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Hi, I have a delay function that for some reason every time I included in my project it causes the micro controller to use extra power. With out the function I read 20 micro amps in total power down mode, but with the function I read 4.4 miliamps in the same mode. I use this delay function to energize a relay for about 50 miliseconds. Is there any other method I could use to replace this function with? Or even better, why is this function "I assume" causing the micro to concume so much power. Thanks. void delay (int x) small reentrant { //0 to 4,294,967,295 int i; for (i = 0; i < x; i++) { ; } }
"How could the relay consume so much power" I would agree with Erik - 4.25mA is not a lot of current to operate a relay! What relay is it? How much current did you think it should take? What did the relay Datasheet say? Now that you have the relay isolated from the circuit, have you measured how much current it takes? Another thought: You realise that a relay coil is a large inductor, and you know what happens when you suddenly turn off the current through a large inductor...?!