The Radiocrafts wireless Sigfox solution is based on two RF modules, the RC1682-SIG (Europe) and the RC1692HP-SIG (USA, LatAm, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan etc) that has very good RF performance that enables compact and innovative antenna solutions that can be taken advantage of for unique product designs and for global solutions.
Sigfox module with Integrated Sensor Interface, the SSM family
The Sensor Interface modules from Radiocrafts are fully integrated modules that includes an intelligent sensor interface. It reduces the overall BOM cost of the system, as no external microcontroller is needed. It also reduces the power dissipation of the system, as the need of external signals on the PCB is reduced. The interface supports physical and logical interface to many of the most popular sensors and actuators used by industrial monitor and control systems, such as Accelerometer, Temperature, Humidity, Flow, Voltage, and others.
The integrated MCU technology and the available I/O on the Radiocrafts RF modules will support virtually any sensor interface on the market. Radiocrafts has selected a number of standards and sensors as for our standard modules, but other interfaces are offered on customer request. Please contact sales@radiocrafts.com for interfaces, not in the standard offering.
The electrical interfaces are SPI, I2C, Analog, UART and Digital GPIOs and provide built-in software drivers for many common sensors.
Signal processing is available and configurable, including averaging and threshold detection. These are configurable by writing to the UART interface. Messages can be triggered by timers and/or when some external condition occurs, such as a sensor value going above a defined threshold.
The analog and GPIO interface are generic in nature and will support any sensor/actuator. The SPI and I2C are protocol specific and Radiocrafts supports a pre-set list of sensors and actuators. See the module data-sheets for details. Radiocrafts can also support other SPI/I2C based sensor/actuators based on customer requirement.
The Sigfox modules come with a Development Kit containing detailed instructions on how to register the product on the Sigfox network and with a one-year platinum level Sigfox subscription. The DK helps to get your design to the market in the shortest possible time. A development kit that includes a sensor board is available for the SSM family. The modules are pre-certified and provide compliance with the Sigfox network requirements as well as local radio regulations.
LONG BATTERY LIFE AND POWER MANAGEMENT
GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY IN ONE FOOTPRINT
INTEGRATED SENSOR INTERFACES
SIGFOX Module Selection
Module |
Frequency band[MHz] |
Radio channels [#] |
Data rate [kbps] |
RX sensitivity [dBm] |
RX current [mA] |
Pout [dBm] |
TX current [mA] |
SLEEP current [uA] |
Operating supply voltage [V] |
Operating temperature [deg C] |
Indicative LOS [m] |
Region / compliance |
Narrowband |
High Power |
RC1682-SIG |
868 |
1 |
0,1 / 0,6 |
-126 |
33 |
14 |
58 |
1 |
2,8 – 3,6 |
-40 to +85 |
10km |
EU / CE |
✓ |
– |
RC1682-SSM |
868 |
1 |
0,1 / 0,6 |
-126 |
33 |
14 |
58 |
1 |
2,8 – 3,6 |
-40 to +85 |
10km |
EU / CE |
✓ |
– |
RC1692HP-SIG |
902-928 |
1 |
0,6 |
-124 |
31 |
25 |
356 |
1 |
2,8 – 3,6 |
-40 to +85 |
10km |
FCC / Au / NZ / LatAm |
✓ |
✓ |
RC1692HP-SSM |
902-928 |
1 |
0,6 |
-124 |
31 |
25 |
356 |
1 |
2,8 – 3,6 |
-40 to +85 |
10km |
FCC / Au / NZ / LatAm |
✓ |
✓ |
Product Details
The Radiocrafts Sigfox module series is a series of pre-certified modules for the global Sigfox network. Using the two version that has the same footprint, will create a global solution, by just changing the module in the manufacturing flow. The module is pre-certified for operation under the European regulations (CE), USA (FCC) and Australian / New Zealand regulations. Custom variants can be offered with custom functionalities, such as sensor interfaces or GPS localization. The modules are widely used in a range of Internet Of Things applications because of its low network cost for low data rate applications. High-performance radio combined with ultra-low power modes extends battery lifetime and assures communication quality. The modules are compact surface-mounted modules that measures only 12.7 x 25.4 x 3.5 mm.
