---
title: "Expert Series: The Advantages of Chirp Technology"
description: In this article, Olivier Seller explains the advantages of LoRa’s use of chirp technology.
image: https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/LoRaWAN_vs_NB-IoT_Battery_Features.png
---
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- [LoRa®](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
- [LoRa® Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
### LoRa Overview
LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
- [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
- [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
- [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
- [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
- [Applications](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
### Applications Overview
With an ever-increasing number of IoT vertical applications, LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard is creating business efficiencies and improving lives around the world.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
- [Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-agriculture)
- [Cities](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-cities)
- [Environment](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-environment)
- [Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-healthcare)
- [Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-buildings)
- [Homes](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-homes)
- [Industrial Control](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-industrial-control)
- [Retail](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-retail)
- [Supply Chain and Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-supply-chain-logistics)
- [Electricity](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-electricity-metering)
- [Gas](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-gas-metering)
- [Water](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-water-metering)
- [Ecosystem](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
### Ecosystem Overview
LoRa is bolstered by a diverse global ecosystem of hardware manufacturers, software designers, network providers, and industry associations.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
- [LoRa Alliance®](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/lora-alliance)
- [Featured Sensor Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/sensor-features)
- [Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/gateways)
- [Software](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/software)
- [Networks](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/networks)
- [Industry Alliances](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/industry-alliances)
- [Resources](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
### Resources Overview
Explore our top resources to help you learn more about LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard or bring a LoRa-based solution to market.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
- [LoRa Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
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- [White Papers & Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
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- [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
- [Amazon Sidewalk](https://info.semtech.com/sidewalk)
- [Academy for LoRaWAN](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lorawan-academy)
- [Logo Use](https://www.semtech.com/company/brand-resources)
- [Press Releases](https://www.semtech.com/company/press/category/pr-lora-wireless-rf)
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- [Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/products)
### Products Overview
Thousands of customers worldwide rely on our diverse product portfolio and world class technology roadmap for solutions in low power wireless communications, optical data transport, video broadcasting, power management, circuit protection, touch sensing, and more.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products)
### Quick Links
- [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
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- [LoRa® Wireless RF](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
### Products Overview
LoRa®, a long range, low power platform, and the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things, is highly integrated and cost-effective, boasting a notable battery life of up to 20 years, a 3-mile range in urban environments and a 30-mile range outdoors.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
- [ICs for Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-core)
- [ICs for Sensors](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-connect)
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- [Software Library](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/software-library-protocol-solution)
- [Circuit Protection](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
### Products Overview
Sophisticated devices that protect sensitive circuitry from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Electrical Fast Transients (EFT), Cable Discharge Events (CDE), and other electrical overstress.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
### Circuit Protection Products
- [ESD Protection Diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/esd-protection)
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### Interfaces
- [Antenna](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/antenna)
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- [VBUS](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/vbus)
- [Signal Integrity](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
### Products Overview
A comprehensive portfolio of innovative optical, analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions that serve the rising global demand for high-speed data transmission products.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
- [Clock & Data Recovery](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/clock-and-data-recovery)
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- [Professional AV](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
### Products Overview
Advanced off-the-shelf technology that enables end-to-end systems and integrates advanced inline signal processing capabilities such as light compression, broadcast quality scaling and audio down-mixing.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
- [BlueRiver®](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/blueriver)
- [USB Extension](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/usb-extension)
- [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
### Products Overview
Ultra-low power, feature-rich touch controllers that are optimized for numerous applications and provide best-in-class sensitivity with robust noise immunity to enhance touch and near range proximity detection.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
- [PerSe® Connect](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-connect)
- [PerSe® Contact](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-contact-human-sensor)
