Can nrf52832 works as single-antenna transmitter for nrf52811 AoA locator receiver?

[antennas]

Hello, Nordic!

Our project is at evaluation stage. We aimed to build an Bluetooth 5.1 AoA indoor locator system, where the reciever should know the location of the transmitter. For the multi-antenna receiver, we chosed nrf52811, which support direction finding as stated on the Noric website. However, for the single-antenna transmitter, can we use nrf52832? It does not support direction finding as stated on the website, but does it matter as a single-antenna transmitter.

So briefly, to achieve indoor locatation, can nrf52832 works as single-antenna transmitter for nrf52811 AoA locator receiver?

Can any body help us?

Thanks in advance.

[Mishka]

For direction finding to work, a transmitter should be able to generate CTE (constant tone extension) sequence at the end of BLE packet. Unfortunately, the nRF52832 can't do this, so you're limited to the 811, 820, or 833 of the nRF52 series.

Of course, RSSI method still can be used with 832.

[Simonr]

Hi

I just wanted to second Mishka's reply. What he says is absolutely correct!

Best regards,

Simon

[antennas]

This is exactly what we need. Thanks a lot.

[antennas]

Hi,

Sorry to come back again.

Will nRF52832 support direction finding AoA in the future? Or its fundamentally impossible?

We are still struggling because it has much lower price and more infomation on the Internet.

Best regards,

[Simonr]

Hi

The nRF52832 will not support direction finding in the future, as it is not able HW-wise to generate said CTE sequence after sending BLE packets, which makes direction finding impossible. The nRF52811 is the cheapest solution supporting direction-finding.

Best regards,

Simon