using the TI AN048 chip antenna with nRF51822

[miloh]

I'm interested in minimizing footprint as much as possible for a project -- has anyone here used chip antennas with the nRF51822 that they can recommend?

The fractus chip antennas (described in TI ANO48) is only 7x3mm (pcb uses about 15mm x 7 or so), is 50Ohms, and has a pretty good pattern.

The default matching network is designed to bring the impedance of the PCB antenna (73 ohms?) down to 50 ohms. The component described in the app note (referenced above) is 50 ohms. So can the matching network be removed entirely?

-Miloh

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi,

Regarding the matching network question, are you referring to a PI-network? A PI-network is always recommended to use for antenna tuning.

If you're referring to the actual matching network, or BALUN (BALanced-to-UNbalanced conversion), please see this thread: devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../pcb-dipole-antenna-for-nrf51822

Regarding chip antennas and our radios, please see this thread: devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../nrf24ap2-8ch-balun-smd-chip-antenna

Best regards Håkon