How can I use PA to increase the rf coverage?

[gilbert7]

I'm using nRF51822 for ble. For my application, I need to increase rf power. ( My application needs +10dBm)

In case of CC2540(TI ble chip), there is application note (CC2590 + CC2540, CC2590 is a 2.4 GHz Range Extender ) for increasing rf power, but I can not find application note or comments of nRF51822 for this issue.

Do you advise me about this issue?

Could you advise me the PA solution , if you have? or could you avise me how to connect nRF51822 with CC2590?

Thank you.

[FormerMember]

Hello,

If you want to increase the output power, you can use "any" 2.4 GHz PA. The PA should be placed in the 50 Ohm reference point; between the matching network for the chip/ the balun and the antenna matching network.

Note that on the receiver side, a LNA should not be used. If using a LNA the range can be worsened because the LNA also amplifies noise, and this does not result in a better signal-to-nose ratio. In addition to amplify noise within the 2.4G domain, the blocking characteristics will also worsen if using a LNA because the out of band noise can saturate the receiver.

Unfortunately, we don't have a solution like the TI one. However, a discrete matching network for the chip/balun + 2.4 GHz PA will do the same job. The CC2590 cannot be used with our chips because the balun inside will not match our chips to 50 Ohm.

Regards, Kristin