signal pin
24 GND Power Ground supply terminal
25 NC — Not connected
26 GND Power Ground supply terminal
27 GND Power Ground supply terminal
28 GND Power Ground supply terminal
29 NC — Not connected
30 TEST0 — Do not connect
31 TEST1 — Do not connect
32 RESET
33 GND Power Ground supply terminal
34 VDD Power Positive supply terminal
35 GPIO0 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
36 GPIO1 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
37 GPIO2 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
38 GPIO3 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
39 GPIO4 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
40 GPIO5 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
41 GND Power Ground supply terminal
42 NC — Not connected
43 GPIO6 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin

Input Active-low device Reset input

(1)
(1)

DS50002390B-page 4  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

TABLE 1-1: PIN DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED)

Pin Name Type Description

44 GPIO7 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
45 GPIO8 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
46 GPIO9 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
47 GND Power Ground supply terminal

Note 1: Optional handshake lines are supported in future firmware releases.

RN2903

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 5

RN2903

2.0 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Table 2-1 provides the general speci fications for the modul e. Table 2-2, Table 2-3, and Table 2-4 provide the el ectrical

characteristics, current consumption, and dimensions of the module. Table 2-5 shows the RF ou tput power calibration
data.

TABLE 2-1: GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Specification Description

Frequency Band 902.000 MHz to 928.000 MHz
Modulation Method FSK, GFSK, and LoRa
Maximum Over-the-Air Data Rate 300 kbps with FSK modulation; 12500 bps with LoRa Technology modulation
RF Connection Board edge connection
Interface UART
Operation Range Up to 15 km coverage at suburban; up to 5 km coverage at urban area
Sensitivity at 0.1% BER -146 dBm
RF TX Power Adjustable up to max. +18.5 dBm on 915 MHz band
Generated Conductive Harmonics

Level
Temperature (operating ) -40°C to +85°C
Temperature (storage) -40°C to +115°C
Humidity 10% ~ 90%

Note 1: Depends on modulation. Expand Spreading Factor (SF).

2: TX power is adjustable. For more information, refer to the “RN2903 LoRa

Reference User’s Guide” (DS40001811).

Below -70 dBm

Non-condensing

(1)

®

Techno logy modulation

(2)

®

T echnology Module Command

TABLE 2-2: ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Parameter Min. T yp. Max. Units

Supply Voltage 2.1 — 3.6 V
Voltage on any pin with respect to VSS (except VDD) -0.3 — VDD + 0.3 V
Voltage on VDD with respect to VSS -0.3 — 3.9 V
Input Clamp Current (IIK) (VI < 0 or VI > VDD) — — +/-20 mA
Output Camp Current (IOK) (VO < 0 or VO > VDD) — — +/-20 mA
GPIO sink/source current each — — 25/25 mA
Total GPIO sink/source current — — 200/185 mA
RAM Data Retention Voltage (in Sleep mode or Reset state) 1.5 — — V
VDD Start Voltage to ensure internal Power-on Reset signal — — 0.7 V
VDD Rise Rate to ensure internal Power-on Reset signal 0.05 — — V/ms
Brown-out Reset Voltage 1.75 1.9 2.05 V
Logic Input Low Voltage — — 0.15 x VDD V
Logic Input High Voltage 0.8 x VDD — — V
Input Leakage at <25°C

(VSS<VPIN<VDD, Pin at high-impedance)
Input Leakage at +60°C

(VSS<VPIN<VDD, Pin at high-impedance)
Input Leakage at +85°C

(VSS<VPIN<VDD, Pin at high-impedance)
RF Input Level — — +10 dBm

—0.150nA

—0.7100nA

—4200nA

DS50002390B-page 6  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

RN2903

TABLE 2-3: CURRENT CONSUMPTION

Mode Typical Current at 3V (mA)

