Using 0402 Inductors Instead of 0201 in nRF52805 RF Matching Network

[DanielYordanov]

Hi, I am designing a pcb using the nrf52805.
In your reference design, the RF matching network specifies a 2.2 nH inductor in 0201 (0603 metric) package.

Unfortunately, I cannot source 0201, only 0402 with the same value and tolerance are available.
Would replacing the 0201 with a 0402 package significantly affect RF performance, antenna matching, or certification compliance?

Additionally, I do not have the equipment or knowledge to re-tune the antenna network, so I cannot adjust the matching manually.
I would like to know if using 0402 is still acceptable for a design that should work out-of-the-box with reasonable RF performance.

[mathiaso]

Hi, Daniel.

There are many of our customers that use 0402 components instead of 0201 components with the nRF52 series, so this shouldn't be a problem. However, we de recommend to follow the reference design closely in every other aspect, as well as doing a physical tuning of both the radio and the antenna after production. If you don't have the possibility of doing this yourselves, beware that we do offer a tuning service, free of charge, to help you out.

To initiate the process, create a private hardware review ticket, and we'll take it from there.

Best regards,
Mathias