Microchip Technology RN2903 User manual
2015-2021 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390K-page 1
RN2903
Features
• On-Board LoRaWAN™ Protocol Stack
• ASCII Command Interface over UART
• Compact Form Factor: 17.8 x 26.7 x 3.34 mm
• Castellated SMT Pads for Easy and Reliable PCB
Mounting
• Environmentally Friendly, RoHS Compliant
• Compliance:
- Modular Certified for the United States (FCC)
and Canada (IC)
- Taiwan
• Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) over UART, see
RN2903 LoRa®Technology Module Command
Reference User’s Guide (DS40001811)
Operational
• Single Operating Voltage: 2.1V to 3.6V (3.3V
typical)
• Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Low-Power Consumption
• Programmable RF Communication Bit Rate up to
300 kbps with FSK Modulation, 12500 bps with
LoRa® Technology Modulation
• Integrated MCU, Crystal, EUI-64 Node Identity
Serial EEPROM, Radio Transceiver with Analog
Front End, Matching Circuitry
• 14 GPIOs for Control and Status, Shared with 13
Analog Inputs
RF/Analog Features
• Low-Power Long Range Transceiver Operating in
the 915 MHz Frequency Band
• High Receiver Sensitivity: Down to -146 dBm
• TX Power: Adjustable up to +18.5 dBm High
Efficiency PA
• FSK, GFSK and LoRa Technology Modulation
• IIP3 = -11 dBm
• Up to 15 km Coverage at Suburban and up to
5 km Coverage at Urban Area
General Description
Microchip’s RN2903 Low-Power Long Range LoRa
Technology Transceiver module provides an easy to
use, low-power solution for long range wireless data
transmission. The advanced command interface offers
rapid time-to-market.
The RN2903 module complies with the LoRaWAN
Class A and Class C protocol specifications. It
integrates RF, a baseband controller and command
Application Programming Interface (API) processor,
making it a complete long range solution.
The RN2903 module is suitable for simple long range
sensor applications with external host MCU.
Applications
• Automated Meter Reading
• Home and Building Automation
• Wireless Alarm and Security Systems
• Industrial Monitoring and Control
• Machine to Machine (M2M)
• Internet of Things (IoT)
Low-Power Long Range LoRa®Technology
Transceiver Module
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DS50002390K-page 2 2015-2021 Microchip Technology Inc.
Table of Contents
1.0 Device Overview ...........................................................................................................................................................................3
2.0 General Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................................6
3.0 Typical Hardware Connections .....................................................................................................................................................8
4.0 Physical Dimensions...................................................................................................................................................................10
5.0 Application Information ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
6.0 Regulatory Approval....................................................................................................................................................................14
Appendix A: Revision History................................................................................................................................................................19
The Microchip WebSite.........................................................................................................................................................................21
Customer Change Notification Service.................................................................................................................................................21
Customer Support.................................................................................................................................................................................21
Product Identification System ...............................................................................................................................................................23
TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS
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You can determine the version of a data sheet by examining its literature number found on the bottom outside corner of any page.
The last character of the literature number is the version number, (e.g., DS30000000A is version A of document DS30000000).
Errata
An errata sheet, describing minor operational differences from the data sheet and recommended workarounds, may exist for current
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To determine if an errata sheet exists for a particular device, please check with one of the following:
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When contacting a sales office, please specify which device, revision of silicon and data sheet (include literature number) you are
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2015-2021 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390K-page 3
RN2903
1.0 DEVICE OVERVIEW
The RN2903 transceiver module features LoRa
Technology RF modulation, which provides long range
spread spectrum communication with high interference
immunity.
Using the LoRa Technology modulation technique,
RN2903 can achieve a receiver sensitivity of -146 dBm.
The high sensitivity combined with the integrated
+18.5 dBm output power amplifier yields industry-
leading link budget, which makes it optimal for
applications requiring extended range and robustness.
