Linx Technologies EVAL-xxx-DS - Manual (Page 7)

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Resources
Support
For technical support, product documentation, application notes, regulatory
guidelines and software updates, visit www.linxtechnologies.com
RF Design Services
For customers who need help implementing Linx modules, Linx offers
design services including board layout assistance, programming,
certification advice and packaging design. For more complex RF solutions,
Apex Wireless, a division of Linx Technologies, creates optimized designs
with RF components and firmware selected for the customer’s application.
Call +1 800 736 6677 (+1 541 471 6256 if outside the United States) for
more information.
Antenna Factor Antennas
Linx’s Antenna Factor division has the
industry’s broadest selection of antennas
for a wide variety of applications.
For customers with specialized needs,
custom antennas and design services are available along with simulations
of antenna performance to speed development. Learn more at
www.linxtechnologies.com.
Using the Boards as a Design Reference
The basic evaluation boards included in this kit are very simple, yet they
illustrate some important techniques that should be incorporated into the
board layout. The module’s mounting pads extend slightly past the edge of
the part. This eases hand assembly and allows for better heat conduction
under the part if rework is necessary. A full ground plane fill is placed on the
bottom of the board. This ground plane serves three important purposes:
First, since a quarter-wave antenna is employed, the ground plane is
critical to serve as a counterpoise (please see Application Note AN-00500
“Antennas: Design, Application, and Performance” for details on how a
ground plane affects antenna function).
Second, a ground plane suppresses the transfer of noise between stages
of a product as well as unintentional radiation of noise into free space.
Third, a ground plane allows for the implementation of a microstrip feed
between the module and the antenna. The term microstrip refers to a PCB
trace running over a ground plane that is designed to serve as a 50-ohm
transmission line. See the LR Series data guide or the calculator available
on our website for details on microstrip calculations.
About Antennas
The choice of antennas is one of the most critical and often overlooked
design considerations. The range, performance, and legality of an RF link
are critically dependent upon the type of antenna employed. Linx offers
a variety of antenna styles that can be considered for a design. Included
with your kit are CW Series connectorized whip antennas that should be
connected prior to using the kit. Despite the fact that the antenna is not
centered on the board’s ground plane, it exhibits a VSWR of <1.7 and
suitably demonstrates the module’s best practical performance.
In Closing
Here at Linx, “Wireless Made Simple” is more than just our motto, it is our
commitment. A commitment to the highest caliber of product, service,
and support. That is why, should you have questions or encounter any
difficulties using the evaluation kit, you’ll be glad to know many resources
are available to assist you. First, check carefully for the obvious, then
visit our website at www.linxtechnologies.com or call +1 541 471 6256
between 7AM and 5PM Pacific Time to speak with an application engineer.
Legal Notice: All Linx kits and modules are designed in keeping with
high engineering standards; however, it is the responsibility of the user to
ensure that the products are operated in a legal and appropriate manner.
The purchaser understands that legal operation may require additional
permits, approvals, or certifications prior to use, depending on the
country of operation.
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