Integration Guide - Sona NX611 1218 Chip Antenna Module

Introduction

This document describes key hardware aspects of Ezurio Connectivity’s Sona™NX611 Wi-Fi6 / Bluetooth 5.4 modules, which are based on NXP’s IW611 chipset. It serves as a preliminary supplement to the full module datasheet and is provided to assist in initial hardware integration.

Sona™ NX611 M.2 1218 Module

This section describes the hardware footprint, mechanical drawing and hardware pinout of the Sona NX611 M.2 1218 Chip Antenna module. It provides details and pin assignments critical to hardware integration of the module.

Detail drawings are shown in Figure 2andFigure 3.

Sona™ NX611 M.2 1218 Module PCB Footprint

Sona™ NX611 M.2 1218 Module Mechanical Drawing

Sona™ NX611 M.2 1218 Module Pinout

Table 1: Sona NX611 M.2 1218 Chip Antenna Module Pinout

Host PCB Requirements

The Sona NX611 1218 Chip Antenna Module has been certified by the FCC and Industry Canada (IC) as a Modular Radio. The end user is authorized to integrate this module into an end-product and is solely responsible for the Unintentional Emissions levels produced by the end-product.

To uphold the Modular Radio certifications, the integrator of the module must abide by the PCB layout recommendations outlined in the following paragraphs. Any divergence from these recommendations will invalidate the modular radio certifications and require the integrator to re-certify the module and/or end-product.

Additionally, the size of the host PCB and positioning of the Module greatly affects tuning and performance of the module antenna. The Sona NX611 1218 Chip Antenna Module has been tuned and matched to the size and position on the Host Development board shown below. Because tuning for the antenna is integrated into the module, if the reference design board size is not followed, performance of the antenna will be degraded.

Sona NX611 Integrated Antenna module RF Layout Guidelines

The following is a list of RF layout design guidelines and recommendation when installing an Ezurio radio into your device.

• Do not run any cables directly above or directly below the radio.
• Do not place any parts or run any high-speed digital lines below the radio.
• Ensure that there is the maximum allowable spacing separating the antenna connectors on the Ezurio radio from the antenna. In addition, do not place antennas directly above or directly below the radio.
• Ezurio recommends the use of a double-shielded cable for the connection between the radio and the antenna elements.
• Be sure to put a 10uF/16V/0603 capacitor on EACH 3.3V power pin. Also, place that capacitor as close as possible to the pin to make sure the internal PMU is working correctly.
• Use proper electro-static-discharge (ESD) procedures when installing the Ezurio radio module. To avoid negatively impacting Tx power and receiver sensitivity, do not cover the antennas with metallic objects or components.
• Ezurio’s surface mount modules are designed to conform to all major manufacturing guidelines. This application note is intended to provide additional guidance beyond the information that is presented in the user manual. This application note is considered a living document and will be updated as new information is presented.
• The modules are designed to meet the needs of commercial and industrial applications. They are easy to manufacture and conform to current automated manufacturing processes.
• The Sona NX611 Integrated antenna variant should be located at the center of the Host PCB and surrounded by ground on three sides. The antenna keep out region as defined in Figure 4must be kept clear of copper on all layers of the host PCB.