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External enable for NRF9160 boost converter

jeremyherbert

Hi,

I'm looking at using the NRF9160 in a system where every microamp counts. The NRF9160 already includes a DC/DC converter, but as I understand it is step down only, so when the battery is low I will need to use an external boost converter. This is a big waste of power when the rest of the system can run directly off the battery or at 1.8V, especially because the converter needs to support ~500mA in worst case, which generally rules out most ultra-low Iq options. Is there some way that I can run the device at 1.8V (or a weak 3.3V boost converter with only ~100mA supply), and only enable the higher power boost when the radio needs to transmit (ie during the initial join, message transmit and eDRX/PSM period expiration) with an external enable pin on the boost converter or similar?

I think the COEX2 pin could be used, but I am unsure about the exact criteria for it being set high, as well as the delay between COEX2 high and the actual peak current draw (the boost converter will need some time to start up)

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    Came here looking for this exact question.  Anything change in the last year or on the new silicon?  Are there any tricks to allow a lower voltage, or rather put the boost in pass-through mode while asleep, or will the system still die at e.g. 2.8V in sleep/PSM?  Unfortunately an e.g. 5uA sleep hit for 500mA boost sort of kills any low power prospects and just raises price to need lower Iq options.  

    Alternately, is there any reasonable option to completely kill power to the nrf9160 while in PSM sleep mode, or will the cold boot be a significant hit over warm PSM-wake-up boots?

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  • 0

    Came here looking for this exact question.  Anything change in the last year or on the new silicon?  Are there any tricks to allow a lower voltage, or rather put the boost in pass-through mode while asleep, or will the system still die at e.g. 2.8V in sleep/PSM?  Unfortunately an e.g. 5uA sleep hit for 500mA boost sort of kills any low power prospects and just raises price to need lower Iq options.  

    Alternately, is there any reasonable option to completely kill power to the nrf9160 while in PSM sleep mode, or will the cold boot be a significant hit over warm PSM-wake-up boots?

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