Unable to connect to network with nRF9160 on SparkFun Thing Plus - nRF9160

RE: Unable to connect to network with nRF9160 on SparkFun Thing Plus - nRF9160

Kazi Afroza Sultana — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:08:29 GMT

I am really glad that you found the issue and solved this. :)

RE: Unable to connect to network with nRF9160 on SparkFun Thing Plus - nRF9160

nmedo — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:27:06 GMT

Hi Kazi,

I ran the quick experiment of removing the matching components on the SparkFun board (and shorting across C1) and found that you were right, that seems to be the problem. I can now connect to the network successfully. Thanks for your help!

RE: Unable to connect to network with nRF9160 on SparkFun Thing Plus - nRF9160

nmedo — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:50:13 GMT

Hi Kazi,

Are you suggesting that the matching components be removed then? I haven't seen other users of the SparkFun board have to modify their boards in such a manner. I noticed that the nRF9160-DK also has antenna matching components, although is that only because the onboard antenna is not matched to 50 Ohms?

Thanks.

RE: Unable to connect to network with nRF9160 on SparkFun Thing Plus - nRF9160

Kazi Afroza Sultana — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:11:03 GMT

Hello,

We have looked at the schematic of Sparkfun board. It seems Sparkfun did not follow our design guidelines. They do not have enough decoupling capacitors on the VDD pin. But it should not be a problem for the issues you have observed.

There are matching components between the 9160 and the antenna connector, this can cause issues, as the connector and external antenna are already matched to 50 Ohm so no extra components are needed.

Thanks.

Kazi