Estimating power use of NRF52840 dongles in the Online Power Profiler

RE: Estimating power use of NRF52840 dongles in the Online Power Profiler

Kenneth — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 20:16:44 GMT

All the parameters that are configurable in the online power profiler are parameters that can be configured by hardware design and/or software configurations. They provide very good estimations for each individual configurable parameter. For the tolerance of the LF clock we provide really only two data points (internal: 500ppm and external (likely around) 20ppm).

Kenneth

RE: Estimating power use of NRF52840 dongles in the Online Power Profiler

DookDook — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:59:45 GMT

Yes, I had some troubles developing with the dongles, but managed through by debugging with USB communications.

I am currently only focused for the communication energy used in BLE for a research. That is why I asked specific questions for the communications.

Thanks you for your answer, but if possible, do you mind answering the questions I listed, even if with just estimations? It will not be practical for me to use the Power Profiler II, so I want to make as close to an estimation as possible.

RE: Estimating power use of NRF52840 dongles in the Online Power Profiler

Kenneth — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:38:45 GMT

Hello,

If you haven't already I suggest running through the https://academy.nordicsemi.com/

Be aware that the nRF52840 USB dongle is not well suited for development, since there is no on-board programmer or debugger, you should get yourself an nRF52840-DK instead. The nRF52840 USB dongle is better suited for demo purposes down the line.

If you are making an BLE application you can find decent power numbers here:
https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/power/w/opp/2/online-power-profiler-for-bluetooth-le

Though be aware that the power numbers do not include anything beside the BLE link, so any other application activity such as serial interface and leds are not included. To find what is actually drawing current having an Power Profiler II is very useful:
https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-hardware/Power-Profiler-Kit-2

Also, I recommend to check out:
https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ncs-latest/page/nrf/test_and_optimize/optimizing/power_general.html

Finally I would like to mention that I can see ask a bit about some low level details of the radio, be aware that we do provide various radio protocols (e.g. BLE or ESB) with a set of api for sending and receiving data, so all these low level timing is not something you need to consider.

Kenneth