Can you help me checking the antenna?

[Dandingzz]

I've just finished my first layout for nRF51822, and I need a help with the attenna design. The RF part of the schematic and layout is a copy of your reference design, "PCA10004-nRFgo nRF51822 PCB Antenna Radio Module 2_0". Can you tell me are there any problems in my layout? And if it is ok, for the thickness of the circuit board or other conditions do you have any requirements.

Thank you!

sch.png PCB.png

[Ole Bauck]

Hi,

You should use these reference design, but by the looks its seems your design is the same, except for C12 which is 1pF in the reference design. So not much to say here.

For the antenna the lenght should be 25mm before tuning (you can read more about tuning here) and at least 5mm from the ground plane/copper on the board (it looks like yours are). The tuning capacitor C14 can be moved closer to the antenna. For tuning we recommend that you send the board to us as it should be in final product (inside correct casing etc). You can create a case on myPage and we will help you.

The thickness of the circuit board should be at least 0.8mm.

Ole

[Dandingzz]

Thanks much for your reply! For the C12, it is 0.8pf in the schematic of the project PCA10004, so should I change it to 1pf ? I will read more about tuning, and after I create a case on myPage, I will looking forward to get your help. Best regards.

[Dandingzz]

By the way, did you mean I can place my project, including schematic and layout, on myPage, and then you will help me to check the availability of the antenna? Thanks~

[Ole Bauck]

C12 might be changed after tuning, but set it to 1pF.

We can check it more thoroughly on MyPage, but the main reason I want you to create a case there was so that you can get assistance in how we can help you tune the antenna. Include the design files (schematic PDF and gerbers) in your case.