Nordic Semiconductor Power Profiler Kit User manual

Doc. ID 4425_027 v1.0 2016-10-13
Power Profiler Kit
User Guide
v1.0

Contents
Doc. ID 4425_027 v1.0 Page 2
Contents
Revision history.................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter1:Power Profiler Kit content and key features............................... 4
Chapter2:Quick start..................................................................................... 6
Chapter3:The Power Profiler Kit overview.................................................. 8
3.1 The measurement system......................................................................................................................................8
3.2 The Power Profiler Kit connectors....................................................................................................................10
3.3 The Power Profiler Kit switches.........................................................................................................................11
Chapter4:Installing the Power Profiler Kit software package..................13
Chapter5:Configuring the Power Profiler Kit............................................ 14
5.1 Measurement accuracy optimization..............................................................................................................14
5.2 Connecting the Power Profiler Kit to the nRF5x DK..................................................................................15
5.3 Current measurements on the nRF5x DK......................................................................................................15
5.4 Current measurements on the nRF5x DK while debugging.................................................................. 16
5.5 Current measurements on a custom hardware with nRF5x DK............................................................ 16
5.6 Current measurements on a custom hardware without using an nRF5x DK................................... 18
Chapter6:Connecting the Power Profiler Kit to a computer.................... 20
Chapter7:Using the Power Profiler Kit desktop application.................... 21
7.1 Configuration settings.......................................................................................................................................... 22
7.2 Options for the Plots window............................................................................................................................24
Chapter8:Upgrading the firmware.............................................................26
Chapter9:Electrical specifications.............................................................. 27
Chapter10:Troubleshooting........................................................................29
Liability disclaimer.............................................................................................................30

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Revision history
Table 1: Revision history
Date Version Description
October 2016 1.0 First release

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Chapter 1
Power Profiler Kit content and key
features
The Power Profiler Kit (PPK) is an affordable and flexible tool to obtain real-time power consumption
measurements on your designs.
The PPK measures current consumption for a connected nRF5x Development Kit or any external board. It
can measure current from 1 uA up to 70 mA and give a detailed picture of the current profile for the user
application.
The PPK can be used in conjunction with the nRF5x DK to measure current on the nRF5x DK or on an external
board. The hardware is delivered with a desktop application developed in the Python programming language
which makes customization possible. Several measurement configurations are offered which are described in
this user guide.
Figure 1: PPK content - the PPK board (PCA63511)
PPK content
• The PPK board PCA63511
• Downloadable package:
• Software package (ZIP) that contains:
• Python software for computer (.py)
• Firmware package for PCA63511 (.HEX)
• Hardware package (ZIP) that contains schematic, layout, and BOM for PCA63511
• This user guide
Key features
• Variable power supply voltage ranging from 1.8 V to 3.6 V (software configurable)
• Maximum 70 mA current measurement
• Down to 0.2 µA resolution current measurement
• Three current measurement ranges with automatic switches that ensure optimal measurement resolution
throughout the whole measurement range
• Measurement accuracy better than +/-20 % (average currents measurement)
• Desktop application displaying current measurement analysis

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• Real-time current measurement display
• Long recording display, up to 20 seconds
• Real-time display, down to 15 µs resolution
• Internal/external trigger
• Screen data export
Applications
• Quick power consumption measurements on a firmware running on an nRF5x DK
• Quick power consumption measurements on a firmware running on an external board
• Accumulative measurements, such as average, peak, minimum, maximum
• Instantaneous measurements presented as waveform plots
Computer requirements
To run the PPK, connect it to a USB port of a computer.
Supported operating systems
The supported operating systems are:
• Microsoft Windows 7/8/10
Important:
The PPK desktop application is developed using Python, which works on a number of platforms.
However, it is recommended to use the PPK only with Microsoft Windows, as the tool has not been
tested on other platforms.

