logo

Lithiumate™ Manual

index reference menu_home menu_setup

Set-up Menu

Configuring the BMS, rev 1.00 to 1.33.

Set-up menu (click on a menu item to go to a description of that item):

Through these menus you may look at any paramater; but, if a password is set you will need to log-in for changes to take effect.

This page is for the latest revision of the software. For older revisions, see:

If you prefer, you may use this list of all paramenters, all in one table

back to topPresets

Rev 1.04 and up:

Rev 0.97 to 1.03:

Rev 0.96 and older:

Factory defaults anchor

Use this menu to restore the factory defaults.
Item Range Default Units Menu
Restore defaults - - - Home / Set-up / Presets / Factory defaults

Press 'RETURN' to restore, or 'ESC' to abort

Download to file anchor

Use this menu to save the settings into a file in your computer.

For older revs that do not have this menu option, use this back up method.
Item Range Default Units Menu
Download to file - - - Home / Set-up / Presets / Download to file

When done, press 'ESC' to go back

The screen will show all the settings as hex data.
To save them, follow this procedure.

  1. Copy the hex data in the screen of the terminal application; the method depends on the application used;
    • PuTTY: drag over the data to select them; that will place the data in the clipboard
    • HyperTerminal: drag over the data to select them, do Copy from the Edit menu
  2. Open a new text file
  3. Paste the data in the text file (if there is any extra text besides the hex data, edit it out)
  4. Save the file on your computer's hard drive, giving it a meaningful name
  5. Close the file
Upload from file anchor

Use this menu to restore the settings previously saved to a file in your computer.
Item Range Default Units Menu
Download to file - - - Home / Set-up / Presets / Upload from file

When done, press 'ESC' to go back.
To abort, press 'ESC', wait 7 seconds, the upload fails, then press 'ESC' to go back

  1. Open the text file with the settings from your computer's hard drive
  2. Copy the data in the text file (make sure you're copying exactly the data, all the data, and nothing else)
  3. Close the file
  4. Go to the terminal application
  5. Paste the data in the terminal application; the method depends on the application used;
    • PuTTY: right click
    • HyperTerminal: do Paste to Host from the Edit menu (or Control-V)
  6. Wait 7 seconds for the result (success or fail)
Macros anchor

This menu is for your convenience; it allows you to preset some common set-ups in a single step.

For example, to configure the BMS to use a 400 A current sensor, you could set-up each of the 3 parameters for it manually, or you can use the 400 A preset, which will do all 3 steps for you at once.

N.B.: presets are operations, not settings; think of them as macros, that perform a few steps automatically for you. So, if you use the presets to configure the BMS for a 400 A current sensor, you have not "selected" a 400 A sensor (and therefore you cannot "unselect it"); instead, you have asked the BMS to perform a set of steps.

There is no "undo" or "none" after you perform a preset. To make changes afterwards, you'll have to modify the individual settings that the presets affected; or, you may restore the factory defaults (HOME / Set-up / Presets / Factory defaults)

Cell chemistry anchor

Use this menu to set all the parameters that are applicable to a given cell chemistry.
Item Items that it sets Values Units Menu
LiFePO4 cells
  • Cell Under-Voltage
  • Cell Minimum Voltage
  • Cell Low Voltage
  • Cell High Voltage
  • Cell Maximum Voltage
  • Cell Left Voltage
  • Cell Right Voltage
  • Cell Minimum Balance Voltage
  • Cell Over-Voltage
  • 2.7
  • 2.8
  • 3.0
  • 3.4
  • 3.6
  • 3.0
  • 3.4
  • 3.4
  • 3.7
V Home / Set-up / Presets / Cell chemistry / LiFePo4 cells
LiPo, Std Li-Ion cells
  • Cell Under-Voltage
  • Cell Minimum Voltage
  • Cell Low Voltage
  • Cell High Voltage
  • Cell Maximum Voltage
  • Cell Left Voltage
  • Cell Right Voltage
  • Cell Minimum Balance Voltage
  • Cell Over-Voltage
  • 2.9
  • 3.0
  • 3.5
  • 4.0
  • 4.2
  • 3.5
  • 4.0
  • 4.0
  • 4.3
V Home / Set-up / Presets / Cell chemistry / LiPo, Std Li-Ion cells

Press 'RETURN' to preset, or 'ESC' to abort

Cable mounted current sensor anchor

Use this menu to set in one step the parameters that are applicable to a Elithion cable mounted current sensor. Note that you may have to also set the direction, separately, if the sensor is mounted backwards.
Item Items that it sets Values Units Menu
50 A
  • Load Current Sensor Input
  • Load Current Sensor Gain
  • Load Current Sensor Offset
  • Ext Cur Snsr
  • 12
  • 4092
  • -
  • A/V
  • Counts
Home / Set-up / Presets / Cable mounted current sensor / 50 A
100 A
  • Load Current Sensor Input
  • Load Current Sensor Gain
  • Load Current Sensor Offset
  • Ext Cur Snsr
  • 25
  • 4092
  • -
  • A/V
  • Counts
Home / Set-up / Presets / Cable mounted current sensor / 100 A
200 A
  • Load Current Sensor Input
  • Load Current Sensor Gain
  • Load Current Sensor Offset
  • Ext Cur Snsr
  • 50
  • 4092
  • -
  • A/V
  • Counts
Home / Set-up / Presets / Cable mounted current sensor / 200 A
400 A
  • Load Current Sensor Input
  • Load Current Sensor Gain
  • Load Current Sensor Offset
  • Ext Cur Snsr
  • 100
  • 4092
  • -
  • A/V
  • Counts
Home / Set-up / Presets / Cable mounted current sensor / 400 A
600 A
  • Load Current Sensor Input
  • Load Current Sensor Gain
  • Load Current Sensor Offset
  • Ext Cur Snsr
  • 150
  • 4092
  • -
  • A/V
  • Counts
Home / Set-up / Presets / Cable mounted current sensor / 600 A

Press 'RETURN' to preset, or 'ESC' to abort

List settings anchor

Use this menu to list all the settings and their values.

{Rev > 1.17}:

The list is very long, so it exceeds the size of the terminal emulator application. It is easier to copy the screen and paste it in a text editor, or to turn on text capture into a file (HyperTerminal).

back to topCurrent sense

This menu allows you to set up how the BMS controller reads the source and load current.

