The ATWINC15x0-MR210UB module has an Ultra Small Miniature RF
Connector (U.FL) for the external antenna.
The choice of antenna is limited to the antenna types that the
module was tested and approved for. For a list of tested and approved antennas that may
be used with the module in their respective country, refer to the respective country in
Regulatory Approval.
It is critical to follow the recommendations listed below to achieve the best RF
performance:
- 1.Avoid routing any traces on the
top layer of the host board that is directly below the module area.
- 2.Place the GND polygon pour below
the complete module area. There must not be any breaks in this GND plane.
- 3.Place sufficient GND vias in the GND polygon pour below the module area for
better RF performance.
- 4.It is recommended to have a 3x3
grid of GND vias solidly connecting the exposed GND paddle of the module to the
inner layer ground plane of the host board. This will act as a good ground and
thermal conduction path for the ATWINC15x0-MR210UB module. The GND vias must
have a minimum via hole size of 0.3 mm.
- 5.Keep large metal objects away
from the external antenna to avoid electromagnetic field blocking.
- 6.Do not enclose the external antenna within a metal shield.
- 7.Keep any components that may
radiate noise or signals within the 2.4 GHz – 2.5 GHz frequency band away from
the external antenna and if possible, shield those components. Any noise
radiated from the host board in this frequency band will degrade the sensitivity
of the module.
- 8.Make sure the width of the traces
routed to GND, VDDIO and VBAT rails are sufficiently larger for handling the
peak TX current consumption.