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Graduate II
July 8, 2025
Solved

Sleep, stop and standby modes do not significantly reduce current consumption

  • July 8, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 515 views

Greetings, 
I'm having an issue with low-power modes. I'm using a STM32U585 MCU and while in run mode it is consuming around 100mA, which is a lot. I tried to enter in Sleep, Stop and Standby modes right after the main declaration:

int main(void)
{
 HAL_Init();
 SystemPower_Config();
 SystemClock_Config();
 PeriphCommonClock_Config();

 HAL_PWR_EnterSTOPMode(PWR_LOWPOWERREGULATOR_ON, PWR_SLEEPENTRY_WFI);

 ...

The thing is, the current just drops from 100mA to 70mA, which is still a lot. 
Any clue why the circuit is consuming so much current? 

Thank you

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Best answer by TDK

    100 mA is too much for the CPU alone. My guess is other components on the board are using most of that current.

    5 replies

    j_filipeAuthor
    Graduate II
    July 8, 2025

    Note: 
    In the HAL_PWR_EnterSTOPMode function, the 2nd argument is PWR_STOPENTRY_WFI, not Sleep.

    Super User
    July 8, 2025

    You need to give more details: How to write your question to maximize your chances to find a solution.

    In particular, what hardware are you using?

    How are you measuring the current?

    How are you sure you're measuring only the MCU's current consumption?

    Have you tried the ST examples on an ST board?

     

    Technical Moderator
    July 8, 2025

    Hello @j_filipe;

     

    I recommend you to refer to How to minimize the power consumption in low power mode: An example using NUCLEO-F401RE board FAQ to minimize the power consumption. The purpose of this article is to share tips for power consumption optimization while describing steps to achieve it.

    Please set all free pins as analog to optimize the power consumption.

    I advise you to look at  PWR_STANDBY and PWR_SLEEP examples may help you. 

     

    Thank you.

    Kaouthar

     

    TDKAnswer
    Super User
    July 8, 2025

    100 mA is too much for the CPU alone. My guess is other components on the board are using most of that current.

    Super User
    July 10, 2025

    @j_filipe for the benefit of others who may find this while looking to solve a similar problem, it would help if you would say where the excess current was going.

    j_filipeAuthor
    Graduate II
    July 10, 2025

    Hi Andrew, 
    It is irrelevant because I am just using this MCU in a personal project, so it is a personal custom-made board. The excess current was going to another component of the circuit. 
    Thank you.

    Super User
    July 11, 2025

    Not irrelevant at all: a great example that the MCU is not the only thing which contributes to "low power" - something which is often overlooked!

     

    So thanks for sharing.