Source current CAN message anchor

Optionally, the power source may report the value of its current into the battery (or out of the battery for B2G applications) through a message on the CAN bus.

Use this screen to specify:

  • CAN ID (messages must appear at least every 1 s)
  • which data byte(s) carry the data

Also, use this to specify how to interpret the data:

  • The offset: the value reported at 0 current
  • The units: what each count in the value represents
  • The polarity: does a positive value mean current into or out of the battery

By default, the BMS controller is set-up to read the charging current from a Brusa NLG5 charger.
Item Range Default Units Menu
CAN ID 001 ~ 7FFh 611h - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / CAN Message / ID
1st data byte 0 ~ 7 6 - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / CAN Message / 1st Byte
Length 1: 1 byte
2: 2 bytes, hi-low (big-endian)
3: 2 bytes, low-hi (little-endian)
2: hi-low (big-endian) - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / CAN Message / Length
Offset -32768 ~ 32768 0 - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / CAN Message / Offset
Units 1~1000 10 mA/count Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / CAN Message / Units
Direction No: + = out of battery
Yes: + = into battery
Yes: + = into battery - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / CAN Message / Direction

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

These are the settings for specific chargers:
Charger CAN ID 1st data byte Length Offset Units [mA/count] Direction
Brusa 611h 6 2: hi-low (big-endian) 0 10 Yes: + = into battery
Current Ways 271h 4 3: 2 bytes, low-hi (little-endian) 0 100 Yes: + = into battery
Eltek 305h 3 3: 2 bytes, low-hi (little-endian) 0 100 Yes: + = into battery

Source current sensor anchor

If the BMS is ever powered by its "Vs" input, you must have a current sensor to measure the source current (unless the source already reports the pack current through the CAN Bus).

Use this menu to specify the characteristics of the source current sensor,

Use this screen to specify:

  • Which current sensor input is used to monitor the source current (if any)
  • The offset: the current sensor's reading at 0 current
  • The gain: the current sensor's sensitivity, in Amps per Volt
  • The direction: whether the current sensor's output becomes more positive when discharging

Use this screen also to monitor the readings from all 3 current sensor inputs. This is useful to calibrate the current sensor.
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
Isource-input Which current sensor input is used
0: none
1: from CONTROL connector, pin 6
2: from EXT input
3: on local HV Front End
0: none - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / Current sensor / Input
Isource-ofst 0 to 8192 {0 to 1023 in Revs before 0.94} 4092 counts Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / Current sensor / Offset
Isource-gain 1 ~ 255 25 A/V Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / Current sensor / Gain
Isource-direction No: + = out of battery
Yes: + = into battery
No: + = out of battery - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / Current sensor / Direction
- Current monitor - - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / Current sensor / Monitor 0.95

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

Load current CAN message anchor

Optionally, the load device may report the value of its current out of the battery (or into it for regen) through a message on the CAN bus.

Use this screen to specify:

  • CAN ID (messages must appear at least every 1 s)
  • which data byte(s) carry the data

Also, use this to specify how to interpret the data:

  • The offset: the value reported at 0 current
  • The units: what each count in the value represents
  • The polarity: does a positive value mean current into or out of the battery
Item Range Default Units Menu
CAN ID 000 ~ 7FFh 633h - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / CAN Message / ID
1st data byte 0 ~ 7 0 - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / CAN Message / 1st Byte
Length 1: 1 byte
2: 2 bytes, hi-low (big-endian)
3: 2 bytes, low-hi (little-endian)
2: hi-low (big-endian) - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / CAN Message / Length
Offset -32768 ~ 32768 0 - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / CAN Message / Offset
Units 1~1000 100 mA/count Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / CAN Message / Units
Direction No: + = out of battery
Yes: + = into battery
No: + = out of battery - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / CAN Message / Direction

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

Load current sensor anchor

If the BMS is ever powered by its "VL" input, you must have a current sensor to measure the load current (unless the load already reports the pack current through the CAN Bus).

Use this menu to specify the characteristics of the load current sensor,

Use this screen to specify:

  • Which current sensor input is used to monitor the load current (if any)
  • The offset: the current sensor's reading at 0 current
  • The gain: the current sensor's sensitivity, in Amps per Volt
  • The direction: whether the current sensor's output becomes more positive when discharging

Use this screen also to monitor the readings from all 3 current sensor inputs. This is useful to calibrate the current sensor:

  • Make sure the load current is 0
  • Go to the Monitor screen
  • See what the reading is for the current sensor input you are using for the load current
  • Go to the Offset screen
  • Enter that value
  • Now the System Status screen will show a load current of 0 A
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
Iload-input Which current sensor input is used
0: none
1: from CONTROL connector, pin 6
2: from EXT input
3: on local HV Front End
0: none - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / Current sensor / Input
Iload-ofst 0 to 8192 (0 to 1023 in Revs before 0.94) 4096 (512 in Revs before 0.94) counts Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / Current sensor / Offset
Iload-gain 1 ~ 255 100 A/V Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / Current sensor / Gain
Iload-direction No: + = out of battery
Yes: + = into battery
No: + is out of battery - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Load current / Current sensor / Direction
- Current monitor - - Home / Set-up / Current sense / Source current / Current sensor / Monitor 0.95

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

Current Sensors anchor

Use these values for the standard Elithion current sensors
Location Range Offset [counts] Gain [A/V] Inverse Input
Local HV Front End 5 A 4092 5 (*) 3
20 A 4092 10 (*) 3
50 A 4092 25 (*) 3
100 A 4092 50 (*) 3
200 A 4092 100 (*) 3
Ext current sensor (cable mounted sensor) 50 A 4092 12 (*) 2
100 A 4092 25 (*) 2
200 A 4092 50 (*) 2
400 A 4092 100 (*) 2
600 A 4092 150 (*) 2
SRC pin (pin 6) in Control connector (In line current sensor) 5 A 4092 5 (*) 1
20 A 4092 10 (*) 1

Inversion of the direction may be needed, depending on which way the current is routed through the sensor.

Current monitor anchor

This screen displays the raw A/D (analog to Digital) reading of the 3 current sensor inputs. This is useful for troubleshooting and to tweak the value that is entered in the "offset" field. The value is in the range 0 to 8192 (2^13-1).

