Guidance Needed for Measuring nRF52805 Current Consumption (Sleep, TX, RX Modes)

RE: Guidance Needed for Measuring nRF52805 Current Consumption (Sleep, TX, RX Modes)

Samruddhi Jadhav — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:56:08 GMT

Hi Praveen,

I am looking into this and need some more time. Please note that there may be some delay in response time due to Easter. I will get back to you with an update by early next week.

Best Regards,

Samruddhi

RE: Guidance Needed for Measuring nRF52805 Current Consumption (Sleep, TX, RX Modes)

PKG — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:07:49 GMT

Hi Samrudhi,

For the sleep current, I was using the same sample that you shared. https://github.com/nrfconnect/sdk-zephyr/tree/ncs-v3.2.3/samples/boards/nordic/system_off

The attached waveform was recorded during sleep mode. I’d like to understand what the larger spikes represent, as well as the smaller spikes that appear between them.

Also, do I need to modify any code for no RAM retention?

How to change the configuration from LDO to DCDC mode?

Thanks,

PKG

RE: Guidance Needed for Measuring nRF52805 Current Consumption (Sleep, TX, RX Modes)

Samruddhi Jadhav — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:30:16 GMT

Hi Praveen,

Here are some points and samples I would suggest you to take a look at:

1) For System ON Idle Sleep: It is like using Hello World with CONFIG_SERIAL disabled.

2) System OFF Sleep: Take a look at: https://github.com/nrfconnect/sdk-zephyr/tree/ncs-v3.2.3/samples/boards/nordic/system_off

3) For TX, Take a look at: https://github.com/nrfconnect/sdk-zephyr/blob/ncs-v3.2.3/samples/bluetooth/beacon/src/main.c#L57-L58 (Here, remember to remove scan response and zoom in on each of the events)

4) For RX, Take a look at: https://github.com/nrfconnect/sdk-zephyr/tree/ncs-v3.2.3/samples/bluetooth/observer (Here, make sure that the scanning is passive. Also, 100% duty cycle)

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Best Regards,

Samruddhi

RE: Guidance Needed for Measuring nRF52805 Current Consumption (Sleep, TX, RX Modes)

PKG — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:55:18 GMT

Hi Samruddhi,

Thanks for sharing the link. I’ve made some progress on my side. I’m measuring the sleep current with the system in System OFF mode [sample: System Off ] , and I’m seeing about 0.173 µA. However, the link shows that the expected sleep current for System OFF, no RAM retention, wake on reset is around 0.3 µA.

I’m not sure whether my code is currently using RAM retention or not. How can I configure the system to ensure RAM retention is disabled?

Also, I’m not certain whether the sample I’m using is configured for DCDC or LDO mode. How can I change this configuration in the code?

Sample :

.. zephyr:code-sample:: nrf_system_off
:name: System Off
:relevant-api: sys_poweroff subsys_pm_device

Use deep sleep on Nordic platforms.

My measurement.

Thanks,

PKG

RE: Guidance Needed for Measuring nRF52805 Current Consumption (Sleep, TX, RX Modes)

Samruddhi Jadhav — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:41:33 GMT

Hi,

Unfortunately, we don't have a specific sample which goes through this. However, you can take a look at the following current measurement documentation for the nrf52 series. It goes through the necessary instruments and measurement methods that are recommended. It also contains a current measurement guide for nRF52 chip.

You can also find the current consumption values for nRF52805 in the specifications: Sleep, Radio transmitting/receiving, Current Consumption

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Best Regards,

Samruddhi