Using only outer ring of nRF5340 balls

[tuomo.nikkila]

All nRF5340 reference designs use via-in-pad structure. Instead e.g. nRF52840 has reference designs which can be used with through hole PCB.

nRF5340 seem to have 19 IO's if using only outer ring.( that would allow low cost PCB)

Is it ok to use through hole only, if 19 IO's is enough?

- Tuomo -

[Bendik Heiskel]

Hi Tuomo,

Via-in-pad is not needed if the inner GPIO pins are not used. It should be OK to use through hole vias, as long as there is good grounding to the center pad.

 

Best regards,

Bendik