- SIGFOX Ready™ certified module with integrated protocol
- Pre-certified for FCC (RC1692HP-SIG)
- Global support by two footprint compatible modules
- -126 dBm sensitivity, 14/25 dBm output power
- Two-way communication support
- 144 transmissions (12 byte), 4 receptions (8 byte) per day
- UART interface, pin-to-pin compatible to other modules
- Standard form factor (12.7 x 25.4 x 3.5 mm)
- Ideal for Ultra Narrowband Internet of Things
- SIGFOX Ready™ certified development kit
- Complete module for Sigfox network connectivity
Configuring a Sigfox Network
It is very simple to get up and running with the Sigfox communication. The module will come preloaded with a unique device ID, PAC code and encryption key when the modules are delivered from Radiocrafts. The device manufacturer needs to read the the ID and PAC and supply with the final device, as these will be used when registering the device in the Sigfox network.
Configuring the module is done either by sending the value 0x00 to the module or asserting the CONFIG pin. This puts the module in configuration mode. You exit the configuration mode by sending the ‘X’ command.
To set up the Sigfox functionality, you need only to decide to use only uplink or both uplink and downlink. There are additionally five other options to optimize the Sigfox network, seven options to configure the radio and two to define the data rate used for the UART. All these are described in detail in the documentation.
All configurations can easily be adjusted via the Radiocrafts SIG-CCT tool.
Sending data, after the module is configured, is simple. Send up to 12 bytes through the UART interface preceded with a Lengh byte. The data will, as soon as the whole packet is received, automatically be encoded, encrypted and transmitted to the Sigfox network, including the unique ID of the device.
If the module is configured for both uplink and downlink communication, then the module can also receive data. Any data received from the base station will be sent to the TXD pin with information of the packet length so it can easily be received by the application.
DATA SHEETS
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This document covers the relevant information about the RC1682-SIG module, such as product features, reference data, Sigfox protocol, circuit and pin description, MCU considerations, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection. |
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This document covers the relevant information about the RC1692HP-SIG module, such as product features, reference data, Sigfox protocol, circuit and pin description, MCU considerations, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection. |
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The RC1682-SSM module is a fully integrated, autonomous Sigfox module autonomous sensor-enabled, compact surface-mounted product. This document covers the relevant information about the RC1682-SSM module, such as product features, reference data, Sigfox protocol, circuit and pin description, MCU considerations, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection. |
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The RC1692HP-SSM module is a fully integrated, autonomous, sensor-enabled Sigfox module. This document covers the relevant information about the RC1692HP-SSM Sigfox sensor module, such as product features, reference data, Sigfox protocol, circuit and pin description, MCU considerations, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection. |
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User Manual for Sigfox modules is a step by step introduction how to use our module to the Sigfox network. The document explains the Sigfox protocol, the UART interface and timing, power management and supply voltage, temperature reading related questions. It also covers important topics about the module configuration and device registration into the SIGFOX backend system. |
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User Manual for SSM Sigfox Sensor Modules is a step by step introduction how to use the module with sensor interface. The document describes SIGFOX protocol, module configuration, the overview of sensors and actuators, sensor configuration, sensor data transmission the types of sensor connection. |
APPLICATION NOTES
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Different applications and different use-cases will need different wireless connectivity technologies. Therefore, selecting the right wireless technology is a critical design decision. Based on radio performance requirements and other criteria, this selection guide will point out the differences between the technologies to help selecting the right one. |
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This is a short Application Note on the use of license free RF modules in New Zealand, and in particular which modules from Radiocrafts will meet the local radio regulations. |
