The LoRaWAN® Stack from STACKFORCE is an ideal solution for enabling reliable wireless communication in devices operating in complex environments. In part one, we explored the stack’s features, advantages over open‑source alternatives and the available stack package.
This second part focuses on suitable hardware platforms and the certification process for LoRaWAN®‑enabled products.
Mikrocontroller, Transceivers and System-on-Chip
The STACKFORCE LoRaWAN® Stack has already been ported to a wide range of hardware platforms, including:
- Microcontrollers (MCUs) paired with a dedicated transceiver (TRX)
- System-on-Chip (SoC) devices with integrated LoRa radio functionality
Hardware support currently centers on Semtech products—the owners of the LoRaWAN® technology—with the exception of STMicroelectronics’ STM32WL series, which integrates Sub‑GHz radio capabilities based on the SX126x transceiver. This ensures robust, well‑tested platforms for fast and secure implementation.
Overview of LoRaWAN® compatible hardware
Hardware Requirements for the Protocol Stack
Thanks to its Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), the STACKFORCE LoRaWAN® Stack can be deployed flexibly across different silicon platforms. Typical requirements include:
- 1–2 timers
- 1× SPI interface (for dedicated transceivers)
- 2–4 GPIO pins (depending on the transceiver)
- Software RF interface (for SoC‑based solutions)
- AES hardware encryption (if available)
- Hardware CRC calculation (if available)
Memory footprint example: OMS v1.0.4 End Device Stack on STM32WL5/WLE5
LoRaWAN® Product Certification
LoRaWAN® certification is essential to ensure interoperability with network operators and to meet the requirements of public tenders and large-scale deployments.
Certification resources and requirements include:
- LoRaWAN® Certification Test Tool (LCTT) available to LoRa Alliance® members
- Certification via accredited LoRaWAN® Test Houses
- Promotion through the LoRaWAN Certified Showcase after successful certification
The STACKFORCE LoRaWAN® Stack significantly simplifies the certification process:
- Porting to custom hardware is fully supported
- Passing accredited certification tests is guaranteed
- Integrated RF test functions validate compliance with regional radio regulations
This ensures your devices not only operate reliably, but also meet the legal and technical standards needed to access international markets.
