NRF9160 VIO to VDD_GPIO & maximum power on VIO

[EthanShirk]

Hi Community & Nordic Semi

I have an ultra low power design using the NRF9160.

I would like to avoid adding an additional LDO to reduce costs and Iq. 

VIO from the datasheet says that is the power from the internal 1.8V reg. 

Is it fine if I tie VIO to VDD_GPIO and use VIO to power some low power peripherals. (How much is the maximum).

Thanks

[ketiljo]

The problem by using VIO as a power supply is that this will only be on when the modem is active. It's not guaranteed to have this always on so it not recommended to use this to power VDD_GPIO. https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/nwp_037/WP/nwp_037/mipi_rffe_if.html

[EthanShirk]

Thanks ketiljo. Is there any other way to do what I am looking to do then or will the additional LDO be needed?

[ketiljo]

I have checked and unfortunately, there are no voltage sources available for external circuitry, so an external LDO will be needed.