Using the Power Debugger for Power Readings

Info: These power readings can be taken with a multimeter, in ammeter mode, connected between the two soldered pins of the Curiosity Nano board.

Figure 1. Current Reading with Multimeter Setup

To use the Power Debugger, Atmel Studio’s Data visualizer needs to be utilized. Open Atmel Studio, go to Tools → Data Visualizer. Expand the DGI Control Panel tab and select the Power Debugger Data Gateway.

Figure 2. DGI Control Panel

Press Connect and several interfaces will appear.

Figure 3. Power Debugger Interfaces

Enable the Power interface by pressing the empty box on the top left and then open the Settings menu.

Figure 4. Power Configuration

In the Settings tab, disable the B channel. The devices can also be powered from the Power Debugger by enabling the output voltage and setting it at the required value.

For this application, only the ammeter function of the Power Debugger is needed. Connect the line going into the A ammeter with the pin closest to the Nano Embedded Debugger on the Curiosity Nano board and the line going from the ammeter to the pin closest to the microcontroller on the Curiosity Nano.

When everything is correctly configured, press Start in Atmel Studio DGI control panel and watch the current consumed in real-time by the device.

Figure 5. Power Debugger Connection