Cypress AN214934 User manual

THIS SPEC IS OBSOLETE
Spec No: 002-14934
Spec Title: AN214934 - BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY
CURRENT CONSUMPTION MEASUREMENTS
Replaced by: NONE

www.cypress.com Document No. 002-14934 Rev. *C 1
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................ 1
1.1 Cypress Part Numbering Scheme..................... 1
1.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations............................. 2
1.3 References ........................................................ 2
2 IoT Resources............................................................ 2
3 Overview .................................................................... 2
4 Comparing Bluetooth Low Energy to
Bluetooth 2.x/3.x......................................................... 2
5 Test Setup.................................................................. 3
5.1 System Requirements ....................................... 3
5.2 Test Equipment Settings....................................4
5.3 Daughterboard Settings .....................................5
5.4 BCM9UMB Bluetooth/WLAN Motherboard
Settings.............................................................. 7
5.5 Loading the Configuration File .........................10
6 Current Consumption Measurements.......................13
6.1 Advertising Mode .............................................13
6.2 Scan Mode.......................................................18
Document History Page ...................................................22
Worldwide Sales and Design Support ..............................23
1 Introduction
The CYW4330 implements the industry's most advanced radio coexistence algorithms and hardware mechanisms
to allow an extremely collaborative WLAN and Bluetooth coexistence scheme, along with coexistence support for
external radios (such as GPS and WiMAX). The result is an enhanced overall quality for simultaneous voice,
video, and data transmission on a handheld system.
This application note provides an introduction to the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, and describes the
setup and procedures to measure the basic current consumption in two of the most common BLE modes (adver-
tising and scan mode).
This application note is intended for hardware engineers and designers who are using the CYW4330 device in
their design.
This document assumes that a user knows how to download firmware to the CYW4330 device. If the CYW4330
device has already been integrated onto a platform, the proper configuration files need to be loaded and the
proper commands for BLE are generated by the host processor. If an evaluation board is being used, this can be
accomplished by using Cypress’s proprietary BlueTool™ software. Contact your local Cypress technical represen-
tative for BlueTool support.
1.1 Cypress Part Numbering Scheme
Cypress is converting the acquired IoT part numbers from Broadcom to the Cypress part numbering scheme. Due
to this conversion, there is no change in form, fit, or function as a result of offering the device with Cypress part
number marking. The table provides Cypress ordering part number that matches an existing IoT part number.
Table 1. Mapping Table for Part Number between Broadcom and Cypress
AN214934
Bluetooth Low Energy Current Consumption Measurements
Associated Part Family: CYW4330
This application note provides an introduction to the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, and describes the setup and
procedures to measure the basic current consumption in two of the most common BLE modes (advertising and scan mode).
This application note is intended for hardware engineers and designers who are using the CYW4330 device in their design.
Broadcom Part Number Cypress Part Number
BCM4330 CYW4330

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1.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations
In most cases, acronyms and abbreviations are defined on first use.
For a comprehensive list of acronyms and other terms used in Cypress documents, go to:
http://www.cypress.com/glossary
1.3 References
The references in this section may be used in conjunction with this document.
Note: Cypress provides customer access to technical documentation and software through its Cypress Developer
Community and Downloads & Support site (see Overview).
For Cypress documents, replace the “xx” in the document number with the largest number available in the reposi-
tory to ensure that you have the most current version of the document.
2 IoT Resources
Cypress provides a wealth of data at http://www.cypress.com/internet-things-iot to help you to select the right IoT
device for your design, and quickly and effectively integrate the device into your design. Cypress provides cus-
tomer access to a wide range of information, including technical documentation, schematic diagrams, product bill
of materials, PCB layout information, and software updates. Customers can acquire technical documentation and
software from the Cypress Support Community website (http://community.cypress.com/).
3Overview
The Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology is a global standard for very low-power wireless technology. The BLE
devices can operate from coin cell batteries for applications that use low data rates. BLE devices can communi-
cate wirelessly to dual mode Bluetooth-enabled devices. The connections are designed to be robust, short range,
and low cost. The BLE-enabled devices are used in the area of fitness, advertising, medical, security, and home
entertainment.
4 Comparing Bluetooth Low Energy to Bluetooth 2.x/3.x
The similarities between the Bluetooth and the BLE technology allow a Bluetooth transceiver to have dual-mode
operation. Bluetooth and BLE technology can coexist in one device. For example, a BLE radio can use the follow-
ing items from an existing Bluetooth radio:
■Radio architecture
■Host controller interface (HCI) logical and physical transports
■Logical link control and adaptation protocol (L2CAP)
The BLE technology differs from Bluetooth in the following areas:
■Discovery and connection procedures are handled differently when it comes to lowering total power consump-
tion.
■BLE is limited to only one packet type.
■Connections are entered and always exited in sniff-like mode.
■Transmit and receive operations are governed by interframe spacing as opposed to being slot oriented.
■Profiles are thinner than standard Bluetooth and are structured around client/server architecture.
■BLE devices have lower duty cycles and only three advertising channels to lower connection time. The shorter
enable and connection times result in lowering total power consumption.
Document (or Item) Name
Broadcom
Document Number
Cypress
Document Number Source
Cypress Items
Cypress Bluetooth/WLAN Motherboard For
Cypress Bluetooth and Wireless LAN
Applications Testing, BCM9UMB Hardware
User Manual
9UMB-HWUM100-R – Cypress Developer Community

