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

[McReed]

To achieve the best Bluetooth range with your FANSTEL BC840 Compact BLE 5 Thread Zigbee Module, proper mounting on your host PCB is crucial. Here's a breakdown of recommended guidelines:

1. Antenna Placement: Ensure the antenna area of your BC840 module extends beyond the edge of the host PCB or any ground plane. The required extension is either 2.5mm or 5.5mm, depending on whether you're using the standard BC840 or the BC840M variant. Refer to your module's specific documentation for the exact dimension.

2. Corner Mounting: If you're positioning the module on a corner of your host PCB, make sure the antenna area still extends 2.5mm or 5.5mm from the edge of the ground plane. Also, maintain a minimum distance of 5mm between the ground plane and the module's antenna area.

3. Central Placement: Avoid placing the BC840 module directly in the center of your host PCB. This positioning may negatively impact performance.

4. Metal Interference: Keep all external metal components at least 30mm away from the antenna area of the BC840 module to minimize interference and ensure optimal range. Following these guidelines will help you get the most out of your FANSTEL BC840 module's Bluetooth capabilities.