When the PPK II board is used to measure the current of the smoke alarm, the test results are very different from those of the power analyzer.

[Toboshu]

When I tried to use PPK II to measure the alarm current of a smoke alarm product, I found that its test results were very different from those of the power analyzer. I didn't know where the problem was. Is it because in this scenario where the instantaneous current changes very quickly, PPK Ⅱ will not be able to obtain accurate and true values ​​due to switching between different ranges? However, when the PPK II tested constant current, the test results were more realistic. Has anyone encountered this situation? Could you share your solutions? Another question is, I found that the version released by Git hub is 1.2.0, but I bought four PPK II, and all of the version number on the back is 1.0.1. Do I need to update the FW?

PPK II Test Results

Power consumption meter test results

Connection diagram of PPK II and DUT

[Priyanka]

Hi,

Yes, it's recommended to update to the latest firmware. Please update and do let me know if your issue persists. Also, please try in the sourcemeter mode.

Regards,

Priyanka

[Toboshu]

I have updated the FW of pca63100_ppk2_1.2.0_97a781b.hex and the issue is still exist. Please review the whole process.

1. Program the newest FW

2.After connecting to PPK II via Power profile, I found that it needed to be re-program back to old version, but I chose No.

3.When measuring alarm current, the actual result is still too low

4.The same method was used with another PPK II board, and the test results were also abnormal.

[Priyanka]

Hi,

Could you try connecting and measuring in the sourcemeter mode?

-Priyanka

[Toboshu]

Hi,

The measurement is also inaccurate.

[Priyanka]

Hi,

This must probably be because the PPKII cannot keep up with the fast current spikes. Please try placing a large capacitor at the PPKII output and see if this resolves the problem.

-Priyanka

[Toboshu]

You are right, when I tried to retest it by connecting a large capacitor, the average value became normal, although even that was not possible to test the actual maximum current value. Thanks for your support.

[Priyanka]

Happy to help

-Priyanka