- [PerSe® Control](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-control-touch-proximity-sensor)
- [IO Expanders](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/io-expanders)
- [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
### Products Overview
Award-winning solutions designed specifically to push real-world broadcast boundaries in performance, reach, power, and signal integrity while reducing time to market and design risks.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
- [AV Interface & Protocol Conversion](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/av-interface-protocol-conversion)
- [Configurable EQ/CD](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/configurable-eq-cd)
- [Cable Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-drivers)
- [Cable Equalizers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-equalizers)
- [Crosspoints](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/crosspoints)
- [Receivers (Deserializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/receivers-deserializers)
- [Reclocking](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/reclocking)
- [Transmitters (Serializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/transmitters-serializers)
- [Power Management](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
### Products Overview
A pioneer in power management ICs across networking and industrial power, handheld power and automotive applications, Semtech leads the quest to enable a new class of greener, smarter and smaller end products.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
- [EcoBrite LED Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecobrite-led-drivers)
- [EcoSpeed DC-DC Converters](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecospeed-dc-dc-converters)
- [FemtoBuck DC-DC Regulators and Controllers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtobuck-dc-dc-regulators-controllers)
- [FemtoSwitch Load Switch ICs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtoswitch-switches)
- [nanoSmart LDOs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/nanosmart-ldos)
- [Neo-Iso Solid State Relays](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/neo-iso-solid-state-relays)
- [Special Functions](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/special-functions)
- [Cellular IoT Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
### Products Overview
Leading edge-to-Cloud solutions delivering the device, software and connectivity services needed to simplify and accelerate data-driven transformation with cellular IoT.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
- [Managed Connectivity](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/managed-connectivity)
- [Modules](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/modules)
- [Router Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/router-solutions)
- [Technology](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
- [Technology Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
### Technology Overview
Our highly differentiated, disruptive analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms enable today's most innovative electronics within some of the fastest growing verticals and markets.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
### Quick Links
- [Related Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
- [LoRa White Papers & Infographics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
- [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
- [LoRa® Wireless RF For The IoT](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
### LoRa Wireless RF For The IoT Overview
LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
- [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
- [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
- [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
- [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
### PerSe® Smart Sensing Overview
Semtech's PerSe technology intelligently senses human presence for optimized connectivity and enhanced user experience.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
### Quick Links
- [Infographic](https://info.semtech.com/perse-smart-sensing-infographic)
- [Brochure](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/common/PerSe_One_Pager.pdf)
- [Blogs](https://blog.semtech.com/topic/perse)
- [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
- [Tri-Edge™ PAM4 CDR](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
### Tri-Edge PAM4 CDR Overview
Tri-Edge is a CDR platform optimized for PAM4 optical interconnect in next-generation 200G and 400G data center module and AOC applications.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
### Quick Links
- [Tri-Edge White Paper](https://info.semtech.com/en/tri-edge-white-paper)
- [Product Selector Guide](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/design-support/Semtech_Optical_Product_Guide.pdf)
- [Open Eye MSA](https://www.openeye-msa.org/)
- [BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
### BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™
BlueRiver AV-over-IP chipsets are the world’s only chipsets to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over standard Ethernet and are the foundation for Software Defined Video Over Ethernet (SDVoE) technology.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
- [BlueRiver OVERVIEW](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
- [BlueRiver APPLICATIONS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-applications)
- [BlueRiver VERTICAL MARKETS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-vertical-markets)
- [SDVoE ALLIANCE®](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-sdvoe)
- [Circuit Protection](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
### Circuit Protection Overview
Semtech is leading the way in Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) protection solutions that safeguard electronics systems against damage or latch-up caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning (surge), and other destructive voltage transients.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
- [Circuit Protection Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
- [Z-Platform](https://www.semtech.com/technology/z-platform)
- [Design Resources](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
- [Design Resources Overview](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
### Design Resources Overview
Semtech places a high importance on delivering superior design support and provides a wealth of tools and resources with the goal of shortening your time to revenue for your new product introductions.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
- [Product Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
- [Development Support Documentation](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/development-support-documents/)
- [Parametric Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
- [Quality Assurance](https://www.semtech.com/quality/search-pb-lead-free-rohs-green)
- [LoRa GitHub](https://github.com/LoRa-Net)
- [LoRa PCB Design Review](https://info.semtech.com/pcb-design-review-service)
