Overview
Design practical 50 ohm PCB traces for RF modules, antennas and connectors.
Design checklist
- Use your PCB stackup to calculate trace width.
- Keep the ground reference continuous under the RF trace.
- Avoid sharp corners and unnecessary stubs.
- Match connectors, traces and antennas to 50 ohms.
Practical notes
RF layout is sensitive to trace geometry, return current, grounding, enclosure materials and nearby components. Always compare your layout with the RF module or antenna manufacturer reference design.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include routing under antennas, broken ground return paths, long matching network traces, poor connector grounding and tuning before the final enclosure is built.