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The BLE devices can either be dual or single mode. The dual-mode devices are combined with a Bluetooth device
for use in PCs, cell phones, and tablets. The single-mode devices are BLE only, and are designed to have very
low power consumption. The single mode devices are typically small and can operate for a long period of time
using a coin cell battery. The CYW4330 is a dual mode device with Bluetooth and BLE.
Table 2 lists specifications for the BLE and Bluetooth technology.
5 Test Setup
This section describes the setup and procedures to measure the basic current consumption in BLE modes.
The current consumption is not measured in the typical method that is by using a multimeter, or adding a series
resistor and an oscilloscope. The recommended method is to use a power analyzer. A power analyzer is power
supply with the ability to make detailed current measurements. A power analyzer is used to measure peak current
and average current consumption over a longer period of time. A power analyzer can measure both without hav-
ing to use multiple pieces of equipment such as a scope and multimeter. BLE is mostly in sleep mode with a very
short active period.
5.1 System Requirements
The system requirements are listed below.
■Host system requirements
■A personal computer running Microsoft® Windows® operating system is required to use BlueTool. Cypress
recommends running Windows XP; however, other versions of Windows are supported.
■Hardware requirements
❐Agilent N6705A with N6761A precision power supply
❐CYW4330 McLaren daughterboard
❐BCM9UMB Bluetooth/WLAN motherhood
■Software Requirements
BlueTool is a proprietary Cypress software tool for exercising, testing, scripting, debugging, and programming
devices that use Cypress Bluetooth chips. BlueTool runs on a standard PC running the Microsoft® Windows®
operating system. BlueTool interfaces with the Cypress Bluetooth chips at the HCI protocol layer.
Note: For information on how to install BlueTool contact your Cypress representative.
Table 2. BLE and Bluetooth Specifications
Specification BLE Technology Bluetooth Technology
RF section enable time 0.6 ms to 1.2 ms 22.5 ms
Device connection times 3 ms 100 ms
Peak transmit power 10 dBm 20 dBm
Frequency range 2402 to 2480 MHz 2402 to 2480 MHz
RF channel spacing 2 MHz 1 MHz
Channels used 40 channels 80 channels

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5.2 Test Equipment Settings
Agilent N6705A with N6761A precision power module is used. Settings for the N6761A are:
■Range: 0.1A
■Current limit: 0.1A
■Sampling rate: 0.04 ms
■Mode: Data logger mode is used to capture current consumption
Figure 1. Board Configuration for the BLE Current Consumption

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5.3 Daughterboard Settings
The McLaren daughterboard has to be configured prior to taking the measurements.
■Remove L10 and R30 on the topside of the board, refer to Figure 2.
Figure 2. CYW4330 McLaren Daughterboard

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■Remove R23 on the bottomside of the board, refer to Figure 3.
Figure 3. R23 on the Bottomside of the CYW4330 McLaren Daughterboard

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5.4 BCM9UMB Bluetooth/WLAN Motherboard Settings
The BCM9UMB bluetooth/wlan motherboard has to be configured prior to taking the measurements.
On the BCM9UMB, remove three jumpers on the topside of the board — J9, J10, and J31. Refer to Figure 4.
The normal power from VBAT to the daughterboard is disconnected by removing the jumper from J31. The exter-
nal power supply powers the rest of the BCM9UMB. Connect power analyzer to EXT2 and GND. Plug in power to
the BCM9UMB as normal and enable the power to the daughterboard from the power analyzer. The voltage from
the power analyzer should be 3.3V.
Refer to 5.2. Test Equipment Settings for the power analyzer settings. Use the analyzer Data Logger mode to
measure the current consumption. Equivalent equipment can be used for measuring current consumption. Note
that VBAT is the supply for the daughterboard. Refer to the BCM9UMB Hardware User Manual for a full descrip-
tion of the motherboard.
Figure 4. BCM9UMB Jumpers
GND
3.3V
Remove Jumpers

