The Waveshare Core1121 is a compact, multi-band LoRa module based on the Semtech LR1121 transceiver with support for Sub-GHz (150–960MHz), S-band (1.9–2.1GHz), and 2.4GHz ISM bands, and exposing GPIOs through both through and castellated holes.
Key features include support for LoRa, (G)FSK, and LR-FHSS modulation schemes, AES-128 encryption, and compatibility with the SX126X/SX127X series for easy migration. We just noted Seeed Studio’s Wio-LR1121 last week with a very similar, yet more compact design with only castellated holes, and before that, the LR1121 was used in the MuRata Type-2GT module and a LILYGO module as an option for the T-Eth Elite board.
Core1121 specifications:
- RF Transceiver – Semtech LR1121
- Frequency bands
- Sub-GHz (150MHz ~ 960MHz), Different varieties for Europe, North America, Oceania, Asia
- S-band (1.9GHz ~ 2.1GHz)
- 2.4GHz ISM frequency bands
- Output Power
- Up to 22dBm @ 868/915 MHz (Sub-GHz)
- Up to 13dBm max @ 2.4GHz
- Receiver Sensitivity
- -127dBm @ Sub-GHz, SF7, CR4/5, BW=125KHz
- -111dBm @ ISM, SF7, CR4/5, BW=800KHz
- Data Rate
- LoRa – 0.091Kbps ~ 62.5Kbps
- (G)FSK – 0.6Kbps ~ 300Kbps
- Communication Range
- Sub-GHz – up to 5km
- ISM – up to 2km
- Spreading Factor – SF5 ~ SF12
- Frequency bands
- Antenna – Via two IPEX4 (1.5mm) connectors with TVS diode protection
- I/Os – 2x 8-pin through and castellated holes
- SPI interface for MCU communication
- 3x GPIO, one with interrupt support
- 2.4 GHz and LoRa antenna pins
- Reset and Busy signals
- 3.3V and GND pins
- Power Supply – 3.3V (Max: 3.8V)
- Power Consumption
- Sleep Current – 1.35 μA
- Sub-GHz – 115mA @ 22dBm (Tx), 9.2mA @ 125KHz (Rx)
- 2.4 GHz ISM – 25mA @ 13dBm (Tx), 8.1mA @ 125KHz (Rx)
- Dimensions – 22 x 19.00 mm (Castellated edges / 2.54mm pitch solder holes)
- Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C
The module comes in two variants: the Core1121-HF operating in the 850- 930MHz band, and the Core1121-LF in the 410-510MHz band. Those two frequency bands are region-dependent, but both variants of the module also support the 2.4GHz ISM band suitable for global deployments.
The company also mentions that the module supports TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator), meaning the frequency of the module will be much stable across a wide temperature range, making the module suitable for industrial and outdoor applications.
On the Core1121’s wiki page, you will find detailed hardware specs along with demo code and setup guides for ESP32 (Arduino, ESP-IDF, PlatformIO), Raspberry Pi, STM32, and RPi Pico. There are also tutorials for LoRaWAN integration using ChirpStack, firmware flashing, and real-world testing examples.
The Core1121 multi-band LoRa module is available on AliExpress for $9.57 without pre-soldered headers, or a dollar more ($10.57) with headers. Alternatively, it can be found on Amazon for $17.99/$18.99, or on the Waveshare store for $9.99/$10.99.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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