ESP32 devkit V4 current consumption

[kotteswaran P]

Hi,
In existing our product, we use the RN171 Wi-Fi module from Microchip (we use Wi-Fi module in AP mode to communicate the product with custom GUI), and as we need to add new features which include both Wi-Fi/BLE. For development, we choose the ESP32 devkit, and before implementing, we started with evaluation. During the evaluation process, the current measured is between 130mA to 160mA (configured in Wi-Fi AP mode). Using Arduino IDE, configured the ESP32 devkit. With our existing Wi-Fi module with RN171, the current measured is between 25mA to 60mA.
So we are required to meet the current consumption of ESP32, with the existing module, Is there any method to reduce the current consumption during configuration or with any H/W changes?

[ESP_Sprite]

There is, in the form of light sleep, deep sleep, DFS etc. I'm unsure if the Arduino environment supports all of those, though. You could also take a look at the ESP32C3; if you don't need all the ESP32 peripherals that may push the power requirements down a bit lower.

[kotteswaran P]

Thanks,
I need to reduce the current consumption during the data exchange, and these sleep modes will affect during the idle stage, right?
i.e.., when the device not transferring any data. Apart from Arduino IDE, which S/W tool is best suited to configure ESP32?
ESP32 IDF or Eclipse or Visual studio code.
How to set these different sleep modes? Is it by configuring the module w.r.t each mode or by default it changes?
So how can we reduce the current consumption of the device during the data exchange process? How to configure accordingly?

If the ESP32 WROOM 32UE chip alone is integrated to use Wi-Fi and BLE functionality, will current consumption reduce?

[boarchuz]

Your options are limited in AP mode. Try reducing CPU frequency or WiFi TX power (esp_wifi_set_max_tx_power).