2.4GHz Ceramic Chip Antenna on Prototype breadboard nR24Z1

Wireless & IoT
1

Hello Everyone,

In my senior project, I am using the Nordic nR24Z1. Now, I need suggestions/recommendations whether or not to use a 2.4GHz Ceramic Chip Antenna on a Prototype breadboard. And, how should I use it?

I mean, can I put it straight up with pin 1 soldered to the RF out/in on ANT2 & ANT1?

Or is it better to use the other antenna with the SMA connector? I am not too concerned with range as 10-50m is good enough for me.

Your input is much appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

Regards,

Hasan.

2

I would probably suggest trying to find some sort of breakout for the chip if you’re going to use it. This chip comes in a really tiny QFN package, so regardless, you’d have to buy a QFN adapter board. Schmartboard sells boards like this, but I would still advise putting the whole RF-related circuit on one PCB (nRF24Z1, matching network, crystal, antenna/antenna jack).

If you can’t get an adapter board and you have to layout your own PCB, there should be no problem using the chip antenna. I have two of Spark Fun’s MiRF-v2 boards which use the nRF24L01, and they both work well at short distances with the chip antenna. Just remember that using this antenna (or the RP SMA antennas, or any single-ended antenna) requires a matching network between ANT1 & ANT2. You can look in the datasheet for the 24L01 and see it in the application circuit. You shouldn’t put the antenna standing up since this will put it in a bad position to get hit and pulled off the board.

3

Brennen:

I did buy the QFN 36 pin adapters from epboards(dot)com and that part has been taken care of. I am using a prototype board to assemble my circuit, I didn’t design a PCB. So, from what you’ve told me, I’d be better off with the Duck RP-SMA Antennas?

Thanks!

Regards, HR.

4

As long as you don’t need range, you might as well go with the ceramic. Now remember that these puppies have a fairly small range, though.

The thing I’m worried about here is that you should not have the 2.4 GHz signal going on a breadboard. If you’re using a prototype board, like a Vector board, that’s still not great, but it will most likely work. The issue is that the contacts on a solderless breadboard have a huge amount of capacitance and will likely degrade the RF signal to the point that the link won’t work. Real solder joints along the entire RF path are a must. It should also be as short as possible.

5

I see, well that is the intention to keep the distance between the antenna and chip’s RF signal the smallest. The board I am using is a Breadboard Design Prototype board. And, so far I have only used wirewraps for data lines and power lines. I will keep in mind your advice of soldering the RF signal all the way to the SMA connector

I think based on your recommendation, I shall then buy the Reverse Polarized SMA Connector - Vertical Mount and the 2.4GHz Duck Antenna RP-SMA. Guess this should do it.

Regards, HR

6

i am sure that you can get a bit more range than the mirf-v2 boards. the design of these boards allows spark fun to either put in sma or chip antenna. but while doing so they have completly ignored the specifications of this chip antenna. the design is wrong as there is ground plane underneith andon the side. this oftunes the antenna by a lot , reducing the range to a few meters. what sparkfun need is someone with good antenna design and test basics…

sorry sparkfun,i luv you,but i had a bad day today

7

Haha! I see, well I’ve ordered the SMA connector and the rubber duck antennas. I am not using uMiRF’s; I am using the nR24Z1 the latest in audio streaming ICs from Nordic.

Thanks!

Regards, HR

8

goodluck with your project hasan. i still think you should make your own pcb instead of using qfn converter and breadboard

9

and antoher thing. you dont need to have a special antenna for your range (like sma or chip). a single wire of 2-2.5cm should be enough to form a quarterwave antenna (i think)

10

teekay_tk:
and antoher thing. you dont need to have a special antenna for your range (like sma or chip). a single wire of 2-2.5cm should be enough to form a quarterwave antenna (i think)

the chip antennas are convenient to fabricate in high volume, but a little 1/4 wavelength wire antenna (as above) will usually provide a bit more range and better vertical polarization if mounted properly. Google shows a lot of homebrew 2.4GHz antennas- simple to absurd.