
RS9116 CC0 Connectivity Module Datasheet v1.0.10, December 2021
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5.3 Layout Guidelines
1. The following Supply Pins needs to be STAR routed from the Supply Source
a. VINBCKDC
b. ULP_IO_VDD
c. SDIO_IO_VDD
d. IO_VDD_1
e. UULP_VBATT_1
f.
UULP_VBATT_2
g. PA2G_AVDD
h. PA5G_AVDD
i.
RF_VBATT
j.
RF_AVDD33
k. AVDD_1P9_3P3
2. The RF_PORT2 (Module Pin No. N14) signal may be directly connected to an on-board chip antenna or
terminated in an RF connector of any form factor for enabling the use of external antennas.
3. There need to be DC blocking capacitors (8.2pF) on RF_PORT2 & RF_PORT1 if they are connected to Antennas
4. The RF traces on RF_PORT1 and RF_PORT2 should have a characteristic impedance of 50 Ohms. Any standard
50 Ohms RF trace (Microstrip or Coplanar wave guide) may be used. The width of the 50 Ohms line depends on
the PCB stack, e.g., the dielectric of the PCB, thickness of the copper, thickness of the dielectric and other factors.
Consult the PCB fabrication unit to get these factors right.
5. To evaluate transmit and receive performance like Tx Power and EVM, Rx sensitivity and the like, an RF
connector would be required. Since Antenna is connected to RF_PORT2, connect U.Fl connector to RF_PORT1
for RF related test & evaluation.
6. The layout Guidelines for the BUCK are as follows:-
Minimize the loop area formed by inductor switching node, output capacitors & input capacitors. This helps keep
high current paths as short as possible. Keeping high current paths shorter and wider would help decrease trace
inductance & resistance. This would significantly help increase the efficiency in high current applications. This
reduced loop area would also help in reducing the radiated EMI that may affect nearby components.
a. VINBCKDC Capacitor should be very close to the Module Pin & the Ground Pad of the capacitor should
have direct vias to the Ground Plane underneath.
b. Buck Inductor should be close to Module VOUTBCKDC pin and buck capacitor should be placed closed
to the Inductor, the Ground Pad of the capacitor should have direct vias to the Ground Plane underneath.
c. The Ground Plane underneath the Buck Inductor in the Top Layer should be made as an isolated copper
patch and should descend down to the Second Layer (Main Ground) through multiple Vias.
d. The path from VOUTBCKDC to VINLDOSOC is a high current path. The Trace should be as short & wide
as possible and is recommended to run a Grounded Shield Traces on either side of this High Current
Trace
e. The capacitor on VINLDOSOC should be very close to the Module Pin & the Ground Pad of the capacitor
should have direct vias to the ground plane underneath.
7. For USB, it is recommended that the components and their values in the BoM be adhered to.
8. It is highly recommended that the two USB differential signals (USB_DP and USB_DN) be routed in parallel with a
spacing (say, a) which achieves 90 Ω of differential impedances, 45 Ω for each trace.