Available on revisions 0.95 and up. For older revisions, you can find the same information at the bottom of the test dump screen: Home / Test / Dump.

  • Make sure the source current is 0
  • Go to the Monitor screen
  • See what the reading is for the current sensor input you are using for the source current
  • Go to the Offset screen
  • Enter that value
  • Now the System Status screen will show a source current of 0 A
back to topCharge limits

The BMS controller specifies the maximum allowed Charge Current Limit (CCL), starting from specified value, and reducing it as required to protect the battery.

Use this screen to specify:

  • The polarity of the HLIM output line
  • The value of the CCL under normal conditions
  • The threshold cell voltages above which the CCL is reduced:
    • High cell voltage, above which the CCL starts going down
    • Max cell voltage, above which the CCL is down to 0
  • The threshold pack voltages above which the CCL is reduced: Leave at the factory default unless your load cannot handle the maximum pack voltage.
    • High pack voltage, above which the CCL starts going down
    • Max pack voltage, above which the CCL is down to 0
  • The threshold temperatures beyond which the CCL is reduced:
    • Min temperature, below which the CCL is down to 0
    • Low temperature, below which the CCL starts going down
    • High temperature, above which the CCL starts going down
    • Max temperature, above which the CCL is down to 0
  • Reverse the polarity of the CCL output
  • Whether there is a delay at power up, before charging is enabled

For an explanation of CCL and HLIM, see the Functional description
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
HLIM out polarity No: normally open; limit->grounded
Yes: normally grounded; limit->open
No : normally open - Home / Set-up / Charge limits / HLIM output polarity
ICCL-nom 1 to 1000 100 A Home / Set-up / Charge limits / CCL: charge current limit
Vcell-High 2.00 to 4.55 3.40 V Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Cell voltages / High cell voltage
Vcell-Max 2.00 to 4.55 3.60 V Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Cell voltages / Max cell voltage
Vpack-High 10 to 1000 999 V Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Pack voltages / High pack voltage
Vpack-Max 10 to 1000 1000 V Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Pack voltages / Max pack voltage
Tchg-Min -99 to 99 0 °C Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Temperatures / Min
Tchg-Low -99 to 99 5 °C Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Temperatures / Low
Tchg-High -99 to 99 40 °C Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Temperatures / High
Tchg-Max -99 to 99 50 °C Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Temperatures / Max
CCL ouput direction reversed No: normally at 5 V, down to 0 V when current limited
Yes: normally at 0 V; up to 5 V when current limited
No: normally at 5 V - Home / Set-up / Charge limits / CCL output reversed 1.05+
Power-up charge delay Yes: allow charging a bit after power up Yes: allow charging a bit after power up - Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Power-up charge delay 1.13+

Enter value (press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no); then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.
For negative values, enter the value first, than press the '-' key.

back to topDischarge limits

The BMS controller specifies the maximum allowed Discharge Current Limit (DCL), starting from specified value, and reducing it as required to protect the battery.

Use this screen to specify:

  • The polarity of the LLIM output line
  • The value of the DCL under normal conditions
  • The threshold cell voltages below which the DCL is reduced:
    • Min cell voltage, below which the DCL is down to 0
    • Low cell voltage, below which the DCL starts going down
  • The threshold pack voltages below which the DCL is reduced: Leave at the factory default unless your load cannot handle the minimum pack voltage.
    • Min pack voltage, below which the DCL is down to 0
    • Low pack voltage, below which the DCL starts going down
  • The threshold temperatures beyond which the DCL is reduced:
    • Min temperature, below which the DCL is down to 0
    • Low temperature, below which the DCL starts going down
    • High temperature, above which the DCL starts going down
    • Max temperature, above which the DCL is down to 0
  • Reverse the direction of the DCL output
  • Change the function of the FLT output: instead of being active in case of fault, it becomes active if any cell voltage is getting low during discharge

For an explanation of DCL and LLIM, see the Functional description
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
LLIM out polarity No: normally open; limit->grounded
Yes: normally grounded; limit->open
No : normally open - Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / LLIM output polarity
IDCL-nom 1 to 1000 100 A Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / DCL: discharge current limit
Vcell-Min 2.00 to 4.55 2.80 V Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / Cell voltages / Min cell voltage
Vcell-Low 2.00 to 4.55 3.00 V Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / Cell voltages / Low cell voltage
Vpack-Min 10 to 1000 0 {1 in Rev 1.04 and below} Ah Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / Pack voltages / Min pack voltage
Vpack-Low 10 to 1000 0 {2 in Rev 1.04 and below} V Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / Pack voltages / Low pack voltage
Tdch-Min -99 to 99 -20 °C Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / Temperatures / Min
Tdch-Low -99 to 99 0 °C Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / Temperatures / Low
Tdch-High -99 to 99 50 °C Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / Temperatures / High
Tdch-Max -99 to 99 60 °C Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / Temperatures / Max
DCL ouput direction reversed No: normally at 5 V, down to 0 V when current limited
Yes: normally at 0 V; up to 5 V when current limited
No: normally at 5 V - Home / Set-up / Charge limits / DCL output reversed 1.05+
Use the FLT output as a WARNING output No: FLT output indicates Fault
Yes: FLT output indicates low voltage discharge warning
No: FLT output indicates Fault - Home / Set-up / Charge limits / FLT out as Low Vtg Warning 1.17+

Enter value (press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no); then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.
For negative values, enter the value first, than press the '-' key.

back to topFault

This menu allows you to define fault limits and the subsequent behavior.

The BMS controller has a FLT output that is activated in case of fault.

