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I want to learn designing IOT PCBs (with 2.4Ghz wireless) (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 months ago by ntn888@lemmy.ml to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de

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Hi all! I'm a firmware developer with little knowledge in analog electronics.. I deal with firmware for IOT projects all the time.

I had to make a breakout board with an off the shelf RF module with self contained PCB antenna. Now I'm intrigued in the hardware side. I'm inclined to design them from scratch myself. (Obviously ignoring the EMI and FCC certifications for the time being).

What concepts should I be familiar with to achieve this? Starting on I figured to brush up on circuit theory and signals. Where do I go from here? What materials would you recommend? Hopefully I don't need to get into hardcore RF theory to design these PCBs (I know kicad already has these premade antenna blocks).

Thank you.

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[–] ntn888@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Wow, thank you for the very detailed post! I see that impedance matching is an important base subject. Is it covered in standard circuit theory textbooks. I'm looking to use this book. I tried to skim the contents but couldn't find it... Maybe I need to separately learn it? Thanks.

[–] remotelove@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

That book is a great start, actually. AC theory is critical in understanding RF circuits.

I noticed there were dedicated sections in that book for LC/RLC circuits. In regards to RF, you might see those referenced as resonant tank circuits, so keep that in mind as you move forward.

You aren't going to see too much about impedance matching until you start working with transmission lines, as far as I know.

I just looked this up and read through it and it seems like a good intro. It'll be confusing unless you have a basic understanding of AC: https://resources.system-analysis.cadence.com/blog/msa2021-understanding-impedance-matching-in-transmission-lines

[–] ntn888@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Okay great! Thanks for all the great insight!

[–] remotelove@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 months ago

Any time! Just learn what you can now and pass the knowledge forward later.