nRF21540+nRF52840 - average current performance as compared to standard +8dBm nRF52840 beacon

[Joel]

Hi. I'm just wondering if Nordic Semi engineers have done any tests with standard beacons (any particular beacon interval and test condition) application and compared current consumption with say nRF52840 only (+8dBm max) and with nRF52840 + nRF21540 front end for max power Tx operation? Please share some data. Also, when will the eval boards be out? I can't find them on the internet anywhere. Thanks

[Simonr]

Hi

We have not done very much in regards to specific current consumption measurements as of yet I'm afraid, and what we have is what is stated in the OPS on the Infocenter. As for when the evaluation boards will be released, please contact the regional sales manager in your area for more information. If you don't know who this is or don't have their contact information, please tell me, and I'll help you get in touch.

Best regards,

Simon

[Joel]

Thanks for the response Simonr. That is a pity. Hopefully nordic semi can publish beta test results of nRF52xx + nRF21540 as a connectable beacon wherein PA only turns ON and OFF during transmit and keeps LNA ON during connections. I'll liaise with my distributor regarding eval board. Cheers 

[Simonr]

Hi

I asked internally for some numbers like this as well, but it doesn't seem like we've got anything specific for what you are requesting yet. What I can give you, is an estimate based on the values found in the PS of the nRF52840 and the OPS of the nRF21540. Assuming you're using maximum power, and that the DC/DC regulator on the nRF52840 is being used, boosting the TX power to 20dBm with the nRF21540, the current consumption will be ~121mA.

I believe we are working on more current consumption scenarios for the front end module as well for later revisions of the OPS and the upcoming PS of the nRF21540.

Best regards,

Simon

[Joel]

Thanks. Ya i can see datasheet says 121mA but in battery powered applications we are more interested in average current when acting like beacons so the quick switching of TX PA ON and OFF during beacon interval would be a good figure of merit of PA along with total average current.

[Simonr]

I understand. Unfortunately, we do not have any such numbers at this time.

Best regards,

Simon