Challenge Accepted: Multi-modal Localization with the LoRa EdgeTM LR1110 for GNSS-Challenged Environments

The next phase of mass-market growth for GNSS technology integration will likely be in the so-called “Internet of Things” or IoT. The promise of the IoT is the ability to increase our knowledge of everything in our environment. This improved knowledge will enable smart decision-making and allow for automation at scale. Most IoT devices are wireless, many are battery powered, and all of them need to be small and inexpensive. To date, some of the best technology for operating in GNSS-challenged environments have required battery power and communications bandwidth that are beyond the capabilities and power requirements of the typical IoT device. With the introduction of the LoRa Edge™ LR1110, the combination of IoT scale with advanced multi-mode localization technology is possible with a single low-cost, low-power chip. The LoRa Edge LR1110 offers GNSS and Wi-Fi scanning, as well as the latest LoRa® end-device sub-Gigahertz capabilities. Network localization is also available on the ISM sub-Gigahertz LoRa signals themselves. Additionally, the LoRa Edge LR1110 uses mobile-aided and network-based GNSS computations to minimize the computational load and power consumption on mobile devices that is so critical in IoT applications. We will discuss setting-up and using the LR1110 chip in asset tracking applications. We will also show the process of scanning Wi-Fi and GNSS data and passing it to the cloud for processing, as well as the power consumption profile of the system when employed in mobile-aided localization.