Idle 2.7
RX 13.5
Deep Sleep 0.002

TABLE 2-4: MODULE DIMENSIONS

Parameter Value

Dimensions 17.8 x 26.7 x 3.34 mm
Weight 2.05g

TABLE 2-5: OUTPUT POWER OF TX

POWER SETTING

TX Power

Setting

23.042.6

34.044.8

45.047.3

56.049.6

67.052.0

78.055.0

89.057.7

910.061.0
10 1 1.0 64.8
11 12.0 73.1
12 13.0 78.0
14 14.7 83.0
15 15.5 88.0
16 16.3 95.8
17 17.0 103.6
20 18.5 124.4

Output Power

(dBm)

T ypical Supply

Current at 3V

(mA)

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 7

RN2903

RN2903

GPIOsHost MCU

TX

TXRX

RX

CTS

(1)

RTS

RTS

(1)

CTS

RFH

915 MHz band

UART

Status LEDs,

6witches,

/ogic IOs,

etc.

14

Note 1: Optional handshake lines ĂƌĞsupported in future firmware releases.

3.0 TYPICAL HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

Figure 3-1 shows the typical hardware connections.

FIGURE 3-1: HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

3.1 INTERFACE TO HOST MCU

The RN2903 module has a dedicated UART interface
to communicate with a host controller. Optional
handshake lines are supported in future firmware
releases. The “RN2903 LoRa
Command Reference User’s Guide” (DS40001811)
provides a detailed UART command description.

Table 3-1 shows the default settings for the UART

communication.

®

Technology Module

TABLE 3-1: DEFAULT UART SETTINGS

Specification Description

Baud Rate 57600 bps
Packet Length 8 bit
Parity Bit No
Stop Bits 1 bit
Hardware Flow Control No

3.2 GPIO PINS (GPIO0–GPIO13)

The module has 14 GPIO pins. These lines can be
connected to switches, LEDs, and relay outputs. The
pins can be either logic inputs or outputs, and some
pins have analog input capability that can be accessed
via the module firmware. These pins have limited sink
and source capabilities. Electrical characteristics are
described in Table 2-2. For more information, see

“RN2903 LoRa
Reference User’s Guide” (DS40001811).

®

Technology Module Command

3.3 RF CONNECTION

When routing RF path, use proper strip lines with an
impedance of 50 Ohm.

3.4 RESET PIN

The Reset pin of the module is an active-low logic
input.

3.5 POWER PINS

It is recommended to connect power pins (Pin 12 and

34) to a stable supply voltage with sufficient source
current. Table 2-3 shows the current consumption.

Additional filtering capacitors are not required but used
to ensure stable supply voltage in a noisy environment.

DS50002390B-page 8  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

RN2903

Note: Host PCB top layer copper traces must have solder mask to avoid shorting test pins on the bottom of the module.

4.0 PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS

Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 illustrate the physical dimensions and the recommended PCB layout for the RN2903 module.

FIGURE 4-1: RN2903 PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS

FIGURE 4-2: RECOMMENDED PCB FOOTPRINT

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 9

RN2903

Dimensions are in millimeters

Trace Dimensions:

Trace width: 0.75
Trace gap: 0.15

Finished Copper Weight: 1 ounce

PCB Details:
Two layer, plated through hole

FR4
Thickness: 1.55 mm

Via stitching with 0.25 mm plated

5.0 APPLICATION INFORMAT ION

5.1 RF Trace Layout Design

The RN2903 modular transmitter is certified with a PCB edge SMA connector and micro-strip trace layout as shown in

Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2. The left s ide RF path is not used for this module. The host PCB can follow these trace design

to maintain compliance under the modular grant (FCC) and certificate (IC). Gerber files are available on the RN2903
product web page at www.microchip.com/rn2903.

FIGURE 5-1: RF TRACE ROUTING (TOP LAYER)

FIGURE 5-2: RF TRACE ROUTING (BOTTOM LAYER)

DS50002390B-page 10  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

RN2903

5.2 PCB Trace Antenna

Modular certification of the RN2903 module was performed with the PCB trace antenna shown in Figure 5-3. The exact
dimensions of the trace antenna must be followed. The PCB trace an tenna is fabricated on the top copper l ayer and
covered in solder mask. The layers below the antenna do not have copper trace. The PCB material is FR4 and the
thickness is 0.062 inches (1.6 mm). Gerber files for the PCB trac e antenna are avai lable on th e RN2903 produ ct web
page on the Microchip web site at http://www.microchip.com/rn2903.

