In-Depth Analysis of EBYTE EWM22A Series BLE/Wi-Fi/LoRa All-in-One Module
In the fragmented and diverse IoT application landscape, devices often face difficult trade-offs between communication protocols: Bluetooth (BLE) for low-power near-field interaction, Wi-Fi for internet access, or LoRa for ultra-long range and strong penetration. Traditional solutions stack multiple single-function modules, bringing challenges of increased cost, design complexity, and space occupation.
The EWM22A-400/900BWL22S series launched by Chengdu EBYTE Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is designed to solve this core contradiction. It integrates three mainstream wireless communication technologies – BLE 5.0, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n), and LoRa – into a single SMD module measuring only 14×20mm, ushering in a new era of "one chip, multiple capabilities" for wireless data transmission. This article comprehensively analyzes this revolutionary all-in-one wireless module from the dimensions of technology integration, performance parameters, application modes, and selection value.
Technology Integration: Why BLE, Wi-Fi and LoRa?
The three technologies selected for the EWM22A series are not arbitrarily combined, but precisely cover the full spectrum of connectivity needs for IoT devices from "the last meter" to "the last ten kilometers", forming a complementary "golden triangle":
BLE 5.0: Ace for Near-Field Interaction and Low-Power Control
Role: Slave mode only, designed for low-power, short-range data exchange and parameter configuration with host devices such as mobile apps and gateways.
Key performance: Maximum transmit power of 20dBm (adjustable), theoretical communication distance up to 500 meters (open environment), supports maximum MTU of 517 bytes, and features over-the-air (OTA) firmware encryption upgrade for easy post-deployment maintenance.
Value: Provides devices with a convenient human-machine interaction entry and an extremely low-power configuration channel.
Wi-Fi (STA Mode): "Highway" Direct to the Internet
Role: Station mode only, focused on connecting to wireless routers or hotspots to access TCP/IP networks.
Key performance: Fixed 20dBm transmit power, communication distance up to 500 meters, supports WPA2 security authentication and TCP Client communication, with automatic reconnection function after disconnection.
Value: Enables devices to directly integrate into existing local area networks or access the Internet via routers, realizing cloud data synchronization and remote control.
LoRa: Long-Range, Highly Reliable "Data Camel"
Role: The module's "long-distance runner", compatible with EBYTE E22 series commands, supporting rich working modes.
Key performance: Maximum transmit power of 22dBm (adjustable), communication distance up to 5 kilometers under ideal conditions. Supports adjustable air rates from 2.4Kbps to 62.5Kbps, with advanced functions such as automatic relay networking, LBT (Listen Before Talk), Wake-on-Radio (WOR), and data encryption.
Value: Solves the core problem of ultra-long-distance, low-power, anti-interference data backhaul in field, campus, and building interiors without network infrastructure.
A single module enables devices to simultaneously have "direct mobile phone connection configuration" (BLE), "local/Internet access" (Wi-Fi), and "long-distance private network formation" (LoRa) capabilities, achieving ultimate deployment flexibility and optimal cost.
Hardcore Specifications: Industrial-Grade Reliability Design
The EWM22A series not only offers powerful functions but also adheres to EBYTE's consistent industrial-grade quality, with key specifications demonstrating its stable core: Category Parameter Value Notes Power & Interface Operating voltage 3.0V ~ 3.6V (typical 3.3V) ≥3.3V ensures rated power Communication level 3.3V TTL 5V TTL strictly prohibited, risk of burnout Communication interface UART Operating Environment Operating temperature -40°C ~ +85°C Industrial wide-temperature design Wireless Bands BLE/Wi-Fi 2.400 ~ 2.480 GHz LoRa (400MHz version) 410.125 ~ 493.125 MHz EWM22A-400BWL22S LoRa (900MHz version) 850.125 ~ 930.125 MHz EWM22A-900BWL22S Power Consumption Transmit current (instant) ~200 mA Receive current ~11 mA Deep sleep current ~6.7 μA Ultra-low power, suitable for battery power Performance & Storage LoRa packet length 240 Bytes Subpacket transmission configurable via command BLE MTU 517 Bytes UART buffer 1024 Bytes (RX/TX) Internal Flash 4 MB For firmware storage
Intelligent Scheduling: Nine Operating Modes and Data Flows
The power of the EWM22A lies in its intelligent internal scheduling mechanism. The module supports four communication entities: BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRa, and UART, which can be flexibly configured to implement up to 9 operating modes. The core logic is that UART is always used to communicate with the user's MCU in any mode, while the three wireless technologies can form "transparent transmission" and "monitoring" relationships with each other.
