User Manual Q&AAnswer
Oct 12, 2025 - 03:22 PM
To ensure optimal WLAN performance with the AzureWave AW-HM593 IEEE 802.11ah Wireless LAN Module, follow these guidelines for routing RF traces:
1. **Control WLAN 50 ohm RF traces:**
- Route traces on the top layer as much as possible and use a continuous reference ground plane underneath them.
- Maintain a gap equal to the width of one trace between the RF trace and ground flooding to prevent detuning or spurious signals.
- Keep all trace routing inside the ground plane area by at least the width of a trace.
- Check for RF trace stubs, especially when bypassing a circuit.
2. **Isolate RF traces properly:**
- Do not route any digital or analog signal traces between RF traces and the reference ground.
- Keep RF inputs away from RF outputs and ensure sufficient isolation between RF traces.
3. **Consider RF design practices:**
- Keep the RF path short, smooth, and neat with curved traces instead of 90-degree turns.
- Avoid width discontinuities over pads and ensure no stubs are present.
- Avoid using thermals on RF traces due to high loss.
4. **Ground Layout:**
- Ensure layer 2 of the PCB is a complete ground plane, especially in the RF section.
- Place ground vias close to pads and use bulk decoupling capacitors with multiple vias.
- Avoid placing ground plane or routing signal traces below printed antennas to preserve their electromagnetic field.
5. **Power Layout:**
- Decouple high-frequency noise with a 10uF capacitor placed close to power terminals.
- Use multiple vias on the ground plane to reduce parasitic effects.
6. **Digital Interface:**
- Route the digital interface using good engineering practices to minimize coupling to power planes and other signals.
- Ensure isolation from RF traces.
7. **RF Trace:**
- Maintain 50Ω impedance between the ANT port and antenna matching network.
- Minimize RF trace length, lay it on the top layer, and avoid vias on the trace.
- Use CPW or microstrip line design, isolate RF traces from other signals, and avoid right-angle corners.
By following these guidelines, you can optimize the routing of RF traces for the AzureWave AW-HM593 IEEE 802.11ah Wireless LAN Module and ensure reliable WLAN performance.
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