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CC2538-CC2592EM-RD: Issue with CC2592?

Part Number: CC2538-CC2592EM-RD
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC2538, CC2592

Hi,

I have some appliance problem with CC2538 and CC2592.

1. Some boards can send packets, some boards can't. Measured by sniffer.

    About the bad boards, after bypass CC2592, it becomes ok; or re-heat CC2592, it becomes ok at first, but tommorrow it can't send packets.

2. Control CC2538 with smartRF studio by J-TAG, once I used multimeter to measure the PA_EN, LNA_EN and HGM, the smartRF studio will get out control immediately.

    And it will happens on all boards.

The attached file is schematic.

Beat regards,

Damon

SCH_CC2538+CC2592.pdf

  • For 2): It's not clear what you mean here, does everything work when you measure the control signals are are you just stating that the control signals have the correct levels?

    I would need to look at the layout. 

  • For 1): Which can cause that no packet send out?

    For 2): The smartRF studio tool will lose control once multimeter probe touch GND of PCB, I measured all control signals with oscilloscope.

    All details please see attached file.

    Beat regards,

    Damon

  • If I understand the figure correctly, the CC2592 control signals are not set correctly when the CC2592 is mounted on the PCB. Have you checked that mounting the CC2592 does not cause any shorts?

    The layout plot is hard to read (just the top layer and small) but it could look like the CC2592 does not have vias under the chip? 

    The way you have placed the CC2592 gives a poor RF layout since the trace length between the CC2592 and the CC2538 is fairly long giving a not optimal load impedance. I would have skipped the option of bypassing the CC2592 since it's not possible to get a good RF layout combining the two options. 

  • 1. No found shorts on PCB. I test 2 good board + 2 bad board,  the CC2592 control signals are same, there are noise occasionally , and the noise is stable.

        Have you have the CC2538 + CC2592 demo board on hands? Please help to double check with demo board by yourself.

    2. Sorry to mislead you, the 4 pads under the CC2592 chip all have vias to ground layer.

    3. Yes, the RF impedance is not good because of co-layout, but I don't think it can cause no packet send out. So please help to find the root cause.

  • Not sure what you want me to test on a demo board. The boards have been through a full characterization and hence they work without any issues. 

    Since it works on some boards and not on others and also that it works for awhile after you have re-soldered the board indicate that you have an assemble issue which is not possible for me to help you with in detail since I don't have the hardware. 

  • Hi,

    Can I send 2 PCBA to you and help to check the issue?

    Also help to fine tune the RF matching.

    Best regards,

    Damon

  • What is the potential order volume behind this request? 

  • Will produce 2k finish goods after issue are all solved.

  • Sorry,it's too low volume to justify to look at the boards in our lab since checking customer hardware normally is fairly time consuming.