Understanding Calibration Errors
Calibration errors in the Nordic Power Profiler Kit can stem from several sources, including incorrect setup, environmental factors, or firmware mismatches. To rectify such discrepancies, it's crucial to establish a systematic approach to diagnostics and calibration.
Verify Hardware Setup
- Make sure that all connections are secure. An unstable connection can lead to inaccurate readings.
- Ensure that the probes are properly configured for the expected range of current and voltage. Choosing an incorrect range can cause measurement errors.
Check Software Configuration
- Update to the latest version of the Power Profiler Kit software. Firmware and software updates can fix known calibration errors.
- Verify that the correct device profile is selected in the software. Profiles help the tool interpret the data correctly.
Environmental Considerations
- Minimize electromagnetic interference by keeping the kit away from sources like Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, etc.
- Ensure ambient temperature is within the operating range specified by Nordic for the Power Profiler Kit.
Perform Manual Calibration
For more precise calibration, you can perform manual adjustments by comparing the Profiler’s readings against a trusted multimeter. Follow these steps to do manual calibration:
- Connect both the Power Profiler Kit and a calibrated multimeter to the same test points.
- Capture the measurements from both devices over a defined period.
- Calculate the average difference and adjust the readings in your application with an offset.
Example Code for Adjusting Readings
To adjust readings programmatically, you can implement an offset correction in your firmware code as demonstrated below:
#define OFFSET_CORRECTION 0.005 // Example offset value
float calibrateMeasurement(float rawMeasurement) {
return rawMeasurement + OFFSET_CORRECTION;
}
// Usage
float measuredValue = readMeasurement(); // Function to read from Power Profiler Kit
float calibratedValue = calibrateMeasurement(measuredValue);
// Use calibratedValue as the accurate measurement
Use the Linearity Correction Feature
- Utilize the linearity correction feature in the Nordic software. This feature allows for an in-depth calibration by adjusting the gain for different ranges of measurements.
Consult Nordic's Resources
- Go through Nordic's extensive documentation and support forums. Many calibration errors can be resolved by following the community-driven advice or official troubleshooting guides.
- Contact Nordic support for unresolvable issues. Sometimes the fault might lie with the hardware itself, and they can guide you further or suggest returns or replacements.
By attending to these areas, the accuracy of your measurements should markedly improve. Always document changes made during the calibration process to aid in future troubleshooting and improvements.