FIGURE 1-1: RN2903 TOP VIEW
LoRa Technology modulation also provides significant
advantages in both blocking and selectivity compared
to the conventional modulation techniques, solving the
traditional design compromise between extended
range, interference immunity and low-power
consumption.
The RN2903 module delivers exceptional phase noise,
selectivity, receiver linearity and IIP3 for significantly
lower power consumption. The level of conductive
harmonics is below -70 dBm. Figure 1-1, Figure 1-2
and Figure 1-3 show the top view, the pinout and the
block diagram of the module.
FIGURE 1-2: RN2903 PIN DIAGRAM
FIGURE 1-3: RN2903 BLOCK DIAGRAM
1
GND
2
UART_RTS
3
UART_CTS
4
RESERVED
5
RESERVED
6
UART_TX
7
UART_RX
8
GND
GND
9
GPIO13
10
GPIO12
11
GND
20
GND
12
VDD
13
GPIO11
14
GPIO10
15
NC
16
NC
17
NC
18
NC
19
NC
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
21
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
RF
NC
VDD
GND
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
GND
NC
PGC_INT
PGD_INT
RESET
GPIO0
GPIO1
GPIO2
GPIO3
GPIO4
GPIO5
GPIO6
GPIO7
GPIO8
GPIO9
NC
User Hardware:
Status LEDs, 6witches, /ogic IOs, etc.
RN2903 Module
MCU
LoRa®Technology
Radio
Command Processor
14 GPIO Pins RealTime
Clock
/R5D:$170 Protocol Stack
I2CSPI
UART
32768 Hz
Crystal
EUI-64
EEPROM
Host MCU
Antenna
915 MHz
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Table 1-1 describes the RN2903 pins.
TABLE 1-1: PIN DESCRIPTION
Pin Name Type Description
1 GND Power Ground supply terminal
2 UART_RTS Output Communication UART RTS signal(1)or GPIO
3 UART_CTS Input Communication UART CTS signal(1)or GPIO
4 RESERVED — Do not connect
5 RESERVED — Do not connect
6 UART_TX Output Communication UART Transmit (TX)
7 UART_RX Input Communication UART Receive (RX)
8 GND Power Ground supply terminal
9 GPIO13 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
10 GPIO12 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
11 GND Power Ground supply terminal
12 VDD Power Positive supply terminal
13 GPIO11 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
14 GPIO10 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
15 NC — Not connected
16 NC — Not connected
17 NC — Not connected
18 NC — Not connected
19 NC — Not connected
20 GND Power Ground supply terminal
21 GND Power Ground supply terminal
22 GND Power Ground supply terminal
23 RF RF analog RF signal pin
24 GND Power Ground supply terminal
25 NC — Not connected
26 GND Power Ground supply terminal
27 GND Power Ground supply terminal
28 GND Power Ground supply terminal
29 NC — Not connected
30 PGC_INT Input/Ouput Internal MCU ICSP program clock or general purpose I/O pin
31 PGD_INT Input/Ouput Internal MCU ICSP program data or general purpose I/O pin
32 RESET Input Active-low device Reset input
33 GND Power Ground supply terminal
34 VDD Power Positive supply terminal
35 GPIO0 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
36 GPIO1 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
37 GPIO2 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
38 GPIO3 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
39 GPIO4 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin
40 GPIO5 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
41 GND Power Ground supply terminal
42 NC — Not connected
43 GPIO6 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
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RN2903
44 GPIO7 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
45 GPIO8 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
46 GPIO9 Input/Output General purpose I/O pin or analog input
47 GND Power Ground supply terminal
Note 1: Optional handshake lines are supported in future firmware releases.
TABLE 1-1: PIN DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED)
Pin Name Type Description
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2.0 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Table 2-1 provides the general specifications for the
module. Table 2-2, Ta bl e 2- 3 and Tab le 2 -4 provide the
electrical characteristics, current consumption and
dimensions of the module, respectively. Table 2-5
shows the RF output power calibration data. Table 2-6
shows the RF output power at different supply voltages
and temperatures.
