Bluetooth SMD Module Soldering

Wireless & IoT
1

I am interested in purchasing one of these modules:

Bluetooth® SMD Module - SparkFun

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc … ts_id=8461

Bluetooth® SMD Module - Roving Networks

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc … ts_id=8497

These both have pins in the middle of the PCB on the bottom. I looked through the data sheet of the Roving Networks and it appears to be GND. Can anyone tell me if these bottom middle pins will need soldered to GND, or if it is internally connected to GND by one of the other pins and I won’t have to worry about it?

Basically I am curious if I can solder it on to my own circuit using a regular solder iron. As far as I know I would not be able to get those middle bottom pins with a soldering iron and wanted to see if they were necessary.

Thank You!

2

I reflow using hotplate but to hand solder , since the module is designed to protrude from pcb, you could probably position it so that when turned over the pins are accessible. I assume the 2 outer ground connections are need since the middle of the three is NC. Sorry for the late reply .

3

I’ve hand-soldered similar devices without any problems. The pads on the PCB will probably need to be extended slightly, as they are usually intended for reflow soldering. The three pads on the interior of the device are test points, and shouldn’t be soldered.

Leon

4

thought I ask the guy at Roving, here was the response:

on RN-41 you dont have to solder 25 / 27, but for best performance you should hang the module off the END of your

PCB and that allows you to solder 25/27 from the bottom side.

you should stay away from 26 that is the RF signal.