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Changes between 2014.27 and 2014.32

hello everyone, we're currently working with some nrf51822 beacons and throughout the project we recorded the antenna patterns of several of them. In the first batch we tested, there were quite large differences, while in second one the variance was very small (see attached .pdf files). We ordered the devices from mouser.com and noticed two different version labels on the packages. The first (worse) batch was labeled with 2014.32 and the second (better) one with 2014.27. I'm wondering if there were some production changes in between these two versions (matching networks, balun, etc.) which would explain such a large variance in the antenna patterns? Or are there any other possible reasons?

We tested in a RF measurement chamber, while each beacon was placed on a turn table individually. The pick-up antenna was 1.75m away from the beacon. The (roughly) 15° shift in the 2014.32 measurement came from a turn table offset.

Thank you very much for your help. Regards, mo

2014.32_variance.pdf 2014.27_variance.pdf

  • This is a very interesting observation and we are looking into finding what could be causing the differences that you see. It could be component used, PCB manufacturer and so on. May I ask you to upload a couple of pictures, one of each batch you have as the batch from 2014.27 that you refer to doesn't match up with our production history. It would be easier to determine what has happened here if we knew exactly which batch you have units from.

    Also, are there anything else in your test setup that could have changed slightly. Test firmware? Setup?

  • Thank you very much for your fast response. I attached two pictures of one beacon of each group with it's corresponding labels. The setup didn't change in between the two sets of measurements. The beacons run on the same sd and sw, both transmitting with 4dBm (not 0dBm = default). I can't tell a difference in the boards, only the labels on the shipping bags are different. Thank you very much for your help.

    2014.27.JPG 2014.32.JPG

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