TABLE 2-2: ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
TABLE 2-1: GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Specification Description
Frequency Band 902.000 MHz to 928.000 MHz
Modulation Method FSK, GFSK and LoRa® Technology modulation
Maximum Over-the-Air Data Rate 300 kbps with FSK modulation; 12500 bps with LoRa Technology modulation
RF Connection Board edge connection (castellated PCB pads for reliable soldering)
Interface UART
Operation Range Up to 15 km coverage at suburban; up to 5 km coverage at urban area(2)
Sensitivity at 1% PER -146 dBm(1)
RF TX Power Adjustable up to max. +18.5 dBm on 915 MHz band(3)
Generated Conductive
Harmonics Level
Below -70 dBm
Temperature (operating) -40°C to +85°C
Temperature (storage) -40°C to +115°C
Humidity 10% ~ 90% non-condensing
Note 1: Dependent on modulation settings, Receiver Bandwidth (RBW) and Spreading Factor (SF).
2: Subject to environmental conditions.
3: TX power is adjustable. For more information, refer to the RN2903 LoRa® Technology Module Command
Reference User’s Guide (DS40001811).
Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Units
Supply Voltage 2.1 — 3.6 V
Voltage on any pin with respect to VSS (except VDD and RESET)-0.3 — VDD+0.3V
Voltage on VDD with respect to VSS -0.3 — 3.9 V
Voltage on RESET with respect to VSS 0 — +11 V
Input Clamp Current (IIK) (VI < 0 or VI > VDD) — — +/-20 mA
Output Clamp Current (IOK) (VO < 0 or VO > VDD) — — +/-20 mA
GPIO sink/source current each — — 25/25 mA
Total GPIO sink/source current — — 200/185 mA
RAM Data Retention Voltage (in Sleep mode or Reset state) 1.5 — — V
VDD Start Voltage to ensure internal Power-on Reset signal — — 0.7 V
VDD Rise Rate to ensure internal Power-on Reset signal 0.05 — — V/ms
Brown-out Reset Voltage 1.75 1.9 2.05 V
Logic Input Low Voltage — — 0.15 x VDD V
Logic Input High Voltage 0.8 x VDD — — V
Input Leakage at <25°C
(VSS<VPIN<VDD, Pin at high-impedance)
—0.150nA
Input Leakage at +60°C
(VSS<VPIN<VDD, Pin at high-impedance)
—0.7100nA
Input Leakage at +85°C
(VSS<VPIN<VDD, Pin at high-impedance)
—4200nA
RF Input Level — — +10 dBm
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RN2903
TABLE 2-3: CURRENT CONSUMPTION
TABLE 2-4: MODULE DIMENSIONS
TABLE 2-5: OUTPUT POWER OF TX POWER SETTING
TABLE 2-6: OUTPUT POWER OF SUPPLY VOLTAGE AND TEMPERATURE
Mode Temperature
(°C)
Typical Current (mA)
VDD = 2.1V VDD = 3.3V VDD = 3.6V
Idle -40 to +85 1.8 2.8 3.1
Transmit -40 to +85 105 121 122
Deep Sleep
-40 0.0009 0.0010 0.0012
25 0.0011 0.0013 0.0014
85 0.0026 0.0032 0.0036
Receive -40 to +85 12.71 14.38 14.74
Parameter Value
Dimensions 17.8 x 26.7 x 3.34 mm
Weight 2.05g
TX Power Setting Output Power (dBm) Typical Supply Current at 3.3V (mA)
2 3.0 42.6
3 4.0 44.8
4 5.0 47.3
5 6.0 49.6
6 7.0 52.0
7 8.0 55.0
8 9.0 57.7
910.0 61.0
10 11.0 64.8
11 12.0 73.1
12 13.0 78.0
14 14.7 83.0
15 15.5 88.0
16 16.3 95.8
17 17.0 103.6
20 18.5 124.4
Temperature
(°C)
Typical Output Power (dBm)
VDD = 2.1V VDD = 3.3V VDD = 3.6V
-40 18.018.618.7
25 17.1 18.0 18.1
85 16.3 17.3 17.3
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DS50002390K-page 8 2015-2021 Microchip Technology Inc.
