Regarding PCB antenna design

[Roshan Prajapati]

Hi,

  We are developing the application with nrf52840 where we are designing our own PCB with nrf52840 IC. So, please give recommended antenna design details. The dimension of our PCB board will be approx. 50mm x 50mm which is planned for fitting on the employee ID card. kindly, do the needful. thanks in advance.

regards,

Roshan.

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi Roshan,

There are some different reference designs in relation to the antenna design. 
Here is a link to the documentation on how set up the circuit design for the nrf52840, you can follow the schematics that closest matches your end product vison. Follow the the antenna section as close as possible to the reference design for best results.



You can find the hardware files for different SoC's and DK's that ialso include a antenna layout. 
 
Download the QFN or WLCSP files here: Compatible downloads - nordicsemi.com
Download the DK files here: nRF52840 DK - Downloads - nordicsemi.com
Download the dongle files here: nRF52840 Dongle - Downloads - nordicsemi.com

Here is a example from the dongle schematic:



Example of a chip antenna then take a look at the reference design for the nrf9160DK, this DK has the nrf52840 SiP with a chip antenna on it, the same goes for the Thingy52 and Thingy91.
Thingy 52: Nordic Thingy:52 - Downloads - nordicsemi.com
Thingy 91: Nordic Thingy:91 - Downloads - nordicsemi.com
nrf9160DK: nRF9160 DK - Downloads - nordicsemi.com

Regards,
Jonathan

[Roshan Prajapati]

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks a lot for the input. We will check on the details which you have provided to us and if there is any query i will ping you on the same case ID -261135. 

Regards ,

Roshan.

[Roshan Prajapati]

Hi Jonathan,

we have tested the dk board works fine . please, confirm weather we can duplicate the antenna design in nrf52840 development kit with same dimensions for our design. our pcb dimension is 55mm*50 mm.

Regards,

Roshan.

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi,
The Thingy 52 is approximately 50mm * 50mm in size so if you want a product that is similar in size to compare results and antenna performance then that might be the best place to start. I don't know how much components and sensors you are going to have on the pcb you are making but the antenna performance does depend on the available ground plan among other things. 

There should be no issue to copy either of the PCB antenna designs as long as you follow the guidelines. You can always ask for a review of the design and layout and we will provide feedback. 

Regards,
Jonathan

[Roshan Prajapati]

Hi Jonathan,

Below is our PCB Antenna design. Please check and give us your review comments to us and also please tell us if any more details required for your review.