Compatibility of nRF21540 with nRF52840-QFAA (48-QFN Package)

[EMPROTEK]

Hello Nordic Team,

I am working on integrating the nRF21540 RF Front-End Module (FEM) with the nRF52840-QFAA in the 48-QFN package. Could you please provide the following information:

1. A detailed pinout for the nRF52840-QFAA (48-QFN) package, specifically for RF connectivity (ANT pin) and GPIO control lines required for the nRF21540.
2. Reference designs or guidelines for connecting the nRF21540 to the nRF52840-QFAA (48-QFN) package in a hardware design.

Thank you for your assistance!

[Asbjørn]

Hello,,

Design implementation:

nRF21540 EK https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ug_nrf21540_ek/page/UG/nrf21540_DK/intro.html

nRF21540 DK with a design consisting of both nRF52840 and nRF21540: https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ug_nrf21540_dk/page/UG/nrf21540_DK/intro.html

Pin out and product details:

nRF52840 product specification: https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ps_nrf52840/page/keyfeatures_html5.html

nRF21540 product specification: 

https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ps_nrf21540/page/keyfeatures_html5.html

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Best regards

Asbjørn

[EMPROTEK]

Asbjørn Thank you for the detailed response and the links to the documentation. I have reviewed the provided documents, but I noticed they primarily cover the nRF52840-QFN73 pinout.

I am specifically working with the nRF52840-QFAA (48-QFN Package) and need clarification on the following:

1. Can I use any GPIO pin on the nRF52840-QFAA (48-QFN) for the control signals (TX_EN, RX_EN, PDN, SPI) required for the nRF21540?
2. Are there any specific restrictions or recommendations regarding GPIO pin assignments for these control signals in the 48-QFN package?

I would appreciate any additional information or guidance on this.

Thank you for your assistance!

[Asbjørn]

Hello 

Yes, the DKs use the larger size version of nRF52840 and not specifically the one you asked about.

1. Yes, any GPIOs available on the 48-QFN can be used. There's no special requirements for the GPIOs.
2. Use the ones that makes the routing easy and convenient. There are some GPIOs that are connected to analog circuitry, they still behave as normal GPIO, but if for some reason your application needs lots of analog inputs, I would avoid using them for the interface towards the nRF21540. 

You can upload a schematic for us to review if you'd like when you are ready.

Best regards

Asbjørn