Wireless applications? At Dimac Red you can rely on smart technologies and services
This whitepaper aims to offer recommendations for Internet of Things (IoT) applications and wireless applications in general. They consist of embedded solutions with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet.
Through its partners, Dimac Red is able to offer state-of-the-art solutions suitable for these applications. For example, Microchip and Johanson Technologies are very focused on the markets listed below:
They cover the Bandwidths and Technologies highlighted in the following table:
They can thus ensure compliance, interoperability, and quality assurance. As a result, their solutions are compliant to
- Standard - FCC (USA), IC (Canada), RED (Europe)
- Optional by Product – SRRC (China), KC (Korea), TC (Taiwan), MIC (Japan)
- Additional product-level testing may be required for other countries
- Microchip module certifications are transferrable
However, safety and immunity testing are under the responsibility of the product manufacturer.
Key advantages of Wi-Fi technology are low power consumption, small size, easy IoT implementations, secure cloud connections, high-quality certified modules, and silicon. Microchip offers a variety of modules and evaluation kits (ATWILC, ATWINC families for example).
Key advantages of the Bluetooth Technology
- Proven Software and Hardware Reliability - Proven interoperability - Mobile app for audio and Bluetooth Low Energy - Bluetooth 5.0 support - High-volume production expertise - Dual-Mode Audio Products (Bluetooth Low Energy + A2DP) - High-quality sound with 24-bit/96 kHz data & digital audio (I2S) - HD voice with echo suppression and noise cancellation - Multi-speaker class 1 & 2 modules - Small form factor headset applications - Data Products - Low power consumption - ASCII interface for use with 8-/16-/32-bit MCUs - Compact sizes 4x4 mm (IC), 5.5x4.5 mm (SiP) or 6x8 mm (Modules) Also here Microchip offers a variety of modules and evaluation boards (RN, ATBTLC, ATSAMB, BM families for example). IoT applications allow for services in Healthcare, Wearable, Smart City, Industrial, Agriculture, Smart Home, and Transportation. For a better picture, the table below well describes the implemented features:
In summary, Microchip is offering the active Hardware and the associated Software while Johanson Technology is offering the passive components associated with the active Hardware.
For designers, it is important to access reliable documents able to provide technical suggestions and guidelines in a simple way. Even more important for them is to rely on valuable feedback on their implementation from competent Engineers.
Furthermore, Johanson Technology and Microchip documents include many applicable recommendations. But designers are taking benefit from direct comments, tailored to their design. Also, they need a summary of the available services. This section of the document summarizes the advantages of the technical services provided by both Microchip and Johanson Technology and aims to help the designer with interpreting the contents.
Additionally, Microchip offers the “Wireless Check Service”, a design review with an expert Technical Team at the Factory. They check the layout, the Gerber files, and the schematics.
10 steps instruction for design check
At the link below you can get the 10 steps instructions to submit a design check request. www.microchip.com/en-us/support/design-help/design-check-services Following is the offer of specific design checks:- CarAccessCheck Review
- EqcoCheck Review
- INICnetCheck Review
- LANCheck® Review
- MCU32Check Review
- MOSTCheck Review
- MPUCheck Review
- PoECheck Review
- PowerCheck Review
- TouchCheck Review
- USBCheck™ Review
- WirelessCheck Review
Supported Application Bands
- Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, Home RF • 2.4 GHz & 5.5 GHz ISM Band • GPS
- GSM/EDGE/GPRS/DCS/PCS/WCDMA • Zigbee • UNII
- WiMAX 802.16 d/e • MIMO • UWB
An example of the level of details is in the webpage https://www.johansontechnology.com/microchip
where you can find baluns, filters, and antennas specifically designed for Atmel (now Microchip) chipsets:
The "Chipset Match"
Among other information, the notes under the “Chipset Match” column are chipset specific, reporting comments on the exact model which each Johanson Technology P/N has been designed for. Sometimes also the websites of the Vendors of the chipsets are reporting the recommended BOM of the Application, including the Johanson Technology parts. Additionally,the Johanson Technology website provides interesting technical notes on Antennas, Integrated Passive Components, RF Capacitors and Inductors, Packaging and Soldering information, and more. Along with the tailoring of the devices for specific chipsets, Johanson offers multiple models of SMD ceramic antennas, baluns, filters, and couplers each one designed for specific applications. Antennas must be selected among multiple options based on: the geometry of the Application, the desired operating distance, and the sort of material and shape of the implementation around the board where the antenna is mounted. For each Antenna, the datasheet provides the layout considerations, the exact size of the critical areas (with or without Ground cuts), the dimensions of the PADs and the related distance, the mounting considerations, the shape of the traces, and the characteristics of the stack-up of the PCB where the dimensions of the traces are reported. As an example, you can see below the level of details (this comes from the datasheet of the P/N 2450AT18A100):
This Antenna specifically targets applications where the antenna is located in a corner of the PCB.
On the other hand, other antennas aim to properly work when located on the border of the PCB, like 2450AT42E010B:
You can download the reference design files for this Antenna here.
