Extending BCM20732S Range

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Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi,

We have found that the BCM920732TAG_Q32 has about twice the range as our own design involving the BCM20732S. While

this is not too surprising, we are wondering whether an external antenna can be attached to the BCM20732S. Pin 10 seems to have some RF related function (see: Sample BCM20732S PCB Layout), I'm wondering whether this was meant to be an external antenna IO pin.

I doubt that Pin 10 could help us but information about the range you are expecting from the two devices would be helpful.

Regards,

Kilian

1 Solution

There is a version of the module called the BCM20732E which is offered without the antenna connected to Pin 10.

Existing regulatory approvals will not apply and there is very little in the way of documentation available for the "E" module related to external antenna design.

Unfortunately, because of the additional support required, this version has a slightly different engagement criteria, so you will need to discuss with your local/regional Broadcom sales channel to see if an engagement is possible.

View solution in original post

3 Replies
Anonymous
Not applicable

Would you like to use external antenna?

Or just expanding range by modifying schematic/layout w/o external antenna?

0 Likes
Anonymous
Not applicable

We would like to use an external antenna, possibly with the BCM20732 but rather with the BCM20732S.

Regards,

Kilian

0 Likes

There is a version of the module called the BCM20732E which is offered without the antenna connected to Pin 10.

Existing regulatory approvals will not apply and there is very little in the way of documentation available for the "E" module related to external antenna design.

Unfortunately, because of the additional support required, this version has a slightly different engagement criteria, so you will need to discuss with your local/regional Broadcom sales channel to see if an engagement is possible.