RAK11160 Breakout Board

What is RAK11160 Breakout Board

The RAK11160 Breakout Board is an evaluation board for the WisDuo RAK11160 stamp module.

The WisDuo RAK11160 stamp module used on this breakout board is a dual-core, low-power module for LoRaWAN 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.

The RAK11160 Breakout Board supports two development modes:

• Standalone: Program STM32WL using RAK’s RUI3 SDK for sensor reading and LoRaWAN operation.
• Dual-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.

This evaluation board is breaking out all pins of the RAK11160 on pin headers.

• 2 pin headers for the GPIO’s, SPI, I2C of the STM32WLE5
• 1 pin header for the GPIO’s of the ESP32-C2
• 1 pin header for debugging the STM32WLE5 through the SWD interface
• 1 pin header for debugging and flashing the ESP32-C2 through UART
• 1 pin header for debugging and flashing the STM32WL5 through UART
• 1 reset button
• 1 boot mode button for the STM32WLE5
• 1 boot mode button for the ESP32-C2

For better frequency stability over the temperature range, the STM32WLE is using a TCXO for the clock generation.

For your convenience you can order the RAK11160 breakout board with pre-soldered headers or loose to be soldered by yourself.

Why You Need RAK11160 Breakout Board

Build smarter, longer-lasting IoT devices with the RAK11160 evaluation board. Thanks to its ultra-low power control and dual wireless technologies, it's perfect for applications like battery-powered sensors, remote data logging, and asset tracking where energy efficiency and flexibility are critical.

Why it’s useful:

• Save battery life: ESP32 fully powers down when not needed
• Connect anywhere easily: LoRaWAN, WiFi, BLE, and P2P all in one module
• Store data safely: Built-in memory ensures no loss during offline periods
• Simplify your IoT design: Compact size fits into almost any project

Key Features of RAK11160 Breakout Board

• Dual MCU Architecture: STM32WLE5 (LoRa) + ESP32-C2 (WiFi/BLE)
• STM32WLE5 LoRa transceiver with TCXO (2.5ppm) for high frequency stability
• ESP32 LoRa Low Power: Deep power-off mode (~1 µA) when inactive
• LoRaWAN 1.0.4 Class A/B/C compliant
• Supports LoRaWAN and LoRa P2P
• MQTT/HTTP capability via ESP32 with cloud forwarding
• BLE/WiFi scanning for location services or setup
• Smart Power Control: STM32 controls ESP32 via EN pin
• Compact Form Factor: 29x40x4.28mm breakout board
• Supply voltage: 3.0 ~ 3.6 V
• Operating temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C
• Frequency range: 150 MHz to 960 MHz
• Flash/RAM: STM32WLE5 (256 KB Flash / 64 KB RAM), ESP32-C2 (2 MB Flash)
• Interface: UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO
• Development with RUI3 SDK for STM32 and ESP-IDF or Arduino for ESP32
• Ideal for: Low-power MQTT sensor nodes, location-aware trackers, OTA-enabled smart devices
• Supported LoRaWAN bands: EU868, US915, AU915, AS923, IN865, and more
• LBT support for AS923-1 (Japan) 

Use Case Examples for RAK11160 Breakout Board

This board enables developers to focus on solving application challenges instead of hardware constraints.

Use Case #1: Remote Sensor Trial

While deploying early-stage environmental sensors, a team uses the RAK11160 dev board to test energy behavior under variable duty cycles. This approach helps them optimize data transmission schedules before designing custom PCBs.

Use Case #2: Logistics Data Gateway

A startup developing a parcel tracking gateway integrates this ultra low power IoT board to prototype data forwarding workflows. It lets them validate real-world network switching before committing to mass hardware production.

Comparison Table: RAK3272, RAK11161, and RAK3212

What’s in the Box

• 1 pc RAK11160 Breakout Board
• 1 pc PCB WiFi/BLE Antenna (MHF4 Connector)
• 1 pc PCB LoRa Antenna  (MHF4 Connector)
• 3 pc PIN Header(1x9PIN)
• 3 pc PIN Header(1x5PIN)
• 1 pc Flat Ribbon Cables（40PIN)

How to Get Started with RAK11160 Breakout Board

• Overview of RAK11161 WisDuo LoRaWAN + BLE + WiFi Breakout Board
• Quick Start Guide of RAK11161 WisDuo LoRaWAN + BLE + WiFi Breakout Board
• Datasheet of RAK11161 WisDuo LoRaWAN + BLE + WiFi Breakout Board

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the dual-MCU architecture improve development flexibility?

This 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.

How to route communication between STM32 and ESP32?

The 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.

Can I use the board in single-MCU mode only?

Yes, 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.

You 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.

Can this board be used without writing custom firmware?

Yes. 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.

How should power management be approached when using both MCUs?

A 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.

What is the current consumption when ESP32 is off / in low-power state?

The 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.).

How does the board handle communication timing between the two MCUs?

The 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.

Which LoRa bands/regions are supported?

The RAK11160 Breakout Board supports the following LoRa/LoRaWAN frequency bands/regions:

• EU433
• CN470
• IN865
• EU868
• AU915
• US915
• KR920
• RU864
• AS923-1 / AS923-2 / AS923-3 / AS923-4

How to flash firmware on both MCUs?

Flash 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.