Overview
The BALF-NRF01E3 is an ultraminiature balun produced by STMicroelectronics. This component is designed to integrate a matching network on a monolithic glass substrate, optimizing RF performance for specific Nordic Semiconductor RF transceivers, such as the nRF51822-QFAA/AB/AC and nRF51422-QFAA/AB/AC. It features a low profile and high RF performance, making it ideal for space-constrained and high-performance applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Min. | Typ. | Max. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIN (Input power) | - | dBm | - | - | 20 |
| ESD ratings (HBM) | - | V | - | - | 2000 |
| TOP (Operating temperature) | -40 to +105 | °C | -40 | - | 105 |
| ZIN (Nominal input impedance) | 50 | Ω | - | - | - |
| F (Frequency range) | 2400 to 2540 | MHz | 2400 | - | 2540 |
| IL (Insertion loss in bandwidth) | 2.2 to 2.7 | dB | 2.2 | - | 2.7 |
| RL (Return loss in band) | 14 to 15 | dB | 14 | - | 15 |
| φimb (Phase imbalance) | -10 to 10 | ° | -10 | - | 10 |
| Aimb (Amplitude imbalance) | -1 to 1 | dB | -1 | - | 1 |
Key Features
- Low insertion loss and return loss
- Low amplitude and phase imbalance
- Coated CSP on glass substrate
- Small footprint: less than 1.5 mm²
- Very low profile
- High RF performance
- PCB space saving versus discrete solution
- BOM count reduction
- Efficient manufacturability
- Integrated harmonic filters for compliance with major EMC regulations
Applications
The BALF-NRF01E3 is optimized for use with Nordic Semiconductor RF transceivers such as the nRF51822-QFAA/AB/AC and nRF51422-QFAA/AB/AC. It is particularly suited for applications requiring a 2.45 GHz balun with integrated matching network.
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- ZigBee
- LoRa
- 802.15.4 OpenThread
- ISM Radio SubGHz
- WM-BUS
Q & A
- What is the BALF-NRF01E3 used for?
The BALF-NRF01E3 is a balun used to transform a single-ended signal to a differential signal, optimized for Nordic Semiconductor RF transceivers like the nRF51822 and nRF51422.
- What are the key specifications of the BALF-NRF01E3?
Key specifications include a nominal input impedance of 50 Ω, frequency range of 2400 to 2540 MHz, insertion loss of 2.2 to 2.7 dB, and return loss of 14 to 15 dB.
- What is the operating temperature range of the BALF-NRF01E3?
The operating temperature range is -40°C to +105°C.
- What are the benefits of using the BALF-NRF01E3?
Benefits include low insertion loss, low amplitude and phase imbalance, small footprint, high RF performance, and efficient manufacturability.
- How does the BALF-NRF01E3 integrate with other components?
The BALF-NRF01E3 integrates a matching network on a monolithic glass substrate, optimized for specific Nordic Semiconductor RF transceivers.
- What are the typical applications of the BALF-NRF01E3?
Typical applications include Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee, LoRa, 802.15.4 OpenThread, ISM Radio SubGHz, and WM-BUS.
- What is the package type of the BALF-NRF01E3?
The BALF-NRF01E3 comes in an LGA (Land Grid Array) package.
- What are the ESD ratings for the BALF-NRF01E3?
The ESD ratings are 2000 V for HBM (Human Body Model), 500 V for CDM (Charge Device Model), and 500 V for MM (Machine Model).
- How does the BALF-NRF01E3 help in reducing RF complexity?
The BALF-NRF01E3 simplifies RFIC-to-antenna matching networks and integrates harmonic filters, aiding compliance with major EMC regulations.
- What is the recommended solder paste and placement force for the BALF-NRF01E3?
A “No Clean” solder paste with fine particles (20-45 µm) is recommended. The placement force should be around 3.5 N to avoid solder paste squeeze out or insufficient contact.
