LR1121
Multi-Band LoRa + Wi-Fi Passive Scanner · Sub-GHz + 2.4GHz + Wi-Fi Geolocation · +22 dBm Sub-GHz PA · GNSS-Less Positioning · QFN-32 (5×5mm) · Semtech
| Part Number | LR1121 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Semtech |
| Type | Multi-Band LoRa Transceiver + Wi-Fi Passive Scanner |
| Sub-GHz Frequency | 150 MHz – 960 MHz (all ISM bands) |
| 2.4GHz Frequency | 2400–2500 MHz (ISM band) |
| Wi-Fi Scan Band | 2.4 GHz (802.11b/g/n beacon passive scan) |
| Sub-GHz Max TX Power | +22 dBm (high-efficiency PA) |
| 2.4GHz Max TX Power | +11 dBm |
| Sub-GHz LoRa Sensitivity | −144 dBm (SF12, BW 125 kHz) |
| 2.4GHz LoRa Sensitivity | −130 dBm (SF12) |
| Sub-GHz Modulation | LoRa, (G)FSK |
| 2.4GHz Modulation | LoRa, (G)FSK |
| Wi-Fi Geolocation | Passive MAC address scanning + Semtech Cloud geolocation |
| Package | QFN-32 (5×5mm) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V – 3.7 V |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V – 3.7 V |
|---|---|
| Sub-GHz TX Current (@ +22 dBm) | 118 mA typical |
| Sub-GHz TX Current (@ +14 dBm) | 42 mA typical |
| 2.4GHz TX Current (@ +11 dBm) | 26 mA typical |
| Sub-GHz RX Current | 5.5 mA typical (LoRa) |
| 2.4GHz RX Current | 7.8 mA typical (LoRa) |
| Wi-Fi Scan Current | ~68 mA (active scan burst) |
| Sleep Current | 1.0 µA (warm start) |
| Sub-GHz LoRa Data Rate | up to 62.5 kbps |
| 2.4GHz LoRa Data Rate | up to 62.5 kbps |
| Digital Interface | 4-wire SPI (up to 18 MHz SCLK) |
|---|---|
| Logic Level | 1.8V – 3.7V (VDDIO domain) |
| GPIO Pins | Up to 5 configurable DIO lines |
| Antenna Interface | Dual single-ended 50Ω RF ports (Sub-GHz + 2.4GHz) |
| RF Switch Control | Internal antenna diversity switching support |
| Wi-Fi Scan Engine | Hardware MAC address extraction, timing, RSSI per beacon |
| Geolocation Resolution | Depends on Wi-Fi AP density; typically 50–200m urban |
| Simultaneous Operation | Time-multiplexed between Sub-GHz, 2.4GHz, and Wi-Fi scan |
| Pins | 32-pin QFN (dual RF ports, SPI, DIOx, BUSY, XTAL, VBAT, GND) |
| Part Number | LR1121 |
|---|---|
| Orderable Qty | 1 pcs – 10,000+ pcs |
| Price (1–9 pcs) | Contact for quote |
| Price (10–99 pcs) | Contact for quote |
| Price (100–499 pcs) | Contact for quote |
| Price (500+ pcs) | Best pricing available |
| Lead Time (stock) | 3–7 business days |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T&R) |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes (Pb-free) |
Please confirm exact parameters with manufacturer datasheet.
The LR1121 from Semtech is the industry's first tri-mode multi-band LoRa transceiver, uniquely combining Sub-GHz LoRa (150–960 MHz), 2.4 GHz LoRa/FSK, and a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi passive scanner in a single QFN-32 (5×5mm) package. This integration eliminates the need for separate Sub-GHz and 2.4GHz radios while adding GNSS-independent geolocation capability — a transformative architecture for next-generation UAV communication systems.
The Sub-GHz path features a powerful +22 dBm high-efficiency power amplifier delivering industry-leading link budget with −144 dBm LoRa sensitivity. The 2.4GHz path is ExpressLRS-compatible, supporting the same LoRa and FSK modes as the SX1281. Together, a single LR1121 can serve as both the long-range telemetry radio (Sub-GHz) and the low-latency RC control link (2.4GHz) — a dual-role capability previously requiring two separate ICs.
The integrated Wi-Fi passive scanning engine is the LR1121's most distinctive feature. It silently captures 802.11b/g/n beacon frames, extracting MAC addresses, RSSI values, and timing data. When paired with Semtech's cloud geolocation service (or an offline MAC-to-location database), this enables rough positioning without GPS or GNSS. For UAVs operating in GPS-denied environments — urban canyons, indoor warehouses, or under heavy jamming — this provides a critical fallback localization method.
By consolidating three RF functions into one IC, the LR1121 dramatically reduces BOM cost, PCB area, and firmware complexity for advanced UAV platforms. The time-multiplexed architecture automatically sequences between Sub-GHz, 2.4GHz, and Wi-Fi scan operations under host MCU control via a single SPI bus. This makes the LR1121 the natural choice for ArduPilot and PX4-based autopilots seeking multi-band redundancy with optional GPS-free position awareness.
Key Features
- Tri-mode operation: Sub-GHz LoRa + 2.4GHz LoRa/FSK + Wi-Fi passive scanner in one IC
- +22 dBm Sub-GHz PA with −144 dBm LoRa sensitivity for extreme range
- 2.4GHz LoRa path compatible with ExpressLRS protocol for low-latency RC control
- Passive Wi-Fi MAC address scanning for GNSS-independent geolocation
- Dual antenna ports — separate RF paths for Sub-GHz and 2.4GHz/Wi-Fi
- Single SPI bus control — time-multiplexed across all three radio modes
- 5 configurable DIO lines for flexible interrupt and status signaling
- QFN-32 package with single 1.8–3.7V supply and 1.0 µA sleep current
Building a Multi-Band UAV Radio with GNSS-Less Positioning?
Get LR1121 from UAVCHIP — competitive pricing, genuine Semtech parts, global delivery.
The LR1121 is a relatively new product from Semtech with growing demand from advanced UAV platforms and industrial IoT. UAVCHIP sources directly from authorized Semtech distribution with full documentation. All units are stored in MSL-3 moisture-controlled environments with ESD protection per IEC 61340-5-1 standards.
Important sourcing note: the LR1121 requires a Semtech Cloud API key for Wi-Fi geolocation queries (the chip only captures MAC addresses — position resolution happens server-side). UAVCHIP supplies the hardware only; API access is arranged through Semtech directly. Early production lots may have firmware limitations; we verify date codes and silicon revisions for customers with specific feature requirements.
- Factory-sealed MSL-3 T&R packaging with desiccant and humidity indicator
- Lot-level traceability with date code verification to Semtech factory records
- ESD-safe handling and storage throughout our warehouse operations
- Flexible ordering: engineering samples (1–10 pcs) to volume production (10,000+)
- DHL/FedEx global priority shipping with full customs and export documentation