High mA device on GPIO

[karthik.ganesan]

I'm trying to connect a camera module ( OV7670 ) to my nRF51822 EK. The camera requires an operating current of 18mA. If i were to connect the 3.3V rail input for the camera to the VCC of the nRF51822 EK, would i be able to provide this much current? is there a limit to the current that i can supply via the VCC rail ( assuming i dont exceed supply regulator capacity? )

[Vebjørn]

If you look at the schematic of the Evaluation Kit you will see that the VCC pins on the headers come directly from the battery/voltage regulator. (through some diodes, but you can neglect those)

This means that the current available there is only limited by the battery if you're using that, or the voltage regulator, which can supply 300mA. 18 mA will in other words not be a problem :)

[karthik.ganesan]

Hi Vebjørn, you are right. I was able to source the necessary power. it turned out to be a problem with the reset and power down lines for my camera. i had to de-assert reset first, followed by power down and then provide a clock. it works now.