RAK11162 STM32WLE5 for LoRaWAN + Espressif ESP32-C2 BLE and WiFi
The STM32WLE5 for LoRaWAN + Espressif ESP32-C2 BLE and WiFi RAK11162 is a compact, low-power WisBlock Core module that integrates LoRa, WiFi, and Bluetooth (BLE 5) connectivity into one device. It features two microcontrollers: an STM32WLE5 for LoRa and LoRaWAN communication (LoRaWAN v1.0.4 compliant) and an Espressif ESP8684 modem (based on ESP32-C2) for WiFi and BLE, both controllable via AT commands.
The STM32WLE5 supports RUI3 for custom firmware development. Its small form factor (20 mm x 30 mm), multiple I/O interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI, ADC, GPIO), wide temperature range, and global frequency support (860–930 MHz) make it ideal for smart city, agriculture, and industrial IoT applications.
The RAK11162 WisBlock Core module uses the WisDuo RAK11160 stamp module to ensure compatibility with the WisBlock modular system.
Why You Need STM32WLE5 for LoRaWAN + Espressif ESP32-C2 BLE and WiFi
The RAK11162 is the best LoRaWAN module for developers who require a certified, region-ready module with robust wireless security, future-proof LoRaWAN 1.0.4 stack, and support for firmware over-the-air updates.
Why it’s useful:
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Eases global deployment: Supports major LoRaWAN regions, including LBT for Japan compliance
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Supports remote updates: FUOTA-ready for remote firmware updates over LoRa or WiFi
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Works across industries: Ready for smart city, agriculture, and industrial monitoring solutions
Key Features of STM32WLE5 for LoRaWAN + Espressif ESP32-C2 BLE and WiFi
- LoRaWAN module for smart city, agriculture, and 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
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Frequency range:
- 150 MHz to 960 MHz for LoRa (RF path is optimised 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.
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Combines two MCUs for optimized performance by separating LoRa and WiFi/BLE tasks
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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
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.
