Wio-LR1121 tiny LoRa module supports for sub-GHz, S-Band, and 2.4GHz frequency bands

Seeed Studio Wio-LR1121 is a tiny, multi-band LoRa module based on LR1121 RF transceiver, a low-cost version of LR1120 without GNSS or Wi-Fi scanning capabilities, that supports sub-GHz, S-Band (1.9-2.1GHz), and 2.4GHz frequency bands.

We had previously seen the LR1121 used in the MuRata Type-2GT module and a LILYGO module as an option for the T-Eth Elite board. The Wio-LR1121 offers another option that’s easy to solder, thanks to castellated holes and pads.

Wio-LR1121 specifications:

• RF Transceiver – Semtech LR1121
  • Frequency bands – 863 to 928MHz and 2.4 to 2.5GHz frequencies; Note: The LR1121 also supports S-Band at 2.1 to 2.3 GHz, but it’s not mentioned in the specifications of the module, and  only briefly in the title and description
  • Output Power
    • Up to 20.4dBm @ 868/915 MHz
    • Up to 11dBm max @ 2.4GHz
  • Receiver Sensitivity
    • RxBoost ON：
      • -126dBm @ SubG,BW=125KHz, SF = 7
      • -140dBm @ SubG, BW=125KHz, SF = 12
      • -115.5dBm @ 2.4G,BW=406KHz, SF = 7
    • RxBoost OFF：
      • -124dBm @ SubG, BW=125KHz, SF = 7
      • -138dBm @ SubG, BW=125KHz, SF = 12
• Antenna – Via two IPEX4 (1.5mm) connectors; note: not soldered on the Wio-LR1121-N model as shown in the photo below
• Host Interface – SPI interface for MCU communication
• Expansion – 2x GPIO, one with interrupt support
• Power Supply
  • 3.3V typical
  • LR1121 Power Distribution Mode – DC-DC Mode
  • TCXO Supply Mode –  By LR1121 VTCXO Pin
  • TCXO Supply Voltage – 1.6 to 3.3 V
• Power Consumption
  • Sleep Current – 1.35 μA
  • Maximum Operation Current
    • Tx
      • 124.5mA @ LoRa 915 MHz; 22dBm (Note: inconsistent with max Tx power @ 20.4 dBm)
      • 31mA @ LoRa 868 MHz; 14dBm
      • 30.7mA @ LoRa 2.4 GHz; 13dBm
    • Rx
      • 7.8mA @ LoRa SF12 125kHz sub-GHz
      • 6.7mA @ LoRa SF12 125kHz 2.4GHz/S-band
• Dimensions – 17 x 12 x 2.6 mm (SMT package with 24 pins)
• Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C

Seeed Studio does not provide information about software, but mentions that the Wio-LR1121 is especially well-suited to the design of LoRaWAN wireless sensors using a simple MCU with an SPI interface. The only documentation for the module is the datasheet (with various errors here and there), although the company also shares the Allegro footprint for PCB designers.

The Wio-LR1121 module is sold for $6.99 with IPEX connectors, and the Wio-LR1121-N model does not seem to be for sale yet, at least not online. They may also eventually become available on Seeed Studio’s store on AliExpress.

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