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Original question:

CC1350: Maximum distance.

CC1350: Smart RF and distance issue

Alexandru Cismas
Prodigy 25 points
Part Number: CC1350
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LAUNCHXL-CC1310

I conducted some tested as you guys told me. It is true that it took some time, but I had some problems which were a must to be solved. I tried as you said to use the RF Estimator and after that the SmartRF program. I have set the setting on 5 kbps for long distance and in the excel table I have a non LOS distance of 500 m. I could manage to get not more than 80-100 m. The boards I am using are those one .

  • 0
    Prodigy 25 points

    I have also tested with 625 bps. The results were the same. I have checked also the output power which is set to 14 dBm. 

  • 0 in reply to Alexandru Cismas
    TI__Genius 13120 points

    Hi,

    Are the wires covering the PCB antenna when you are testing? This could significantly degrade the radiated performance.

    Is it essential to use the CC1350? We would recommend using the CC13x2R/P for dual-band designs.

    Regards,

    Zack

  • 0 in reply to ZC
    Prodigy 25 points

    Hello Zack, Actually I will replace the antenna with some external ones. The switch between internal and external antenna is made automatically? what disappoints me is that I was expecting to reach 300 m , not 500 as stated in the excell but, at least 300 . 

    Alex C.

  • 0 in reply to Alexandru Cismas
    TI__Genius 13120 points

    Hi Alex,

    My concern is that the additional wires are very close to the antenna, so could affect the performance. Are you able to test this without any wires connected (either an external or integrated PCB antenna is fine)?

    In all of the LaunchPads you will need to resolder a DC blocking capacitor to connect the RF path to the connector if you want to use a whip antenna. On the CC1350 LaunchPad this is moving C15 to C69 (for the Sub-1 GHz path) or C24 to C67 (for the 2.4 GHz path).

    The CC1350 LaunchPad design has been superceded for later devices and is not the most practical for using external antennas as it one of the few that uses JSC connectors rather than an SMA.

    Are you able to test this with either a LAUNCHXL-CC1310 (if you don't need to use the 2.4 GHz band), a CC13x2, or a CC13x1 LaunchPad? Those have an SMA connector for conducted testing and/or an external whip antenna. Additionally, this would help investigate your range issue.

    So, there are the following recommendations:

    1. Test the CC1350 LaunchPad without any additional wires connected.
    2. Evaluate one of the more recent LaunchPads or the LAUNCHXL-CC1310 (if you do not need 2.4 GHz capabilities but a CC13x0 device).
    3. Resolder the DC blocking capacitor on any of the LaunchPads towards the SMA (or JSC) connector and test the performance with a whip antenna.
    4. If you are moving the RF path toward the SMA (or JSC) connector, checking the conducted performance.

    Regards,

    Zack

  • 0 in reply to ZC
    Prodigy 25 points

    Hello Zack. I resoldered the a wire because that JSC connector was very hard to find. I desoldered it and mounted an antenna wire. Tomorow I will resolder the capacitor you are talking about and I will test out using a VNA the output power of the antenna.

  • 0 in reply to Alexandru Cismas
    TI__Mastermind 19743 points

    Hi Alexandru,

    I have another question as well, what packet length are you currently using during your range testing? 

    Regards,

    Arthur