FIGURE 5-3: PCB TRACE ANTENNA MEASUREMENTS

The antenna patterns plotted in Figure 5-4 through Figure 5-5 are the simulated results of the PCB antenna.
The two-dimensional (2D) radiation pattern is illustrated in Figure 5-4. The calculated average gain is 1.3 dBi.

The radiation pattern for the XZ plane is shown in red, whe reas the YZ plane is shown in violet. The most powerful
radiation occurs in the XZ plane as represented by the red pattern.

The three-dimensional (3D) radiation pattern is illustrated in Figure 5-5. The radiation pattern shows the relative position
of the 3D radiation “donut” with reference to the modu le orientation. This is a very useful guide for placement of the
module to obtain the maximum range.

FIGURE 5-4: SIMULATED TWO-DIMENSIONAL RADIATION PATTERN

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 11

RN2903

FIGURE 5-5: SIMULATED THREE DIMENSIONAL RADIATION PATTERN

5.3 Approved Antennas

Modular certification of the RN2903 module is perfo rme d with the external a ntenn a type in Table 5-1. For specific reg­ulatory requirements by country, refer to Section 6.0 "Regulatory Approval".

TABLE 5-1: TESTED EXTERNAL ANTENNA TYPES

Type Gain (dBi)

Sleeve Dipole 6
PCB Trace 1.7

DS50002390B-page 12  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 13

+3V3

Current measure points

+3V3_M

GND

GNDGND

GND

Module_RX

Module_TX

Module_CTS

Module_RTS

+3V3_M +3V3_M

GND GND GND

+3V3+3V3

GND

GND

GND

GND

+3V3

+3V3

PT_Module_RESET

+3V3

GND

GND

Module_RX

Module_TX

PT_Module_CTS

Module_CTS

+3V3

GND

+3V3

Module_TX

PT_Module_CTS

PT_MCLR

Module_RTS

Module_RTS

GND

CUR1

CUR2

123X45

ID D+ D-

+5VGND

USB

G

LD1

Green

G

LD2

Green

D1

B0520LW-7-F

06030R

JP1

06030R

JP2

06030R

JP3

06030R

JP4

06030R

JPI

1

GND

1112

1314

1516

1718

1920

2122

2324

2526

2728

12345678910

PICTail

Pin 2.54 mm right angle (PBC14DBDN)

