Silicon Laboratories EFR32 1 Series - User Manual

AN928.1: EFR32 Series 1 Layout Design
Guide
The purpose of this application note is to help users design PCBs
for the EFR32 Wireless Gecko Portfolio using design practices
that allow for good RF performance.
The 2.4 GHz matching principles are described in the application note, AN930.1:
EFR32 Series 1 2.4GHz Matching Guide, and the matching process for the sub-GHz
section is discussed in AN923: EFR32 sub-GHz Matching Guide. The MCU-related
subjects are detailed in the following application notes: AN0918.1: MCU Series 0 to
EFM32GG1x/TG11 Compatibility and Migration Guide, AN0948: Power Configurations
and DC-DC, and AN0955: CRYPTO.
The Silicon Labs MCU and Wireless Starter Kits and Simplicity Studio provide a power-
ful development and debug environment. In order to take advantage of the capabilities
and features on custom hardware, Silicon Labs recommends including debugging and
programming interface connector(s) in custom hardware designs. The details and ben-
efits of including these connector interfaces are detailed in AN958: Debugging and Pro-
gramming Interfaces for Custom Designs.
The power configurations and the proper usage of the internal DC-DC converter of
EFR32 is described in AN0948: Power Configurations and DC-DC. The RF perform-
ance strongly depends on the PCB layout, as well as the design of the matching net-
works. For optimal performance, Silicon Labs recommends using the PCB layout de-
sign guidelines described in the following sections.
KEY POINTS
• Provides a reference schematic and PCB
layout
• Lists and describes all main design
principles
• Provides a summary checklist of all design
principles
silabs.com | Building a more connected world. Rev. 0.5

Summary

1. Design Recommendations When Using EFR32 Series 1 Wireless MCUs

1.1 Matching Network Types for the 2.4 GHz EFR32 Series 1 Wireless MCU

Discusses 2.4 GHz matching network types and design considerations for EFR32 Series 1.

1.2 Matching Network Types for the sub-GHz EFR32 Series 1 Wireless MCU

Covers sub-GHz matching network types, including impedance transformation and baluns.

2. Guidelines for Layout Design When Using EFR32 Wireless MCUs

2.1 Layout for the 2.4 GHz Frequency Band EFR32 Series 1 Wireless MCU Based on the Dual-band (2.4 GHz and sub-GHz) Reference Radio Board

Illustrates layout concepts for the 2.4 GHz RF section using a dual-band reference board.

2.2 Layout for the sub-GHz Frequency Band EFR32 Series 1 Based on the Dual-band (2.4 GHz and sub-GHz) Reference Radio Board

Demonstrates layout principles for the sub-GHz RF section on a dual-band reference board.

3. Checklists

3.1 Main Layout Design Principles

A checklist summarizing key layout design principles for RF performance.

3.2 Additional Concerns for the 2.4 GHz Matching Network

Specific checklist items related to layout concerns for the 2.4 GHz matching network.

3.3 Additional Concerns for the sub-GHz Matching Network

Checklist items detailing specific layout considerations for the sub-GHz matching network.

Silicon Laboratories EFR32 1 Series Specifications