PCB migration nrf52832 to nrf52840

[Berker]

Hi,

We used nrf52832 in our custom pcb. It works. 

NRF52840 has "Long Range" feature. We think, if long range needs in some application, we can set 8dBm output power and otherwise we continue to use 4dBm like nrf52832. 

Is there sth. missing in this manner? 

Secondly, What we should consider on pcb in terms of pin compatibility, rf-antenna section, dcdc-ldo section? What is the HW differences between them?

I know, we should reconsider linker scripts in FW side due to nrf52840 has more RAM and Flash memory. 

Berker

Best Regards

[Sigurd]

Hi,

NRF52840 has "Long Range" feature. We think, if long range needs in some application, we can set 8dBm output power and otherwise we continue to use 4dBm like nrf52832. 

You could do that, using 8dBm will give you better range, but by only increasing the output power it will not be "Bluetooth 5 Long Rage/Coded PHY". You can read more about longe range here.

 

Secondly, What we should consider on pcb in terms of pin compatibility, rf-antenna section, dcdc-ldo section? What is the HW differences between them?

 There are several changes, and nRF52832 and nRF52840 is NOT pin compatibility. You can see the pin assignments at this page, and the Reference circuitry at this page.