LoRaWAN Gateway Chips: Sx1301 vs Sx1302/Sx1303

When you look at the datasheet of a LoRaWAN gateway, you will see a reference to the "Baseband Processor"—usually Semtech Sx1301, Sx1302, or Sx1303. To the uninitiated, these look like random model numbers. To an engineer, they define the performance, heat profile, and future-proofing of the device. This guide compares the legacy Sx1301 (Generation 1) with the modern Sx1302/Sx1303 (Generation 2). We explain why the Sx1302 revolutionized LoRaWAN gateway design by drastically reducing power consumption and why the Sx1303 is essential for geolocation.

The engine of a car determines its speed and fuel economy. Similarly, the "Baseband Chip" (or Concentrator) determines the capacity and efficiency of a LoRaWAN gateway.

For years, the industry relied on the Semtech Sx1301. It was the pioneer. But like all first-generation technology, it had flaws—specifically, it was power-hungry and expensive.

Today, if you are buying a LoRaWAN gateway, you will likely face a choice between the older Sx1301 and the newer Sx1302 or Sx1303.

Does it matter? Yes.

The chip inside dictates how hot the gateway gets, how many messages it can process, and whether it can track location. This guide breaks down the silicon wars to help you choose the right LoRaWAN gateway.

Released in 2013, the Sx1301 was the first chip to enable the "Star-of-Stars" topology. It allowed a LoRaWAN gateway to listen to 8 channels simultaneously.

However, it was designed on an older manufacturing process.

• High Power: An Sx1301 LoRaWAN gateway consumes significant power, which is a problem for solar-powered sites.
• High Heat: It runs hot. Engineers had to build massive aluminum heatsinks and metal cases just to keep the chip from frying. This made legacy gateways heavy and expensive.
• Limited Spreading Factors: It was optimized for SF7 to SF12. It struggled with the faster SF5 and SF6 speeds used in high-density networks.

While the Sx1301 is a reliable workhorse, buying a new Sx1301 LoRaWAN gateway today is like buying a laptop from 2015.

Released in 2019, the Sx1302 changed the game. It was a complete redesign aimed at lowering the cost and complexity of building a LoRaWAN gateway.

The Sx1302 consumes significantly less power than the Sx1301.

• The Benefit: A LoRaWAN gateway using the Sx1302 runs much cooler. This allows manufacturers to build smaller enclosures or deploy in hotter climates (up to 75°C) without risking thermal shutdown.

The Sx1302 added support for lower Spreading Factors (SF5 and SF6).

• The Benefit: These faster data rates take up less "airtime." By supporting them, an Sx1302 LoRaWAN gateway can handle more sensors per second than its predecessor, making it ideal for dense smart city deployments.

The Sx1302 integrated many external components (like the Front End) into the chip itself.

• The Benefit: This lowers the manufacturing cost. That is why a modern industrial LoRaWAN gateway is often 30-40% cheaper than the gateways of five years ago.

The Sx1303 is physically almost identical to the Sx1302. It has the same low power and high capacity.

But it has one "superpower": Fine Timestamping.

In standard LoRaWAN, you know which gateway heard a sensor.

With Sx1303, the LoRaWAN gateway records the arrival of the signal with nanosecond precision.

• TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival): If three Sx1303 gateways hear the same sensor, the cloud can compare the timestamps. "Gateway A heard it 5 nanoseconds before Gateway B."
• The Result: The network can triangulate the sensor's location (Geolocation) without the sensor having a GPS chip.

If your application requires tracking assets without killing their batteries with GPS, you must specify an Sx1303 LoRaWAN gateway.

The evolution of silicon has made the LoRaWAN gateway more powerful, efficient, and affordable.

There is rarely a reason to buy an Sx1301 device today unless you are maintaining legacy infrastructure. For all new deployments, an Sx1302 LoRaWAN gateway(like the Robustel R1520LG) offers the best balance of thermal performance and cost. If you need tracker-free geolocation, upgrade to the Sx1303.

By paying attention to the chip inside the box, you ensure your network is built on modern, efficient foundations.