Compact LoRa/BLE/GNSS PCB Design (nRF52840 + SX1262)

Posted 2 months ago

Worldwide

Summary

I need a PCB + schematic design for a compact LoRa/BLE/GNSS battery-powered device. The design is intended to be inspired by existing LilyGo-style hardware architectures, with unnecessary features removed and optimised for low-power commercial use. Low power consumption and RF performance are high priorities. Core functions • Acquire GPS location • Broadcast periodic location packets over LoRa • BLE smartphone pairing/configuration • Low-power multi-day battery operation Required Hardware Architecture MCU / BLE Preferred MCU: • nRF52840 Alternatives may be considered if justified. Requirements: • BLE support • Low-power sleep capability • SPI interface to LoRa • UART/debug access • OTA firmware update support preferred LoRa Radio Preferred: • SX1262-based solution Requirements: • Support 915 MHz (AU/US) • Future 868 MHz variant capability desirable • Proper RF layout and matching • Low-power operation Designer may use: • integrated LoRa module or • discrete SX1262 implementation Please advise recommended approach. GNSS Preferred: • u-blox MAX-M10 series or equivalent Requirements: • Low-power GNSS operation • Compact antenna solution • Reliable outdoor positioning Power System Battery: • Single-cell LiPo • Approx. 500–1000 mAh Charging: • USB-C preferred • Integrated charging + protection required Requirements: • Very low standby current • Stable 3.3 V regulation • Must tolerate LoRa TX current spikes Antenna Requirements Preferred production approach: • Integrated PCB antenna or ceramic antenna Requirements: • Proper RF grounding and isolation • Matching network • RF tuning considerations • Compact enclosure compatibility Optional: • u.FL test connector for development PCB Requirements Preferred: • 4-layer PCB • Approx. 30 × 35 mm target size Requirements: • Optimised RF layout • Outdoor commercial product considerations • Battery expected to mount behind PCB within enclosure. • LED + multifunction button support • Programming/debug pads exposed Deliverables Required • Schematic • PCB layout • Gerbers • BOM • Pick-and-place files • 3D STEP file • Assembly notes Additional Notes This is intended as a commercially manufactured consumer product, not a hobby board. Please specify estimated current consumption in: • sleep • GNSS acquisition • RX • TX states Experience with: • LoRa • BLE • GNSS • low-power embedded design • RF PCB layout is strongly preferred. Please briefly explain: • your recommended architecture approach • whether you recommend module vs discrete RF implementation • expected battery life considerations • any major technical risks you foresee Please include examples of similar work completed. https://lilygo.cc/products/t-beam-softrf?_pos=1&_sid=7fb31aecb&_ss=r&variant=43170139865269

  • Less than 30 hrs/week
    Hourly
  • 1-3 months
    Duration
  • Expert
    Experience Level
  • Remote Job
  • Ongoing project
    Project Type
Skills and Expertise
Mandatory skills
RF Design
Hardware Design
Activity on this job
  • Proposals:5 to 10
  • Last viewed by client:4 weeks ago
  • Hires:
    1
  • Interviewing:
    3
  • Invites sent:
    0
  • Unanswered invites:
    0
About the client
Member since May 27, 2026
  • AUS
    Melbourne4:23 AM
  • 1 hire, 1 active

Explore similar jobs on Upwork

Hardware Engineer for Smart Desk GadgetFixed-price‐ Posted 4 weeks ago
Electrical Engineering
Electronics
Embedded System
Computer Network
Microcontroller Programming
Embedded System
Electronics
Electrical Engineering

How it works

  • Post a job icon
    Create your free profile
    Highlight your skills and experience, show your portfolio, and set your ideal pay rate.
  • Talent comes to you icon
    Work the way you want
    Apply for jobs, create easy-to-by projects, or access exclusive opportunities that come to you.
  • Payment simplified icon
    Get paid securely
    From contract to payment, we help you work safely and get paid securely.
Want to get started? Create a profile

About Upwork

  • Rating is 4.9 out of 5.
    4.9/5
    (Average rating of clients by professionals)
  • G2 2021
    #1 freelance platform
  • 49,000+
    Signed contract every week
  • $2.3B
    Freelancers earned on Upwork in 2020

Find the best freelance jobs

Growing your career is as easy as creating a free profile and finding work like this that fits your skills.

Trusted by

  • Microsoft Logo
  • Airbnb Logo
  • Bissell Logo
  • GoDaddy Logo