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Chapter 2
Quick start
Your Power Profiler Kit (PPK) can be up and running in just a few steps.
In the simplest configuration, the PPK is connected to an nRF5x Development Kit (DK), which is not included
in the present package. Configure the PPK for current measurements as described in Configuring the Power
Profiler Kit on page 14, and upload the firmware for your application to the nRF5x DK before performing
the quick start. The current measurements are performed on the nRF5x DK device. The nRF5x DK is also used
for sending data to the PPK desktop application and as a power supply.
See Nordic Semiconductor Infocenter for information on the nRF51 Series and nRF52 Series.
Figure 2: Typical configuration for current measurements on the nRF5x DK
Complete the following steps:
Important: In some of the procedure descriptions, the nRF52 DK is used as a reference, but the nRF51
DK can also be used.
1. If the PPK is used with the nRF5x DK, prepare the nRF5x DK for power measurements by cutting the PCB
track shorting solder bridge SB9 according to Preparing the development kit board. Do not short the
solder bridge SB11/SB12.
2. Connect the PPK into the nRF5x DK as shown in the following figure.
Figure 3: Connecting the PPK into the nRF5x DK
3. Install the PPK software as described in Installing the Power Profiler Kit software package on page 13.

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4. Start the PPK desktop application as described in Using the Power Profiler Kit desktop application on page
21.
You are ready to perform measurements with the PPK.
For firmware upgrade, see Upgrading the firmware on page 26.

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Chapter 3
The Power Profiler Kit overview
The Power Profiler Kit (PPK) contains both hardware and software components. It offers a current
measurement functionality through several configuration setups.
The following subsections provide an overview of the measurement system and PPK components, such as
connectors and switches.
For information about the various configuration setups, see Configuring the Power Profiler Kit on page 14.
For information about the configuration settings and options for the PPK desktop application, see:
•Configuration settings on page 22
•Options for the Plots window on page 24
For electrical specifications, see Electrical specifications.
3.1 The measurement system
The main part of the PPK is the nRF52832 SoC, which uses its ADC (analog-to-digital converter) to measure the
voltage drop over resistors. Resistor values are used to calculate the current consumption. The PPK has three
different measurement ranges, and the switching between them is done automatically through an automatic
switch circuitry.
To send the data to the desktop application, the nRF52832 SoC on the PPK uses the SEGGER RTT (Real Time
Transfer). By connecting the PPK to an nRF5x DK, the SEGGER available on the nRF5x DK can be used for the
computer connection. Alternatively, an external SEGGER J-Link can be used.
Block diagram
Joystick
(future use)
LEDs
Antenna
(future use)
nRF52832
Automatic
switch circuitry
DUT power switch
EEPROM
External
trigger
Power select
switch (SW4)
Voltage regulator
1.8 – 3.6 V
(software controlled)
Debug in connector
DK interface
USB
External supply
1.8 – 3.6 V
DUT select
switch (SW2)
External DUT
connector
Display interface
(future use)
COM switch
(SW3)
Measurement
circuitry
Data
Trigger
signal
SWD
Control
DUT power
SWD
DUT power
Supply
5 V power supply
VDD
Supply
Figure 4: The block diagram for the PPK
Power supply
For the digital logic of the PPK and for the device under test (DUT) supply there are three power supply
options:

