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when i want to use nrf9160 (for LTE/NB) stand alone with external antenna at that time have i need to implement matching circuit or just 50 ohm trace is sufficient to connect external antenna with U FL connector and nrf9160 ant pin?

For Above case i am planning to interface with U FL to SMA cable for external antenna interface.
nrf9160 ant pin and U FL connector will be routed using 50 E impedance.
at this condition have need to implement external matching circuit for an antenna?

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  • You should not need anything more than a 50 ohm line between the nRF9160 and the U.FL connector. External antennas are designed to be 50 ohm using the coaxial cable to connect to a board. We use a Molex external GPS patch antenna directly to the U.FL connector on the nRF9160 DK.

    As always, check your datasheet for the antenna you plan to use, if it says that it is a 50 ohm transmission line then so long as what you plug it into is also 50ohms impedence matched, everything will be fine. If you start adding more things between the external antenna and the nRF9160 that you don't know the impedance matching of, then yes you would need to test if you are still at 50 ohms.

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  • You should not need anything more than a 50 ohm line between the nRF9160 and the U.FL connector. External antennas are designed to be 50 ohm using the coaxial cable to connect to a board. We use a Molex external GPS patch antenna directly to the U.FL connector on the nRF9160 DK.

    As always, check your datasheet for the antenna you plan to use, if it says that it is a 50 ohm transmission line then so long as what you plug it into is also 50ohms impedence matched, everything will be fine. If you start adding more things between the external antenna and the nRF9160 that you don't know the impedance matching of, then yes you would need to test if you are still at 50 ohms.

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