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There are many different wireless standards and technologies available to enable the internet of things (IOT). The different technologies have different pro’s and con’s depending on the use case and the end customer. Trying to keep up with the latest wireless trends can drain a company of all its resources and take attention from its core business. The solution recommended by Radiocrafts is to use a modular approach and a common RF module footprint that enable all the technologies offered by Radiocrafts without modifications to the PCB. |
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When selecting the right radio technology, the achievable communication range is an important factor. This document reviews how to analyse radio range based on parameters provided in the datasheets for the different module families. Some measurement results from practical range testing are also shown. |
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The purpose of this document is to list some of the most common issues that customers report when using Radiocrafts modules, and the solution to these issues. |
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The Radiocrafts Demo Boards and USB-sticks include an on-board firmware upgrade connector compatible with different flash programming adapters. It is also recommended that PCB layouts include a connector for firmware upgrade. This Application Note describes how to upgrade the firmware of any Radiocrafts RFmodule using either a CC Debugger or the FlashPro-CC tools. |
For all our SIGFOX modules, Development Kit suitcases are available for rapid prototyping and proof of concept. The kits contain:
- Two Development Boards with the module of choice, onboard USB level shifter and USB connector, SMA antenna connector, I/O break-out
- A one year Platinum level Sigfox subscription
- Quarterwave stub antennas with SMA connector
- USB cables
- the HP variants include additionally AC/DC Power Supplies with Country specific converters
One kit will make two wireless nodes “out of the box” provided SIGFOX network coverage, and feature easy access to all the modules I/O-pins. The kit can be used together with the PC software tools. For areas not covered by a Sigfox network yet, a mini base station (Sigfox Network Emulator Kit – SNEK) can be acquired from Sigfox.
File type: | File name: | File description: |
| The SIGFOX Ready™ Demonstration Kit from Radiocrafts is designed to make it easy for the user to evaluate the module, develop an application and build prototypes. Bundled with the Demonstration Kit is the RCTools-SIG PC software, to be used together with the Demo Boards. | |
| User Manual for the Sensor Configuration Tool. To download the Sensor Configuration Tool for xSM modules, please visit our Software Tools Page : https://radiocrafts.com/resources/supporting-software-and-software-tools/ |
Tools & Manuals
File type: | File name: | File description: |
 | RC Tools Sigfox contains the PC tools for design with the Sigfox family. It includes the CCT tool. | |
| RCTools is a powerful and easy to use PC suite that helps you during test, development and deployment of the Radiocrafts modules. The RCTools includes RC_CCT, RC_SA and RC_DT stand alone applications running under windows .Net Framework. The RCTools is free of charge and easily installed (including .NET and USB Driver) by running the setup file. | |
| The SIG-CCT (Configuration & Communication Tool) helps you to work with your Radiocrafts modules. The program enables you to easily configure the module and can additionally work as a terminal window, where data can be sent or received to / from any serial port. The RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) informs you about the Link budget and helps you estimate range. | |
| Radiocrafts Sensor Configuration Tool is a tool to help with configuration of the sensors with MSM and SSM modules. | |
| User Manual for the Sensor Configuration Tool. To download the Sensor Configuration Tool for xSM modules, please visit our Software Tools Page : https://radiocrafts.com/resources/supporting-software-and-software-tools/ |
What is SIGFOX?
Sigfox is a cellular based network with countrywide coverage (LPWAN) for IoT applications at a low cost per message. The Sigfox operator will carry the cost of the network and the gateway. The device owner will utilize the existing Sigfox infrastructure provided by the operator and pay per message that are sent from the device. This creates a connectivity with long range for a very low cost for IoT applications that do not requires high data rate or intensive messaging. This is typical for sensor networks where the data does not change frequently, or where only alarms needs to be transferred.
For any module inquiries please contact our local partner.
Or buy online at Digikey.com
Product Name | Frequency | Region Compliant | Buy Module Online | Buy Development Kit Online |
RC1682-SIG | 868 MHz | EU / CE | ||
RC1682-SSM | 868 MHz | EU / CE | ||
RC1692HP-SIG | 902-928 MHz | FCC / Au / NZ / LatAm | ||
RC1692HP-SSM | 902-928 MHz | FCC / Au / NZ / LatAm |