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cc3100 module - pcb layers and fcc certification

Lacho Tomov
Intellectual 980 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC3100, CC3200

Hi,

I have a question about the upcoming cc3100 module - with the original cc3100 chip, the docs state that 4 layers board has to be used.

With the module will it be possible to use just 2 layers board or it still has to be 4?

Also regarding the FCC certification - I didn't understand it completely - using the module will provide the needed FCC certificate, even with/without external antenna?

Thanks!

  • 0
    Guru 21435 points

    Hi Lacho,

    If this situation is the same as the CC3000, which is unknown until the CC3100 module is released...unless someone from TI can confirm before hand. Then these are your likely answers.

    Whether you use a 2 layer of 4 layer board is up to your design decisions, I do not believe there is any enforcement/requirement for 4 layers, unless your design requires this. Can you please provide details on where it states that 4 layers has to be used?

    Regarding the antenna. I believe automatic FCC certification will only be granted when you use the exact same chip antenna, as this is what was tested.

    If anyone from TI has further information, then please correct my assumptions.

    Glenn.

  • 0 in reply to Glenn Vassallo
    Intellectual 980 points

    Hi Glenn,

    About the 4 layers, on the cc3100 page there's a document

    "CC3100 & CC3200 SimpleLink Wi-Fi & IOT Solution Layout Guidelines" - http://www.ti.com/lit/ug/swru370/swru370.pdf

    There a 4 layers board is described, but I'm not sure if this is a requirement or just a possible example.

    Regards,

    Lacho

  • 0 in reply to Lacho Tomov
    Guru 21435 points

    Hi Lacho,

    It states the following - "This document provides the design guidelines of a 4-layer PCB board". So I do not see this as being a requirement, more the specifics to this board's design.

    This board's design requires 4 layers due all the routing for headers, different power options, LEDs, buttons, jumpers etc.

    Your design should be much simpler, just spi/uart to mcu, power supply, crystal, serial flash, antenna. And since you are interested in the FCC certified CC3100 module, it will be even more simple, just spi/uart, power and antenna. If designing a board for the module, I recommend waiting till its details have been released, the document you have shown is for the CC3100 chip.

    The only reason I can think of for requiring 4 layers might be some RF thing...but I doubt it??

    Glenn

  • 0 in reply to Glenn Vassallo
    Intellectual 980 points

    I see, thank you for the clarification. 

  • 0 in reply to Lacho Tomov
    Guru 21435 points

    Hi Lacho,

    If you feel this question is answered, please feel free to verify it has been.

    Glenn.

  • 0 in reply to Lacho Tomov
    Prodigy 90 points
    Hi Lacho,

    Just curious if you had any success with building a 2-layer board?

    I'm thinking of making a 2-layer board for the CC3200 using the free version of Eagle and want to know if I would run into any roadblocks.

    Thanks and have a good one!

    Cheers, Rich
  • 0 in reply to Rich N
    Intellectual 980 points

    Hi Rich,

    Unfortunately no, I still haven't got the modules... I guess I will be trying that in the next couple of months or so.

    Regards,

    Lacho

  • 0 in reply to Lacho Tomov
    Prodigy 90 points
    Lacho,

    No worries! Thanks anyways for the reply.

    Rich