i

50 Ohm

GND

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

J1

Socket 1.27 mm

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

J2

Socket 1.27 mm

+3V3_ext1

+3V3_ext2

1

0603

1%

R1

Gnd

Vout

4

Pgd5EN

1

V

Pgd

N

Vin

2

Gnd

3,6

IC1

MCP1825-3302E/DC

GP0

GP1

GP2

GP3

GP4

GP5

GP6

GP7

GP8

GP9

GP10

GP11

GP12

GP13

PT_Module_RX

PT_Module_RX

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22

23 24

25 26

27 28

29 30

PICTail Plus

RA2/AN2/C2IN+/Vref-

1

RA3/AN3/C1IN+/VREF+

2

RA4/C1OUT/SRQ/T0CKI

3

RA5/AN4/C2OUT/SRNQ/HLVDIN/SS

4

RA7/OSC1/CLKI

6

RA6/OSC2/CLKO

7

RC0/SOSCO/T1CKI/T3CKI/T3G/IOCC0

8

RC1/CCP2/SOSCI/IOCC1

9

RC2/AN14/CTPLS/CCP1/P1A/IOCC2

10

VUSB

11

D-

12

D+

13

RC6/AN18/TX/CK/IOCC6

14

RC7/RX/DT/SDO/IOCC7

15

Vss

Vdd

17

RB0/AN12/SRI/FLT0/SDI/SDA/INT0

18

RB1/AN10/C12IN3-/P1C/SCK/SCL/INT1

19

RB2/AN8/CTED1/P1B/INT2

20

RB3/AN9/C12IN2-/CTED2/CCP2/SDO

21

RB4/AN11/P1D/IOCB4

22

RB5/AN13/T1G/T3CKI/IOCB5

23

RB6/IOCB6/PGC

24

RB7/IOCB7/PGD

25

MCLR/VPP/RE3

26

RA0/AN0/C12IN0-

27

RA1/AN1/C12IN1-

28

EP

29

5,16

-

R

E

RA4/C1OUT

/

/T

0CKIRA5/

L

V

/SS

RA7/OSC1/CL

KI

RA6/OSC2/CL

O

RC0/SOSCO/

/T

3CKI/T

3G/IOCC0

RC1/CCP2/SOSCI/IOCC

RC2/

PL

S/CCP1/

OCC2

VUS

D+

RC6/

OCC

RC7/RX/DT/SDO/IOCC7V

Vdd

L

T

0/SDI/SDA/INT

0

C/SCK/SCL

/INT

RB2/

E

D1/

T

2

RB3/

O

RB4/

4

1G/T3CKI/IOCB5

RB6/IOCB6/PGC

GD

E

3

RA0/

RA1/

E

P

IC2

PIC18LF25K50-I/ML

Module_RX

Module_TX

Module_CTS

Module_RTS

GND

+3V3

GND

IC2_ICSP_MCLR

IC2_ICSP_PGD

IC2_ICSP_PGC

Module_RESET

GND

JP_RST

PT+_SENSE

PT+_SENSE IC2_MCLR

Insert a short on this jumper to keep IC2 in reset state

GND

USB_D+

USB_D-

25V
0603

100nF

C4

25V
0603

470nF

C2

25V
0603

1uF

C1

25V
0603

1uF

C3

6.3V
0603

10uF

C5

50V
0603

10nF

C6

6.3V
0603

4.7uF

C8

4.7k

0603

1%

R8

220

0603

1%

R9

220

0603

1%

R10

220

0603

1%

R4

220

0603

1%

R5

220

0603

1%

R6

+5V_USB

USB_DET

+5V_D

1.5k

0603

1%

R2

100

0603

1%

R7

2.7k

0603

1%

R3

12345

6

ICSP_IC2

Pin 2.54 mm

1

2

3

4

5

6

TEST

Pin 2.54 mm right angle

GND

+3V3

+3V3

while plugged in PICtail Plus socket

RFH

SMA

GND

1

UART_RTS

2

UART_CTS

3

RESERVED

4

RESERVED

5

UART_TX

6

UART_RX

7

GND

8

GND

11

VDD

12

NC

15

NC

16

NC

17

NC

18

NC

19

GND

20

GND21GND

22

RF

23

GND

24

NC

25

GND26GND

27

GND

28

NC

29

TEST0

30

TEST1

31

RESET

32

GND

33

VDD

34

GPIO0

35

GND

41

NC

42

GND

47

GND

UA

RT

S

U

SSERVE

SE

RVEUA

T

UA

RX

GND

GND

VDD

C

C

C

CNC

GND

NNNNN

N

GND

C

T

E

ST

0

T

EST1

RE

S

T

GND

VDD

GPIO

GND

C

GND

GPIO1

36

GPIO2

37

GPIO3

38

GPIO4

39

GPIO5

40

GPIO6

43

GPIO7

44

GPIO8

45

GPIO9

46

GPIO11

13

GPIO10

14

GPIO12

10

GPIO13

9

U1

RN2903

Note: Shaded components are not populated by default.

5.4 APPLICATION SCHEMATIC

Figure 5-6 shows the schematic for the RN2903 PICtail™/PICtail Plus Daughter Board.

