Challenger+ RP2040 LoRa MkII (868MHz)

The Challenger+ RP2040 LoRa MkII is a refined and upgraded version of our original LoRa board, designed for improved performance and easier integration. It features a new power supply architecture with dedicated power domains for the MCU and RF sections, greatly enhancing noise immunity and signal stability.

A compact 1.25 mm-pitch low-profile battery connector makes it ideal for space-constrained applications, while the addition of a BConnect expansion port provides effortless connectivity to a wide range of iLabs expansion modules.

LoRa

The integrated module LoRa module, RFM95W, can achieve a sensitivity of over -148dBm utilizing a low cost crystal and bill of materials. The high sensitivity combined with the integrated +20 dBm power amplifier yields industry leading link budget making it optimal for any application requiring range or robustness. LoRa also provides significant advantages in both blocking and selectivity over conventional modulation techniques, solving the traditional design compromise between range, interference immunity and energy consumption.

The RFM95W is connected to the RP2040 via SPI channel 1 and a few GPIO’s that is required for signaling. A U.FL connector is used to attach your LoRa antenna to the board.

• 168 dB maximum link budget.
• +20 dBm – 100 mW constant RF output vs. V supply.
• +14 dBm high efficiency PA.
• Programmable bit rate up to 300 kbps.
• High sensitivity: down to -148 dBm.
• Bullet-proof front end: IIP3 = -12.5 dBm.
• Excellent blocking immunity.
• Low RX current of 10.3 mA, 200 nA register retention.
• Fully integrated synthesizer with a resolution of 61 Hz.
• FSK, GFSK, MSK, GMSK, LoRaTM and OOK modulation.
• Built-in bit synchronizer for clock recovery.
• Preamble detection.
• 127 dB Dynamic Range RSSI.
• Automatic RF Sense and CAD with ultra-fast AFC.
• Packet engine up to 256 bytes with CRC.

Currently the new board only supports 868MHz by using the specific LoRa module RFM95W-868S2 as required for the EU region.

Pinout

LiPo battery / charger

The board is equipped with a low profile 1.25mm pitch JST connector for connecting a rechargeable LiPo battery. There is also an internal battery charger circuit that charges your battery as long as a USB cable is inserted or the VUSB connection is connected to 5V.

RF Connector

The antenna connects to a standard U.FL. (IPEX) connector at the back of the board. The antenna needs to be tuned to 50ohm at 868MHz for best performance and for RED conformance.

USB Type C

The Challenger boards feature a USB Type-C connector used for both power supply and data communication. It supports USB 2.0 signaling for programming and serial communication with the onboard microcontroller, as well as 5 V power input to the system’s power management circuitry. The reversible design ensures easy connection in any orientation, while robust mechanical construction provides reliable durability for development and long-term use.