Use this screen to specify:

  • The polarity of the FLT output line
  • The temperature above which a fault occurs
  • The cell voltage below which which a fault occurs
  • The cell voltage above which which a fault occurs
  • The delay after a fault starts, until the FLT line is activated
    • This applies to all faults; however, from rev 1.10 on, activation of the interlock input results in an immediate fault
  • If the BMS controller drives contactors directly, whether it will turn them off when it activates the FLT line
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
FLT out polarity No: normally open; fault->grounded
Yes: normally grounded; fault->open
No : normally open - Home / Set-up / Fault / FLT output polarity
Tover-temp -99 to 99 70 °C Home / Set-up / Fault / Over-temperature
Vunder-vtg 2.00 to 4.55 2.70 V Home / Set-up / Fault / Under-voltage
Vover-vtg 2.00 to 4.55 3.70 V Home / Set-up / Fault / Over-voltage
Tflt-dly 0 to 255 100 = 10 s 100 ms Home / Set-up / Discharge limits / Pack voltages / Fault delay
FLT contactor turn off No: keep the contactors on
Yes: turn off contactors when FLT line is activated
No : keep the contactors on - Home / Set-up / Fault / Turn off contactors
Charge overcurrent No: the charging current cannot be limited, so don't start a fault if the CCL is less than 100 % but the charging current is not reduced
Yes: the charging current can be limited by the BMS
No : charging current cannot be limited - Home / Set-up / Fault / Charge overcurrent 0.95+
Discharge overcurrent No: the discharging current cannot be limited, so don't start a fault if the DCL is less than 100 % but the discharging current is not reduced
Yes: the discharging current can be limited by the BMS
No : discharging current cannot be limited - Home / Set-up / Fault / Discharge overcurrent 0.95+
Driving off while plugged-in No: don't start a fault
Yes: if both Source and Load are on, start a fault
No: don't start a fault - Home / Set-up / Fault / Driving off while plugged-in 0.95+

Enter value (press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no); then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.

back to topState Of Charge

This menu allows you to define how the SOC is calculated.

{Rev 1.20}:

{Rev between 1.07 and 1.19}:

{Rev between 1.05 and 1.06}:

{Rev between 0.96 and 1.04}:

{Rev < 0.97}:

The BMS calculates the State Of Charge using both Voltage Translation and Coulomb Counting. In order to do that, it needs to know the battery capacity, and data about 4 points from the cell's voltage vs. SOC curve:

While charging, the SOC increases, until it reaches a clamp level. Once the pack is balanced, the SOC snaps to 100 %

Use this screen to specify:

  • Nominal capacity: The capacity of the entire pack (if multiple batteries in parallel, the total capacity)
  • Minimum current: the current below which SOC and DOD are not computed (to keep a small offset in the current sensor from being integrated and changing the SOC)
  • Clamp SOC: the clamp level where the SOC gets up to and stops while charging, until the pack is balanced, at which point it snaps to 100 %
  • The "Full point"
  • The "Charged point"
    • The SOC at that point
    • The open circuit voltage at that point
  • The "Discharged point"
    • The SOC at that point
    • The open circuit voltage at that point
  • The "Empty point"
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
CAPpack 1 to 65000 100 Ah Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Nominal capacity
Isoc-min 0 to 255 5 A Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Minimum current 1.07+
SOCclamp 1 to 99 90 % Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Clamp SOC 1.04-
Vfull(*) 2.00 to 4.55 3.60 V Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Voltage at 100 % SOC 0.96+
SOCcell-chgd 1 to 99 80 % Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / SOC at charged end of flat portion of V vs SOC curve
Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Charged point / Nearly charged SOC
0.97-
Vcell-chgd 2.00 to 4.55 3.40 V Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Voltage at charged end of flat portion of V vs SOC curve
Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Charged point / Nearly charged voltage
0.97-
SOCcell-dchgd 1 to 99 20 % Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / SOC at discharged end of flat portion of V vs SOC curve
Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Discharged point / Nearly discharged SOC
0.97-
Vcell-dchgd 2.00 to 4.55 3.00 V Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Voltage at discharged end of flat portion of V vs SOC curve
Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Discharged point / Nearly discharged voltage
0.97-
Vempty(*) 2.00 to 4.55 2.80 V Home / Set-up / State Of Charge / Voltage at 0 % SOC 0.96+
Reverse No: 5 V when full, down to 0 V when empty
Yes: 0 V when full, down to 5 V when empty
No: 5 V when full - Home / Set-up / Charge limits / SOC output reversed 1.05+
Capacity calculation No: use the nominal capacity
Yes: calculate capacity automatically
Yes: calculate capacity automatically - Home / Set-up / Charge limits / Capacity calculation 1.20+

Enter value, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort
(*) In Rev 0.96 and older, Vempty is taken from Vmin (Discharge Limits menu), and Vfull is taken from Vmax (Charge Limits menu)

back to topCell balancing

This menu allows you to define how the BMS balances cells.

Use this screen to specify:

  • The cell voltage below which balancing will not occur (note: that doesn't mean that above that voltage balancing will occur: it may or may not, based on other conditions)
  • The delta in cell voltages below which balancing stops
  • The cell board temperature above which balancing pauses to let the cell board cool a bit

For an explanation of the balancing process, see the Functional description
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
Vbalance-min 2.00 to 4.55 3.4 V Home / Set-up / Cell Balancing / Min balance voltage
Vbalance-delta 1 to 99 5 10 mV Home / Set-up / Cell Balancing / Delta balance voltage
Tbalance-max 0 to 99 55 °C Home / Set-up / Cell Balancing / Max balance temperature 0.97+

Enter value (press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no); then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.

back to topContactors

The BMS controller is able to drive contactors directly, including a precharge relay and resistor. An external device can request that the contactors be on in one of two ways:

  • Through the Contactor Request line input in the CONTROL connector
  • Through a single bit in a message on the CAN bus.

This menu allows you to define how the contactors operate.

Use this screen to specify:

  • The polarity of the contactors control input
  • The CAN message that controls the contactors
    • CAN ID (messages must appear at least every 1 s)
    • Which bit in which data byte controls the contactors
    • If a 1 in that location means that the contactors should on or off
  • The minimum precharge time
  • Which tests are to be performed as the contactors are turned on (test assume that an HVFE is present and that a standard precharge circuit is used)
  • The parameters used during those tests
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
Line polarity No: Hi = request
Yes: Lo = request
No: Hi = request - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Control input polarity
CAN ID 001 ~ 7FFh 632h - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / CAN control message / ID
CAN Data byte 0 ~ 7 0 - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / CAN control message / Byte
CAN Data bit 0 ~ 7 0 - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / CAN control message / Bit
CAN Bit polarity No: 0->Off; 1->On
Yes: 1->On; 0->Off
No: 0->Off; 1->On - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / CAN control message / Polarity
Min Precharge time <0~2.55 s 25 = 0.25 s 10 ms Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Min Precharge time
Missing battery voltage test Yes: make sure there's battery voltage before turning on the contactors
No: don't
No: don't test - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Test missing battery voltage
HV ground leakage test Yes: make sure there is no leakage to ground before turning on the contactors
No: don't
No: don't test - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Test HV ground leakage
K3 shorted test Yes: confirm that K3 is OK before turning on the contactors
No: don't
No: don't test - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Test K3 shorted
K1 & K2 shorted test Yes: confirm that K1 and K2 are OK before turning on the contactors
No: don't
No: don't test - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Test K1 & K2 shorted
Missing precharge test Yes: wait for the end of the precharge current pulse before turning on the contactors
No: don't
No: don't test - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Test missing precharge 0.91+
Excessive precharge time test Yes: wait for the end of the precharge current pulse before turning on the contactors
No: don't
No: don't test - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Test excessive precharge time 0.91+
K2 open test Yes: confirm that K2 is OK while turning on the contactors
No: don't
No: don't test - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Test K2 open
Precharge resistor monitor No: use the Load current reading
Yes: use the voltage across the precharge resistor
No: use the Load current reading - Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Precharge resistor monitor 0.90-
Contactor turn-on time <10~300 ms 1 = 10 ms 10 ms Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Contactor turn-on time
Precharge current threshold 1~255 10 A Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Precharge current pulse threshold
Maximum Precharge time 0~2.55 s 100 = 1 s 10 ms Home / Set-up / More... / Contactors / Tests to be performed / Maximum Precharge time

