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nRF52840 DK: SoC Isolation

Hello,

I am currently using the nRF52840 Development Kit and was looking to isolate the SoC for power consumption testing.  I mainly want to disconnect the integrated MCU and all other parts that may influence current consumption.  I had reviewed the post from https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/35135/totally-isolate-the-nrf52840-on-the-preview-dk and am trailing my thoughts from the discussion I had read.

So per the post above and what I read from the datasheet...

  • I supply P21 by an external 3V power supply on P21
  • I set SW9 to "VDD"
  • I set SW10 to "VEXT->nRF"
  • I set SW6 to "nRF ONLY"
  • I disconnected SB50~57 from the interface MCU
  • I disconnected SB16 from the internal memory (just in case)
  • I disconnected SB58 from the voltage follower for a more realistic current reading when mounted on a PCB

Is there no way to completely isolate the SoC from the rest of the programming board?  Are the floating IC switches the issue?

Or is there a way to minimize the effects of the MCU as much as possible?

I am eager to begin using this board by directly communicating with the nRF52840 SoC exclusively.

Best.

Dennis

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