AnyPCBA PCB and PCBA case studies
Our client, an IoT system integrator, needed a flexible, high-performance LoRaWAN indoor gateway that could serve as a reliable bridge between LoRa sensors and cloud-based IoT platforms. The gateway needed to be built on a widely available, developer-friendly platform to enable rapid customization and deployment.
The key challenges were:
Flexible Architecture: Build a gateway based on Raspberry Pi that could be easily customized for different use cases
Multi-Channel Reception: Support 8 simultaneous LoRaWAN channels with different spreading factors
Long Range Communication: Achieve up to 15KM line-of-sight and 2-3KM urban coverage
Reliable Thermal Management: Effective cooling to prevent overheating during 24/7 operation
Multi-Function Integration: Include GPS positioning and NB-IoT data transmission capabilities
Industrial-Grade Reliability: Ensure stable operation for continuous deployment in various environments
AnyPCBA provided a complete PCBA solution for the LoRaWAN indoor gateway, covering adapter board design, PCB fabrication, component sourcing, SMT assembly, and comprehensive testing.
Our design and manufacturing approach included:
Adapter Board Design: Designed and manufactured the custom Raspberry Pi adapter board that integrates the Mini PCIe LoRaWAN module, GPS positioning module, and NB-IoT data transmission module
RF Performance Optimization: Careful impedance-controlled trace routing and antenna matching to achieve 15KM line-of-sight communication range
Thermal Management: Designed efficient heat dissipation solution with cooling fan integration to ensure stable 24/7 operation
Power Management: Optimized 5V/2A power supply circuit design for reliable operation
Compact Integration: Efficient PCB layout to fit all functional modules within the indoor gateway form factor
Industrial-Grade Quality: Selected high-quality components and materials for long-term reliability
Rigorous Testing: Comprehensive functional testing, RF performance testing, and thermal testing to ensure consistent quality
8-Channel Reception: Based on SX1301 chipset with SX1255/1257, receives 8 LoRaWAN packet signals simultaneously on different channels
Flexible Connectivity: 4 USB interfaces, HDMI, 2 RJ45 Ethernet ports, Bluetooth, and WiFi
GPS Positioning: Built-in GPS module for location-based applications
NB-IoT Module: Integrated NB-IoT data transmission for hybrid communication solutions
Long Range: Up to 15KM line-of-sight, 2-3KM in urban environments
Customizable Software: Open platform allows users to modify gateway programs for rapid development
Scalable Architecture: Can connect to different LoRaWAN servers with flexible server address configuration
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base Platform | Raspberry Pi 3B+ (industrial grade) |
| LoRa Chipset | SX1301 + SX1255/1257 |
| Channels | 8 simultaneous channels |
| Range | Up to 15KM (line-of-sight), 2-3KM (urban) |
| Interfaces | 4x USB, HDMI, 2x RJ45, GPIO |
| Wireless | Bluetooth, WiFi |
| Positioning | GPS module |
| Cellular | NB-IoT module |
| Power Input | 5V/2A DC |
| Cooling | Integrated cooling fan |
| Application | Indoor use |
Complete Solution: Delivered a fully functional, tested LoRaWAN indoor gateway PCBA
Rapid Deployment: Enabled client to quickly deploy IoT networks for various applications
Scalable Platform: Flexible architecture supports customization for different use cases
Reliable Performance: Effective thermal management ensures stable 24/7 operation
Cost-Effective Production: Optimized design for efficient small-to-medium batch manufacturing
Turnkey Service: Provided full PCBA services including design, sourcing, assembly, and testing
Smart City Infrastructure
Industrial IoT (IIoT) Manufacturing
Smart Agriculture
Smart Metering (water, electricity, gas)
Smart Campus and Building Management
Wireless Alarm and Security Systems
Logistics and Asset Tracking
Ready to develop your LoRaWAN gateway or IoT hardware project? Contact us to learn how AnyPCBA can support your product development and production.
