RAK3172 Module selection

Dear Rak Team,

We have designed LoRa repeater board based on RAK3172 Module. We are planning to use external antenna based on SMA connector and the RF signal has been routed to this connector. RAK recommends to use a module without IPEX connector in this application (Mentioned in pin description and caution notes). We have used RAK3172-T-8-SM-I module in our sensor modules based on IPEX connector so can we use RAK3172-T-8-SM-NI which is without IPEX.?

Best Regards,
Vyshnav Krishnan

Yes, you can switch between IPEX and NON-IPEX variants.
The hardware is the same, the only difference is the antenna connection:

  • IPEX ==> RF pad is disconnected, works only with antenna connected to IPEX
  • NON-IPEX ==> RF pad is connected and IPEX connector is not assembled. You need to connect your antenna with proper 50 Ohm impedance to the RF pad.

image

Hi BG,

Thank you for the quick response. We will use the module without IPEX Connector as IPEX antenna wont be sufficient for our requirement. Kindly check whether layout is fine or not. We will ask Fab house to strictly maintain 50ohm impedance.


This is a 4-Layer PCB with RF signal routed on top with thick ground plane below it.

Best Regards,
Vyshnav Krishnan

:grin:

Antenna RF Design Service including PCB Design, Tuning, Matching and RF Test

I have not much RF experience when it is about PCB layout.

Hi BG,

That’s OK… Thank you so much.

Best Regards,
Vyshnav Krishnan

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