NRF52 +10dbm TX power

[jumpingfool]

I happened upon this blog post from Estimote where they claim to have increased power output of the NRF52 to +10dbm.

blog.estimote.com/.../updated-location-beacons-200-m-range-nfc-new

Given the SDK only provides options for up to +4dbm how are they achieving this?

[bjorn-spockeli]

Hi Jumpingfool,

it is possible to add an external Power Amplifier(PA) to increase the output power from +4dBm to +10dBm.

Best regards

Bjørn

[jumpingfool]

Thanks for the quick answer!

Any idea which amplifier estimate are using? What is the likely power impact of adding such an amplifier to the application?

[bjorn-spockeli]

I am afraid that I do not know which PA Estimote is using in their design and if I knew I would not be able to disclose it :) It will depend on which PA you select, but with the SKY66111-11 you're looking at an additional 10mA. You usually configure the nRF52832 to transmit at 0dBm, which will typically be 5.3mA, so the total is then around 15mA.