nrf52810 packages differences?

RE: nrf52810 packages differences?

Simonr — Tue, 28 May 2019 07:29:13 GMT

Hi Diego

1. You may have to enable DC/DC by way of DCDCEN or something similar in the code to enable the DC/DC regulator, but as long as that is enabled, the switching will happen automatically by way of the PMU.

2. This is correct, you may leave the unused pins soldered to nothing but the footprint on the final product.

Best regards,

Simon

RE: nrf52810 packages differences?

Diego Garcia — Mon, 27 May 2019 16:49:00 GMT

Also, in my design, I leave some most of the GPIO pins unconnected, I did read that for the nrf52840, pins can be left without any connection, even without traces. Is this true for the nrf52810 too?

RE: nrf52810 packages differences?

Diego Garcia — Mon, 27 May 2019 15:36:19 GMT

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?

RE: nrf52810 packages differences?

Simonr — Mon, 27 May 2019 07:31:03 GMT

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