nPM1300-EK No response from PMIC

[robsrick]

Hi

I connected up the nPM1300-EK with nPM PowerUP v0.9.1 and it said a firmware update was required. This ran successfully and upon reconnection i get the following: 

The LED in the corner next to the USB C Port is flashing every half second or so. How do i recover the device?

[SwRa]

Hi Rob,

Just heard from the experts in nPM that this can be due to an errata on the nPM1300 used on the initial build of EK's. This errata will be fixed in the TTP version of nPM1300 available in October 2023. In the meantime, you will need to do the connection as described in step 4.1 in the getting started guide: https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-hardware/nPM1300-EK/Get-started?lang=en#infotabs

Best Regards,

Swathy

[robsrick]

Hi Swathy

it was because I didn't have USB-C cables connected to both ports so that the PMIC was powered. Weird because before the firmware update I had used it with one USB C in the nPM controller port and it seemed to work fine. did something change?

[Robin M Saltnes]

Hi Rob, I allow myself to weigh in on this. 

First let me just clarify: this behaviour is not an error and not subject to any errata. 

The nPM Controller USB is the data and power-connection for the board controller IC only. The data-USB to the controller can not provide the nPM1300 with power, as many data-connections are current limited, like for example a USB type-A port on a PC. Likewise the nPM1300 can not power the board controller as this would reduce the amount of current available to external components.

The PMIC USB is a power-only connection, such that all current provided to the nPM1300 is available for external components. This can be even powered by a simple USB-C power supply.

This is by design, as this is a development tool meant to evaluate the performance of the nPM1300 PMIC, which gives you the possibility to monitor the current draw from the nPM1300, plus any batteries and external components you would have added. For any "normal" device you would of course power the board controller from the PMIC and use the same USB-port for any data connections. 

Best regards 
Robin