nrf52810 packages differences?

[Diego Garcia]

Hello there.

I'm developing a custom board for the nrf52810 chip. I'm taking the reference files as a base for my own design, but I'm a little bit confused on which files should I use.

There are 2 kinds of packages: QFN32 (5x5 mm) and QFN48 (6x6 mm), am I right?

But, what are the differences between QCAA and QFAA? and should I use LDO or the DC-DC?

My product is going to be powered from a coin battery, pretty much like the nrf51822 Beacon Kit.

Thanks in advance!

[Simonr]

Hi Diego

There are actually 3 packages. QFN32 and QFN48 as you mentioned. As well as WLCSP package, which is a wafer level chip scale package, which uses solder balls instead of pins and is a lot smaller (2.482 * 2.464 mm). 

The main difference between the QFN32 and QFN48 packages is the size and number of GPIOs/pins in total available. The QFN32 is a compact package with 32 pins in total, while the QFN48 has 48 pins in total. So you'll have to find out how many GPIOs you need for your device, and decide based on that. The WLCSP package also has 32 pins in total and is the most compact version, but usually demands a more expensive and complicated PCB design, as you need adiitional layers to route everything correctly. The WLCSP package also is sensitive to infrared light, which means that product designs must shield the chip properly.

I usually recommend including the necessary components for the DC-DC to be enabled, as the PMU (Power Management Unit) switches between the DC-DC and the LDO automatically to consume the least amount of power when they are both enabled. You could check out the Online Power Profiler to see the estimated difference for various power consumption scenarios.

If your application is somewhat like the beacon kit you mentioned, I personally think the QFN32 package is best and easiest to work with if the circuit isn't too complicated. But you should check out chapters 7 and 8 in the nRF52810 product specification, as well as the hardware files for the various packages to come to a final decision.

Best regards,

Simon

[Diego Garcia]

Thanks for answering.

Do Nordic SDK examples implement the automatic switching between LDO and DC/DC regulator? or do I have to add this functionality in the code?