Current consumption nRF8001

[hansc]

I use a OLIMEX nRF8001 module with ATMEGA328 at 3v3. Using the "helloWorld" serial example sketch, I measure a current of approx 400-600uA. However, if I use the calculator in the nRFgo Studio, I get approx 16uA.

Two questions:

1. Can someone explain the big difference?
2. How can I reduce this current consumption (detailed please as I'm quite new to the platform)?

PS When I look at the current with my scope (over 100R resistor), I see approx 6mA current bursts every x ms.

[Asbjørn]

This could be related to floating pins on the interface between the ATMEGA and the nRF8001 while the nRF8001 is in power down in between connection events. Are you making sure that the pins are set to a defined level from the ATMEGA?

[David Edwin]

Can you give the chip markings on top of the IC ? also provide the results of the GetDeviceVersion ACI command. i.e. lib_aci_device_version()

[hansc]

Thanks for your comment. The markings are: NRF C; 8001; 1147AA The device version ACI gives back: 1

[hansc]

Nordic "WelloWorld" sketch is used unchanged. Olimex board has 100k pullups on the reset and REQN lines (so max 2x 33uA from that?).Schematic

If I look at the current over a 100R resistor in the power line, I see about 6mA every 50ms during adverstising and same current every 20ms when connected to the UART App. Is this correct?

[David Edwin]

Have you measured the current consumtion of the nRF8001 alone and not the ATMega328 as well, Perhaps you can add some information on how you did the current measurements. You can also look at our application note for measuring current consumption here, see section 8 on current consumption .