Is there a minimal reference design for the nRF52840 yet ?

[Roger Clark]

I know the PDK design is available for download, but there are a lot of things on that board which would not be required for a minimal e.g. beacon design

I'm looking for a minimal design with USB and NRF and 32kHz + master crystal and any of the other DC to DC that is essential, but nothing else

Or... Is it best if I try to work out a design from the PDK and send it to Nordic via their private support system ?

[Sigurd]

Hi,

In the Reference circuitry chapter in the product specification you can find 6 different reference designs, each based on what supply configuration you want. The most minimal reference design for the nRF52840 is configuration no.6. With configuration no.6 you have no support for High voltage mode, DC/DC function, USB or External circuitry supply. When choosing a reference design, you should first figure out what supply configuration you want in Table 1, and then use the corresponding reference design.

[Roger Clark]

I had to give up with creating KiCad files for the nRF52840 as it needs "Via in Pad" technology in the PCB (in the only package that is currently available), and KiCad does not support this.

BTW. I'm not sure if Eagle support this either.

Also, I discussed getting Via In Hole PCB's made by the normal company I use in China for PCB and assembly, and they had no experience of this either, and were very cautious about undertaking a project using the nRF52840 unless we took all the risks.

Consequentially, as this was going to be a speculative project for the Maker market, we put it on hold until the 52840 becomes more main stream and the Chinese manufacturers get a bit more used to manufacturing with it.

PS. There was a hack/workaround in KiCad which may have resulted in Via In Pad being produced, but It wasn't worth the time and risk of getting a useless batch of board produced.