{"product_id":"rak11161-breakout-board","title":"RAK11160 Breakout Board | Dual-MCU LoRaWAN board with UART\/SPI\/I2C for the WisDuo RAK11160 stamp module | RAK11161","description":"\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat is RAK11160 Breakout Board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe RAK11160 Breakout Board is an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eevaluation board for the WisDuo RAK11160 stamp module.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/store.rakwireless.com\/products\/rak11160-lorawan-module-esp32-stm32wl-wifi-ble?variant=44702007656646\u0026amp;intsource=rak_store\u0026amp;intmedium=organic\u0026amp;intcampaign=rak11160_breakout_board_page\u0026amp;intterm=wisduo_rak11160_stamp_module\u0026amp;intcontent=store_link\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWisDuo RAK11160 stamp module\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e used on this breakout board is a\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cstrong\u003edual-core, low-power module for LoRaWAN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e that combines the STM32WLE5 LoRa controller with an ESP32-C2 chip for WiFi and BLE connectivity. This unique architecture is designed for IoT applications requiring long-range wireless communication and occasional high-bandwidth tasks like MQTT forwarding or OTA updates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe RAK11160 Breakout Board supports two development modes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStandalone: Program STM32WL using RAK’s RUI3 SDK for sensor reading and LoRaWAN operation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDual-mode: Use STM32WL module for LoRaWAN, and wake ESP32 when WiFi\/MQTT\/BLE functions are needed. Data flow and logic can be managed with custom firmware.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis evaluation board is breaking out all pins of the RAK11160 on pin headers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2 pin headers for the GPIO’s, SPI, I2C of the STM32WLE5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 pin header for the GPIO’s of the ESP32-C2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 pin header for debugging the STM32WLE5 through the SWD interface\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 pin header for debugging and flashing the ESP32-C2 through UART\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 pin header for debugging and flashing the STM32WL5 through UART\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 reset button\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 boot mode button for the STM32WLE5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 boot mode button for the ESP32-C2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor better frequency stability over the temperature range, the STM32WLE is using a TCXO for the clock generation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor your convenience you can order the RAK11160 breakout board with pre-soldered headers or loose to be soldered by yourself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy You Need RAK11160 Breakout Board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuild smarter, longer-lasting IoT devices\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with the RAK11160 evaluation board. Thanks to its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eultra-low power control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003edual wireless technologies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e,\u003c\/strong\u003e it's perfect for applications like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebattery-powered sensors, remote data logging\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e,\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003easset tracking\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e where energy efficiency and flexibility are critical.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy it’s useful:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSave battery life:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ESP32 fully powers down when not needed\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnect anywhere easily:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e LoRaWAN, WiFi, BLE, and P2P all in one module\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore data safely:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Built-in memory ensures no loss during offline periods\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimplify your IoT design:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Compact size fits into almost any project\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features of RAK11160 Breakout Board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDual MCU Architecture: STM32WLE5 (LoRa) + ESP32-C2 (WiFi\/BLE)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSTM32WLE5 LoRa transceiver with TCXO (2.5ppm) for high frequency stability\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eESP32 LoRa Low Power: Deep power-off mode (~1 µA) when inactive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLoRaWAN 1.0.4 Class A\/B\/C compliant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupports LoRaWAN and LoRa P2P\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMQTT\/HTTP capability via ESP32 with cloud forwarding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBLE\/WiFi scanning for location services or setup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmart Power Control: STM32 controls ESP32 via EN pin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompact Form Factor: 29x40x4.28mm breakout board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupply voltage: 3.0 ~ 3.6 V\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOperating temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrequency range: 150 MHz to 960 MHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlash\/RAM: STM32WLE5 (256 KB Flash \/ 64 KB RAM), ESP32-C2 (2 MB Flash)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterface: UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDevelopment with RUI3 SDK for STM32 and ESP-IDF or Arduino for ESP32\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal for: Low-power MQTT sensor nodes, location-aware trackers, OTA-enabled smart devices\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupported LoRaWAN bands: EU868, US915, AU915, AS923, IN865, and more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLBT support for AS923-1 (Japan) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse Case Examples for RAK11160 Breakout Board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis board enables developers to focus on solving application challenges instead of hardware constraints.