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MultiNav Pro+ BLE - power consumption at max TX while running on supercap kit?

Jerry MartinezJuly 25, 2026
Hey everyone, working on a remote sensor node that needs to hit decent range (not full 50km, more like 5-10km in open terrain) and I'm trying to figure out how the BLE module behaves power-wise when you're pushing it at or near max TX output. The plan is to run it off the Power/Program Kit with the supercap system, but I'm not sure how the supercap handles those peak current spikes when the RF front-end is transmitting at full blast. Anyone actually measured the draw during a TX burst? I'm a little worried the supercap might brown out if there's not enough bulk capacitance to cover it.
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Replies

AdamJuly 25, 2026
@Jerry Martinez good question — peak TX current on BLE front-ends with external amplifiers is absolutely something to think about, especially with capacitive storage. The supercap kit was designed to handle the full module stack for 24 hours, so it does have decent bulk capacitance behind it, but I don't have exact mA figures for max TX burst draw on the MultiNav Pro+ sitting in front of me right now.
 
What I'd suggest is checking the STM32WB07 datasheet for the TX current spec at max output power, then factor in the external PA on top of that — those are your two main consumers during a burst. The supercap's low ESR actually works in your favor here compared to a regular battery, since it can dump current fast without the voltage sag you'd get from a LiPo under pulse load. Brownout is more likely to be a concern if your regulator has a tight dropout threshold than if the cap itself runs dry.
 
If you can share what duty cycle you're planning — continuous streaming versus periodic bursts — that'd help narrow it down, because the average draw profile looks completely different and the supercap handles burst loads way better than sustained high-TX scenarios.

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