nRF9160 MIPI RFFE two identical slaves in parallel

[nornand]

Is it possible to use two identical MIPI RFFE slave devices (BGS18MA12) in parallel on the nRF9160?

The RF signal-flow between the two RF-switches would be identical to the original Thingy:91 design which used the obsolete QM12038.

Both devices would always be addressed in parrallel - knowing that this would be limited to write operations only since read operatins would give conflicts on the bus.

My second question is whether the VIO output can be used as supply for the BGS18MA12 or if it is intended for signaling only?

[FinKM]

Have there been any changes here JONATHAN LL ?

With all the Qorvo GPIO-controlled SP8T switches discontinued, a longer-term option is needed and it would make sense for that to be an RFFE part - but dual-switch support is a must-have for the tuning network as implemented in reference designs.

We are currently updating our own custom nRF9160 board with this network topology - the SKY13637-695LF looks like a good RFFE option, but will have to scrap that if there's no way to control two of them.

[FinKM]

Doing a little more digging, the Infineon BGS18MA12 could be a better option as the device can change its address based on the connection of the SCK and SDA lines. This allows two identical chips to be placed back-to-back on the same RFFE bus without an address conflict, which would be an issue with the Skyworks part.

This would still require an update to the AT command implementation to address multiple devices of course.

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi,

I have seen some other options like the Qovro QPC6064 SP6T, BGS18GA14 SP8T, SGM72008 used as well. But we have no update on this atm. 

Pleas create a new ticket where you ask for an update on the obsolete QM12038 and AT command feature request.

Regards,
Jonathan

[FinKM]

Hi Jonathan,

Okay thanks - have done that here:
Replacement for QM12038 and support for multiple RFFE switches

Best,

Finlay