Semtech Corporation, a leading global supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, announced that Communicate2Integrate GmbH, an intelligent Internet of Things (IoT) company based in Munich, Germany, has chosen to integrate Semtech’s LoRa® devices and LoRaWAN® connectivity for its Florja platform solution.

Florja is a Cloud-based plant management platform that allows users to monitor the current status of their plants from anywhere. Florja sensors enabled by LoRa and using LoRaWAN connectivity can monitor for the temperature, humidity, and salt level found in the soil which then relays the data to the Florja platform accessible via desktop and smartphones for further intelligent analysis.

“Florja is innovating toward a new and easier way to manage plants,” said Michael Urban, chief executive officer of Communicate2Integrate. “Moreover, Florja is scalable from the everyday home plant enthusiast to large-scale businesses that need real-time information, automated and intelligent plant care advice or a smart irrigation system. No matter how the platform is used, LoRaWAN is providing that necessary plant data in real-time, combined with internal know-how and external data to maintain its health.”

According to a 2020 McKinsey article, advanced technology such as connected sensors “could further increase yields, improve the efficiency of water and other inputs, and build sustainability and resilience across crop cultivation and animal husbandry.” With a renewed focus on sustainability for businesses and consumers, the plug-and-play Florja platform is an ideal solution for smart plant care for environmentally conscious users.

What is LoRaWAN?

LoRaWAN® is a communication protocol specifically designed for low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs). It operates on unlicensed spectrum bands and supports long-range communication with minimal energy consumption. This makes it an ideal choice for IoT applications requiring the transmission of small amounts of data over vast distances, such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, smart cities, logistics, and industrial automation.

Key features of LoRaWAN include:

1. Low Power Consumption: Devices can operate for years on a single battery.
2. Wide Coverage: LoRaWAN can connect devices across several kilometers, even in remote or rural areas.
3. Scalability: Networks can accommodate millions of devices.
4. Secure Communication: Data is encrypted to ensure privacy and integrity.

Semtech’s Role in LoRaWAN

As the innovator behind LoRa technology, Semtech provides the core semiconductors and solutions that power LoRaWAN networks. These solutions enable devices to transmit data efficiently while supporting low operational costs. Semtech partners with global IoT solution providers, empowering them to build connected ecosystems that address diverse challenges, from urban infrastructure to agricultural efficiency.

Semtech platform

The Florja system includes LoRa-enabled sensors utilizing LoRaWAN to measure temperature and humidity in soil and air, electrical conductivity in soil and light irradiation, as well as a Florja Cloud platform for users to remotely view that data.

“Semtech’s LoRa devices and LoRaWAN are a complementary fit for the smart agriculture industry,” said Marc Pégulu, vice president of IoT product marketing and strategy for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “The long-range coverage coupled with a low power usage of the technology is making the lives of farmers and plant growers much easier and smarter.”semtech platform

Semtech’s commitment to innovation and sustainable technology positions it as a leader in the IoT-driven transformation of industries, from agriculture to environmental management. The collaboration with Communicate2Integrate reaffirms Semtech’s impact on creating scalable, intelligent solutions that cater to both everyday users and industrial-scale operations.

Applications of LoRaWAN

1. Smart Agriculture: LoRa-enabled sensors monitor soil conditions, irrigation levels, and weather data, helping farmers optimize crop yield and resource usage.
2. Smart Cities: LoRaWAN facilitates energy-efficient street lighting, waste management, and traffic monitoring, contributing to sustainable urban development.
3. Environmental Monitoring: Sensors track air quality, water levels, and temperature to manage natural resources effectively.
4. Industrial IoT: LoRaWAN supports predictive maintenance, asset tracking, and remote monitoring of equipment.

The Impact of LoRaWAN

LoRaWAN is widely recognized for its potential to bridge the connectivity gap in IoT applications, especially in areas lacking traditional cellular coverage. Its low power and long-range capabilities provide businesses and communities with access to real-time data, fostering smarter decision-making and sustainability.