AUX antenna performance on Wi-Fi/BT modules

Technical Support
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1

The guide Operating Toradex Wi-Fi/BT Capable Modules Using Single Antenna Configuration says:

If you’re only using WiFi in your application, better radio performance can be achieved by connecting the antenna to the MAIN port…

I have two questions on this:

  1. Is there any data from Toradex or AzureWave to quantify the difference in performance?
  2. Is this still the case if Bluetooth is not used?
2

I understand that if bluetooth is not used a single antenna connected to the main port could be used. I tried to do tests but I have not been able to get 50 ohm loads with a female MHF4L connector. Can anyone provide a part reference number?

3

Hi @jwright ,

We don’t have any data to quantify the difference in performance, but we expected that dual antenna would have better performance. Using one antenna should be possible but it is recommended to use the 50 Ohm termination and requires the software setup as described here. On the module datasheet, it says on antenna connector that Wi-FI can be used on the main port in case of no Bluetooth.

Best regards,
Daniel Morais

4

Hi @jbruno,

Sorry for the delay to answer.

If you didn’t find any 50 ohm loads with a female MHF4L connector, one alternative is using a cable like this and connecting it to a 50-ohm termination like this for example.

Best regards,
Daniel Morais

5

Hi @daniel_m.tx ,
Something like what you propose could be used for testing but we were looking for a 50 ohm termination that could be mounted on the same connector so it doesn’t take up space.
Best regards,
Julián

6

Hi @jbruno,

Is it possible for you to use two antennas? Since you don’t have much space one alternative is using this antenna that has 50 Ohms of impedance and is pretty tiny.

Best regards,
Daniel Morais

7

Hi @daniel_m.tx ,
We are currently using two flexible antennas like these.
But this solution makes the BOM more expensive and requires more space, which is why we are interested in using a 50 ohm load that is mounted on the same MHF4L connector.
Best ragards,
Julián