https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/127845/nrf52832-kicad-schematic-layout-practice-qfn48-vdd-pins-decoupling-and-whether-to-use-ciaa-wlcsp-on-4-layersHi Nordic team, I am designing a new board from scratch around the nRF52832 in KiCad. My current plan is to use the nRF52832-QFAA/QFAB QFN48 package on a 2-layer PCB. I am also considering whether it would be better to switch to the nRF52832-CIAAen-USTelligent Community 13Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:17:03 GMThttps://devzone.nordicsemi.com/thread/565160?ContentTypeID=1Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:17:03 GMT137ad170-7792-4731-bb38-c0d22fbe4515:86da9c59-16dc-47d0-883d-22a2eff5e2c7Asbj&#248;rn<div>Hello Chaitanya,</div> <div></div> <div>there&#39;s a reference layout for the nRF52832 here: <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF52832/Download?lang=en#infotabs">https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF52832/Download?lang=en#infotabs</a></div> <div>You should also have a look at the implementation done on the nRF52832 DK HW files here: <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-hardware/nRF52-DK/Download?lang=en#infotabs">https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-hardware/nRF52-DK/Download?lang=en#infotabs</a></div> <div>The files are both in gerber and altium design files and can be imported into KiCAD.</div> <div></div> <div>Q1, VDD routing.</div> <ul> <li> <div>Look up the phrase star routing of power. You connect all three Vdd pins somewhere and that is the centre of the star. Then each pin is fed from the centre of the star. You&#39;ll find that approach on the nRF52 DK.&nbsp;</div> </li> <li> <div>Each VDD should have it&#39;s decoupling caps close to the VDD pin. Again, check the reference layout and DK implementation.</div> </li> </ul> <div></div> <div>Q2: QFN vs WLCSP,</div> <ul> <li> <div>It is not possible to route out all GPIOs from the WLCSP on just two layers. That&#39;s the biggest constrain. There are reference layouts for WLCSP in the HW files mentioned above.</div> </li> <li> <div>Q1: It&#39;s a matter of preference. It gets complex either way, but QFN might be easier to begin with.</div> </li> <li> <div>Q2: Not sure how to quantify this. You have to learn how to walk before you can run. I think there&#39;s a lot of learning to be done in either case here. 2 layers might be easier to begin with.</div> </li> <li> <div>Q3: Depends on size of the board. If it is a small board, then more layers are needed to create space and ground plane.</div> </li> <li> <div>Q4: Reference layouts for both QFN and WLCSP are available here: <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF52832/Download?lang=en#infotabs">https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF52832/Download?lang=en#infotabs</a></div> </li> <li> <div>Q5, Light sensitivity: If the enclosure doesn&#39;t let light through, you&#39;d be ok, but we always recommend covering to shield if in doubts.&nbsp;</div> </li> <li> <div>Q6: Same performance in the end, just different package sizes and requirements for routing.</div> </li> <li> <div>Q7: Yes, the QFN is a great option and will not stand back from the WLCSP version. Follow the reference layouts and upload design here for review and feedback underway.</div> </li> </ul> <div></div> <div></div> <div>Best regards</div> <div>Asbjørn</div><div style="clear:both;"></div>