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• DK interface
• PPK on-board voltage regulator
• External supply
The power supply is selected by the power select switch (SW4).
The PPK on-board voltage regulator is supplied by the 5 V USB power supply. Its output can be adjusted
between 1.8 V and 3.6 V by the nRF52832 through the PPK desktop application.
If an external power supply is used, the voltage is applied directly to the circuits without regulation. This
voltage must be limited to the 1.8 - 3.6 V range.
When the DK is selected as the power supply, the DK supplies the PPK circuitry.
The analog part of the automatic switch circuitry requires a 5 V power supply. When the PPK is connected to
an nRF5x DK, the 5 V is supplied by the DK. When the PPK is used standalone, a USB cable has to be connected
to supply the 5 V required by the circuitry.
Measurement ranges and switching points
In order to have high measurement dynamic range, the PPK features three calibrated parallel measurement
means realizing the three measurement ranges simultaneously. An automatic range switching mechanism
always selects the correct measurement range depending on the instantaneous current draws by the DUT.
If your DUT has a current consumption that is close to a switching point, it will cause rapid switching up and
down between the ranges and create measurement errors and distorted plots. A hysteresis is applied at the
switching point in order to avoid distorted measurements as shown in Figure 5: Measurement ranges and
switching points on page 9.
There are four switching points:
•Switch up LO: Switches up from low to medium range
•Switch up HI: Switches up from medium to high range
•Switch down HI: Switches down from high to medium range
•Switch down LO: Switches down from medium to low range
Figure 5: Measurement ranges and switching points
DUT output
The PPK supports two modes of operation:
• Current measurements on the nRF5x DK device
• Power supply and current measurements on an external board

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The DUT can be turned on and off with a power switch controlled from the PPK desktop application.
EEPROM
On the PPK, there is an EEPROM memory connected to the nRF52832 SoC. EEPROM is used to store calibration
data.
Display interface and joystick
Reserved for future use.
3.2 The Power Profiler Kit connectors
Access to the PPK is available from a set of connectors.
The PPK has five connectors on the top side:
• Two connectors for the power supply: one for external DUT to provide precise control of the voltage and
one for the USB
• One for connecting the custom/external hardware
• One for connecting an external trigger
• One connector for connecting an external SEGGER J-Link
The connectors on the bottom side are for connecting the PPK to an nRF5x DK, which supplies both data
interface and power to the PPK.
Figure 6: The PPK connectors
Table 2: The PPK connectors
Connector Description
External 5 V power supply input (J1)
(USB) This USB connector on the PPK supplies the on-board analog
measurement circuitry and the on-board regulator with 5 V provided
by a USB host.
This connector is used when the PPK is used standalone or any time
the USB on the nRF5x DK is not connected.
Important: When used with an nRF5x DK with USB
connection, this connector must not be used.
External DUT output (P16)The External DUT connector provides power to the DUT.

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Connector Description
External DUT supply input (P22)A lab power supply from 1.8 to 3.6 V can be connected here to
provide precise control of the voltage.
External trigger (P20)This connector allows you to:
• Feed an external trigger to the PPK (15 V max)
• Have the PPK to send a trigger signal to external instruments
The voltage of the TRIG OUT pin can be configured by the TRIG REF
on the PPK board which has the following options:
• VDD: default
• 5 V: cut SB7 and solder SB8
• External voltage: cut SB7 and SB8 (if shorted) and connect to TP5
(EXT)
External SEGGER J-Link (P21)Used to connect an external SEGGER J-Link for communicating with
the desktop application when:
• The PPK is used standalone
• The SEGGER J-Link on the nRF5x DK is used for debugging of the
nRF5x chip on the DK
If this connector is in use and the PPK is connected to an nRF5x DK
board, the COM switch must be in the "EXT" position. This is done
to disconnect the PPK from the SEGGER J-Link on the DK. How to
connect and use is described in detail in the following sections.
3.3 The Power Profiler Kit switches
The Power Profiler Kit (PPK) has three switches that are used to select the DUT on which the measurements are
performed, power supply, and SEGGER J-Link connection respectively.
Figure 7: The PPK switches
Table 3: The PPK switches
Switch Description
DUT select (SW2)Used to define whether the measurements are performed on the nRF5x DK or on an
external/custom hardware.
Options:

