Battery pack test system uses high voltage SiC technology

Customers need vast labs with multiple test channels to develop batteries, but space and power supplies are limited.

Keysight's SL1700A Series utilises new high voltage silicon carbide (SiC) technology to achieve higher efficiency and energy recovery capabilities, which is crucial to reduce overall lab costs.

It provides high power in a small footprint and is modular and upgradable to address future power needs.

"Our next generation battery pack test systems based on high voltage SiC technology, provide more power and higher voltages in less space, when compared to similar systems," said Michael Schugt, managing technology director of Keysight's Automotive & Energy Solutions group. "When combined with the solutions energy efficiency, it allows our customers to design new batteries in their lab with greater flexibility."  

A battery pack is a complex system involving high voltages and currents, electrical and mechanical components, cooling system and a battery management system (BMS).

All components require thorough testing to draw conclusions about the durability, range, efficiency and heating of the pack.

This battery pack addresses these requirements and offers key features including: 

• A small footprint to deliver high power and more output in a reduced space.
• High energy recovery capabilities, reducing energy consumption and lowering lab running costs.
• Synchronised control of all components in the test environment, including climate chamber, conditioning of the device under test (DUT) and BMS.
• Recorded measured values to use as a variable during the remainder of the test sequence.
• Direct evaluation of data using practical analysis tools: post-processing is not necessary.