3.0 TYPICAL HARDWARE CONNECTIONS
Figure 3-1 shows the typical hardware connections.
FIGURE 3-1: HARDWARE CONNECTIONS
3.1 Interface to Host MCU
The RN2903 module has a dedicated UART interface
to communicate with a host controller. Optional
handshake lines are supported in future firmware
releases. The RN2903 LoRa®Technology Module
Command Reference User’s Guide (DS40001811)
provides a detailed UART command description.
Table 3-1 shows the default settings for the UART
communication.
3.2 GPIO Pins (GPIO0–GPIO13)
The module has 14 GPIO pins. These lines can be
connected to switches, LEDs and relay outputs. The
pins can be either logic inputs or outputs, and some
pins (see Table 1-1) have analog input capability that
can be accessed via the module firmware. These pins
have limited sink and source capabilities. Electrical
characteristics are described in Table 2-2. For more
information, see the RN2903 LoRa®Technology
Module Command Reference User’s Guide
(DS40001811).
3.3 RF Connection
When routing RF path, use proper strip lines with an
impedance of 50 Ohm.
915 MHz Antenna
GNDGND
VCC
VCC
GNDGND
1
2
3
4
5
6
ICSP
10k
VCCVCC
GND
220R
220R
GND
VCC
220R
3
1
2
GND
GND
VCC
MCU
GPIOs
Transistor output
Analog
Sensor 0-VCC
VCC
GND
Indicator LEDs
GND
Logic input
2
3
1
VCC
GND 1
UART_RTS 2
UART_CTS 3
RESERVED 4
RESERVED 5
UART_TX 6
UART_RX 7
GND 8
GND 11
VDD 12
NC 15
NC 16
NC 17
NC 18
NC 19
GND 20
GND 21
GND 22
RF 23
GND 24
NC 25
GND 26
GND 27
GND
28
NC
29
PGC_INT
30
PGD_INT
31
RESET
32
GND
33
VDD
34
GPIO0
35
GND
41
NC
42
GND
47
G
ND
UA
RT_
R
T
S
U
ART
_
C
T
S
R
E
S
ERVED
R
E
S
ER
V
ED
U
A
RT
_
TX
U
ART
_
RX
G
ND
G
ND
V
DD
N
C
N
C
N
C
N
C
N
C
G
ND
G
N
D
G
N
D
R
F
G
N
D
N
C
G
N
D
G
N
D
G
ND
N
C
P
GC
_
INT
P
GD
_
INT
R
E
S
ET
G
ND
V
DD
G
PI
O
0
G
ND
N
C
G
ND
GPIO1
36
GPIO2
37
GPIO3
38
GPIO4
39
GPIO5
40
GPIO6
43
GPIO7
44
GPIO8
45
GPIO9
46
GPIO11 13
GPIO10 14
GPIO12 10
GPIO13 9
RN2903
TABLE 3-1: DEFAULT UART SETTINGS
Specification Description
Baud Rate 57600 bps
Packet Length 8 bit
Parity Bit No
Stop Bits 1 bit
Hardware Flow Control No
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RN2903
3.4 RESET Pin
The RESET pin of the module is an active-low logic
input. An internal weak pull-up resistor is enabled when
the pin is configured as the MCLR input.
3.5 Power Pins
It is recommended to connect power pins (Pin 12 and
Pin 34) to a stable supply voltage with sufficient source
current. Tab le 2 - 3 shows the current consumption.
Additional filtering capacitors are not required but used
to ensure stable supply voltage in a noisy environment.
3.6 Internal Program Pins
PGC_INT (Pin 30) and PGD_INT (Pin 31) are internal
program pins used during manufacturing. For normal
operation, these pins can be left unconnected.
