Certifications for custom nRF52840 PCB use nRF52840 modules OR make complete own PCB?

[vishal]

Hello,

We are going start custom PCB design by using nRF52840 chip and SDK 15.0, but confused for use 3rd party nRF52840 modules or design complete custom PCB using componenets. Related to this we have bellow ques:

1. What is benefit of using 3rd party certified module in custom PCB instead of using each components?
2. If we used 3rd party FCC/CE/other certified nRF52840 module is any advantage at the time of certifiaction of our product interns of Cost, certification time, testing layer benifits or if any?
3. If we design PCB complete basis of each components is any more challenges related to antenna and BLE range matter as compare to ready-mate nRF52840 modules? If yes what are those challenges and need to take care during PCB design?
4. What is process of certifications to get FCC/CE certified our custom PCB product?

Thanks in advanced....

[WestCoastDaz]

I have answered your questions below.

1. The main benefit is you aren't responsible a large portion of the regulatory certifications.  You also have a known qualified RF design.  Depending on your volumes using a RF module will be lower cost and generally allows you to get to market faster.
2. Yes, your certifications costs and lab time for FCC and CE will be a lot lower than if you design your own.  You also don't have to perform RF PHY testing with the SIG.  This is especially true if you are trying to sell into other countries besides North America and Europe.
3. Yes, if you design the PCB your self the RF design is yours alone and in my experience can take several rounds of prototyping to achieve optimal results, esspically if this isn't something you do on a daily basis.
4. Find a lab in your area that performs RF testing and engage with them to determine the process.

In my opinion if you are new to RF design or it's not a core competency then I would suggest going with a module for the first designs.  The module manufactures generally have great resources within to support this.  If you decided you want to design your self then you may want to look at hiring a consultant to help you.

[vishal]

Thank you so much for great answer..!!

So, now we will use 3rd party Nordic modules as list available click here. Will you please suggest which one is best and availability for long term in production. Because if that module company which is we are using stop their production at that time what we should do?

Is any chance to stop in production of 3rd party nRF52840 modules?

Thanks...

[Andreas]

Hi,

 

Just adding on the brilliant answer by Darren, the economic aspect is also related to your expected volume to be considered. At some point, the increased cost per module will add up to more than what you would save on development and certification. So if you expect large volumes, you might also want to take this into consideration before deciding, unfortunately I can not estimate any numbers where this might change.

 

Best regards,

Andreas

[Andreas]

Hi,

 

This is something you would want to speak to the module manufacturers or distributors about to get a confident answer, we have no knowledge about this.

In the list you can try to look for manufacturers who still provide modules with nRF51 and nRF8001. I would expect those who have nRF52 modules to also provide this for at least as long as they provide nRF51/nRF8001 modules, but again you have to talk to the manufacturers. The nRF52 chips should be available for all foreseeable future.

 

Best regards,

Andreas 

[WestCoastDaz]

As Andreas pointed out you really need to pick a module and vendor that meet your design goals.  Here are somethings I feel you need to consider before selecting:

1. Physical module size
2. On module antenna or external antenna connector
3. Which regulatory certifications the module has
4. Cost
5. Vendor location are the close to your location which can make it easier to work with.

There is always a chance of the vendor having to EOL a module this is just the nature of the business.  I would ask the vendor what th process is for EOL and how often they do this.