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IWR1443: Effect by the oxidized antenna and heat sink area

Part Number: IWR1443

Hi,

My customer found the antenna and heat sink area of their IWR1443 EVM is oxidized. How will this affect the RF TX/RX and the detection result of OOB demo?

  • Hello Chris,
    The user guide recommends keeping the PCB in ESD bag when not in use to reduce the chances of oxidation, refer to the "PCB Storage and Handling Recommendations" section of the EVM user guide.
    The input we have from Rogers is that this oxidation does not impact the RF performance, but we would recommend avoiding it by proper handling and storage.

    regards,
    Vivek
  • Hi Chris,

    As Vivek has mentioned, we have already spoken to Rogers about this issue. This appears to be a cosmetic issue only.

    The reason is that the silver-oxide (tarnish) that forms is pretty much of the same conductivity as the silver plating itself. Long-term tests with exposed immersion silver circuits show no real difference in performance (insertion loss or return loss) over long term. So you should see no real difference in antenna or transmission-line performance.

    Please let us know if this answers all of your questions on this topic.

    Thanks,
    Randy