Typical modes demonstrate its application potential:
Mode 1 (UART-LoRa transparent transmission, BLE monitoring): Data sent by the MCU via the serial port is transmitted through LoRa; the module's BLE is in broadcasting state, allowing mobile apps to connect and monitor data from the LoRa network. Suitable for LoRa data backhaul scenarios where on-site personnel can view local data via mobile phone Bluetooth.
Mode 6 (UART-TCP transparent transmission): The module connects to a specified TCP server via Wi-Fi, realizing bidirectional transparent transmission between serial port data and network data. This is a typical Ethernet replacement solution, quickly connecting serial devices to the Internet.
Mode 3 (LoRa-BLE transparent transmission, UART monitoring): Data received by LoRa is directly transmitted via BLE, and vice versa. All data can be printed from UART simultaneously, forming a bridge between BLE devices and long-distance LoRa networks.
This diversity of modes allows a single module to play different roles as gateway, repeater, or end node, greatly simplifying system architecture.
To make its powerful functions easy to use, the EWM22A provides a comprehensive AT command set for configuration and management, covering all functions:
Basic commands: AT+VER to query version, AT+DEFAULT to restore factory settings, AT+DEEPSLEEP to enter deep sleep, etc.
Communication switch and control: AT+COMSW can individually force enable or disable any or all of BLE, Wi-Fi, and LoRa functions, enabling dynamic power management and mode switching.
Independent protocol configuration:
BLE: AT+BLENAME to set device name, AT+BLEADV to set advertising interval, AT+BLEPOWER to set transmit power
Wi-Fi: AT+STA to set Wi-Fi SSID and password, AT+CIPSTATE to set target TCP server IP and port
LoRa: AT+RATE to set air rate, AT+POWER to set transmit power, AT+WOR to set Wake-on-Radio role, etc.
Development support: The matching EWT22A-xxxBWL22S test kit integrates a Type-C interface and CH340X USB-to-serial chip, provides status indicators and antenna interfaces, enabling plug-and-play evaluation and development.
Application Scenarios: Unlimited Deployment Possibilities
The three-in-one feature of the EWM22A greatly expands its application boundaries:
Smart industry and sensor networks: Sensors in workshops aggregate data to the gateway (EWM22A) via LoRa, which then uploads data to the factory MES system via Wi-Fi. Inspectors can view real-time local data via mobile phone Bluetooth connecting to the gateway's BLE.
Hybrid IoT gateways: In smart agriculture scenarios, the device collects sensor data from large farmland via LoRa, accesses the farm LAN via Wi-Fi, and supports on-site quick configuration via Bluetooth.
Remote equipment maintenance and upgrade: Devices report daily data via LoRa normally. When firmware upgrade is required, technicians can connect to the device's BLE via mobile phone Bluetooth near the site for secure OTA firmware upgrade.
Redundant communication guarantee: In critical applications, Wi-Fi can be used as the primary communication link and LoRa as the backup link. When Wi-Fi network is interrupted, the system automatically switches to LoRa for emergency communication, greatly improving system reliability.
The launch of the EBYTE EWM22A-400/900BWL22S series BLE/Wi-Fi/LoRa all-in-one module is not only a hardware product innovation but also an embodiment of design philosophy: resolving the contradictions of complexity, cost, and space in IoT connectivity through high technology integration. It provides users with a "master key" that can flexibly meet various connectivity requirements including near-field, local area network, wide area network, and private long-distance network.
In today's pursuit of device intelligence, network flattening, and cost optimization, all-in-one modules represented by the EWM22A series will undoubtedly become a powerful tool for innovators in industrial IoT, smart cities, and high-end consumer electronics, helping them turn ideas into reality with simpler designs, lower costs, and faster deployment.