Enter value (press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no); then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.

back to topHeating Cooling

The BMS controller is able to do some temperature regulation, in a few different ways.
Not all of these features are available in all revisions of the software.

The FAN output may be used to drive a fan to cool the battery when it's too hot, or to drive a heater when the battery is too cold.

The cell balancing loads may be used to heat the cells when the battery is too cold.

  • The FAN output is on whenever the temperature exceeds the Fan On temperature (or vice-versa, if so programmed)
  • The FAN PWM output (a variable speed fan) has a square wave whose duty cycle will go from 0% to 100% as the temperature ranges from the Fan On temperature to the Max PWM temperature
  • The cell board balancing loads may be on whenever the temperature is below the Heat On temperature
Rev 1.04 and above anchor
Rev 1.03 and below anchor
Heating anchor

Use this screen to specify:

  • Cell Board heating temperature: the temperature below which the cell boards' balancing resistors are turned on (only part-time if also balancing) while powered by the source
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
Theat-on -99 to 99 0 °C Home / Set-up / More... / Heating-Cooling / Heating / Cell board heating temperature 1.04+

Enter value, then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

Cooling anchor

Use this screen to specify:

  • Fan On temperature: the temperature above which the FAN output is turned on, and at which the FAN PWM's duty cycle is 0%
  • Fan Max temperature: the temperature at which the FAN PWM's duty cycle reaches 100%

For an explanation of how cooling works, see the Functional description
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
Tfan-on -99 to 99 40 °C Home / Set-up / More... / Heating-Cooling / Cooling Fan / On temperature
Tfan-max-pwm -99 to 99 50 °C Home / Set-up / More... / Heating-Cooling / Cooling Fan / Max PWM temperature

Enter value, then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

back to topInterlock

An Interlock function is available to disable the system if the two pin of the interlock connectors are shorted together or left open.

If you don't know what an interlock is, then it's very unlikely that you need to bother with this function: don't do anything with it, and everything will work fine.

Use this screen to specify:

  • If normally there should be a short across those two pins, or if normally they should be left disconnected.
Item Range Default Units Menu
Line polarity No: open = OK
Yes: shorted = OK
No: open = OK - Home / Set-up / More... / Interlock

Enter value (press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no); then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.

back to topCAN Bus

This menu is used to set-up the CAN bus, other than settings that are handled in other menus: source current, load current and contactors.

{Rev 1.19 and up}

{Rev 1.07 to 1.18}

{Rev 1.05 and 1.06}

{Up to Rev 1.04}

CAN bus rate anchor

Use this screen to specify the speed of the CAN bus.
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
CAN bus rate 255: 1 MHz
0: 500 kHz
1: 250 kHz
3: 125 kHz
0: 500 kHz - Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / CAN bus rate 1.05: 1 MHz added

Enter the code; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

NOTE: if a HFVE is in use (such as included in the same case as the BMS controller) both devices must be set for the same speed.
Both devices are set at 500 kHz at the factory.

  • Program the HVFE to the new speed
    • Use your computer to place on the CAN bus this message (instructions):
      • For 125 kHz: ID: 7FFh, 8 data bytes, Data: 12h 34h 56h 78h 9Ah BCh 04h 03h
      • For 250 kHz: ID: 7FFh, 8 data bytes, Data: 12h 34h 56h 78h 9Ah BCh 04h 01h
      • For 500 kHz: ID: 7FFh, 8 data bytes, Data: 12h 34h 56h 78h 9Ah BCh 04h 00h
  • Change the BMS controller's CAN speed to the new speed (as described here)
  • Cycle the power to the BMS off and on, to restart both the HVFE and the BMS controller
Standard output messages anchor

The BMS controller places on the CAN bus a set of standard messages reporting its status. Use this screen to specify the ID of the first message. Set it to 0 to disable the CAN dump.
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
CAN ID 001 ~ 7FFh, 0 to disable 620h - Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Standard output message

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

Data dump anchor

The BMS can be programmed to dump the data from all the cells onto the CAN bus.

Use this menu to set the ID of the first message in the set. Set it to 0 to disable the CAN dump.
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
CAN ID 001 ~ 7FFh, 0 to disable 000h - Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Data dump

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

Comm to other devices anchor

This menu lets you control whether the Lithiumate communicates with other particular devices over the CAN Bus.

Please see pages for each individual device for set-up instructions:

Custom output message anchor

The BMS controller may place on the CAN bus a customizable message.

Use this screen to specify:

  • CAN ID
  • Repetition rate
  • Length: number of data bytes
  • For each data byte:
    • Which parameter is output, and how it's manipulated
    • Multiplier (a bigger multiplier results in a higher output value)
    • Divider (a bigger divider results in a smaller output value)
    • Offset, high and low byte (value output when parameter's value is 0)
Default custom message anchor
ID Rate Length Data 0 Data 1 Data 2 Data 3 Data 4 Data 5 Data 6 Data 7 Settings
000h 10 ms 7 bytes Battery voltage [10 V]
big endian
Battery current [A]
positive out of battery
big endian
CCL [-] DCL [-] Temperature [°C] -
high byte low byte high byte low byte
  020 000* 052 000* 072 080 96 000* Item
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Multiplier
100 1 10 1 1 1 1 1 Divider
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OffsetH
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OffsetL

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort
(*) Not used, because the byte next to it uses 2 bytes, or because the only 7 bytes are used in the message.