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Switch Description
•DK: The measurements are performed on the nRF5x DK.
•External: The measurements are performed on the external/custom hardware
connected to the External DUT (P16) connector.
Power select (SW4)Used to select the power source for the PPK and DUT.
Options:
•DK: Select this option if the power source is the nRF5x DK. Used when
performing measurements on the nRF5x DK (that is, when the DUT select switch
is in the "DK" position).
•Reg.: Select this option if the power source is the on-board regulator powering
the PPK and the external DUT. Used when performing measurements on the
external/custom hardware (that is, when the DUT select (SW2) switch is in the
"External" position).
•External: Select this option if an external power supply is the power source
connected to the External DUT supply (P22) connector of the PPK.
Important:
The PPK desktop application can be used to adjust the power supply voltage
only when the Power select (SW4) switch is in the "Reg" position, that is,
when the power is supplied by the PPK on-board regulator.
Important:
If you need to use the PPK on-board regulator (the Power select (SW4)
switch in the "Reg" position) when performing measurements on the nRF5x
DK, note that it is not recommended unless the PPK on-board regulator
voltage exactly matches the nRF5x DK voltage. Even a small mismatch
between the two will influence the current measurements due to current
leakage and result in erroneous measurement or hardware damage.
The voltage is usually somewhere between 2.9 and 3 V. To be sure, it is
recommended to measure the DK voltage. This configuration, although
possible, is not recommended.
COM (SW3)This switch is used to select the SEGGER J-Link connection.
Options:
•DK: The SEGGER J-Link on the nRF5x DK kit is used.
•EXT: An external SEGGER J-Link is used and connected to the Debug in (P21)
connector. This will disconnect the PPK from the SEGGER J-Link on the nRF5x DK.
Important:
To program the DUT on the DK, the switch must be in the "EXT" position.
When programming with the switch in the "DK" position, the PPK will be
programmed.
Important:
When the PPK uses the nRF5x DK SEGGER J-Link, it cannot be used to debug
the nRF5x SoC on the DK at the same time. To debug the nRF5x DK SoC on
the DK, set the COM (SW3) switch in the “EXT” position.

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Chapter 4
Installing the Power Profiler Kit
software package
This section describes the installation procedure for the Power Profiler Kit (PPK) software package. Python
2.7.12 environment, SEGGER J-Link and the nRF5x Command Line Tools for Microsoft Windows are required
before the PPK software package is installed.
To install the PPK software package, complete the following steps:
1. Install the prerequisite tools:
a) Download and install the Python 2.7.12 environment from python.org.
Important:
• Select the 32-bit Microsoft Windows x86 Installer (MSI).
• Make sure to select the option to add Python to path during the installation.
b) Download and install the SEGGER J-Link driver from the Downloads section (tab) of the nRF52 DK
package in nRF52 Development Kit.
Alternatively, the SEGGER J-Link driver can be downloaded from SEGGER J-Link Software.
c) Download and install the nRF5x Command Line Tools for Microsoft Windows from nRF5x Tools
Windows32.
2. Download the PPK software package from http://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Power-Profiler-Kit.
The file format is PPK_SW_vX_X_X_X_X.zip, where X sets the revision history.
Important: The latest version is always available from the link provided above.
3. Unzip the software package to a directory of your choice on your computer.
4. Navigate to and run the file python_packages.bat.
This will install the following:
• pyside
• pyqtgraph
• numpy
• pynrfjprog
• future
Important: The software will not run before a PPK board is connected to the computer as described in
the following chapter.

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Chapter 5
Configuring the Power Profiler Kit
This section describes four different configuration setups for the Power Profiler Kit (PPK) and methods for
current measurement.
To configure the PPK, complete the following steps:
1. For measurement accuracy, some adjustments are needed. For details, see Measurement accuracy
optimization on page 14.
2. Choose a use case and implement a configuration for the PPK. The options are presented in the following
table.
Table 4: The PPK use cases
Use case Configuration setup/measurement method
Design stage, no custom
hardware
Current measurements on the nRF5x DK on page 15.
Design and optimization stage,
no custom hardware, with
debugging
Current measurements on the nRF5x DK while debugging on page
16.
Current measurements on a custom hardware with nRF5x DK on page
16.
Design stage, using external/
custom hardware
Current measurements on a custom hardware without using an nRF5x
DK on page 18.
5.1 Measurement accuracy optimization
When measuring current with the PPK, some adjustments are needed to optimize the measurement accuracy.
The nRF5x DK must be prepared for the power measurement.
Match voltages between the nRF5x DK and the Power Profiler Kit
In cases where the PPK is used with an nRF5x DK, it is recommended to use the Power select (SW4) switch in
the “DK” position.
Although not recommended, if you need to use the PPK on-board regulator as the power source due to noise
issues (to improve the USB noise filtering), make sure that the PPK regulator voltage exactly matches the
nRF5x DK voltage. Otherwise, current leakage may occur and lead to erroneous current readings.
Considerations when measuring on external DUTs
When measuring current on external devices, it is important to keep in mind that large filtering capacitors
which may be present on the DUT circuit will smooth out the variations in current consumption. This yields a
good result for the average current consumption, but the short current bursts will be filtered out and the plot
might differ from what you see on the measurements done on the nRF5x DK during development.
As a good practice, keep extra decoupling capacitors to a minimum when measuring detailed current draw.
Decoupling capacitors to ensure correct operation of the devices must be included though.

