Simple little pcb design for nrf5340 with antenna

[lcj]

Is there a simple PCB I could start with which has a nrf5340 chip on a small pcb with an antenna and usb connector so I could flash it and add components like a motor/vibration or display. Really just for experimenting and replacing a dk+breadboard. Something Ideally I could order it with the parts assembled from pdbway.

[SwRa]

Hi Leo,

I understand that this can be a bit of a struggle, since you are just starting out with designing.. I strongly suggest that you take a look at the hardware files of the Development Kits that we already have. It have the schematics as well as all the design files that you might need. You can make use of it to design your own custom board depending on your requirements. And in case of any doubts further down the line of designing, we have experts here who can provide pointers and review your design as well. 

Hardware files : https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF5340/Downloads?lang=en#infotabs and https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-hardware/nRF5340-DK/Download?lang=en#infotabs:~:text=Connect%20SDK%20v2.2.0-,Hardware%20files,-for%20the%20nRF5340 

You could also take a look at these videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2JqgvNp3o and https://youtu.be/x1m8G8MAeUQ?si=kqIlzb2kC6X3vFbX 

Regards,

Swathy

[lcj]

This was helpful and the videos are really good, but is there something for a beginner? Perhaps learning the basics through initial PCB design specific to nRF5 using Kicad? Altium is a big commitment for a beginner. It seems like starting with the radio, as Kaja covered is really important, so that might be the first step. She also mentioned the gerber files (5:42) which I think can be used for Kicad. The video's are super helpful, and this one is very clear but a little over my head.

I could see starting with the nrf5340 on the pcb, adding power/ground, adding antenna, then external flash, then another component like a little display. Seeing that process from bottom up would be really helpful.

[Sigurd]

Hi,

lcj said:

This was helpful and the videos are really good, but is there something for a beginner?

Swathy is out of office. So I'm replying instead. Unfortunately I'm not aware of any better links then what has already been posted by Swathy. If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask about that in a new case. Also, after you have designed your board, feel free to create case, and post the design files there, and we will help you review the design.