Definition of each parameter anchor
Item Range Default Units Menu
CAN ID 001 ~ 7FFh
(000h = off)
000h - Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Custom output message / ID
Rep rate Every 10 ms ~ 2.5 s, in 10 ms increments 1 = 10 ms 10 ms Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Custom output message / Rate
Data bytes 1 ~ 8 7 data bytes - Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Custom output message / Length
Data byte item
byte 0~7
0~255
(see list below)
(see table above) (various) Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Custom output message / Data / Item *
Data byte multiplier
byte 0~7
1~255 usually 1
(see table above)
- Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Custom output message / Data / Multiplier *
Data byte divider
byte 0~7
1~255 usually 1
(see table above)
- Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Custom output message / Data / Divider *
Data byte offset, high byte
byte 0~7
0~255 usually 0
(see table above)
output counts Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Custom output message / Data / OffsetH *
Data byte offset, low byte
byte 0~7
0~255 usually 0
(see table above)
output counts Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Custom output message / Data / OffsetL *

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort
*) Press "Enter" to select the affected byte (0~8)

Items anchor

The item code not only selects which parameter is used, but also how it is presented:

  • Straight
  • Negated (for example, used to change the direction of the current)
  • How it's stored in data bytes:
    • 1 byte: the low byte of the result is placed in the one data byte that is presently selected
    • 2-bytes-big-endian: the high byte of the result is placed in the data byte that is presently selected, and the low byte in the following (higher numbered) data byte. For example, see the "Voltage" bytes in the default message, in the table above.
    • 2-bytes-little-endian: same as big-endian, but the bytes are swapped: low byte in the selected data byte, and high byte in the following data byte

This is a list of the available items:

  • 000 None
  • 008 Constant
  • 016 Battery voltage [100 mV] (1 byte *)
  • 020 Battery voltage [100 mV] (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 022 Battery voltage [100 mV] (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 024 Minimum cell voltage [10 mV] (1 byte *)
  • 028 Minimum cell voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 030 Minimum cell voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 032 Average cell voltage [10 mV] (1 byte *)
  • 036 Average cell voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 038 Average cell voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 040 Maximum cell voltage [10 mV] (1 byte *)
  • 044 Maximum cell voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 046 Maximum cell voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 048 Battery current [100 mA], + = out of battery (1 byte)
  • 049 Battery current [100 mA], - = out of battery (1 byte)
  • 052 Battery current [100 mA], + = out of battery (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 053 Battery current [100 mA], - = out of battery (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 054 Battery current [100 mA], + = out of battery (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 055 Battery current [100 mA], - = out of battery (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 056 Load current [100 mA], + = out of battery (1 byte)
  • 057 Load current [100 mA], - = out of battery (1 byte)
  • 060 Load current [100 mA], + = out of battery (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 061 Load current [100 mA], - = out of battery (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 062 Load current [100 mA], + = out of battery (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 063 Load current [100 mA], - = out of battery (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 064 Source current [100 mA], + = out of battery (1 byte)
  • 065 Source current [100 mA], - = out of battery (1 byte)
  • 068 Source current [100 mA], + = out of battery (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 069 Source current [100 mA], - = out of battery (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 070 Source current [100 mA], + = out of battery (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 071 Source current [100 mA], - = out of battery (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 072 Charge Current Limit [1/255], + = into battery (1 byte) (255 = 100 % OK)
  • 076 Charge Current Limit [1/255], + = into battery (2 bytes, big endian)
  • 078 Charge Current Limit [1/255], + = into battery (2 bytes, little endian)
  • 080 Discharge Current Limit [1/255], + = out of battery (1 byte) (255 = 100 % OK)
  • 084 Discharge Current Limit [1/255], + = out of battery (2 byte, big endian)
  • 086 Discharge Current Limit [1/255], + = out of battery (2 byte, little endian)
  • 088 Minimum Temperature [°C]
  • 096 Average Temperature [°C]
  • 104 Maximum Temperature [°C]
  • 112 SOC [%]
  • 120 SOH [%]
  • 128 State (always 0)
  • 136 Flags (1)
  • 144 Depth Of Discharge (DOD) [Ah] (1 byte) {Rev 1.10+}
  • 148 Depth Of Discharge (DOD) [Ah] (2 bytes, big endian) {Rev 1.10+}
  • 150 Depth Of Discharge (DOD) [Ah] (2 bytes, little endian) {Rev 1.10+}
  • 152 Time since power came on [s] (1 byte) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 156 Time since power came on [s] (2 bytes, big endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 158 Time since power came on [s] (2 bytes, little endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 160 Number of loads that are on (1 byte) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 168 Cell voltage above which we turn on its load [10 mV] (1 byte) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 172 Cell voltage above which we turn on its load [10 mV] (2 bytes, big endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 174 Cell voltage above which we turn on its load [10 mV] (2 bytes, little endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 176 Time average of the IR compensated Minimum Cell Voltage [10 mV] (1 byte) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 180 Time average of the IR compensated Minimum Cell Voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, big endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 182 Time average of the IR compensated Minimum Cell Voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, little endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 184 Time average of the IR compensated Maximum Cell Voltage [10 mV] (1 byte) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 188 Time average of the IR compensated Maximum Cell Voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, big endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 190 Time average of the IR compensated Maximum Cell Voltage [10 mV] (2 bytes, little endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 192 Flags that control the outputs (1 byte) (2) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 200 Code for what is limiting the CCL (1 byte) (3) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 208 Code for what is limiting the DCL (1 byte) (3) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 216 Code for what is turning off balance (1 byte) (4) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 224 Alternate Pack Voltage [100 mV] (1 byte) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 228 Alternate Pack Voltage [100 mV] (2 bytes, big endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 230 Alternate Pack Voltage [100 mV] (2 bytes, little endian) {Rev 1.25 and up}
  • 232 Depth Of Discharge (DOD) [Ah/256] (1 byte) {Rev 2.05+}
  • 236 Depth Of Discharge (DOD) [Ah/256] (2 bytes, big endian) {Rev 2.05+}
  • 238 Depth Of Discharge (DOD) [Ah/256] (2 bytes, little endian) {Rev 2.05+}

big endian (Motorola): high byte in left-most (lowest numbered) byte: 0123h = 23 01
little endian (Intel): high byte in right-most (highest numbered) byte: 0123h = 01 23
*) With only one byte, the value will overflow. So, for example, at 2.57 V, the value reported is 01h, not 257

