Connecting External antenna array to NRF52833 DK

[Suresh C]

Hi,

I need to connect an Antenna array to NRF52833 DK. Instead of using connectors in J1, can I take wire across the onboard Antenna. Will this solution work?

[Vidar Berg]

Hi,

Placing the antenna cable across the PCB antenna will not work, unfortunately. You must use the J1 connector. 

Best regards,

Vidar

[Suresh C]

Hi,

Thank you for your response. Instead can I remove the onboard chip antenna and then connect my external antenna to it?

[Kaja]

Hi,

you can solder on a coax able to the RF path and connect that to your external antenna. 

NOTE: This a 50 Ohm transmission line, so you need a coax cable, meaning an electrical cable with a inner conductor and a surrounding conducting shield. 


What type of connector do you have on your antenna array?

Best regards,
Kaja

[Suresh C]

In the antenna array side I have MCRF Coaxial connector. 

Below are the connector recommended by antenna array manufacture side to connect to NRF52833DK.

https://www.digikey.fi/en/products/detail/murata-electronics/MXHS83QE3000/1775923

https://www.digikey.fi/en/products/detail/linx-technologies-inc/ADP-SMAM-SMAM-G/9826676

https://www.digikey.fi/en/products/detail/amphenol-rf/336313-12-0100/5417986

The cost of connectors are high. so, I am finding an alternate way to connect both of them. Kindly provide me the best way to connect them.

[Kaja]

To be sure that the connection works as it should the connectors are the best method. 

Soldering on a coax at both ends is a solution, soldering the inner connector to the RF path on both sides and the surrounding conducting shield to ground. 

Best regards,
Kaja

[Suresh C]

Hi Kaja, 

    I appreciate your fast response. Kindly eloborate the soldering solution suggested above. Thanks in advance.

[Kaja]

Hi,

a coax cable as the one listed in this datasheet can work.

Note: You must remove the connectors on the DK and antenna array and solder on the coax cable instead. Inner connector you solder to the RF path and surrounding conducting shield to ground. 

This means that you will need to solder and desolder the connectors of you want to be able to use the connects or the DK as a DK with onboard antenna, so you loose the flexibility with this solution. 

Best regards,

Kaja

 

[Suresh C]

Thank you Kaja