ESP8266 - High power consumption during deep sleep ( ESP.deepSleep(0) ). 200uA instead of 15~20uA

[immajor]

Hi there!

I was looking for a topic like this, but I only found one at nodemcu and found none at Arduino. If there is any, please point me to that direction! :)

Basic Infos

Some times when I call ESP.deepSleep(0);, the board is consuming 200uA instad of 20uA.

Hardware

Hardware: ESP-12-E Core Version: unknown

Description

When I call ESP.deepSleep(0); and I measure the current consumed my ESP8266, I get 2 different values. In some cases (70% of the time), the current consumed is 17-19uA, so everything is fine! If I unplug the +3.3V and plug it back, it stays in deepSleep mode, the current goes back to 17-19uA.

But in some other cases I measure ~200uA current consumed by it. And if I unplug the +3.3V and plug it back, it restarts.

Settings in IDE

Module: Generic ESP8266 Module Flash Size: 4MB/1MB CPU Frequency: 80Mhz Flash Mode: qio0 - high Flash Frequency: 256000 Upload Using: SERIAL Reset Method: ---

Sketch

#include <Arduino.h>

void setup() {
//simply connecting to WiFi
//sending an UDP packet
}

void loop() {
      //receiving an UDP packet
      analogWrite(LEDpin,1024);
      delay ( 1000 );
      analogWrite(LEDpin,0);
      delay ( 25 );

      ESP.deepSleep(0);

}

Debug Messages

none

[immajor]

Is there something I can do to avoid the higher power consumption? If you need I can send some photos or a video about the issue. Thank you in advance for your reply! :)

[immajor]

Hi there!

I found the source of the problem :)

When there was no other load on the voltage source, only the ESP and it went to deepSleep, then the current went down, so the input voltage went up and this increased 3.9V input voltage caused the high deep sleep current.

[Pietfro]

@immajor , how did you resolve it then? By adjusting the voltage whenever it goes to deep sleep?

[immajor]

@Pietfro I did nothing, :smile: as the voltage will go lower, the power consumption will normalize. But I know this is a waste of battery power and most likely not helping the ESP either. And the lithium ion battery should not be charged above 4.0V.

But I will try a HT7333 linear regulator in the future. This is a super regulator, based on the specs. In most cases it should help allot and it is quite cheap also (if the ebay and aliexpress sellers are sending legit parts). Check these for more details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYuYTfO6iOs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J66_8P043ko

for ultra long battery life, ceramic capacitors are better because electrolytic capacitor can eat some uA while storing voltage. (if im right)

[immajor]

@Pietfro Or use LIFEPO4 batteries, they need no voltage regulating because they are ~3.3V until they are discharged. But they need special charging and discharge protection circuit.

LIFEPO4 discharge is like this: http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Soshine%2018650%20LiFePO4%201800mAh%20(Black)%20UK.html

Regular lithium batteries are like this: http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Samsung%20ICR18650-26F%202600mAh%20(Pink)%20UK.html

[Pietfro]

Thank you @immajor for such a thorough answer. Currently I am using mcp1700t-3302 and it seems to make the job. However, I had to use a bigger capacitor to cope with higher current during ESP8266 startup. I have to play with the input voltage...:)

[immajor]

As I see mcp1700 has a bit better specs then HT7333, but also bit more expensive. This is also a good choice!

[Gadam123]

Yeah, i suffer the same issue. I have 2 x ESP8266 both with MCP1700. One consumes 15-20uA the other 180uA in DeepSleep. I doubt this is an issue with overvoltage. I would rather say its luck that you got it lowered. I powered my ESPs with 2 AA batteries and still. One consumes 20 while the other 200uA. Nevetheless i am still digging...

[WJR1989]

Any updates on why there is such a disparity between the performance of two units?

[jdelrio810]

Hi, I have the same problem I have a NodeMCU v1.0 / V3 when measuring the current consumption in sleep mode is 2mA.

[5chufti]

NodeMCU is very bad example when need for extra low power. The 3.3V regulator usually is not low current and the usb-serial chip also consumes power during deepsleep of esp8266. 2mA is not too bad, have seen worse!

[jdelrio810]

thanks for your answer 5chufti

[jdelrio810]

thanks for your answer

El vie., 24 ago. 2018 a las 15:51, 5chufti (notifications@github.com) escribió:

NodeMCU is very bad example when need for extra low power. The 3.3V regulator usually is not low current and the usb-serial chip also consumes power during deepsleep of esp8266. 2mA is not too bad, have seen worse!

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[Gadam123]

i had a faulty ESP. I detached the top metal cover to look for any issues but couldnt find any. Maybe a capacitor that was leaking, maybe flash...donno. Besides the high current consumption ESP worked well. Anyway when i replaced the ESP to other the deep sleep current went down do 20-30uA.

[Zbysekz]

i got similar issue, two ESP-12E but one was drawing ~1mA in deep sleep. the other was less than 0.1mA. Faulty piece