This thread has been locked.

If you have a related question, please click the "Ask a related question" button in the top right corner. The newly created question will be automatically linked to this question.

BOOSTXL-AOA: Hardware setup with metal sheets

Part Number: BOOSTXL-AOA

Hi,

I looked at design files of TIDA-01632, that is just a 2 antennas array. It seems like the composition with a RF absorbing material and tin plated copper foil will help to ensure that no RF signals are received from the back side of the PCB. Do you suggest it even in BOOSTXL-AOA in order to shield from multipaths?

Thank you

Luca

  • Hi Luca, 

    Assigning an expert to aid.

  • Hi Luca,

    The main purpose for the RF absorbing material on TIDA-01623 is to avoid that the antennas get shorted electrically when the PCB is placed close to metal.

    A positive side effect is that it will block RF signals from the back side of the PCB reducing possible multipath. A negative side effect is that it will slightly change the antenna electrically and will also reduce the antenna efficiency. If you attach this RF absorbing material to BOOSTXL-AoA you probably need to change the angle compensation. You can find more info on this compensation in the BLE5 User's Guide.     

    Best Regards,

    R.M 

  • Hi and thank you.

    I am running RTLS system in an indoor environment. I have tried in openspace and it is working fine, but I need to avoid possible multipaths in an indoor environment.

    So do you think that RF asborbing material + Copper foil + metal, applied on both sides of the antenna array (top and bottom) will help me to avoid some of multipaths? In case, I should span on all angles in order to apply a new compensation. 

    Than you

    Luca

  • Hi Luca,

    If you put this on both side you will reduce the multipath problem but it will not go completely away. It will reduce the antenna performance drastically due to the absorbing material on both sides and the small opening where the antennas is exposed (the PCB thickness) but it might work on short distances. You will basically end up having a really poor performing directional antenna.   

    Best Regards,

    R.M

  • Thank you, I got it.

    What do you think about mounting master and passive in a box and applying RF absorbing material on the internal side of the box? I mean, leaving unshielded only the front side of the box.

    Luca

  • Hi Luca,

    That setup should reduce the multipath problem if it's a possible and practical setup for you. 

    Best Regards,

    R.M

  • Thanks for your comments.

    Luca