FIGURE 5-6: PICTAIL™/PICTAIL PLUS DAUGHTER BOARD SCHEMATIC

N

E

N

0

N

N

N

N

RT_

RT_

ART_CT

RT_

out

-

B

ss

AN14/CT

AN18/TX/CK/I

T1CKI

RB0/AN12/SRI/F

RB1/AN10/C12IN3-/P1

1

P1A/I

6

RA2/AN2/C2IN+/Vref

A3/AN3/C1IN+/VR

AN4/C2OUT/SRNQ/H

AN8/CT

AN9/C12IN2-/CT

AN11/P1D/IOCB

RB5/AN13/T

RB7/IOCB7/P

AN0/C12IN0-

AN1/C12IN1-

SRQ

DIN

P1B/IN

D2/CCP2/SD

MCLR/VPP/R

K

RN2903

RN2903

Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: T9JRN2903

or

Contains FCC ID: T9JRN2903
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installatio n. This equip­ment generates, uses and can radiate radio fre­quency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the follow­ing measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.

6.0 REGULA TOR Y APPROVAL

This section outlines the regulatory information for th e
RN2903 module for the following countries:

• United States

• Canada

• Australia

• New Zealand

6.1 United States

he RN2903 module has received Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) CFR47
Telecommunications, Part 15 Subpart C “Intentional
Radiators” modular approval in accordance with Part

15.212 Modular Transmitter approval. Modular
approval allows the end user to integrate the RN2903
module into a finished product without obtaining
subsequent and separate FCC approvals for
intentional radiation, provided no changes or
modifications are made to the module circuitry.
Changes or modifications could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment. The end user must
comply with all of the instructions provided by the
Grantee, which indicate installation and/or operating
conditions necessary for compliance.

The finished product is required to comply with all
applicable FCC equipment authorizations regulations,
requirements and equipment functions not associated
with the transmitter module portion. For example,
compliance must be demonstrated to regulations for
other transmitter components within the host product;
to requirements for unintentional radiators (Part 15
Subpart B “Unintentional Radiators”), such as digital
devices, computer peripherals, radio receivers, etc.;
and to additional authorization requirements for the
non-transmitter functions on the transmitter module
(i.e., Verification, or Declaration of Conformity) (e.g.,
transmitter modules may also contain digital logic
functions) as appropriate.

DS50002390B-page 14  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

6.1.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

The RN2903 module has been labeled with its own
FCC ID number, and if the FCC ID is not visible when
the module is installed inside another device, then the
outside of the finished product into which the module is
installed must also display a label referring to the
enclosed module. This exterior label can use wording
as follows:

A user's manual for the finished product should include
the following statement:

Additional information on labeling and user information
requirements for Part 15 devices can be found in KDB
Publication 784748 available at the FCC Office of
Engineering and Technology (OET) Laboratory
Division Knowledge Database (KDB)

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm.

RN2903

Contains transmitter module IC: 6514A-RN2903.

This device complies with Industry Canada license­exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Indus­trie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux con­ditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire
de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit
accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si
le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.

Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio trans­mitter may only operate using an antenna of a type
and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the trans­mitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio
interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotrop­ically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that
necessary for successful communication.

Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Can­ada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec
une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou
inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Can­ada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il
faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que
la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.)
ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établisse­ment d'une communication satisfaisante.

6.1.2 RF EXPOSURE

All transmitters regulated by FCC must comply with RF
exposure requirements. KDB 447498 General RF
Exposure Guidance provides guidance in determining
whether proposed or existing transmitting facilities,
operations or devices comply with limits for human
exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) fields adopted by
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

From the RN2903 FCC Grant: Output power listed is
conducted. This grant is valid only when the module is
sold to OEM integrators and must be installed by the
OEM or OEM integrators. This transmitter is restricted
for use with the specific antenna(s) tested in this
application for Certification and must not be co-located
or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitters within a host device, except in accordance
with FCC multi-transmitter product procedures.

6.1.3 APPROVED EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TYPES

T o maintain modular approval in the United States, only
the antenna types that have been tested shall be used.
It is permissible to use different antenna manufacturer
provided the same antenna type and antenna gain
(equal to or less than) is used.

