Implement PCB trace antenna and PCB chip antenna on same PCB for nRF52810

[ketan]

Hello,

I would like to use nRF52810 chip. And I want to implement PCB trace antenna and PCB chip antenna on same PCB(for provision) Either PCB trace antenna or PCB chip antenna will be used at a time. Please guide me for this kind of provision And also if possible share schematic network and PCB layout recommendation.

Thanks,

[Jørn]

Hello ketan

Unfortunately we do not have any reference designs with two separate antennas. Is there a specific reason you want this?

You would need something like an RF switch to isolate the antenna not in use. It should be a SPDT (Single pole double throw) switch, have an impedance of 50 Ohm, and you will probably want low input loss considering the relatively low output power of the chips (6dB loss equals a halving of your range). If you take a look at common electronics vendors there are many different switches to choose from and many different parameters to take into consideration. I would recommend you do proper research into what characteristics you need before choosing a switch, as it can have a great impact on your performance.

The switch should be placed between the matching network of the nRF52810 and your antennas matching networks. Be sure to design the traces connecting the switch and the networks to have a characteristic impedance of 50 Ohm. A whole, unbroken, ground plane should be present under all components. Exception being the antennas which should have keep-out regions surrounding them where no components or ground planes should be present. Be sure to follow the reference designs of any components you choose to use to maximize your designs performance.

If you want Nordic to evaluate a design for you, and it can be shown in public you can post it here on DevZone, or if your design is confidential you can create a Mypage case at Nordicsemi.com, and include your schematic and gerber files.

Best regards

Jørn Frøysa