ChipScout

Communication

SX1278

Sub-GHz LoRa transceiver IC used in many 433MHz LoRa modules.

China-madeSemtechActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing LoRa and Sub-GHz with a commonly available communication part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

SX1278 is indexed as a communication part from Semtech. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

FunctionLoRa transceiverSource: Semtech
InterfaceSPISource: Semtech
Band433MHz commonSource: Semtech
Working Voltage1.8V - 3.7VSource: Semtech

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

  • Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
  • Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
SPI
Wireless
LoRa
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity86% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.semtech.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Datasheethttps://www.semtech.com/SemtechLibrarySX1278 Arduino library lookupArduino

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower · 3.3V · Do not power most SX1278 modules from 5V logic.
GNDGNDPower · Common ground.
SCKSCKInput · SPI clock.
MOSIMOSIInput · SPI data to module.
MISOMISOOutput · SPI data from module.
NSSCSInput · Chip select GPIO.
DIO0DIO0Interrupt · Often used for packet done interrupt.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power · 3.3V · Do not power most SX1278 modules from 5V logic.

GND

Power · Common ground.

SCK

Input · SPI clock.

MOSI

Input · SPI data to module.

Arduino Example

#include <SPI.h>
#include <LoRa.h>

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  LoRa.setPins(10, 9, 2);
  if (!LoRa.begin(433E6)) {
    Serial.println("LoRa init failed");
    while (true) {}
  }
  Serial.println("SX1278 LoRa ready");
}

void loop() {
  LoRa.beginPacket();
  LoRa.print("hello");
  LoRa.endPacket();
  delay(3000);
}
SX1278 Arduino library lookup

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32 LoRa dev board

Combines MCU, antenna matching, and radio wiring for faster validation.

ESP32-C3 + RA-02 carrier

Good low-cost Wi-Fi to LoRa bridge prototype.

Logic-level SPI host

Use 3.3V logic to avoid damaging the radio.

Alternative Model Reasons

SX1262CommunicationUse for newer LoRa designs with better low-power characteristics.
A7670CCommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
ATGM336HCommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
BC26CommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.

Common Questions

What is SX1278 best used for?

Projects needing LoRa and Sub-GHz with a commonly available communication part.

Does SX1278 support Arduino or MicroPython?

SX1278 has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does SX1278 use?

SX1278 lists SPI; wireless support is LoRa.

Compare SX1278 vs SX1262

Alternatives and Related Parts

SX1262

Semtech

Newer LoRa transceiver used in long-range low-power radio modules.

China-madeCommunication84% confidence

A7670C

SIMCom

4G Cat.1 cellular module used in low-cost IoT telemetry products.

China-madeCommunication74% confidence

ATGM336H

Zhongke Micro

China-made GNSS module commonly used as a low-cost GPS receiver in maker projects.

China-madeCommunication74% confidence

BC26

Quectel

NB-IoT module used for low-power cellular sensor applications.

China-madeCommunication72% confidence