The recommended PCB layout of nRF5340

[Hsu]

Hi Sir,

As we know the nRF5340 doesn't release the Circuit Board Guidelines (nAN-40) like nRF52840 yet.

If we need to design the nRF5340, could you share the recommended PCB layout (or PCB land pad design) of nRF5340 for board design first?

Thank you.

BRs, Han

[ketiljo]

The reference design is available here: https://www.nordicsemi.com/-/media/Software-and-other-downloads/Reference-Layouts/nRF5340/nRF5340-QxAA-Reference-Layout-1_0.zip

Else, the aQFN packet is similar to the nRF52840 so that nAN-40 applies also for the nRF5340, except for some dimensions. 

[Hsu]

Hi Ketiljo,

We don't have the Alitum design tool to open the layout files, it is not easy to get the precise value.

Could we also follow the below table (nAN-40) for nRF5340? 

And also apply the below design rule (nAN-40) for nRF5340?

Thank you.

BRs, Han

[ketiljo]

Hi Hanyu

I've asked for the numbers, but we don't have the updated document yet. 

I've taken some measurements from the nRF5240 reference design:

Copper pad diameter: 0.225 mm

Paste mask opening: 0.327 mm

Stencil thickness 0.1 mm

Exposed die pad size: 5.4 mm x 5.0 (see the mechanical specification)

Exposed die pad via diameter: 0.3 mm

Exposed dia pad via picth: 1.333mm

Min. trace width 0.125 mm

Min clearance: 0.1 mm

Hole size blind via 0.1 mm

Pad size blind via: 0.3 mm

Hole size through hole via 0.25 mm

Pad size through hole via: 0.5 mm

The two last are optional but this is what's used in the ref design. 

Cheers,

Ketil

[KevinA]

Perhaps Nordic could look into https://www.samacsys.com/ and https://www.ultralibrarian.com/ as a means to provide everyone access to the CAD parts to use Nordic devices. It would be a good thing to provide Alitum ASCII files along with the binary files you already provide, some CAD tools can open Alitum ASCII, nobody can open Alitum binary. 

[Hsu]

Hi Ketil,

Do we have any schedule for releasing the 5340 layout guideline?

Thank you.

BRs, Han