RE: How to power the nRF9161DK from an external battery while ensuring proper LTE and GNSS Operation

Syed Maysum Abbas Zaidi — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:22:39 GMT

Hi, Yes, it is correct that the nRF9161 DK cannot be directly connected to a 3.7 V Li-Po battery in a supported way. To operate LTE, GNSS, and the SIM interface, the DK requires multiple power rails generated by the nPM1300 PMIC. Supplying only VDD_nRF bypasses the PMIC and therefore does not power the necessary subsystems. The supported approach is to power the DK with 5 V (either through the USB connector or the VIN/5V pin on connector P20).

And the DK does not include a dedicated Li-Po connector because it is primarily designed for development and evaluation using USB or regulated external supplies. For battery-powered products, the recommended approach is to integrate a suitable PMIC (such as the nPM1100 or nPM1300) on your custom hardware design. Alternatively, if you need a Nordic platform that already includes a battery, the Thingy:91X may be a good option.

Regards,
Syed Maysum

RE: How to power the nRF9161DK from an external battery while ensuring proper LTE and GNSS Operation

Achim Kraus — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:16:22 GMT

Using the DK with battery is "pain". The nRF9151-DK drains about 20mA (inactive).

I used to power both, VDD_5V and VDD_nRF from a battery using a 5V Boost, e.g. Adafruit ID 6106 .

If you don't want the solar-charger option, there are also other 5V boost, some even with USB 5V output.