I created my first nRF52832 (QFN) layout including PCB antenna. Before I order the PCBA, I would like a review.
My design is almost identical to the reference schematic for nRF52832, but I omitted C9 as it was omitted on a module I was previously using, and not sure if it is really needed. We will use a Lipo battery along with TPS71525DCKR to make 2.5V for the nRF VDD.
Antenna was copied from the nRF52840 dongle. I opened the nRF dongle reference, Altium layout files, and measured the PCB antenna and it appears to be a bit irregular. Is this intentional? It does not exactly match the mechanical drawing as provided by Nordic staff in prior posts to this forum.
My PCB is 32mm x 90mm, but most of the PCB is simple buttons like with a TV remote, and there is very little available space for components due to mechanical constraints. nRF is near the top of the PCB providing a short path to the antenna, placed on the front edge of the remote. Should the PCB antenna be centered along the 32mm width of the PCB for best performance?
Would a thicker antenna trace and/or longer path provide better performance, since have space for it? (Keeping in mind I am a beginner with antenna design and only require about 10m performance for low bandwidth application. I would much rather copy a decent PCB antenna than try to design my own)
Schematic
Top layer
Bottom layer