Operating temperature of nRF52832

[Deepa Gopinath]

Hi,

The datasheet of nRF52832 says operating temperature (TA) as -40 to 85DegC and storage temperature as -40 to 125DegC. Please confirm whether the IC can be operated beyond 85DegC as my product will experience an ambient temperature of 85DegC (Continuously)?

Awaiting reply.

Thanks,
Deepa

[cbd]

Storage temperature is always different to active temperature as the MCU will generate heat as it operates.

It's going to be on the limit - in fact I'd recommend that you investigate some form of cooling as when running the MCUs internal temperature will be above ambient. 

It's probable that it will work, just that its life expectancy will be greatly reduced and you will some unexpected behaviour when operating at beyond 85 centigrade. Internal resistances and electron flow at semiconductor junctions will all be affected.

It does sound as though you'll be operating the chip out of spec and so may encounter some issues with certification. I guess that your after military spec. components. I don't think that there is one in the nRF52 series, but you could check. 

[Deepa Gopinath]

Hi,

Thanks for the response. 

I understand nRF52832 will malfunction for continuous +85DegC. Is my understanding correct?

Do you have any chip suggestion that operate between -40DegC to +150DegC?

Awaiting reply.

Thanks,

Deepa  

[cbd]

Not with Bluetooth. Qualcomm did some, but I don't think that they do now.

There are some that will operate at up to 125 Centigrade, but not 150. None are produced by Nordic I'm afraid.

There are automotive chips that will operate in that temperature range, but if you want Bluetooth, you'll need to consider mounting it in a cooler environment (maybe with active cooling) and any sensor inputs to the environment that you're working in being remotely connected e.g. by hardwire lead or hardwired bus.

[awneil]

Deepa Gopinath said:

I understand nRF52832 will malfunction for continuous +85DegC. Is my understanding correct?

Not quite.

As with any datasheet, the part will work as specified so long as you keep within the specified limits.

If you go outside the specified limits, the behaviour is undefined.

Again, this is not specific to Nordic - this is the whole point of what any datasheet is about.

[Deepa Gopinath]

Thank you for the prompt response