Optimizing Power Consumption for Battery-Operated Matter-over-Thread Device (nRF54L15)

[Bhavya Mathukiya]

Hi Nordic Team,

I am planning to develop a Matter-over-Thread end device (sensor) using the nRF54L15, which will be battery-operated. To maximize battery life (minimum 2 year), I need to implement an efficient low-power mode.

1. Which power mode should I use to achieve the longest battery life?
2. When the MCU enters sleep mode, will the Thread connectivity be affected? If so, how can I ensure a stable network connection?
3. Is there any official guide or documentation that I can follow to develop a battery-efficient Matter-over-Thread end device?
4. Can we wakeup MCU based on thread message reception? In idle state can I keep my MCU in sleep state and upon receiving the thread message meant for my MCU, it can wake up the MCU. Is this possible?

I would appreciate any guidance on best practices for optimizing power consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity.

Thank you,

Bhavya

[Maria Gilje]

Hello Bhavya,

Which power mode should I use to achieve the longest battery life?

You should create an Intermittently Connected Device (ICD) with a Long Idle Time (LIT). The Thread device which fits best is the Synchronized Sleepy End Device (SSED).

When the MCU enters sleep mode, will the Thread connectivity be affected? If so, how can I ensure a stable network connection?

The LIT ICD or SSED will wake on predefined intervals to ensure it stays connected to the network and that it receives messages.

Is there any official guide or documentation that I can follow to develop a battery-efficient Matter-over-Thread end device?

Yes, you can find it here: https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ncs-latest/page/nrf/protocols/matter/getting_started/low_power_configuration.html

Can we wakeup MCU based on thread message reception? In idle state can I keep my MCU in sleep state and upon receiving the thread message meant for my MCU, it can wake up the MCU. Is this possible?

No, the MCU will need to wake up to start polling for Thread messages. Wake-ups can't rely on the radio. Once woken up after the configured interval or on an external factor, a new sleep interval can be negotiated with the SSED's parent node.

Best regards,

Maria

[Bhavya Mathukiya]

Hi Maria,

Thank you for your response. This "low-power configuration" document seems a good starting point for me toward power optimization. Meanwhile, please share the power calculation/consumption data of the matter template or Smoke CO Alarm app. As I understand, the Smoke CO Alarm is based on the ICD LIT device type, and its power consumption data can be helpful to me.

Best regards,

Bhavya

[Maria Gilje]

Hey Bhavya,

Bhavya Mathukiya said:

Thank you for your response. This "low-power configuration" document seems a good starting point for me toward power optimization.

Good to hear!

Bhavya Mathukiya said:

Meanwhile, please share the power calculation/consumption data of the matter template or Smoke CO Alarm app. As I understand, the Smoke CO Alarm is based on the ICD LIT device type, and its power consumption data can be helpful to me.

We have a new tool which can be of great help for you: the Online Power Profiler for Matter over Thread. If you select nRF54L15 and LIT, the default Matter ICD settings are identical as in the Matter CO Alarm sample (v2.9.0). In the Operating Time section you can select how long the device should run and the total consumption is adjusted.

Best regards,

Maria

[Bhavya Mathukiya]

Hi Maria Gilje,

This is great. let me play around with it. I will reach out to you in case of any query.

Best regards,

Bhavya