The normal firmware upgrade method is through the
internal bootloader of the module via the UART. The
method is documented in the RN2903 LoRa®
Technology Module Command Reference User’s
Guide (DS40001811).
However, for backup firmware update purposes the
user can place a 6-pin ICSP header on their host PCB
with PGC_INT (Pin 30), PGD_INT (Pin 31), RESET
(Pin 32), power and ground.
During High Voltage In-Circuit Serial Programming
mode, the RESET pin is driven with high-voltage (9V),
therefore protection may be necessary for sensitive
devices.
Note: Only official Microchip Technology
firmware released for the RN2903 module
shall be used to maintain FCC and IC
certification.
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RN2903
5.0 APPLICATION INFORMATION
5.1 RF Trace Layout Design
The RN2903 modular transmitter is certified with a PCB
edge SMA connector and micro-strip trace layout as
shown in Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2. The left side RF
path is not used for this module. The host PCB can
follow these trace designs to maintain compliance
under the modular grant (FCC) and certificate (IC).
Gerber files are available on the RN2903 product web
page at www.microchip.com/rn2903.
FIGURE 5-1: RF TRACE ROUTING (TOP LAYER)
FIGURE 5-2: RF TRACE ROUTING (BOTTOM LAYER)
Dimensions are in millimeters
Trace Dimensions:
Trace width: 0.75
Trace gap: 0.15
Finished Copper Weight: 1 ounce
PCB Details:
Two layer, plated through hole
FR4
Thickness: 1.55 mm
Via stitching with 0.25 mm plated
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DS50002390K-page 12 2015-2021 Microchip Technology Inc.
5.2 PCB Trace Antenna
Modular certification of the RN2903 module is
performed with the PCB trace antenna as shown in
Figure 5-3. The exact dimensions of the trace antenna
must be followed. The PCB trace antenna is fabricated
on the top copper layer and covered in solder mask.
The layers below the antenna do not have copper
trace. The PCB material is FR4 and the thickness is
0.062 inches (1.6 mm). The antenna has 50 ohm
impedance and no matching is required. The
supporting board must be 84 mm long and 53 mm wide
in order to generate that impedance and the average
gain of 1.3 dB. Gerber files for the PCB trace antenna
are available on the RN2903 product web page at http:/
/www.microchip.com/rn2903.
The antenna patterns plotted in Figure 5-4 through
Figure 5-5 are the simulated results of the PCB
antenna.
Figure 5-4 illustrates the two-dimensional (2D)
radiation pattern. The calculated average gain is 1.3
dBi. The radiation pattern for the XZ plane is shown in
red, whereas the YZ plane is shown in blue. The most
powerful radiation occurs in the YZ plane as
represented by the blue pattern.
Figure 5-5 illustrates the three-dimensional (3D)
radiation pattern. The radiation pattern shows the
relative position of the 3D radiation “donut” with
reference to the module orientation. This is a very
useful guide for placement of the module to obtain the
maximum range.
FIGURE 5-3: PCB TRACE ANTENNA
MEASUREMENTS
FIGURE 5-4: SIMULATED TWO-DIMENSIONAL RADIATION PATTERN
Name Theta [deg] Angle [deg] Mag. [dB]
m1 330 -30 1.1
m2 140 140 1.7
m3 180 180 1.5
Curve Information Avg.
dB (Gain Total)
Setup 1: Last Adaptive
Freq. = 915
MHz Phi = ‘0 deg’
-2.3
dB (Gain Total)
Setup 1: Last Adaptive
Freq. = 915
MHz Phi = ‘90 deg’
1.3
915 MHz F Ant for Module dimensions
Radiation Pattern 1
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RN2903
FIGURE 5-5: SIMULATED THREE-DIMENSIONAL RADIATION PATTERN
5.3 Approved Antennas
Modular certification of the RN2903 module is per-
formed with the external antenna type in Table 5-1. For
specific regulatory requirements by country, refer to
Section 6.0 "Regulatory Approval".
