Regarding nRF51822 Range Extend

[Nazmus Sakib]

Hi All.

For my project I need a very long range BLE Communication. Don't know if its possible to get a range close to 1 Mile LoS. But my goal is to meet max possible range.

I made a custom Board using nRF51822 and with good RF tuning I have achieved close to 200 Feet LoS range using Chip Antenna. Now I like to have your advise regarding implementing RF Power Amp to get a max possible range.

Ca anyone share a such reference design of nRF51822 with PA implementation? Or any good PA chips?

Thanks in advance.

Awaiting for your revert.

Regards.

[Asbjørn]

The Bluetooth core spec states that you cannot have Bluetooth Smart (Low energy) with more output power than +10 dBm. Also, you would have to implement a PA on both ends of the link in order to make this work unless you only want to broadcast.

If you already have control over both ends of the link I would recommend you to have a look at running this with proprietary 2.4 GHz implementation on the nRF51822 instead. Then you can in addition turn down the on-air-data rate to 250 kbps and get additional dB on you link budget from that.

Regarding PA we don't have any specific vendor we recommend. You can use any kind of PA made for 2.4 GHz. That includes PA designed for WiFi and Bluetooth. We have seen some interest regarding a PA from RF Axis, but we haven't made any tests or designs on this ourselves, it's just a vendor name I've seen other customers have been asking about. Remember to follow our recommended layout and the PA vendors recommendation with regard to implementation.

[awneil]

Apart from the Bluetooth specs, there will also be regulatory constraints on the maximum power that can be transmitted unlicensed in this band.