nrf24l01 module location on pcb.

[Fabio Fernandes]

I am using NRF24L01 modules sold on ebay. I have 3 boards where these modules are soldiers and notice a big difference in range. More distant of other components, better range. What is the safe distance to other components of the pcb? Thanks

[Asbjørn]

Do you have a link to the modules you are using and a more detailed description of what distances you are referring to? If you cover the antenna with metal, you will of course see changes in performance. We need more details on what it looks like and how you have placed the modules to give you a more accurate answer. What range are you seeing from the different modules?

[Fabio Fernandes]

In the #1 board the range is ~20m

In the #2 board the range is ~10m

In the #3 board the range is ~5m

The experiments were always performed at the same location with the same power supply. I changed the radios to eliminate the possibility that the radios had difference.

Thanks.

#1 Board :

#2 Board :

#3 Board :

[Leonardo]

I am not an expert but you have removed ground plane under the antenna?

Also ground plane size of your board matter

[Fabio Fernandes]

yes. I also one version without ground plane. tks.

[Asbjørn]

The antenna characteristics is dependent on the distance to other metallic object, but there's no clear guide to how far. You see yourself that when you have the module some distance away from the board, it performance better. It's difficult to make repetitive measurements like this as the angle between receiver and transmitter could affect the result quite a bit. On board 3 the antenna is placed right above the board and potentially other metal parts, this will most likely de-tune the antenna. So the recommendation is to keep the antenna in as free open area as possible.

If you move the three module between the three board, do the module perform equally? By that I mean, if you take the module from board 1 and place it in board 3, does it perform equally to the module 3 in board 3 do? I suspect all the module perform equally, it's just a matter on where they are placed on the board that makes a difference.