Testing of the RN2903 module was performed with the
antenna types listed in Table 5-1 Tested External
Antenna Types.

6.1.4 HELPFUL WEB SITES

Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

http://www.fcc.gov

FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
Laboratory Division Knowledge Database (KDB):

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm

the module, preceded by the words “Contains
transmitter module”, or the word “Contains”, or similar
wording expressing the same meaning, as follows:

User Manual Notice for License-Exempt Radio
Apparatus (from Section 7.1.3 RSS-Gen, Issue 3,
December 2010): User manuals for license-exempt
radio apparatus shall contain the following or
equivalent notice in a conspicuous location in the user
manual or alternatively on the device or both:

Transmitter Antenna (from Section 7.1.2 RSS-Gen,
Issue 3, December 2010): User manuals for
transmitters shall display the following notice in a
conspicuous location:

6.2 Canada

The RN2903 module has been certified for use in
Canada under Industry Canada (IC) Radio Standards
Specification (RSS) RSS-210 and RSS-Gen. Modular
approval permits the installation of a module in a host
device without the need to recertify the device.

6.2.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

Labeling Requirements for the Host Device (from
Section 3.2.1, RSS-Gen, Issue 3, December 2010):
The host device shall be properly labeled to identify the
module within the host device.

The Industry Canada certification label of a module
shall be clearly visible at all times when installed in the
host device, otherwise the host device must be labeled
to display the Industry Canada certification number of

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 15

The above notice may be affixed to the device instead
of displayed in the user manual.

RN2903

This radio transmitter (identify the device by certifica­tion number, or model number if Category II) has been
approved by Industry Canada to operate with the
antenna types listed below with the maximum permis­sible gain and required antenna impeda nce for each
antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in
this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain
indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use
with this device.

Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Can­ada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec
une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou
inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Can­ada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il
faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que
la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.)
ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établisse­ment d'une communication satisfaisante.

User manuals for transmitters equipped with
detachable antennas shall also contain the following
notice in a conspicuous location:

Immediately following the above notice, the
manufacturer shall provide a list of all antenna types
approved for use with the transmitter, indicating the
maximum permissible antenna gain (in dBi) and
required impedance for each.

6.2.2 APPROVED EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TYPES

Transmitter Antenna (from Section 7.1.2 RSS-Gen,
Issue 3, December 2010):

The RN2903 module can only be sold or operated with
antennas with which it was approved. Transmitter may
be approved with multiple antenna types. An antenna
type comprises antennas having similar in-band and
out-of-band radiation patterns. Testing shall be
performed using the highest gain antenna of each
combination of transmitter and antenna type for which
approval is being sought, with the transmitter output
power set at the maximum level. Any antenna of the
same type having equal or lesser gain as an antenna
that had been successfully tested with the transmitter,
will also be considered approved with the transmitter,
and may be used and marketed with the transmitter.

When a measurement at the antenna connector is
used to determine RF output power, the effective gain
of the device's antenna shall be stated, based on
measurement or on data from the antenna
manufacturer. For transmitters of output power greater
than 10 milliwatts, the total antenna gain shall be added
to the measured RF output power to demonstrate
compliance to the specified radiated power limits.

DS50002390B-page 16  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

Testing of the RN2903 module was performed with the
antenna types listed in Table 5-1 Tested External
Antenna Types.

6.2.3 HELPFUL WEB SITES

Industry Canada: http://www.ic.gc.ca/

6.3 Australia

RN2903 module RF transmitter test reports can be
used in part to demonstrate compliance in accordance
with ACMA Radio communications "Short Range
Devices" Standard 2004 (The Short Range Devices
standard calls up the AS/NZS 4268:2008 industry
standard). The MRF89XAM9A module test reports can
be used as part of the product certification and
compliance folder. For more information on the RF
transmitter test reports, contact Microchip Technology
Australia office.

AS/NZS 4268:2008 refers to the USA FCC 15.247 RF
standards, the frequency limits of 915 - 928 MHz apply
in Australia.

