external antenna nrf9160

[Tim!]

Hello!

I would like to use an external antenna with my nrf9160dk to be able to attenuate the signal. But I am unsure about what is needed to make it work.

Is it enough to connect it with an MMCX Plug to SMA cable such as this one:

https://se.farnell.com/johnson-cinch-connectivity/415-0071-006/cable-rg316-mmcx-plug-sma-recpt/dp/2293800?st=mmcx

And  then use an antenna like this:

https://se.farnell.com/siretta/delta2a-x-smam-s-ra-11/antenn-direkt-monterad-sma/dp/2666806?ost=DELTA2A%2FX%2FSMAM%2FS%2FRA%2F11&ddkey=https%3Ase-SE%2FElement14_Sweden%2Fsearch

Regards

Tim

[Andreas]

Hi Tim,

 

From what I know this cable is not compatible with the SWF connector soldered onto the nRF9160DK, but other than that you are correct, this antenna should work fine.

 

Suggested part number for the cable is MXHS83QE3000, see this link for more info: https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/ug_nrf91_dk/UG/nrf91_DK/hw_rf_measure.html?cp=2_0_3_6 . If you expect the cable and/or board to be wiggled around quite a bit this connector is not the best, the cable snaps out quite easily. You could then refit the board with a U.FL connector and suitable U.FL-SMA cable, which sits better but when excercised.

 

Best regards,

Andreas

[asgeirsh]

Andreas

Is there a recommended U.FL-connector for retrofitting? We're deploying a few test units in a metal enclosure, and need to use an external antenna.

[Andreas]

Hi,

 

Not sure I quite understand what you mean, but U.FL connectors are pretty much similar regardless of manufacturer or part number, so you should maybe instead consider if this is suitable for retrofitting in your design, or if you should choose a different coaxial connector. It should be pretty suited for this in most cases, but for just a few test units it might be just as easy and fine to solder an open ended cable to the output of the matching network.

 

Best regards,

Andreas

[asgeirsh]

Thanks, we'll probably do just that.