(1) Flags
Bit number:

  1. there is power from the source
  2. there is power from the load
  3. the interlock is tripped
  4. there is a hard wire contactor request
  5. there is a CAN contactor request
  6. the HLIM is set
  7. the LLIM is set
  8. the Fan is on

(2) Output flags
Bit number:

  1. Fault
  2. K1 is on
  3. K2 is on
  4. K3 is on
  5. the SW+ switch in the HV front end should be on
  6. the SW- switch in the HV front end should be on
  7. the PreChg switch in the HV front end should be on
  8. reserved

(3) Limit codes
Code:

  1. No limit
  2. Pack voltage too low
  3. Pack voltage too high
  4. Cell voltage too low
  5. Cell voltage too high
  6. Temperature too high for charging
  7. Temperature too low for charging
  8. Temperature too high for discharging
  9. Temperature too low for discharging
  10. Charging current peak lasted too long
  11. Discharging current peak lasted too long
  12. Power up delay
  13. Fault

(4) No balance codes
Code:

  1. Balancing is OK
  2. A cell board is too hot
  3. Average voltages within delta balancing voltage
  4. Average voltages below minimum balancing voltage
  5. Four minute rest period
Data manipulation anchor

The value of the selected item is manipulated mathematically before the result is placed in the data bytes, as follows.

  1. The value is multiplied by the "Multiplier" constant
  2. The result is divided by the "Divider" constant
  3. The result is added to the "OffsetH:OffsetL" constants

Result = Value * Multiplier / Divider + (256 * OffsetH + OffsetL)

•Be careful: too big a Multiplier may results in overflow
•For unsigned numbers, the biggest result is 2^16-1; for signed numbers, the biggest result is +/-2^15-1)
•OffsetH has no effect if the item is going to be placed in a single byte. The offset can be negative (FFFFh = -1)
•Multiplier and Divider have no effect if the selected item is "Constant"

Examples anchor
Parameter Item Multiplier Divider OffsetH OffsetL Notes
Constant: 0Ah 008 1 1 0 10 0Ah = 10d
Battery voltage in Volt, in 2 bytes, big endian 020 1 100 0 0 100 to convert from 10 mV to V
Battery voltage in 0.1 Volt, in 2 bytes, big endian 020 1 10 0 0 10 to convert from 10 mV to 100 mV
Battery voltage in Volt, in 1 byte, up to 255 V 016 1 100 0 0 100 to convert from 10 mV to V
Battery voltage in 2 Volt, in 1 byte, up to 510 V 016 1 200 0 0 200 to convert from 10 mV to 2V
Battery voltage in Volt, in 1 byte, offset by 200 V, up to 455 V 016 1 100 255 56 -200 = FF38h = 256d (high byte), 56d (low byte)
Battery current in A, in 1 byte, up to +/- 127 A (or up to 255 A if unipolar), positive out of battery 048 1 10 0 0 10 to convert between 100 mA and A
Battery current in A, in 2 bytes, big endian, up to +/- 32 kA, negative out of battery 053 1 10 0 0 10 to convert between 100 mA and A
Battery current in A, in 1 byte, between -40 to +200 A, offset so that at 0A the value is 50, positive out of battery 048 1 10 0 50 50 to introduce the offset
DOD in Ah, for a 33 Ah battery 112 1 1 0 0 Straight
DOD in [%], for a 33 Ah battery 112 100 33 0 0 DOD [%] = DOD [Ah] * 100 [%]/ 33 Ah
SOC in %, for a 33 Ah battery 113 100 33 0 100 SOC [%] = 100 [%] - (DOD [Ah] * 100 [%]/ 33 Ah)
DCL, straight 80 1 1 0 0 255 = 100 % of Peak Current setting
DCL in A (Peak Current setting = 45 A) 80 45 255 0 0 DCL [A] = DCL [1/255] * 45 [A] / 255 [1/255]
DCL in % 80 100 255 0 0 DCL [%] = DCL [1/255] * 100 [%] / 255 [1/255]
Average temperature in °C 96 1 1 0 0 Straight
Average temperature in °C offset so that 80h = 0 °C 96 1 1 0 128 128 = 80h
Average temperature in °F 96 9 5 0 32 Temp [°F] = Temp [°C] * 9 / 5 + 32

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

Elithion hardware control message anchor

If enabled, the BMS controller places on the CAN bus messages for the Elithion display. and the Remote High Voltage Front End (HVFE)

Use this screen to disable them or change the ID.
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
Elithion hardware control message 1~7FFh, 0 to disable 680h - Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Elithion hardware control message 1.02+
Elithion display messages No: don't
Yes: Output messages to the Elithion display
Yes - Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / Elithion display messages 0.96~1.01

Enter value (press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no); then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.

HVFE status message anchor

Use this screen to set the ID of the status messages from the Remote HVFE.
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
HVFE CAN ID 001 ~ 7FFh 681h - Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / HVFE status message / ID 1.02+

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.
Then cycle the power (or reset the unit with the Test menu), for changes to take effect.

PID message anchor

Use this screen to set the ID of the PID request messages.
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
HVFE CAN ID 001 ~ 7FFh 745h - Home / Set-up / More... / CAN bus / PID message / ID 1.05+

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.
Then cycle the power (or reset the unit with the Test menu), for changes to take effect.

back to topBattery arrangement

A Bank is a set of cells wired in series that communicates with the controller through its own communcation cables. There are up to 16 Banks is a system, and each can have as many as 63 cells in series.
The pack may be a single string in series, or it may consists of 2 or more batteries in parallel.
See the banking page for more tips on how to assign cells to banks.

The cell voltage is averaged to ignore jumps in cell voltage of short durations. You can adjust the averaging time constant {Rev 1.05+}

In systems with a High Voltage Front End (HVFE) of later revisions, the pack voltage may be measured directly.
In that case you can select whether the pack voltage used by the BMS controller comes from the HVFE, or is calculated by adding cell voltages.