T o meet overall Australian end product compliance, the
integrator must construct a compliance folder
containing all relevant compliance test reports e.g. RF,
EMC, electrical safety and DoC (Declaration of
Conformity) etc. It is the responsibility of the integrator
to know what is required in the compliance folder for
ACMA compliance. For more information on Au stralia
compliance, refer to the Australian Communications
and Media Authority web site http://www.acma.gov.au/.

6.3.1 HELPFUL WEB SITES

The Australian Communications and Media Authority:

http://www.acma.gov.au/

6.4 New Zealand

RN2903 module RF transmitter test reports can be
used in part to demonstrate compliance against the
New Zealand "General User Radio License for Short
Range Devices". New Zealand Radio communications
(Radio Standards) Notice 2010 calls up the AS / NZS
4268:2008 industry standard. The RN2903 module test
reports can be used as part of the product certification
and compliance folder. For more information on the RF
transmitter test reports, contact Microchip Technology.

Information on the New Zealand short range devices
license can be found in the following web links:

http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/licensees/types-oflicence/
general-user-licences/short-range-devices

and

http://www.rsm.govt.nz/about-rsm/spectrum-policy

While the AS /NZS 4268:2008 refers to the USA FCC

15.247 and EN 300 220-1 V2.3.1 RF standards, the
frequency limits of 921 MHz to 928 MHz apply in New
Zealand.

To meet overall New Zealand end product compliance,
the developer must construct a compliance folder
containing all relevant compliance test reports e.g. RF,
EMC, electrical safety and DoC (Declaration of
Conformity) etc. It is the responsibility of the developer
to know what is required in the compliance folder for
New Zealand Radio communications. For more
information on New Zealand compliance, refer to the
web site http://www.rsm.govt.nz/.

RN2903

6.4.1 HELPFUL WEB SITES

Radio Spectrum Ministry of Economic Development:

http://www.rsm.govt.nz/

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 17

RN2903

NOTES:

DS50002390B-page 18  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

APPENDIX A: REVISION HISTORY

Revision A (July 2015)

This is the initial release of this document.

Revision B (December 2015)

This revision includes the following updates:

• Updated Deep Sleep value in Table 2-3 "Current

Consumption".

• Updated Dimensions value in Table 2-4 "Module

Dimensions".

• Updated Figure 4-1.

• Updated Figure 4-2.

• Updated Figure 5-2.

• Updated information for Section 5.1 “RF Trace

Layout Design”.

RN2903

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 19

RN2903

NOTES:

DS50002390B-page 20  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

RN2903

THE MICROCHIP WEB SITE

Microchip provides online support via our WWW site at

www.microchip.com. This web site is used as a means

to make files and information easily available to
customers. Accessible by using your favorite Internet
browser, the web site contains the following
information:

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• General Technical Support – Frequently Asked
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SERVICE

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Users of Microchip products can receive assistance
through several channels:

• Distributor or Representative

• Local Sales Office

• Field Application Engineer (FAE)

• Techn ical Support
Customers should contact their distributor,

representative or Field Application Engineer (FAE) for
support. Local sales offices are also available to help
customers. A listing of sales offices and locations is
included in the back of this document.

T echnical support is available through the web site
at: http://microchip.com/support

Microchip’s customer notification service helps keep
customers current on Microchip products. Subscribers
will receive e-mail notification whenever there are
changes, updates, revisions or errata related to a
specified product family or development tool of interest.

To register, access the Microchip web site at

www.microchip.com. Under “Support”, click on

“Customer Change Notification” and follow the
registration instructions.

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 21

RN2903

NOTES:

DS50002390B-page 22  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

PART NO.

I RM XXX

FirmwarePackageTemperature

Range

Device

Device: RN2903: Low-Power Long Range LoRa

®

Technology

Transceiver module

Temperature Range: I=-40C to +85C (Industrial)

Package: RM = Radio Module

Examples:

RN2903-I/RM: Industrial temperature

Revision
Number

To order or obtain information, e.g., on pricing or delivery, refer to the factory or the listed sales office.

