This setup is to be used during the design phase on custom hardware acting as the device
under test (DUT) with the nRF5 DK.
In this use case, the PPK measures the current on the external Device Under Test (DUT). The PPK is connected to the nRF5 DK which is used as a SEGGER J-Link interface to the computer running the Power Profiler app.
The power supply is provided either by the PPK onboard regulator, or an external power source (see the following figures).
The power supply is applied to the nRF5 DK, which in turn powers the PPK board. This is used to supply power to the onboard analog measurement circuitry and the onboard regulator with 5 V. This will supply the external DUT when using the onboard regulator. If an external power source is used to supply the custom hardware, the USB connection will still be needed to supply the measurement circuitry of the PPK.
Figure 1. Measuring current on custom hardware with the onboard regulator as the power source and
the nRF5 DK
Figure 2. Measuring current on custom hardware with an external power source and the nRF5 DK
Make sure that the following are configured:
- The PPK is connected to the nRF5 DK board as described in Connecting the Power Profiler Kit to an nRF5 DK.
- The USB cable is plugged into the USB connector on the nRF5 DK and connected to a computer
running the Power Profiler app.
- The DUT select switch (SW2) is in the External position.
- The custom hardware is connected to the External DUT connector (P16) of the PPK.
- The power source is one of the following:
- The PPK onboard regulator: Set the Power select switch (SW4) in the Reg. position.
- External power supply: In addition to the USB cable plugged into the nRF5 DK, make sure that the external power is connected to the External DUT supply connector (P22) of the PPK (voltage range from 1.8 V to 3.6 V). Set the Power select switch (SW4) in the External position.
- The COM switch (SW3) is in the DK position.