5.4 Reflow Profile Information
The RN2903 module can be soldered to the host board
using standard leaded or lead free solder reflow pro-
files. To avoid damaging the module, adhere to the fol-
lowing recommendations:
• For Solder Reflow Recommendations, refer to the
Solder Reflow Recommendation Application Note
(AN233).
• Do not exceed a peak temperature (TP) of 250°C.
• Refer to the solder paste data sheet for the spe-
cific reflow profile recommendations from the ven-
dor.
• Use no-clean flux solder paste.
• Do not wash as moisture can be trapped under
the shield.
• Use only one flow. If the PCB requires multiple
flows, apply the module on the final flow.
TABLE 5-1: TESTED EXTERNAL
ANTENNA TYPES
Type Gain (dBi)
Sleeve Dipole 6
PCB Trace 1.7
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DS50002390K-page 14 2015-2021 Microchip Technology Inc.
6.0 REGULATORY APPROVAL
This section outlines the regulatory information for the
RN2903 module for the following countries:
• United States
• Canada
• Taiwan
6.1 United States
The RN2903 module has received Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) CFR47
Telecommunications, Part 15 Subpart C “Intentional
Radiators” modular approval in accordance with Part
15.212 Modular Transmitter approval. Modular
approval allows the end user to integrate the RN2903
module into a finished product without obtaining
subsequent and separate FCC approvals for
intentional radiation, provided no changes or
modifications are made to the module circuitry.
Changes or modifications could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment. The end user must
comply with all of the instructions provided by the
Grantee, which indicate installation and/or operating
conditions necessary for compliance.
The finished product is required to comply with all
applicable FCC equipment authorizations regulations,
requirements and equipment functions not associated
with the transmitter module portion. For example,
compliance must be demonstrated to regulations for
other transmitter components within the host product;
to requirements for unintentional radiators (Part 15
Subpart B “Unintentional Radiators”), such as digital
devices, computer peripherals, radio receivers, etc.;
and to additional authorization requirements for the
non-transmitter functions on the transmitter module
(i.e., Verification, or Declaration of Conformity) (e.g.,
transmitter modules may also contain digital logic
functions) as appropriate.
6.1.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The RN2903 module has been labeled with its own
FCC ID number, and if the FCC ID is not visible when
the module is installed inside another device, then the
outside of the finished product into which the module is
installed must also display a label referring to the
enclosed module. This exterior label can use wording
as follows:
A user's manual for the finished product should include
the following statement:
Additional information on labeling and user information
requirements for Part 15 devices can be found in KDB
Publication 784748 available at the FCC Office of
Engineering and Technology (OET) Laboratory
Division Knowledge Database (KDB)
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm.
Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: T9JRN2903
or
Contains FCC ID: T9JRN2903
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equip-
ment generates, uses and can radiate radio fre-
quency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the follow-
ing measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
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RN2903
6.1.2 RF EXPOSURE
All transmitters regulated by FCC must comply with RF
exposure requirements. KDB 447498 General RF
Exposure Guidance provides guidance in determining
whether proposed or existing transmitting facilities,
operations or devices comply with limits for human
exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) fields adopted by
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
From the RN2903 FCC Grant: Output power listed is
conducted. This grant is valid only when the module is
sold to OEM integrators and must be installed by the
OEM or OEM integrators. This transmitter is restricted
for use with the specific antenna(s) tested in this
application for Certification and must not be co-located
or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitters within a host device, except in accordance
with FCC multi-transmitter product procedures.
6.1.3 APPROVED EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TYPES
To maintain modular approval in the United States, only
the antenna types that have been tested shall be used.
It is permissible to use different antenna manufacturer
provided the same antenna type and antenna gain
(equal to or less than) is used.
Testing of the RN2903 module was performed with the
antenna types listed in Ta ble 5 -1 Te st ed Ex te rna l
Antenna Types.
