nRF5340 v2.0.2

RF measurements

The nRF5340 DK is equipped with a small coaxial connector (J1) for conducting measurements of the RF signal with a spectrum analyzer.

The connector is of Microwave coaxial connector with switch (SWF) type (Murata part no. MM8130-2600) with an internal switch. By default, when no cable is attached, the RF signal is routed to the onboard trace antenna.

In this example, a test probe (Murata part no. MXHS83QE3000) is used with a standard SubMiniature Version A (SMA) connection on the other end for connecting instruments (the test probe is not included with the kit). When connecting the test probe, the internal switch in the SWF connector disconnects the onboard antenna and connects the RF signal from the nRF5340 System on Chip (SoC) to the test probe.

Figure 1. Connecting a spectrum analyzer
A spectrum analyzer connected to J1 on the nRF5340 DK

The connector and test probe add loss to the RF signal. See the following table for more information or consult the test probe user guide if you are using another model.

Table 1. Typical loss in connector and test probe, using Murata part no. MXHS83QE3000
Frequency (MHz) Loss (dB)
2440 1.0
4880 1.7
7320 2.6