The RAK11162 is a compact, low-power WisBlock Core module that integrates LoRa®, WiFi, and Bluetooth (BLE 5) connectivity into a single device. It combines two microcontrollers: the STM32WLE5 for LoRa® and LoRaWAN® communication and the Espressif ESP8684 modem (based on ESP32-C2) for WiFi and BLE connectivity. Both controllers can be managed using AT commands.
The STM32WLE5 supports RUI3, enabling custom firmware development. The module features a small form factor of 20 mm × 30 mm, multiple I/O interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI, ADC, GPIO), and a wide operating temperature range. It also supports global LoRa frequency bands from 860 MHz to 930 MHz, making it suitable for applications such as smart city, agriculture, and industrial IoT.
The RAK11162 WisBlock Core module is built using the WisDuo RAK11160 stamp module, ensuring compatibility with the WisBlock modular system.
LoRaWAN Capabilities
The module supports LoRaWAN v1.0.4 and is designed to work with multiple LoRaWAN deployment environments. It provides a solution for developers who require a region-ready LoRaWAN module with wireless connectivity options and support for firmware updates over the air.
Key functional capabilities include:
- Global deployment support: Compatible with major LoRaWAN regions and includes LBT support for Japan compliance
- Remote firmware updates: Supports FUOTA, allowing firmware updates over LoRa or WiFi
- Application flexibility: Suitable for smart city, agriculture, and industrial monitoring deployments
Key Features of STM32WLE5 for LoRaWAN + Espressif ESP32-C2 BLE and WiFi
- LoRaWAN module for smart city, agriculture, industrial applications
- Compact Form Factor: 20 mm x 30 mm WisBlock Core module with connector for WisBlock Baseboards
- I/O ports: UART/I2C/SPI/ADC/GPIO
- Temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C
- Supply voltage: 3.3 V
- Frequency range:
- 150 MHz to 960 MHz for LoRa (RF path is optimized for 863-870MHz and 902-928MHz)
- 2.4 GHz for WiFi and Bluetooth
- Low-Power Wireless Systems with 7.8 kHz to 500 kHz Bandwidth
- Ultra-Low Power Consumption in sleep mode
- MCU 1: STM32WLE5 with ARM 32-bit Cortex – M4 with 256 KB flash memory and 64kB SRAM
- MCU 2: Espressif ESP8684 with RISC-V Single-Core CPU with 2MB flash memory and 272 KB SRAM (16 KB for cache)
- RUI3 API Compatible
- AT Command Support
This module complies with Class A, B, & C of LoRaWAN 1.0.4 specifications. Please select a variant for your LoRaWAN region according to this table:
| Variant | LoRaWAN region | Features |
|---|---|---|
| RAK11162 for 800MHz | EU868, RU864, IN865 | WisBlock Core module with two (2) MHF4 antenna connectors for LoRa and BLE/WiFi |
| RAK11162 for 900MHz | US915, AU915, KR920, AS923-1/2/3/4 | WisBlock Core module with two (2) MHF4 antenna connectors for LoRa and BLE/WiFi |
| RAK11162 for 900MHz | AS923-1 Japan | WisBlock Core module with two (2) MHF4 antenna connectors for LoRa and BLE/WiFi Supports Japan regulation with LBT feature |
Key Benefits of STM32WLE5 for LoRaWAN + Espressif ESP32-C2 BLE and WiFi
The architecture of this dual MCU LoRa WiFi BLE module provides greater design flexibility and simplifies multi-protocol communication management.
- Combines two MCUs for optimized performance by separating LoRa and WiFi/BLE tasks
- Streamlines wireless integration via AT commands, as unified UART simplifies dual-MCU setup and control operations
Use Case #1: Remote Agriculture Monitoring
Farm operators face challenges in gathering field data in areas with poor coverage. The RAK11162 combined LoRa and WiFi capabilities allow for the deployment of sensors that transmit environmental data from remote plots to the cloud.
Use Case #2: Smart Factory Equipment Tracking
In a plant, engineers install separate modules for wireless protocols. With RAK11162, asset tracking across factory floors can be managed efficiently and wirelessly in real time.
Comparison Table: RAK11162 vs. RAK3312
| Feature | RAK11162 | RAK3312 |
|---|---|---|
| RUI3 compatible | Yes | In progress |
| LoRaWAN stack | V1.0.4 | V1.0.2 (V1.0.4 in progress) |
| FUOTA | Yes for STM32WLE5 over LoRa (in progress); Yes for ESP8684 over WiFi | Yes for ESP32-S3 over WiFi |
| Main CPU | STM32WLE5 with 64kB SRAM, 256kB Flash (Single Core MCU) | ESP32-S3 with 512kB SRAM, 8MB PSRAM and 16MB external Flash (Dual Core MCU) |
| Modem CPU | Espressif ESP8684 with Espressif AT command firmware | None |
| LoRa Transceiver | Built in STM32WLE5, SX1262 compatible | Semtech SX1262 |
| Application size | Limited | Large |
| AT Command interface | Yes RUI3 AT command syntax | Yes, if used with WisBlock API V2. RUI3 AT command syntax compatible |
What’s in the Box
- 1 pc RAK11160
- 1 pc PCB Antenna for LoRa (MHF-4 Connector)
- 1pc Antenna for Bluetooth Low Energy (MHF-4 Connector)
How to Get Started with STM32WLE5 for LoRaWAN + Espressif ESP32-C2 BLE and WiFi
- RAK11162 WisBlock LoRaWAN Module
- RAK11162 WisDuo LoRaWAN + BLE + WiFi Module Quick Start Guide
- RAK11162 WisBlock LoRaWAN Module Datasheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does RAK11162 have two MCUs?
It uses STM32WLE5 as the main controller for LoRa and ESP8684 for WiFi and BLE. This architecture allows improved performance and power efficiency by distributing communication tasks between the two chips, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing responsiveness across different wireless protocols.
How do I connect it to a WisBlock Base Board?
Plug RAK11162 into a compatible WisBlock Baseboard using the standard connector. No soldering required; align the module pins and press it into place securely.
How can I update the firmware on RAK11162?
Firmware updates for the STM32WLE5 can be done over LoRa using FUOTA (in progress), and the ESP8684 supports OTA via WiFi. You can also flash via USB using STM32CubeProgrammer or the ESP tool for Espressif.
How do I control the BLE and WiFi features?
Use the Espressif AT command firmware via the UART port. Commands can be sent to scan for networks, connect to WiFi, or advertise Bluetooth beacons, without the need for complex firmware development.