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse Case #1: Remote Sensor Trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile deploying early-stage environmental sensors, a team uses the RAK11160 dev board to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003etest energy behavior under variable duty cycles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e This approach helps them \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eoptimize data transmission schedules\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e before designing custom PCBs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse Case #2: Logistics Data Gateway\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA startup developing a parcel tracking gateway integrates this ultra low power IoT board to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eprototype data forwarding workflows\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e It lets them \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003evalidate real-world network switching\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebefore committing to mass hardware production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComparison Table: RAK3272, RAK11161, and RAK3212\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"left\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 20%;\"\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 25%;\"\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 25%;\"\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 30%;\"\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature \/ Model\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRAK3272\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRAK11161\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(This product)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRAK3212\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMCU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSTM32WLE5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSTM32WLE5 + ESP32-C2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eESP32-S3 + SX1262\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConnectivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLoRa \/ LoRaWAN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLoRa + WiFi + BLE\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLoRa + WiFi + BLE\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArchitecture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle MCU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual MCU (STM32WL controls ESP32 via EN)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle MCU with higher processing power\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Strategy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUltra Low Power\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSTM32 handles LoRa, ESP32 fully powered off when idle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow power supported: ESP32-S3 optimized sleep modes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApplication Focus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow Power\u003cbr\u003eLoRaWAN Sensors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBattery-powered sensors with cloud sync via WiFi\/BLE\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh-performance IoT, mUI, Meshtastic, Edge AI\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage and Memory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSTM32WLE5：256KB Flash +64KB RAM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSTM32WLE5：256KB Flash +64KB RAM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESP32-C2：2MB Flash+272KB RAM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eESP32-S3：16MB Flash +8MB PSRAM \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDevelopment Platform\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRUI3 SDK \/ AT Commands\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRUI3 for STM32WL + ESP-IDF \/ Arduino for ESP32-C2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eESP-IDF \/ Arduino \/ PlatformIO\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm Factor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25.4 × 32.3 mm\u003cbr\u003eBreakout Board\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e29 × 40 mm\u003cbr\u003eBreakout Board\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e29 × 40 mm\u003cbr\u003eBreakout Board\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat’s in the Box\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 pc RAK11160 Breakout Board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e1 pc PCB WiFi\/BLE Antenna (MHF4 Connector)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 pc PCB LoRa Antenna  (MHF4 Connector)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3 pc PIN Header(1x9PIN)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3 pc PIN Header(1x5PIN)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 pc Flat Ribbon Cables（40PIN)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Get Started with RAK11160 Breakout Board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/docs.rakwireless.com\/product-categories\/wisduo\/rak11161-breakout-board\/overview\/?utm_source=rak_store\u0026amp;utm_medium=organic\u0026amp;utm_campaign=rak11160_breakout_board_page\u0026amp;utm_term=overview_of_rak11161_wisduo_lorawan__ble__wifi_breakout_board\u0026amp;utm_content=documentation_link\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview of RAK11161 WisDuo LoRaWAN + BLE + WiFi Breakout Board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/docs.rakwireless.com\/product-categories\/wisduo\/rak11161-breakout-board\/quickstart\/?utm_source=rak_store\u0026amp;utm_medium=organic\u0026amp;utm_campaign=rak11160_breakout_board_page\u0026amp;utm_term=quick_start_guide_of_rak11161_wisduo_lorawan__ble__wifi_breakout_board\u0026amp;utm_content=documentation_link\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Start Guide of RAK11161 WisDuo LoRaWAN + BLE + WiFi Breakout Board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/docs.rakwireless.com\/product-categories\/wisduo\/rak11161-breakout-board\/datasheet\/?utm_source=rak_store\u0026amp;utm_medium=organic\u0026amp;utm_campaign=rak11160_breakout_board_page\u0026amp;utm_term=datasheet_of_rak11161_wisduo_lorawan_ble_wifi_breakout_board\u0026amp;utm_content=documentation_link\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDatasheet of RAK11161 WisDuo LoRaWAN + BLE + WiFi Breakout Board\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow does the dual-MCU architecture improve development flexibility?