Nrf52832 CPU consumption when execting the CoreMark benchmark vs CPU real consumption.

[Robert]

Hi. I'm trying to find out the real consuption of the nrf52832. I have two questions after consulting part "7.2.1 CPU performance" of the datasheet.

1-  Is there a difference between the CPU (real) electric current consumption when performing a task and the CPU electric current consumption when execting the CoreMark benchmark?

2-  If yes, which one? and How do i estimate the current consumption of the card when it is processing data?

Waiting for your help.

Regards!

[Sigurd]

Hi,

The CoreMark benchmark runs through a set of defined operations and algorithms for the CPU to process. It’s a way to benchmark the CPU performance, so that different CPUs and architectures can be compared. As mentioned in the PS, current and efficiency data is taken when in System ON and the CPU is executing the CoreMark benchmark. It includes power regulator and clock base currents. All other blocks are IDLE.

In a practical application, your are not only doing CPU operations. In typical applications, you are perhaps using UART, SPI, I2C, RADIO, etc as well, but most of the time the CPU will be sleeping.

If you want to measure the current consumption of your application, I recommend buying the Nordic Power Profiler Kit.

See this link: https://www.nordicsemi.com/Software-and-tools/Development-Kits/Power-Profiler-Kit

I also recommend the Online Power Profiler for BLE, for estimating the current consumption for BLE applications. See this link: 

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/nordic/power/w/opp/2/online-power-profiler-for-ble