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5.2 Connecting the Power Profiler Kit to the nRF5x DK
For all of the PPK configurations, except when the PPK is running standalone, the PPK needs to be connected
to the nRF5x Development Kit.
Connect your PPK to the nRF5x DK as shown in the following figure.
Figure 8: Connecting the PPK to the nRF5x DK
5.3 Current measurements on the nRF5x DK
The purpose of this setup is to be used at a design stage where custom hardware is not available yet.
This is a typical configuration for the PPK which allows quick setup and measurements in reference
applications from the SDK or in custom applications.
In this case, the connection to the PPK desktop application is provided by the SEGGER J-Link on the nRF5x DK
with a power supply applied on the DK. The configuration for this use case is shown in the following figure.
Figure 9: Current measurements on the nRF5x DK
Make sure that the following are configured:
• The PPK board (PCA63511) is connected to the nRF5x DK board as described in Connecting the Power
Profiler Kit to the nRF5x DK on page 15.
• The DUT select (SW2) switch is in the "DK" position.
• The Power select (SW4) switch is in the "DK" position.
• The COM (SW3) switch is in the "DK" position.

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• The USB cable is inserted into the USB on the nRF5x DK and connected to a computer with the PPK desktop
application.
5.4 Current measurements on the nRF5x DK while debugging
The purpose of this setup is to be used at a design and optimization stage where no custom hardware is
available yet. The SEGGER J-Link debugger on the nRF5x DK is used for debugging.
As the SEGGER J-Link of the nRF5x DK is used for debugging, an additional SEGGER J-Link is needed for
connection to the computer and the PPK desktop application. This could be either another nRF5x DK SEGGER
J-Link or a standalone SEGGER J-Link which can be purchased separately from SEGGER J-Link Software.
The configuration for this use case is shown in the following figure.
Figure 10: Current measurements on the nRF5x DK with debugging
Make sure that the following are configured:
• The PPK board (PCA63511) is connected to the nRF5x DK board as described in Connecting the Power
Profiler Kit to the nRF5x DK on page 15.
• The DUT select (SW2) switch is in the "DK" position.
• The Power select (SW4) switch is in the "DK" position.
• The USB cable is inserted into the USB on the nRF5x DK and connected to a computer running the
debugging software.
• The additional SEGGER J-Link is connected to the Debug in (P21) connector on the PPK, using the 10-pin
flat cable. The USB cable is inserted into the SEGGER J-Link and connected to a computer running the PPK
desktop application.
• The COM (SW3) switch is in the "EXT" position.
Important: Power consumption may be higher for devices during debugging than in normal
operation. The difference depends on what is active at any given time. This is caused by the clocking
of the debug interface and constantly powering sections of the device that are independent of the
operation of the part. When debugging, accurate power consumption cannot be measured, but
software issues can be detected.
5.5 Current measurements on a custom hardware with nRF5x DK
The purpose of this setup is to be used at a design stage on a custom hardware with the nRF5x DK.
In this use case, the PPK measures the current on the custom hardware (DUT). The PPK is connected to the
nRF5x DK which is used as a SEGGER J-Link interface to the computer running the PPK desktop application.