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis board integrates two separate MCUs: one dedicated to LoRaWAN tasks and another for WiFi\/BLE functions (STM32WLE5 + ESP32-C2). This separation allows developers to run long-range communication continuously while activating higher-bandwidth connectivity only when needed. It reduces power usage during idle periods and enables independent firmware development for each MCU, making it easier to adapt logic for different operational profiles without affecting core radio functionality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to route communication between STM32 and ESP32?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe STM32 usually acts as the master, using UART or SPI to send commands to the ESP32 when WiFi or BLE tasks are needed. It enables the ESP32 via the EN pin, exchanges data, and powers it down after completion to save energy and avoid conflicts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan I use the board in single-MCU mode only?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes, you can treat the module in a single-MCU fashion by keeping the ESP32 powered off (via the EN pin) and only using the STM32WLE5 for your LoRa \/ sensor work. The ESP32 will consume negligible power (near full power-off) while unused. This is effectively how many low-power LoRa applications are run (LoRa core only). If you never need WiFi\/BLE\/MQTT forwarding, you can ignore the ESP32 altogether in your firmware design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou must ensure that your firmware or boot logic never unintentionally enables ESP32. And if your hardware allows, you may want to physically isolate or gate ESP32 power until needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan this board be used without writing custom firmware?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Developers can start by using the pre-existing RUI3 SDK on the STM32 core, which supports AT command-based control for basic operations. This enables early testing of radio behavior and data transmission before writing full firmware. However, to leverage the dual-mode operation or advanced logic (like conditional WiFi activation), writing custom firmware will be necessary to coordinate between the two MCUs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow should power management be approached when using both MCUs?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA common approach is to keep the STM32 core active for low-power LoRaWAN operations and power down the ESP32 core completely until high-bandwidth tasks are required. The STM32 can control the ESP32’s power through an enable pin, ensuring the second MCU only draws power when actively performing tasks like data uploads or OTA updates. This strategy helps preserve battery life in field deployments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat is the current consumption when ESP32 is off \/ in low-power state?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe board can consume ~6 µA when the ESP8684 (i.e. ESP32-like WiFi\/BLE co-processor) is powered down and the STM32WLE5 is in deep sleep mode. The ESP32 is placed under control of the STM32 via EN pin, allowing the ESP32 to be fully powered off (drawing ~1 µA or less) when not needed. Best practice: do your own measurements using a µA-range current meter, across your targeted use-case (sensors connected, regulator losses, etc.).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow does the board handle communication timing between the two MCUs?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe STM32 of this LoRaWAN + WiFi evaluation board for prototyping acts as the primary controller and decides when to activate the ESP32. Developers can implement signaling protocols over shared GPIO or UART lines to trigger and synchronize data handoff. This approach avoids concurrency issues by ensuring only one MCU manages communication at a time, allowing predictable transitions between low-power and high-throughput states during operation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhich LoRa bands\/regions are supported?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe RAK11160 Breakout Board supports the following LoRa\/LoRaWAN frequency bands\/regions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEU433\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCN470\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIN865\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEU868\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAU915\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUS915\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKR920\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRU864\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAS923-1 \/ AS923-2 \/ AS923-3 \/ AS923-4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to flash firmware on both MCUs?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlash the STM32WLE5 using the SWD or UART interface with RUI3 tools. Program the ESP32-C2 via its UART header using ESP-IDF or Arduino. The STM32 typically controls when the ESP32 powers on, so ensure correct boot and reset sequences when flashing each MCU.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rak-staging","offers":[{"title":"Pin Header Loose \/ 800MHz for EU868\/IN865\/RU864","offer_id":47171405742247,"sku":"315063","price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pin Header Loose \/ 900MHz for US915\/AU915\/KR920\/AS923","offer_id":47171405775015,"sku":"316061","price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pin Header Soldered \/ 800MHz for EU868\/IN865\/RU864","offer_id":47171405807783,"sku":"315064","price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pin Header Soldered \/ 900MHz for US915\/AU915\/KR920\/AS923","offer_id":47171405840551,"sku":"316062","price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0455\/2333\/7383\/files\/rak11161-breakout-board-20251020-45d.webp?v=1761709879","url":"https:\/\/rak-staging.myshopify.com\/products\/rak11161-breakout-board","provider":"rak-staging","version":"1.0","type":"link"}