ESP32-C3FN4 - Custom board, no WiFi
Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2023 2:57 pm
Hi everyone,
I'm working on a custom PCB board based on ESP32-C3FH4 chip.
HF part doesn't seem to work correctly: softAP is not created until I reduce the TX power to 28 or less (WiFi.setTxPower(WIFI_POWER_7dBm)).
It appears that there is a critical problem with the impedance of the antenna path.
It is 2-layers board (1.6mm thickness, 1oz copper weight) from JLC PCB.
I used typical PIFA antenna (TRACE_ANTENNA_2.4GHZ_15.2MM from SparkFun-RF) and general matching PI filter 2pF - 2.7nH - 2.7pF in 0402 packages. Trace is as short as possible, 16millis and 10millis at chip pin.
When designing I knew that these values are for 4 layer board, but I didn't thought it would be so much critical.
All 5 boards that I have, have the same issue.
I looking for ideas to fix this issue. I could have access to network analyzers but I have no idea how to connect network analyzer to such a small traces.
Best regards,
Michal
I'm working on a custom PCB board based on ESP32-C3FH4 chip.
HF part doesn't seem to work correctly: softAP is not created until I reduce the TX power to 28 or less (WiFi.setTxPower(WIFI_POWER_7dBm)).
It appears that there is a critical problem with the impedance of the antenna path.
It is 2-layers board (1.6mm thickness, 1oz copper weight) from JLC PCB.
I used typical PIFA antenna (TRACE_ANTENNA_2.4GHZ_15.2MM from SparkFun-RF) and general matching PI filter 2pF - 2.7nH - 2.7pF in 0402 packages. Trace is as short as possible, 16millis and 10millis at chip pin.
When designing I knew that these values are for 4 layer board, but I didn't thought it would be so much critical.
All 5 boards that I have, have the same issue.
I looking for ideas to fix this issue. I could have access to network analyzers but I have no idea how to connect network analyzer to such a small traces.
Best regards,
Michal