6.1.4 HELPFUL WEBSITES
Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
http://www.fcc.gov
FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
Laboratory Division Knowledge Database (KDB):
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm
6.2 Canada
The RN2903 module has been certified for use in
Canada under Industry Canada (IC) Radio Standards
Specification (RSS) RSS-210 and RSS-Gen. Modular
approval permits the installation of a module in a host
device without the need to recertify the device.
6.2.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
Labeling Requirements for the Host Device (from
Section 3.2.1, RSS-Gen, Issue 3, December 2010):
The host device shall be properly labeled to identify the
module within the host device.
The Industry Canada certification label of a module
shall be clearly visible at all times when installed in the
host device, otherwise the host device must be labeled
to display the Industry Canada certification number of
the module, preceded by the words “Contains
transmitter module”, or the word “Contains”, or similar
wording expressing the same meaning, as follows:
User Manual Notice for License-Exempt Radio
Apparatus (from Section 7.1.3 RSS-Gen, Issue 3,
December 2010): User manuals for license-exempt
radio apparatus shall contain the following or
equivalent notice in a conspicuous location in the user
manual or alternatively on the device or both:
Transmitter Antenna (from Section 7.1.2 RSS-Gen,
Issue 3, December 2010): User manuals for
transmitters shall display the following notice in a
conspicuous location:
The above notice may be affixed to the device instead
of displayed in the user manual.
Contains transmitter module IC: 6514A-RN2903.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-
exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Indus-
trie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux con-
ditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire
de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit
accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si
le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio trans-
mitter may only operate using an antenna of a type
and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the trans-
mitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio
interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotrop-
ically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that
necessary for successful communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Can-
ada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec
une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou
inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Can-
ada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il
faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que
la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.)
ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établisse-
ment d'une communication satisfaisante.
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RN2903
DS50002390K-page 16 2015-2021 Microchip Technology Inc.
User manuals for transmitters equipped with
detachable antennas shall also contain the following
notice in a conspicuous location:
Immediately following the above notice, the
manufacturer shall provide a list of all antenna types
approved for use with the transmitter, indicating the
maximum permissible antenna gain (in dBi) and
required impedance for each.
6.2.2 RF EXPOSURE
All transmitters regulated by IC must comply with RF
exposure requirements listed in RSS-102 - Radio Fre-
quency (RF) Exposure Compliance of Radiocommuni-
cation Apparatus (All Frequency Bands). Currently this
device is approved for use for when 20 cm can be
maintained between the antenna and users.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) evaluation is required
if the separation distance between the user and/or
bystander and the antenna and/or radiating element of
the device is less than or equal to 20 cm. Exceptions
are listed in RSS-102. Note that integration < 20 cm will
require further certification with IC such as a Multiple
listing and Class IV Permissive Change application.
6.2.3 APPROVED EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TYPES
Transmitter Antenna (from Section 7.1.2 RSS-Gen,
Issue 3, December 2010):
The RN2903 module can only be sold or operated with
antennas with which it was approved. Transmitter may
be approved with multiple antenna types. An antenna
type comprises antennas having similar in-band and
out-of-band radiation patterns. Testing shall be
performed using the highest gain antenna of each
combination of transmitter and antenna type for which
approval is being sought, with the transmitter output
power set at the maximum level. Any antenna of the
same type having equal or lesser gain as an antenna
that had been successfully tested with the transmitter,
will also be considered approved with the transmitter,
and may be used and marketed with the transmitter.
When a measurement at the antenna connector is
used to determine RF output power, the effective gain
of the device's antenna shall be stated, based on
measurement or on data from the antenna
manufacturer. For transmitters of output power greater
than 10 milliwatts, the total antenna gain shall be added
to the measured RF output power to demonstrate
compliance to the specified radiated power limits.
Testing of the RN2903 module was performed with the
antenna types listed in Ta b l e 5 - 1 Te s t e d E x t er n a l
Antenna Types.