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The power supply is provided either by the PPK on-board regulator or an external power source.
The power supply is applied to the nRF5x DK, which in turn powers the PPK board. This is used to supply
power to the on-board analog measurement circuitry and the on-board regulator with 5 V. This will supply the
custom hardware (DUT) when using the on-board 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 as
well as for communication with the computer.
The following two figures show the configuration for this use case: one with the PPK on-board regulator as the
power source and one with an external power source.
Figure 11: Current measurements on custom hardware with the on-board regulator as the power source
and the nRF5x DK
Figure 12: Current measurements on custom hardware with an external power source and the nRF5x DK
Make sure that the following are configured:
• The PPK board (PCA63511) is connected to the nRF5x DK board as described in Connecting the Power
Profiler Kit to the nRF5x DK on page 15.
• The USB cable is inserted into the USB connector on the nRF5x DK and connected to a computer running
the PPK desktop application.
• The DUT select (SW2) switch is in the "External" position.

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• The custom hardware (DUT) is connected to the External DUT (P16) connector of the PPK.
• The power source is one of the following:
• The PPK on-board regulator: Set the Power select (SW4) switch in the "Reg" position.
• External power supply: In addition to the USB cable inserted in the nRF5x DK, make sure that the
external power is connected to the External DUT supply (P22) connector of the PPK (voltage range from
1.8 to 3.6 V). Set the Power select (SW4) switch in the "External" position.
• The COM (SW3) switch is in the "DK" position.
5.6 Current measurements on a custom hardware without using an nRF5x DK
The purpose of this setup is to be used at a design stage on a custom hardware without using the nRF5x DK.
The power supply is provided either by the PPK on-board regulator or an external power source.
The External 5V supply (J1) USB connector of the PPK is used to supply power to the on-board analog
measurement circuitry and the on-board regulator with 5 V. This will supply the custom hardware (DUT). 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.
The following two figures show the configuration for this use case: one with the PPK on-board regulator as the
power source and one with an external power source.
Figure 13: Current measurements standalone with the on-board regulator as the power source

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Figure 14: Current measurements standalone with an external power source
Make sure that the following are configured:
• The DUT select (SW2) switch is in the "External" position.
• The custom hardware (DUT) is connected to the External DUT (P16) connector of the PPK.
• The power source is one of the following:
• The PPK on-board regulator: Make sure that a USB cable with power is inserted into the External 5V
supply (J1) USB connector of the PPK. Set the Power select (SW4) switch in the "Reg" position.
• External power supply: In addition to the USB cable inserted in the External 5V supply (J1) USB
connector, make sure that the external power is connected to the External DUT supply (P22) connector
of the PPK (voltage range from 1.8 to 3.6 V). Set the Power select (SW4) switch in the "External" position.
• The additional SEGGER J-Link is connected to the Debug in (P21) connector on the PPK using the 10-pin
flat cable. The USB cable is inserted into the SEGGER J-Link and connected to a computer running the PPK
desktop application.
• The COM (SW3) switch is in the "EXT" position.

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Chapter 6
Connecting the Power Profiler Kit to
a computer
You need to connect the Power Profiler Kit (PPK) to a computer with a USB cable in order to use it.
1. Use a USB cable to connect the PPK to your computer.
If the PPK is connected to an nRF5x DK, connect the USB cable to the nRF5x DK. If the PPK is running
standalone, connect the USB cable to the PPK.
2. If you are using an external SEGGER J-Link in your configuration, use a USB cable to connect it to your
computer.
3. If you are using the nRF5x DK, flip the nRF5x power switch to "ON".
If Windows driver installation starts for the inserted DK, wait until it finishes before continuing.
4. Verify that the LED1 is lit on the PPK.
5. Confirm that the connected configuration appears as a removable drive on your computer.
Your PPK is now connected to the computer. You are ready to start the PPK desktop application.