Use this screen to specify:

  • The number of cells in series in the selected bank
  • The number of series strings that are then wired in parallel
  • The cell voltage averaging time constant
  • The method used to read the pack voltage
  • The data aquisition rate from the cell boards

The BMS will learn the number of cells in each bank automatically:

  • The first time the BMS is powered-up connected to cell boards, it will automatically learn the number of cells in each bank
  • To force the BMS to relearn the number of cells in each bank, set 0 cells in bank 0:
    • Select Bank 0
    • Enter 0 and press the "Return" key (or, press the "ESC" key to abort)

Before the BMS has learned the number of cells in each bank, it assumes 0 cells, and therefore 0 V for the pack voltage; this results in the LLIM being active, as the battery is assumed to be fully discharged; after learning the number of cells, after a few seconds, the LLIM will recover and go inactive.

You also can enter the number of cells in each bank manually:

  • Select a Bank
  • Enter the number of cells in that bank
  • Use the "Return" key to scroll to the next bank (or, press the "ESC" key to abort)
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
Cells / Banksn 0 to 63 0 - Home / Set-up / More... / Battery arrangement / Cells in each bank
Battsparal 0 to 9 1 - Home / Set-up / More... / Battery arrangement / Number of batteries in parallel
TCavg 0 to 255 25 [s] Home / Set-up / More... / Battery arrangement / Cell voltage averaging time constant 1.05+
Pack voltage method No: by adding cell voltages
Yes: from the HVFE
No: by adding cell voltages - Home / Set-up / More... / Battery arrangement / Pack voltage method 1.05+
Data acquisition rate 1 to 15 10 = 1 s 100 ms Home / Set-up / More... / Battery arrangement / Cell data read and report rate 1.14+

Enter value (press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no); then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.

back to topCell resistance

The BMS controller needs to know the DC resistance of a set of cells in parallel to be able to calculate the cell's Open Circuit voltage under load. In many applications, the BMS controller may be able to measure the DC resistance from the variations in cell voltage as the pack current changes. Also, the BMS controller considers the measured DC resistance as one of the items to generate a State Of Health.

{Rev 1.07 and up}

{Up to Rev 1.06}

Use this screen to specify:

  • The nominal DC resistance of a set of cells in parallel
  • Whether the BMS compensates for the IR voltage drop across the cell internal resistance
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
Rcellset-nom 0.1 to 10.0 1.0 Home / Set-up / More... / Cell resistance / Nominal cell resistance
IR compensation No: don't
Yes: compensate cell voltage by the drop due to current across its resistance
No Home / Set-up / More... / Cell resistance / Compensate cell voltage for cell resistance 1.07+

Enter the value or press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.

back to topState Of Health

The State Of Health (SOH) is an arbitrary number that starts at 100 % when the pack is in optimal conditions, and is decreased as the pack ages.

This menu sets the parameters used to calculate the SOH.

{Rev 1.07 and up}

{Up to rev 1.06}

Use this screen to specify:

  • The SOH level below which a warning is issued
  • The thresholds in the pack resistance
    • The percentage of the nominal resistance above which the reported SOH starts decreasing
    • The percentage of the nominal resistance above which the reported SOH is down to 0
  • The thresholds in the pack capacity
    • The percentage of the nominal capacity, below which the reported SOH starts decreasing
    • The percentage of the nominal capacity, below which the reported SOH is down to 0
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
SOHmin 0 to 100 75 % Home / Set-up / More... / State Of Health / Min SOH 1.07+
Rcellset-high 10 to 99 20 = 200 % of nominal 10 % of nominal Home / Set-up / More... / State Of Health / High resistance 1.06-
Rcellset-max 10 to 99 40 = 400 % of nominal 10 % of nominal. Home / Set-up / More... / State Of Health / Max resistance 1.06-
CAPpack-low 1 to 99 60 % of nominal Home / Set-up / More... / State Of Health / Low capacity 1.06-
CAPpack-min 1 to 99 80 % of nominal Home / Set-up / More... / State Of Health / Min capacity 1.06-

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

back to topReported SOC

In vehicle application in which a new traction pack replaces the stock (original) pack (such as a PHEV conversion), the BMS needs to emulate the messages that the stock pack places on the CAN bus. One such message is the SOC. It may be inappropriate to report the actual SOC, as it may cause undesired behavior in the vehicle. In that case, a reported SOC is used instead.

This menu sets the parameters used to calculate the reported SOC.

The value of the reported SOC is: MAX(Maxreported-SOC , (Vcell-min-avg - 2 V) * 0.39 * Freported-SOC + Kreported-SOC)

Use this screen to specify:

  • The constant used in the reported SOC calculation
  • The factor used in the reported SOC calculation
  • The maximum SOC reported
Item Range Default Units Menu
Kreported-SOC 0 to 255 0 [%] Home / Set-up / More... / Reported SOC / Constant
Freported-SOC 0 to 255 1 [%/2.56V] Home / Set-up / More... / Reported SOC / Factor
Maxreported-SOC 0 to 65024 1 [%] Home / Set-up / More... / Reported SOC / Max

Enter the value; then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort

back to topRS232 dump

The BMS controller may be programmed to dump on the RS232 serial port data on the system and the pack.
Data_format.

Use this menu to enable or disable the RS232 dump.
Item Range Default Units Menu Rev
RS232 dump 0: no dump
1: context data
2: aux data
3: context & aux data
4: cell data
5: cell & context data
6: cell & aux data
7: all data
0: no dump - Home / Set-up / More... / RS232 dump 0.91+
RS232 dump No: no dump
Yes: dump
No: no dump - Home / Set-up / More... / RS232 dump 0.90-

Enter value (press 'Y' or '1' for yes, 'N' or '0' for no); then, press 'RETURN' to accept, or 'ESC' to abort.

To turn on the dump:

  • Select which data to dump (as described above)
  • Turn off the power
  • Get ready to receive the dump
  • Turn on the power

Each time the BMS is powered, it immediately starts the dump

To turn off the dump:

  • Reconnect the terminal application to the RS232 port
  • Press the "ESC" key
  • Select no data to dump (as described above)
e-logo

© 2008~2024 Elithion™, LLC. All rights reserved, except where noted by CC mark. Page published on Jan 29 2014.
The Elithion brand and the 'ə' (upside down 'e') logo are Trademarks of Elithion LLC. Graphic design by morninglori

 

In this page: