Measure average current with an ampere meter

The average current drawn by the application nRF54LM20B SoC can be measured using an ampere meter. This method monitors the current in series with the nRF device. A true Root Mean Square (RMS) ampere meter is recommended.

1. Prepare the nRF54LM20 DK as described in Set up the DK.
2. Connect an ampere meter between pin 1 and pin 2 on header P14 as shown in the following figure.
3. Set the average timing of the ampere meter to a long interval, such as 1 s or longer.
4. Set the dynamic range of the ampere meter between 1 µA and 15 mA, so that it is wide enough to provide accurate measurements.

Figure 1. Current measurement with an ampere meter

Measure the average current consumption when the nRF54LM20B SoC is in a steady state, such as sleep mode, continuous TX, or RX. For applications with rapid changes in current consumption, consider using an oscilloscope, the PPK2, or a power profiler.