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Operating Toradex Wi-Fi/BT Capable Modules Using Dual and Single Antenna Configurations

Introduction​

This article brings general information for configuring dual and single antennas for Wi-Fi/BT connectivity.

Use Cases​

Toradex SoMs with Wi-Fi/BT support dual or single antenna configurations. Dual antenna operation is recommended and is the default configuration to obtain maximum throughput and stability performance through the usage of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO). Below, it is possible to see the antenna configuration use cases for the Toradex SoMs that feature the Azurewave AW-CM276NF or the u-blox MAYA-W160 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chipset.

Azurewave AW-CM276NF​

This is valid for all modules except the Verdin AM62 V1.1 or newer.

In case Bluetooth is needed, its signal is only available on the AUX terminal. Further, if you plan to use only Bluetooth, you will probably not have additional benefits from using two antennas.

Scenarios of antenna usage:

  • Dual Antenna (best performance - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth available).
  • Single Antenna (only Wi-Fi available).
  • Single Antenna (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth available).

U-BLOX MAYA-W160​

Currently only valid for the Verdin AM62 V1.1 or newer.

In case Bluetooth is needed, its signal is only available on the left (most distant from the SoC) terminal of the chipset. On the other hand, if only Wi-Fi is required, its signal is only available on the right (closer to the SoC) terminal of the chipset.

Scenarios of antenna usage:

  • Dual Antenna (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth available).
  • Single Antenna (only Wi-Fi available).
  • Single Antenna (only Bluetooth available).

If this is not the information you are looking for, please, refer to the Wi-Fi Connectivity with Toradex’s Computer on Module (CoM) article for more Wi-Fi related information.

Wi-Fi/BT Antennas Available in the Toradex Webshop​

Toradex offers two types of Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennas: dipole and PCB. If you would like to know more information about them, refer to the article Wi-Fi Cables and Antennas for Toradex Modules. Below are presented the antennas:

Antenna Cable MHF4 to RP-SMA plugged in a Chang Hong DA-2458-02 RP-SMA Antenna

Webshop Links:

Chang Hong DA-2458-02 RP-SMA Antenna + Antenna Cable MHF4 to RP-SMA

Unictron AA222 PCB Antenna MHF4

Webshop Link:

Unictron AA222 PCB Antenna MHF4

Connectors Location on the SoM​

The MHF4 connectors are located at the Wi-Fi/BT chipset. The image below brings an example in a Verdin iMX8MM:

Wi-Fi/BT Chipset - MHF4 Male Connectors

The U.FL connectors are located at the Wi-Fi/BT chipset in the Verdin AM62:

Wi-Fi/BT Chipset - U.FL Male Connectors

Connecting the Antenna to the SoM​

The MHF4 connectors are tiny and fragile. Because of this, it is strongly recommended not to apply too much pressure when connecting it. Further, be careful not to slip and damage it. Using a tool is also not advised as the risk of damaging the MHF4 connector is higher. Below it is possible to watch a Video to clarify how to connect it:

Plugging the MHF4 Connector

Dual Antenna​

This is the recommended setup since it provides the best performance and support for Bluetooth.

  1. Plug each antenna to one of the connectors.
  2. Follow the "Run-Time Configuration" procedure in the last section of this article.

Single Antenna​

  1. Plug the antenna to the desired connector according to your scenario.
  2. It is recommended for the remaining connector to be 50 Ω terminated.
  3. Follow the "Run-Time Configuration" procedure below.

Run-Time Configuration​

Verdin AM62

In case you are using a Verdin AM62 V1.1 or newer, the following steps are not necessary because the antenna setting is already configured by default.

caution

If you are using Torizon OS, you may need to run the following command lines with privileged access using sudo.

  1. Disable the Wi-Fi according to your embedded OS:
# connmanctl disable wifi
  1. Disable the current Wi-Fi connection:
# ip link set dev mlan0 down
  1. Use iw to set the antenna bitmap according to your configuration:
  • Single Antenna (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth available) - Antenna plugged into the AUX connector:
# iw phy phy0 set antenna 0x02 0x02
  • Single Antenna (only Wi-Fi available) - Antenna plugged into the MAIN connector:
# iw phy phy0 set antenna 0x01 0x01
  • Dual Antenna (best performance - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth available) - Antennas plugged into both AUX and MAIN connectors:
# iw phy phy0 set antenna 0x03 0x03
  1. Enable the Wi-Fi again:
# connmanctl enable wifi

Now you can use Wi-Fi as usual.

info

For connecting to the Wi-Fi, you can check the article Toradex’s Linux Images - How to connect to a Wi-Fi network when using a Toradex Reference Image and the article Networking with Torizon OS when using Torizon OS.



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