nRF8001 Antenna Matching Network

[Dino]

I’m using nRF8001-R2Q32-T in my design, RF Balun (part number: 2450BM14A0002T), and 2.4GHz Chip RF Antenna (part number 2450AT18A100E). My question do I still use any network (capacitor, inductor, resistor) or the Balun is taking care of that. Is that mean that i don't have to worry as long as I'm using the correct Balun

Thank you Dino

[Dino]

Thank you for your prompt replay,

is Nordic has any layout reference for nRF8001 that we can look at and try to match.

Thank you Dino

[AmbystomaLabs]

I'm not aware of any reference designs by Nordic that have used the Johanson balun. Most have a discrete balun/match. Only the 51822 beacon reference design used an ST balun. But I would not recommend the ST balun to someone new to the field. The WLCSP ST balun is tricky to place.

You need to follow the Johanson design criteria which are detailed in their datasheets. Also, as I noted in my answer there was a design done using a very similar Johanson balun for the nRF51822 that was correctly done in the end. You could look to that design for guidance.