SX1261
LoRa/(G)FSK/MSK · 150–960 MHz · +15 dBm TX · −148 dBm LoRa Sensitivity · QFN-24 (4×4mm) · Semtech
| Part Number | SX1261 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Semtech |
| Type | Sub-GHz RF Transceiver (LoRa / FSK) |
| Frequency Range | 150 MHz – 960 MHz (all major ISM bands) |
| Modulation | LoRa, (G)FSK, MSK |
| Max TX Power | +15 dBm (configurable in 0.5 dB steps) |
| LoRa Sensitivity | −148 dBm (SF12, BW 125 kHz) |
| RX Current Consumption | 4.2 mA (LoRa mode, typical) |
| TX Current Consumption | 25.5 mA at +14 dBm |
| Spreading Factor | SF5 – SF12 |
| Bandwidth | 7.8 kHz – 500 kHz |
| Package | QFN-24 (4×4mm) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V – 3.7 V |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V – 3.7 V |
|---|---|
| TX Current (@ +14 dBm) | 25.5 mA typical |
| TX Current (@ +10 dBm) | 16 mA typical |
| RX Current (LoRa) | 4.2 mA typical |
| Sleep Current | 0.6 µA (warm start) |
| Integrated DC-DC Converter | Yes (buck regulator for battery efficiency) |
| Output Power Range | −17 dBm to +15 dBm (0.5 dB step resolution) |
| Reference Crystal | 32 MHz (TCXO compatible) |
| Max Data Rate (FSK) | 300 kbps |
| Max Data Rate (LoRa) | 62.5 kbps (SF5, BW 500 kHz) |
| Digital Interface | 4-wire SPI (up to 12 MHz SCLK) |
|---|---|
| Logic Level | 1.8V – 3.7V (VDDIO domain) |
| GPIO Pins | 3 configurable DIO lines (DIO1, DIO2, DIO3) |
| Antenna Interface | Single-ended 50Ω RF port (direct antenna match) |
| Busy Pin | Yes — hardware status indicator for command readiness |
| LoRaWAN Compatibility | Yes — fully supports LoRaWAN Class A/B/C PHY layer |
| Packet Engine | Hardware CRC, whitening, forward error correction (FEC) |
| Channel Activity Detection | CAD (Channel Activity Detection) for LBT compliance |
| Pins | 24-pin QFN (SPI_SCK, SPI_MOSI, SPI_MISO, NSS, DIO1–3, BUSY, XTAL, VBAT, GND, etc.) |
| Part Number | SX1261 |
|---|---|
| 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 SX1261 is Semtech's next-generation LoRa Sub-GHz RF transceiver, engineered as the direct successor to the widely-adopted SX127x series. Packaged in a compact QFN-24 (4×4mm) footprint, it delivers significantly lower power consumption, improved receiver sensitivity, and an integrated DC-DC step-down converter — making it the go-to choice for battery-powered UAV telemetry systems that demand maximum link budget on minimal energy.
Covering the full 150 MHz to 960 MHz frequency range, the SX1261 supports all major ISM bands including 169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz. With a best-in-class LoRa sensitivity of −148 dBm at SF12 (BW 125 kHz), it achieves 20+ kilometer line-of-sight links when paired with a properly tuned antenna — ideal for fixed-wing UAVs, multirotor platforms, and ground station relays requiring dependable long-range MavLink telemetry.
What truly sets the SX1261 apart from the previous generation is its ultra-low receive current of just 4.2 mA — a 60% reduction compared to the SX1276 (10.5 mA RX). Combined with an integrated DC-DC buck converter and LDO, the device operates from a single 1.8–3.7 V supply while maintaining high TX efficiency at 25.5 mA for +14 dBm output. This power profile is critical for solar-powered UAVs, long-endurance missions, and remote sensor nodes that must run for months on a single battery charge.
The SX1261 is ArduPilot-compatible and widely adopted as the RF core in SIK telemetry radio replacements. It serves as the hardware foundation for popular open-source LRS (Long Range System) projects including ULRS (Ultimate LRS) and QCZEK LRS, delivering simultaneous RC control and telemetry over a single LoRa link. With hardware CRC, forward error correction, and channel activity detection (CAD) for Listen-Before-Talk compliance, the SX1261 provides a robust, interference-resilient communication layer for professional UAV operations.
Key Features
- 150–960 MHz continuous frequency coverage — all major ISM bands in one device
- LoRa spread spectrum modulation with SF5–SF12 and bandwidths from 7.8 kHz to 500 kHz
- Industry-leading −148 dBm LoRa receiver sensitivity at SF12 for extreme range
- 4.2 mA RX current — 60% lower than SX1276 for extended battery life
- Integrated DC-DC buck converter + LDO enables single-supply operation
- Configurable TX power −17 to +15 dBm in 0.5 dB steps for fine-grained output control
- Hardware packet engine with CRC, whitening, and forward error correction
- Channel Activity Detection (CAD) for ETSI/FCC Listen-Before-Talk compliance
Need SX1261 for Your UAV Telemetry Link?
Get competitive pricing and fast delivery from UAVCHIP. Stock available for immediate shipment worldwide.
The SX1261 is an active production part from Semtech with stable global supply. UAVCHIP sources directly from Semtech authorized distribution channels with full traceability documentation. All units undergo incoming inspection for date code verification and visual marking authenticity before shipment.
Common sourcing pitfalls include: mixed reel lots with inconsistent firmware revisions, grey-market parts with resealed packaging, and ESD-damaged units from improper handling. UAVCHIP's incoming QC process includes ESD-safe handling, reel integrity checks, and optional sample testing for customers with volume orders.
- Factory-sealed tape & reel packaging with moisture barrier bag and humidity indicator card
- Lot and date code traceability back to Semtech factory records
- ESD-safe storage (IEC 61340-5-1 compliant) and handling throughout warehouse operations
- Flexible ordering: samples (1–10 pcs), prototype (10–100 pcs), and production (100–10,000+ pcs)
- Expedited DHL/FedEx global shipping with full customs documentation support