nRF9161DK: measuring power consumption

RE: nRF9161DK: measuring power consumption

leox — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:33:03 GMT

VDD_GPIO need to be powered when VDD_nRF is on, https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ps_nrf9160/page/recommended_op_conditions.html#ariaid-title2

with the nrf9161 DK, the VDD_GPIO is regulated from 5V, either from the USB or VIN_5V'. Yes, separate power source (power from USB, or VIN_5V') is required (not recommend supplying power directly to VDD_5V, it could generate noise/oscillation with the Q8 and Q9).

RE: nRF9161DK: measuring power consumption

hk — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:44:13 GMT

Hello,

To measure the current consumption of a particular application, can you just use the VDD nRF and GND pins to power the board and measure the current, or do you always need an external power supply (VIN 5V)?

RE: nRF9161DK: measuring power consumption

leox — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 23:11:01 GMT

Hi Jordan,

The DK files available in this public link: nRF9161 DK - Downloads - nordicsemi.com.

5V power from a laptop or PC could be noisy, either from the AC adapter, or long USB cables. worth to try a clean and stable power supply to compare the results, if experiencing unexpected noise pattens with the current measurement.

RE: nRF9161DK: measuring power consumption

JordanYates — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:01:05 GMT

Thank you for the links to the hardware designs, it would be useful if they were accessible from the product page like the other development kits.

Measuring only VDD_nRF is not ideal, as it ignores both the external flash and the IO current consumption, but it is sufficient for my purposes. I can measure ~3uA with the suggested sample using your method.

Is there any situation in which the documentation recommendation to supply 5V into P20 is useful?

RE: nRF9161DK: measuring power consumption

leox — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:30:26 GMT

Hi Jordan,

The nrf9161DK design files can be found from these links:

DK HW ver: 0.9.x:

https://nsscprodmedia.blob.core.windows.net/prod/software-and-other-downloads/dev-kits/nrf9161-dk/hardware-files/pca10153-nrf9161-development-board-0_9_0.zip

DK HW ver: 1.0.0:

https://nsscprodmedia.blob.core.windows.net/prod/software-and-other-downloads/dev-kits/nrf9161-dk/hardware-files/nrf9161-development-kit----hardware-files-1_0_0.zip

The 5V power source (VDD_5V) is from the USB connector, with the jumper shunt installed, it also supplies to nrf9161's VDD1 and VDD2, the nrf9161's VDD_GPIO from the VDD_5V via a regulator.

after remove the jumper shunt from nrf9161DK, could measure nrf9161DK's current (could adjust voltage level as well ) to the VDD_nRF, and while keep VDD_5V powered from another power source to keep VDD_GPIO.

with the udp sample, nrf\samples\cellular\udp, My measured current with PPK2 in source meter mode to VDD_nRF is few uA after modem entered PSM, while keeping the USB connected to PC.