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To control BT_WAKE, refer to Table 3 and Figure 6 for the schematic and switch location of SW4 on the bottom
side of the board.
Note that the position 1 and 2 needs to be opposite of each other. BT_WAKE has to be toggled to put the device
into sleep mode and both switch positions need to be changed. See Figure 6 for schematic and switch logic. J28-
1 can be used to measure the state of BT_WAKE.
Figure 5. Bluetooth GPIO Controls
Table 3. Bluetooth GPIO Debug Settings for the SW4 DIP Switch
Signal/Configuration IO Drive
BT_GPIO_0 Pole 1 Pole 2
High ON OFF
Low OFF ON
Float (no connect) OFF OFF
BT_GPIO_1 Pole 3 Pole 4
High ON OFF
Low OFF ON
Float (no connect) OFF OFF
BT_GPIO_2 Pole 5 Pole 6
High ON OFF
Low OFF ON
Float (no connect) OFF OFF
BT_GPIO_3 Pole 7 Pole 8
High ON OFF
Low OFF ON
Float (no connect) OFF OFF

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Figure 6. Switch Location of SW4

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5.5 Loading the Configuration File
This document assumes that the user is familiar with BlueTool and hardware setup needed for collecting current
consumption measurements. This section provides steps for loading the configuration file.
Follow these steps to load the configuration file after the CYW4330 McLaren daughterboard is powered up:
1. Launch the Cypress BlueTool software.
2. Enter CNTL+0 to open the log window.
3. Enter CNTL+1 to open the HCI Control Window.
4. Select the port connected to the BCM9UMB, and click OK.
Typically, it is COM1 or USB0.

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5. Click Reset and the log window should display ‘success’.
6. Select the 0: Vendor-specific Commands (0 key) from the list.

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7. Select the Download Minidriver from the list and enter CNTL+9.

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8. Locate the correct configuration file, and click Execute.
9. From the HCI control window, select the check box next to the HCI protocol active to enable the COM/USB
port. Select 7.3 Host Controller & Baseband Commands (3 key), and click RESET to reset the device. In
the log window the results should display ‘success’.
6 Current Consumption Measurements
This application note provides current consumption measurements in two of the most common modes: advertising
and scan mode.
Note: Contact your local Cypress technical representative for BlueTool support and to download the configuration
file (refer to 5.5. Loading the Configuration File) needed for the following sections.
6.1 Advertising Mode
The BLE technology broadcasts connection packets in the advertising mode. For example, a temperature sensor
broadcasts at certain intervals when temperature data is available. The devices that are scanning for data would
then connect with the advertising device and download the temperature data. This is an example of a non-con-
nected mode.
1. Launch the Cypress BlueTool software.
2. In the HCI Control window, select 0: Vendor-specific Commands (0 key) from the list.
3. Select Set_Sleepmode_Param from the menu.

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4. In the Set_Sleepmode_Param window, select UART from the Sleep_Mode list. Ensure that the
BT_WAKE_Active_Mode is set to Active Low, and click OK.
5. In the HCI Control window, select 7.8: LE Controller Commands (8 key) from the list.
6. Select LE_Set_Advertising_Data from the menu. Set the Advertising_Data parameter with any 4 bytes.

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7. Select LE_Set_Advertising_Parameters from the menu.
8. Set the LE_Set_Advertising_Parameters by selecting both the Advertising_Interval_Min and Advertising_In-
terval_Max to 4096, click OK.

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9. Select the LE_Set_Advertise_Enable from the menu. In the Advertising_Enable window, select Advertising
is enabled, and click OK.
10. Put the device in Sleep mode before measuring the current or the current consumption will be approximately 4
mA.
To put the device in Sleep mode, toggle position 1 and 2 of the SW4 (refer to Figure 6 and Table 3 to set
BT_WAKE to high).
The results from the N6705A DC power analyzer are shown below. The average current consumption for the
advertising mode is 162 μA with 4 bytes of data. It is measured over 2.56 seconds (advertising interval).
The actual current consumption is approximately 142 μA. The front-end module (U2) needs to be
removed. There is 20 μA of leakage, which is difficult to remove.

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11. Switch the BT_WAKE to low by toggling position 1 and 2 of the SW4 (refer to Figure on page 8 and Table 3 for
BT_WAKE control).
12. Select LE_Set_Advertise_Enable from the menu. In the Advertising_Enable window, select Advertising is
disabled, and click OK.

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6.2 Scan Mode
The devices in scan mode look for advertisers to setup a connection. This is an example of a non-connected
mode.
1. Launch the Cypress BlueTool software.
2. From the Transport menu, select HCI Control or enter CNTL+1.
3. In the HCI Control window, select 0: Vendor-specific Commands (0 key) from the list.
4. Select Set_Sleepmode_Param from the menu.
5. In the Set_Sleepmode_Param window, select UART from the Sleep_Mode list. Ensure that the
BT_WAKE_Active_Mode is set to Active Low, and click OK.

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6. In the HCI Control window, select 7.8: LE Controller Commands (8 key) from the list.
7. Select LE_Set_Scan_Parameters from the menu. Set the scan parameters as below, and click OK:
LE_Scan_type: Passive Scanning
LE_Scan_Interval: 2048
LE_Scan_Window: 18
8. Select LE_Set_Scan_Enable from the menu. In the LE_Scan_Enable window, select Scanning is enabled,
and click OK.