Problem with advertising on custom board

[ilkobg]

I've made a custom board with nrf51422-QFAC, which I can program with nrf51-DK. I'm using SDK 12.3.0 and SD130, which is flashed to the custom board.

When I program the custom board with some of the standard examples OR my modification of the ble_app_hids_keyboard example, it starts advertising, but:

• On my laptop (Win10 Creators Update) I can see the device, but can't connect ("Try to connect your device again")
• On my android phone can't find the device even from Nordic Connect App.

I'm using the internal RC oscillator:

// Low frequency clock source to be used by the SoftDevice

#define NRF_CLOCK_LFCLKSRC      {.source        = NRF_CLOCK_LF_SRC_RC,            \
                                 .rc_ctiv       = 32,                                \
                                 .rc_temp_ctiv  = 2,                                \
                                 .xtal_accuracy = NRF_CLOCK_LF_XTAL_ACCURACY_20_PPM}

An interesting point is that I've configured the advertising timeout period to be 30 seconds, but my custom board goes off on 26-27th second.

The app works fine with the nrf51-DK. I attach the schematics of my board.

Edit: One thing I forgot to mention is that I'm powering the board from nrf51-DK for now and the TPS and MCP are not used.

Hancy_1.pdf

[AmbystomaLabs]

Assuming this is a 2 layer design, based on your layout files it looks like you failed to include the ground via pattern and bottom ground plane under the nRF.

The via pattern is critical to the operation of the nRF.  This combined with the other mistakes I noted before, means I see no reason to continue trying to debug your board.  You should redesign and respin the board.

I recommend you have someone familiar with RF and mixed signal design review your updated schematic and layout before you commit to having the board made.

Refer to 11.1.1 PCB Layout Example of the nRF51422 product spec for the ground via/ ground plane pattern.