Tx current consumption_nRF51 vs nRF52

[UBAN]

Hi,

The current consumption of nRF51822 and nRF52832 listed in the specifications are shown in the figure. The figure shows the current value of LDO mode.

The consumption current of nRF52 is larger than that of nRF51.

Could you tell us the reason for this? In the LDO mode, is the efficiency of the PA (Power Amplifier) of nRF52 lower than that of nRF51?

best regards

[Stian Røed Hafskjold]

Hi,

nRF52 is a larger chip than nRF51, with more peripherals and logic. More logic usually leads to a higher current consumption. However, since the nRF52 is more efficient and has a faster CPU, the total current consumption of a typical BLE application is lower than on the nRF51.

[AmbystomaLabs]

Also it should be noted that the radio core on 51822 is 1.6V according to the data sheet whereas the 52832 is 1.3V so in non DCDC mode the 52832 will always consume 1.6/1.3 more than the 51822 assuming the amp efficiency is the same.

[UBAN]

Thank you for your explanation.