Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

runsiv — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 11:29:09 GMT

Thanks. The setup is like you would expect and no different from mine. Do you have access to a multimeter or similar just so we can see if it gives the same readings as the PPK?
I just have to ask, outside preparing the DK for the measurement, has there been any modification to the PPK or the DK?

Regards

Runar

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

harry4951 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:01:39 GMT

Hi,

PPK2 VOUT -> VDD_nRF

PPK2 VIN -> VDD_nRF'

PPK2 GND -> DK External supply -

Power supply 5V red-> DK External supply +

Power supply 5V black-> DK External supply -

Software: just the original blinky sample

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

runsiv — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 11:55:45 GMT

I just did a quick test on my desk with blinky sample. However I have added the modem fix (so the modem is initialized) together with CONFIG_SERIAL=n, CONFIG_TFM_LOG_LEVEL_SILENCE=y

Could you show me your setup? I was not able to reproduce what you are seeing

Regards

Runar

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

harry4951 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 11:40:11 GMT

Hi,

It is powered using an external power supply suppling 5V, and the setup is following the link

Getting started with current measurements on the nRF9160

I am not concerned about whether it is noise or not, my question is why it is not 3mA as in the source mode scenario.

Can you maybe just try to duplicate what I have done in my original post at your side, to see whether you had the same issue?

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

runsiv — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 11:30:45 GMT

Hi and thanks

I ran the plots over with a co-worker who have done more work on the 91dk. The source mode measurements looks correct and shows that the modem has the known current issue. However there is something strange with the amp measurement. How did you power the device? I would not be surprising if the noise on the measurement comes from the USB if the device is powered by it,

Regards

Runar

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

harry4951 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 09:10:30 GMT

Hmmm, can you see the pictures in my original post? like the below. If you look at them carefully, you should see that in the scenario of ampere meter mode measurement, the average current is actually around 250uA, not 3mA. Why it differs with the the source mode scenario, in which case it is at 3mA level?

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

runsiv — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 09:00:05 GMT

Thank you for your patience. The known issue is valid for the your device. I'm sorry but could you reword your last question? The main difference between source mode or ampere mode is how the DUT(device under Test) is supplied. In Ampere mode it needs external power to drive the board while in source mode you can adjust the supply in the app

Regards

Runart

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

harry4951 — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:50:17 GMT

Thanks. I checked the nrf9160 on the DK, the build code is B1, does it apply to the same 3mA known issue?

How do you see the ampere meter mode measurement, why does it get 200uA ish, shouldnt it be the same 3mA ish as source meter mode?

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

runsiv — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 11:04:33 GMT

I would recommend using another sample then Blink for measuring current with the 9160dk. There is a known issue when running applications that do not enable Modem library on nRF9160 with build code B1A, current consumption will stay at 3 mA when in sleep.Try to use for example the UDP sample as mentioned here "Navigate to the Cellular: UDP sample in nRF Connect SDK and copy the contents of the opp.conf file that you exported from Online Power Profiler into the prj.conf file in the UDP sample folder (samplescellularudp)."
It might also be wise to use a fixed Y axis as the zoom level may cause confusion.

Regards

Runar

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

harry4951 — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 10:43:58 GMT

Hi, yes. and strictly following the connection in two different modes with the link devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../getting-started-with-current-measurements-on-the-nrf9160

RE: Strange power consumptions on nrf9160DK with blinky sample

runsiv — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:56:18 GMT

Hi Li

Have you prepared the DK as mentioned here?

Regards

Runar