Generic hardware module on PCB with 50ohm antenna for Nrf9160

[vincealvo]

Hi there,

I was wondering, do you have a generic "module on PCB" for Nrf9160? Much like ESP32. I would like to skip the design of the RF impedance maching... not my cup of tea :-D.

Like on the ESP32, ideally it would come in 2 versions :

• 50ohm U.FL (2x for LTE + GPS)
• PCB antenna (at least for LTE)

Would you provide open source gerber + BOM for this ? That would certainly boost adoption from small scale projects. 

Best Regards,

Vince

[Kaja]

Hi Vince,

have a look at 3rd party modules, look under cellular modules. ¨¨

Best regards,
Kaja

[vincealvo]

Hi Kaja,

Thanks for your prompt answer, I did not see this.

I just read that the Nrf9160 already has 50ohm outputs. Can I just stick a U.FL as close as possible to the module and that will do the job (with no ground plan and sensible track size) ?

Or must I do the impedance matching circuitry ? 

I can see that you used a GPS amplifier on the dev kit, is it because of the amplifier that you needed the impedance matching ? 

Best Regards,

Vincent 

[Kaja]

Hi Vincent,


both the ANT and GPS pin has a 50 Ohm output impedance, so yes you could add a U.FL connector, and use an external LTE antenna.
You still need a ground plane, and the track from the ANT pin to the U.FL connector should be a 50 Ohm impedance transmission line, but you do not need a matching circuitry for the radio. 

If you use an onboard antenna, you need a matching circuitry for the antenna. 


The matching circuitry on the GPS is also for the GPS antenna. The LNA is recommended to use because of sensitivity, for more information see our guidelines, and the antenna and RF interface guidelines

Best regards,
Kaja

[vincealvo]

Cool, thanks for taking the time to clarify all this. I will try this minimalist approach and see how it compares with a things:91.

Anyway, I think you should make a ESP32-like version of your Nfr9160, with all the little bits and pieces to make it ready to use. It is just so much easier. 

Best Regards,

Vincent

[Kaja]

No problem!

Best regards,
Kaja