- [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
- [LoRaWAN Academy and Training](https://learn.semtech.com/)
- [Product Cross Reference Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/cross-reference-search)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/faq)
- [mySemtech Document Portal](https://semtech.my.site.com/DP/)
- [IoT Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
### Internet of Things
Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
- - [Smart Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-agriculture)
- [Smart Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-building-automation)
- [Smart Cities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-cities)
- [Smart Emergency](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-emergency-response)
- [Smart Environment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-environment)
- [Smart Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-healthcare)
- [Smart Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-home-automation)
- [Smart Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-industrial-iot)
- [Smart Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/logistics-supply-chain-management)
- [Smart Utilities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-utilities)
- [Smart Consumer](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-consumer)
- [Professional AV Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
### Professional AV
AptoVision BlueRiver™ Technology uses commercial-off-the-shelf Ethernet networks to deliver higher performance, flexibility, and scalability to the Pro AV industry.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
- - [AV Over IP](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/av-over-ip)
- [BYOM Video Conferencing](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/byom-video-conferencing)
- [HDMI Extender](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-extension)
- [HDMI Wall Plates](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-wallplates)
- [Hybrid AV Distribution](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hybrid-av-distribution)
- [KVM Switches](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/kvm-switches)
- [Multiviewers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/multiviewers)
- [Point-to-Point Matrix Switching](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/point-to-point-matrix-switching)
- [Presentation Switchers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/presentation-switchers)
- [SDI Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdi-equipment)
- [SDVoE™ Integration](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdvoe-integration)
- [Smart Display Modules (SDM)](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/smart-display-modules-sdm)
- [USB-C](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/usb-c)
- [Video Walls](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/video-walls)
- [Other Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
### Other Applications
Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
- [Automotive](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps)
- [Advanced Driver Assistance Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/adas-body-electronics)
- [Automotive Battery Management Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/automotive-battery-management-systems)
- [Automotive USB Charger](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/dashboard-electronics-usb-charging)
- [Infotainment Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/navigation-infotainment)
- [Remote Keyless Entry](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/remote-keyless-entry)
- [Telematics Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/telematics-unit)
- [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications)
- [Broadcast Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications/broadcast-equipment)
- [Consumer Electronics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics)
- [Mobile Devices](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/mobile-devices)
- [Wearables](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/wearables)
- [TVs, Set Top Boxes, Monitors](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/tvs-set-top-boxes-monitors)
- [Laptops, Tablets, Computers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/laptops-tablets-computers)
- [Appliances & White Goods](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/appliances-white-goods)
- [Computers, Printers, Scanners](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/computers-printers-scanners)
- [Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications)
- [Medical Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/medical-equipment)
- [Factory Automation](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/factory-automation)
- [Energy, Smart Grids, Smart Metering](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/energy-smart-grids-smart-metering)
- [Surveillance](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/surveillance)
- [Test & Measurement](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/test-measurement)
- [Power Tools](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/power-tools)
- [Infrastructure](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure)
- [Data Centers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-datacenters)
- [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-passive-optical-networks-fiber-to-the-home)
- [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-broadband)
- [Networking & Optical Communications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication)
- [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/broadband)
- [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/passive-optical-networks)
- [ISM Networks](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/ism-networks)
- [Wireless Infrastructure, Base Stations](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/wireless-infrastructure-base-stations)
- [Data Centers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/datacenters)
- [Quality](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
- ### Quality Overview
Ethical standards drive peak customer satisfaction.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
- [Quality Overview](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
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- [Quality Certifications](https://www.semtech.com/quality/certifications)
- [IR Reflow Profiles](https://www.semtech.com/quality/reflow-profiles)
- [About](https://www.semtech.com/company)
- ### Company Overview
Since our founding in 1960 as a manufacturer of high reliability products, Semtech has grown to become a multinational technology innovator, enabling solutions that help to make the world a better place.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/company)
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16 March, 2020 3 min read
# Expert Series: The Advantages of Chirp Technology
Olivier Seller
Chirps are great for low power wide area networks (LPWAN) because they occupy a single dimension.
