What are the best practices for mounting the FANSTEL BC840 BLE module on a PCB to maximize Bluetooth range?

[DiPreston]

To achieve the best Bluetooth range with your FANSTEL BC840 Compact BLE 5 Thread Zigbee Module, proper mounting on the host PCB is crucial. Here are the recommended guidelines: First, ensure the antenna area of the BC840 module extends beyond the host PCB edge. The required extension is either 2.5mm or 5.5mm, depending on the specific BC840 module variant (BC840 or BC840M). Second, when placing the module on a corner of the host PCB, allow the antenna area to extend 2.5mm or 5.5mm from the edge of the ground plane, keeping the ground plane at least 5mm away from the antenna area. Third, for optimal performance, avoid positioning the BC840 module in the center of the host PCB. Finally, maintain a minimum distance of 30mm between the antenna area and any external metal components to prevent interference. Following these mounting guidelines will help ensure your FANSTEL BC840 module operates at its full Bluetooth range potential.