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December 30, 2024
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Different Impedance Control on same PCB for USB and RF

  • December 30, 2024
  • 1 reply
  • 1514 views

Hi, 
I am designing for first time an RF PCB whose primary function is to convert incoming CAN Data and sent it over 2.4GHz frequency using an nRF24L01+ transciever. I am also incorporating an USB-B Micro for programming. As both have a different Impedance matching requirement (RF-50 Ohms and USB differential = 90Ohm). My question is, How to define two different impedance configurations in pcb design, from the youtube tutorials over RF PCBs, most of them have incorporated only one kind of High speed differential pair communication going on and therefore no need for two different impedance matching config. I am using Altium Designer, so if anyone can guide me over how to do it, I would be extremely grateful.
Thank You

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Best answer by Sarra.S

    Hello @hvs_learnn, 

    Using Altium Designer, the manipulation shouldn't be complicated, you will have to create a new routing rule for each impedance: 

    1. Go to Design > Rules

    2. Create a new rule under Routing > Width

    3. Define the rule for the RF traces, specifying the calculated trace width for 50-ohm impedance.

    For USB signals routing, you also have to do the same, creating routing rule under Routing > Differential Pairs.

    Each rule will apply on the signals you will define inside the rule. 

    This approach is also widely used for the power nets, they're usually defined in a new rule. 

    Check: Setting Up the Design Rules | Altium Designer 25 and 24 Technical Documentation

    1 reply

    Sarra.SAnswer
    ST Employee
    December 31, 2024

    Hello @hvs_learnn, 

    Using Altium Designer, the manipulation shouldn't be complicated, you will have to create a new routing rule for each impedance: 

    1. Go to Design > Rules

    2. Create a new rule under Routing > Width

    3. Define the rule for the RF traces, specifying the calculated trace width for 50-ohm impedance.

    For USB signals routing, you also have to do the same, creating routing rule under Routing > Differential Pairs.

    Each rule will apply on the signals you will define inside the rule. 

    This approach is also widely used for the power nets, they're usually defined in a new rule. 

    Check: Setting Up the Design Rules | Altium Designer 25 and 24 Technical Documentation