Need options for external 3.6V/3.3V power supply for nRF52 development board

[Vid!!]

I am trying to develop CAN communication using nRF52 dev kit based on nRF52832 (PCA10040) and a MIKROE CAN SPI click 3.3V board. This board has an mcp2515 stand alone CAN controller with SPI and an SN65HVD230 CAN transceiver. This board works on 3.3 V power supply. I have connected the SPI pins, VDD and GND of nrF52 dev board to that of the CAN board and powering the nrF52 using the USB. I analyzed the Vdd pin on the nRF52 and found it to be 2.9V, the Vcc pins of the CAN controller was 2.9V and that on the transceiver was also around the same. The transceiver data sheet mentions the operating voltage range to be 3V to 3.6V.

I saw it is mentioned in this nRF52 DK hardware desc page that "The 5V from the USB is regulated down to 3.3 V through an onboard voltage regulator.” But when I powered the board via USB and measured the voltage on VDD, it is around 2.9V. So I thought of using external power supply instead of the USB.

I need options on using external power supply 3.3V to 3.6V for nRF52 dev board. Kindly give me your suggestions. Part numbers/links would be great.

 

[Olaf]

If you don't need battery supply you could first try to remove the CR2032 and solder bridge SB10 on the dev board. That should increase VDD by the forward voltage of D1, NSR0620P2T5G (~ 100mV at 1mA at 25°C). As the Click board has a power led, the current drawn will be even higher when powered by the DK.

External supply is possible via P21.

[Vid!!]

Should I solder bridge SB10 if I want to use external power supply? If yes, could you please elaborate the steps need to be done? I am a beginner here.

Could you also please refer/suggest some compatible 3.6V/3.3V external power supply - eg part numbers/links?

[Olaf]

Don't solder SB10 if you use an external supply!

Before using an external supply you should try soldering SB10, removing the battery and then check if the VDD is at >=3.0V. The onboard regulator is 3.3V. The voltage drop to 2.9V you are measuring is caused by the diode D1.

You don't need an external supply then.