Even though we will be getting COTS breakouts for the Si4463, it is possible there are some issues with them that would still require us to build our own breakouts. The first step in this is creating a breakout board that just integrates the Si4463 chip, and all required filter and matching circuits, into a breakout board. This board would have insufficient transmit power for the range we need, but it will help us get familiar with designing PCBs with RF circuits, and give us a starting point for the high power module.
The board should include the following components:
The Si4463
As per the Si4463 datasheet, a matching circuit and a low pass (LP) filter
An SMA antenna connector
Headers that breakout all available GPIO, SPI, or other interface pins on the Si4463
Optional: LEDs to indicate radio status
The Si4463 datasheet and relevant application notes should be used as a guide when designing this board.
Even though we will be getting COTS breakouts for the Si4463, it is possible there are some issues with them that would still require us to build our own breakouts. The first step in this is creating a breakout board that just integrates the Si4463 chip, and all required filter and matching circuits, into a breakout board. This board would have insufficient transmit power for the range we need, but it will help us get familiar with designing PCBs with RF circuits, and give us a starting point for the high power module.
The board should include the following components:
The Si4463 datasheet and relevant application notes should be used as a guide when designing this board.