Let’s start with a real-world analogy: it is difficult to get lost in a one-dimensional space. For instance, if you walk along a coastline or a river it is fairly easy to find your way back. Similarly, it is possible to set up an appointment with a friend in a one-dimensional space (in a loose manner) such as “Let’s meet on Main Street near the restaurants.” If you’re both walking along Main Street near the restaurants at roughly same time, you will very likely encounter one another.
It is much more difficult to do the same thing in two dimensions. For instance, if you wish to pick mushrooms in a forest with a friend, you would need to meet in the morning at a known place and time before you start wandering.
Long range, low power wireless technologies work in much the same way. These technologies have receivers to detect signals at a low level, a level often below the noise floor. Additionally, detection and synchronization must be performed at the same time, which means answering the following three questions:
- Is there a signal?
- What is the exact frequency of the signal?
- What is the start time of the signal?
Detecting and synchronizing such a low level signal is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
As a result, without assistance data, GPS receivers can take several minutes to detect satellites. This is due to the fact that, before it can detect the presence of a satellite signal, the receiver has to guess the satellite’s exact frequency error, which comes from the Doppler frequency shift. The receiver must also guess the correct timing of the satellite’s broadcast stream (its code phase). This is a search in two dimensions. The only way this type of search can be successful is to try all combinations of frequency offset and timing offset. Since it is not possible to test all combinations in parallel, it can take a long time to get a fix. Any Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)-based LPWAN system will suffer from the same detection complexity.
Let’s look at another example: Ultra Narrow Band systems. In such systems, the frequency error of the transmitting devices is much higher than the modulation bandwidth. As a consequence, there is no concept of “channels”, and the frequency of the signal to be detected is a purely random variable. To ensure that the gateway doesn’t miss any signals, it must implement many receivers in parallel. So, if the modulation bandwidth is 100Hz the gateway would need one receiver every 100Hz, or even every 50Hz. Each of these receivers, then, needs to implement a time correlator to detect the signal. This is also a two-dimensional search.
When we designed LoRa®, we knew that a simple receiver was key, and we came upon chirps. When it comes to detection, chirps have a very interesting property: they have a time/frequency equivalence. This means that a frequency offset is similar to a time offset. In more mathematical terms, for any frequency offset, there exists a time offset which cancels it. It is possible to mathematically prove that, among constant envelope modulations, only linear chirps have this property. The time/frequency equivalence is illustrated in the figure below. Note, several combinations (of frequency offset and timing offset) give the same final offset between the signal desired and the prototype signal used for correlation.
Figure 1: Chirp Frequency/Time Offset Equivalence
Since the offset is the same for different combinations, we don’t have to call it either a “frequency offset” or a “timing offset”; the desired offset is a single dimension.
The consequence of the time/frequency equivalence is that chirp detection does not require accurate time and frequency synchronization. We can detect a signal without having to guess its precise frequency first. With respect to LoRa, a LoRa-based receiver will first detect a signal and *then* synchronize it precisely, using the dedicated symbols of the preamble.
So, instead of searching in two dimensions, we first search in one dimension and then in another. This significantly decreases the complexity of the search. For example, with SF12, LoRa has 2\*4096 timing possibilities, and even more frequency possibilities, just like any long-range modulation with the same sensitivity. To simplify this example, imagine that each dimension has 5000 possibilities. A two-dimension search will have a complexity of 5,000\*5,000. In contrast, two successive single dimension searches have a complexity of only 2\*5,000. This makes the LoRa receiver 2,500 times simpler.
What you should remember here is that, thanks to the time/frequency equivalence of chirps, the reception of LoRa-based signals is simpler than other long-range technologies because we only have to search in one dimension rather than two. This explains why LoRa uses downlinks and why Semtech can offer affordable gateway solutions.
*Semtech®, the Semtech logo, and LoRa® are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates.* *Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.*
---
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