Product Info

A2. Module PCB Footprint

Note 1: All modules have the same footprint

Note 2: All Dimensions are mm

A3. Optimal PCB placement of the module with PCB antenna

The MSK32W-M10/M16 module features an optimized, low cost, integrated, inverted F, printed PCB antenna. The antenna has

a vertically polarized near omnidirectional radiation pattern and up to 1.6 dBi of peak gain. The PCB design has been elongated

in order to increase the ground plane area which increases the antenna efficiency. This allows standalone operation without

any additional ground plane however care must be taken when mounting this module onto another PCB. The area around the

antenna must be kept clear of conductors or other metal objects for an absolute minimum of 20 mm. This is true for all layers

of the PCB and not just the top layer. Any conductive objects close to the antenna could severely disrupt the antenna pattern

resulting in deep nulls and high directivity in some directions.

The diagrams below show various possible scenarios. The top 3 scenarios are correct; the ground plane may be placed beneath

the MSK32W-M10/M16 module as long as it does not protrude beyond the edge of the top layer ground plane on the module

PCB.

The bottom 3 scenarios are incorrect; the left hand side example because there is ground plane underneath the antenna, the

middle example because there is insufficient clearance around the antenna (it is best to have no conductors anywhere near the

antenna), finally the right hand example has a battery’s metal casing in the recommended keep out area.