Seeking Guidance on Power Management Options for NF52840

[Rajeev K R]

Hello NRF DevZone Community,

I am currently working on a project involving the NRF52840 SoC, and I am looking to optimize power consumption. My project utilizes BLE, multiple UARTs, one-wire communication, a PMIC (NPM1100), external Flash, ADC, and an external RTC.

I would appreciate any guidance or suggestions on exploring power management options, both in terms of hardware and software optimizations. Specifically, I am interested in:

1. Hardware options:

   • Suggestions for power-efficient configurations for the NRF52840 SoC.
   • Recommendations for optimizing power usage with external peripherals like the PMIC, Flash, ADC, and RTC.

2. Software options:

   • Best practices for power management within the NRF52840 SDK, especially for BLE applications.
   • Techniques for minimizing power consumption during idle periods and optimizing power usage during active communication.

Any insights, tips, or resources related to power measurement and optimization for the NRF52840 would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support!

[Priyanka]

Hi Rajeev,

Please take a look at our Blogpost for the power optimization for nRF52 designs.

Regards,

Priyanka

[Rajeev K R]

I have seen this Blogpost, but  I am using nRF Connect Zephyr. I tried different power saving modes provided in Zephyr, still I am not able to reduce the current draw. 

[Priyanka]

Hi Rajeev,

You can try to reduce the power consumption generally with the following methods:

Hardware:

1. Try using the DCDC mode which can help reduce the current consumption.

2. Try choosing crystal with a minimum "startup" current consumption.

3. Try putting the externals peripherals and also Flash to sleep during periods of inactivity. Interrupts can help with this.

Software:

1. You can try using the Device Power Management Module to minimize power consumpton during idle periods.

2. You can also use the Power profiler kit to verify and minimize the power consumption. We also have the Online Power Profiler.

Regards,

Priyanka

[Rajeev K R]

Understood. Thank you for your support.