6.2.4 HELPFUL WEBSITES
Industry Canada: http://www.ic.gc.ca/
6.3 Taiwan
The RN2903 module has received compliance
approval in accordance with the Telecommunications
Act. Customers seeking to use the compliance
approval in their product should contact Microchip
Technology sales or distribution partners to obtain a
Letter of Authority.
Integration of this module into a final product does not
require additional radio certification provided installa-
tion instructions are followed and no modifications of
the module are allowed.
6.3.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The RN2903 module is labeled with its own NCC mark
and certificate number as below:
This radio transmitter (identify the device by certifica-
tion number, or model number if Category II) has been
approved by Industry Canada to operate with the
antenna types listed below with the maximum permis-
sible gain and required antenna impedance for each
antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in
this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain
indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use
with this device.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Can-
ada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec
une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou
inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Can-
ada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il
faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que
la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.)
ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établisse-
ment d'une communication satisfaisante.
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2015-2021 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390K-page 17
RN2903
The user’s manual should contain below warning (for
RF device) in traditional Chinese:
6.3.2 HELPFUL WEBSITES
National Communications Commission (NCC):
http://www.ncc.gov.tw
6.4 Brazil
Operating Frequency Band 902.0-907.5 MHz and
915.0-928.0 MHz.
The RN2903 module has received compliance
approval in accordance with the Telecommunications
Act of the Federal Republic of Brazil National
Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL).
6.4.1 LABELING AND USER
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
The end product (Host) manual must include the
following statement:
Este produto contém a placa Modelo RN2903A código
de homologação ANATEL 06998-21-08759.
6.4.2 HELPFUL WEBSITES
ANATEL: http://www.anatel.gov.br
06998-21-08759
Modelo: RN2903A
"Este equipamento não tem direito à proteção contra
interferência prejudicial e não pode causar interferência
em sistemas devidamente autorizados".
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2015-2021 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002390K-page 19
RN2903
APPENDIX A: REVISION HISTORY
Revision A (July 2015)
This is the initial release of this document.
Revision B (December 2015)
This revision includes the following updates:
• Updated Deep Sleep value in Table 2-3
• Updated Dimensions value in Ta b l e 2 - 4
• Updated Figure 4-1
• Updated Figure 4-2
• Updated Figure 5-2
• Updated information for Section 5.1 “RF Trace
Layout Design”.
Revision C (February 2017)
This revision includes the following updates:
• Updated Figure 1-2 and Figure 3-1
• Updated Table 1-1, Ta bl e 2 -2 , Tabl e 2- 3,
Table 2-5 and Ta ble 5 -1
• Added Ta b l e 2 - 6
• Updated Section 3.4 “RESET Pin”
• Added Section 3.6 “Internal Program Pins”,
Section 5.2 “PCB Trace Antenna” and
Section 6.2.2 “RF EXPOSURE”
• Deleted Section “5.4 Application Schematic”.
Revision D (October 2017)
This revision includes the following updates:
• Removed Australia and New Zealand from
Section 6.0 “Regulatory Approval”.
• Updated General Features section to remove
Australia and New Zealand.
• Updated General Features section to add Taiwan.
• Added Taiwan to Section 6.0 “Regulatory
Approval”.
Revision E (January 2018)
This revision includes the following updates:
• Updated Section 6.0 “Regulatory Approval” to
correct information for Taiwan.
Revision F (May 2018)
This revision includes the following updates:
• Updated Figure 4-2.
Revision G (February 2019)
This revision includes the following update:
• Added Class C in the Section “General
Description”.
Revision H (September 2019)
This revision includes the following update:
• Added Brazil to Section 6.0 “Regulatory
Approval”.
Revision J (June 2020)
• Updated Table 2-3
Revision K (June 2021)
This revision includes the following updates:
• Updated RF Connection Description, added a
footnote (2) in the Table 2-1.
• Added Section 5.4 “Reflow Profile Informa-
tion”.
• Updated Anatel ID in Section 6.4 “Brazil”.
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