Setup NB-IoT development for nRF9160 and perform energy measurements.

[HauklandJohannes]

Hello!

I am a master student at NTNU Trondheim working on modelling the energy consumption of NB-IoT for IoT application simulations in cooperation with the NTNU IME IoT lab. I have been using the Arduino MKR NB 1500 so far, and would like to compare the measurements to get a more accurate model.

I want to use the nRF9160 DK for an NB-IoT application and measure the energy consumption of the modem. I understand that I need the NB-IoT version firmware to get my DK working. I see from https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/43885/nrf9160-configure-to-nb-iot that the fw will be publicly available for use as of 15.04. This is a little late.

Where can I get the NB-IoT FW before this?

As for the energy measurement, do you have any tips? I have seen the Power Profiler kit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBKeHlOcO_g) being used for power measurements on nrf kits, but as far as I understand it only mounts nRF52 DK and nRF51 DK. I can see that the nrf9160 DK has an integrated "nRF supply & current measurement". How does this work? Do you have any tutorials on energy measurements for the DK?

Best regards,

Johannes.

[Øyvind]

Hello Johannes,
I recommend starting with the "Getting Started Guide for nRF9160"

 I understand that I need the NB-IoT version firmware to get my DK working. I see from https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/43885/nrf9160-configure-to-nb-iot that the fw will be publicly available for use as of 15.04. This is a little late.

 Yes, the information, in that case, is correct. You can also find the most up-to-date information from the nRF9160 Development Status page. (Some current numbers are included there as well)

Where can I get the NB-IoT FW before this?

And also as stated in the same case, you have to contact your local RSM. I will forward the contact information in a PM to you. 

I can see that the nrf9160 DK has an integrated "nRF supply & current measurement". How does this work? Do you have any tutorials on energy measurements for the DK?

 The nRF9160 DK User Guide includes a chapter regarding current measurement.

Hope this helps on your way!

Best regards,
Øyvind

[Øyvind]

I'm not able to send you a PM, can you please send me one?

-Øyvind