RN2903

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 23

RN2903

NOTES:

DS50002390B-page 24  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.

YSTEM 

CERTIFIEDBYDNV

== ISO/TS16949==

Note the following details of the code protection feature on Microchip devices:

• Microchip products meet the specification contained in their particular Microchip Data Sheet.

• Microchip believes that its family of products is one of the most secure families of its kind on the market today, when used in the
intended manner and under normal conditions.

• There are dishonest and possibly illegal methods used to breach the code protection feature. All of these methods, to our
knowledge, require using the Microchip products in a manner outside the operating specifications contained in Microchip’s Data
Sheets. Most likely, the person doing so is engaged in theft of intellectual property.

• Microchip is willing to work with the customer who is concerned about the integrity of their code.

• Neither Microchip nor any other semiconductor manufacturer can guarantee the security of their code. Code protection does not
mean that we are guaranteeing the product as “unbreakable.”

Code protection is constantly evolving. We at Microchip are committed to continuously improving the code protection features of our
products. Attempts to break Microchip’s code protection feature may be a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. If such acts
allow unauthorized access to your software or other copyrighted work, you may have a right to sue for relief under that Act.

Information contained in this publication regarding device
applications and the like is provided only for your convenience
and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to
ensure that your application meets with your specifications.
MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY OR
OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS CONDITION,
QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Microchip disclaims all liability
arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip
devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at
the buyer’s risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and
hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims,
suits, or expenses resulting from such use. No licenses are
conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip
intellectual property rights unless otherwise stated.

Trademarks

The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, dsPIC,
FlashFlex, flexPWR, JukeBlox, K
LANCheck, MediaLB, MOST, MOST logo, MPLAB,
OptoLyzer , PIC, PICST ART, PIC
SST, SST Logo, SuperFlash and UNI/O are registered
trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the
U.S.A. and other countries.

The Embedded Control Solutions Company and mTouch are
registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated
in the U.S.A.

Analog-for-the-Digital Age, BodyCom, chipKIT, chipKIT logo,
CodeGuard, dsPICDEM, dsPICDEM.net, ECAN, In-Circuit
Serial Programming, ICSP, Inter-Chip Connectivity, KleerNet,
KleerNet logo, MiWi, motorBench, MPASM, MPF, MPLAB
Certified logo, MPLIB, MPLINK, MultiTRAK, NetDetach,
Omniscient Code Generation, PICDEM, PICDEM.net, PICkit,
PICtail, RightTouch logo, REAL ICE, SQI, Serial Quad I/O,
Total Endurance, TSHARC, USBCheck, VariSense,
ViewSpan, WiperLock, Wireless DNA, and ZENA are
trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the
U.S.A. and other countries.

SQTP is a service mark of Microchip T echnology Incorporated
in the U.S.A.

Silicon Storage Technology is a registered trademark of
Microchip Technology Inc. in other countries.

GestIC is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology
Germany II GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of Microchip
Technology Inc., in other countries.

All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their
respective companies.

© 2015, Microchip Technology Incorporated, Printed in the
U.S.A., All Rights Reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-5224-0102-5

EELOQ, KEELOQ logo, Kleer,

32

logo, RightT ouch, SpyNIC,

QUALITYMANAGEMENTS

 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390B-page 25

Microchip received ISO/TS-16949:2009 certification for its worldwide
headquarters, design and wafer fabrication facilities in Chandler and
T empe, Arizona; Gresham, Oregon and design centers in California
and India. The Company’s quality system processes and procedures
are for its PIC
devices, Serial EEPROMs, microperipherals, nonvolatile memory and
analog products. In addition, Microchip’s qua lity system f or the design
and manufacture of development systems is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

®

MCUs and dsPIC® DSCs, KEELOQ

®

code hopping

Worldwide Sales and Service

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DS50002390B-page 26  2015 Microchip Technology Inc.