Nordic Semiconductor nPM2100 EK Evaluation Kit

The nPM2100 Evaluation Kit is a hardware platform for evaluating and configuring the nPM2100 power management IC (PMIC) without requiring firmware development. It integrates the nPM2100, a compact PMIC designed for non-rechargeable battery applications, featuring a highly efficient boost regulator, a fuel gauge for primary cells, and ultra-low current modes. These include 35 nA ship mode and 175 nA hibernate mode with timed wakeups.

The kit provides male pin headers that expose all nPM2100 connections, enabling straightforward attachment to Nordic development kits and external measurement equipment. Six included battery holders support 1S/2S AA and AAA cells, as well as 20 mm and 11.6 mm coin cells, such as CR2032 and LR44. Integrated LEDs and pushbuttons allow direct evaluation of the PMIC’s LED drivers and GPIOs. The USB Type-C interface supports both power and data, while the nPM PowerUP desktop software offers code-free configuration and monitoring for various applications. 

nPM2100 EK Evaluation Kit Features  

The nPM2100 EK Evaluation Kit is engineered for the assessment and code-free setup of the nPM2100 PMIC. This PMIC is a compact solution for non-rechargeable batteries, featuring a highly efficient boost regulator and energy-saving functionalities. Let’s explore its features in detail: 

Evaluation and Configuration

nPM2100 EK is designed to evaluate and configure the nPM2100 PMIC without requiring firmware development. The kit integrates directly with the nPM PowerUP desktop application, providing a code‑free configuration interface. By using the nPM PowerUP app in nRF Connect for Desktop, users can adjust all settings through a graphical interface and export configurations as code for implementation in a microcontroller application.

Power and Connectivity Options

The board includes a USB Type‑C connector that supports both power input and data communication with the configuration software. Male pin headers are provided for all nPM2100 PMIC connections, allowing straightforward connection to Nordic development kits or external test equipment for measurements and validation. This setup enables a complete evaluation of power regulation and monitoring functions.

Battery Holder Support

Six battery holders are included, supporting a variety of non‑rechargeable cells. These holders accommodate single and two-in-series AA and AAA alkaline batteries, as well as common coin-cell batteries in 20mm and 11.6mm diameter variants, such as CR2032 and LR44. This flexibility allows testing across different battery chemistries and configurations.

Integrated Interfaces and Features

On‑board LEDs display battery state‑of‑charge and enable evaluation of the PMIC’s LED driver functions. Pushbuttons are integrated to test general‑purpose input/output (GPIO) features. The board layout is optimized with necessary passives for performance. It supports low-power states, including a 35nA ship mode and a 175nA hibernate mode with timed wakeups. The PMIC also incorporates a fuel gauge for primary-cell batteries, providing battery monitoring capabilities.

Applications

The nPM2100 Evaluation Kit is suitable for evaluating power management in a range of low‑power, battery‑driven systems. It is commonly applied in computer peripherals and human interface devices (HID), where efficient boost regulation and low quiescent currents are critical. In remote controls and smart home sensors, the kit enables testing of primary‑cell operation and timed wakeup modes to extend battery life. It is also suitable for fitness accessories and personal medical devices that rely on stable voltage regulation, fuel gauging, and minimal standby current for reliable operation. Furthermore, it supports Bluetooth® asset tracking devices requiring compact power solutions.