Battery Cycling Test with Usage Pattern-Based Current Consumption

In the field of battery technology, the evaluation of battery performance and longevity under various conditions is paramount. Battery cycling tests are essential procedures that assess the capacity, efficiency, and overall health of batteries through repeated charge and discharge cycles. This application note provides a comprehensive methodology for conducting battery cycling tests, with a particular emphasis on load current profiles.

Modern electronic devices exhibit diverse load current profiles, which can significantly influence battery performance and lifespan. Therefore, it is critical to test batteries using real-world usage patterns to obtain accurate and relevant performance data.

Our methodology underscores the importance of temperature monitoring during battery cycling tests. Temperature is a crucial parameter that affects battery behavior; elevated temperatures can accelerate degradation processes and pose safety risks, while reduced temperatures can impair efficiency and performance. To ensure accurate and safe testing, our protocol incorporates continuous temperature monitoring and automatic cutoff conditions. If the battery temperature exceeds predefined thresholds, the testing process is immediately halted to prevent potential damage and ensure operational safety.

This application note outlines a detailed methodology for acquiring and converting current consumption data into dynamic discharge profiles. The application of these profiles throughout the discharge cycle simulates authentic operational conditions, yielding critical data on the impact of various usage patterns and environmental temperatures on battery efficacy and durability. The procedure employs the Keysight N6705 series DC Power Analyzer, the Keysight DAQ973A Data Acquisition System, and the Keysight PW9254A PathWave Advanced Power Application Suite software, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis for battery testing.

We will explore the necessary equipment, test procedures, and data analysis techniques required to set up and execute a battery cycling test that accurately reflects current consumption usage patterns.

For researchers, engineers, and product developers, understanding battery behavior under varied current consumption scenarios is vital. This application note equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to conduct thorough and effective battery cycling tests, ensuring batteries meet the demands of their intended applications.

Capturing the current discharge profile is crucial for understanding how the battery will perform under real-world conditions. Precise instruments measure the current from usage patterns, creating a detailed profile of the usage pattern throughout the data logging.

The hardware and software combinations used include the Keysight N6705 series DC power analyzer, N6781A/N6785A source measurement unit, and PW9254A PathWave Advanced Power Application Suite Bundle software. These tools ensure comprehensive data gathering and analysis for battery testing purposes.

The PW9254A software application introduces a new feature in its Data Logger called “Export to Discharge,” which allows users to export current consumption data within a desired range while the Data Logger is actively running. This feature streamlines the process of capturing and exporting relevant data during battery testing.

The Cycler Operation Mode in the PW9254A Keysight PathWave Advanced Power Application Suite Software allows users to create a custom sequence of charging, resting, and discharging a battery. It can run up to 1000 cycles of operations to measure battery performance and capacity degradation over time quantitatively. The operation now includes a new feature called Temperature Monitor, which ensures enhanced safety and longevity of the battery life by preventing overheating.

Prior solutions required installing and using two different applications to achieve the intended objective, involving numerous steps and lacking flexibility. The new application integrates these into one, streamlining the workflow and reducing the time to set up and conduct battery testing. With simplified steps on data processing and automated conversions, it improves process efficiency and user experience.

Understanding the power consumption patterns of batteries is crucial for designers. Keysight’s hardware and Advanced Power Application Suite software offer comprehensive solutions that empower battery designers to effectively analyze power consumption patterns. This is vital for optimizing battery performance and longevity to design a reliable battery system with high efficiency. With these sophisticated tools, designers are equipped to innovate and refine battery technologies, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the industry.