Electronic – Typical GSM current profile

current measurementgsmmodem

I'm working with GSM modem and I'm wondering if anyone has come across any sort of measured or typical GSM current profiles for various actions such as:

  • Connecting to base station
  • Sending a SMS
  • Voice call
  • During an active data connection

I know the general trend of what the current consumption should look like when it is transmitting based upon frame rate and slot-time, what I'm looking for is more coarse view. For example when sending a SMS message it transmits for N number of slots.

Best Answer

I used some generic modules, so here are some values to work with:

  • voice call: 250 - 300 mA (unactive unused bursts: 20 - 50 mA)
  • GPRS (2Tx, 3Rx slots): 340 - 410 mA

This assumes having a matched antenna. The current consumption itself depends on the transmitted power and is thus dependend on the network. If you have a highly unmatched antenna, a voice call can draw up to 2500 mA.