Recommendations on battery simulator/SMU

[daqq]

Hi,

We are looking for something that can simulate a battery. Sink, source, if it can do internal resistance, perfect. 14V/2A (2A source, charge 1A) is what we need max, anything above is fine.

So far I've found the following to be interesting:

Series 2281S ( https://www.tek.com/en/products/keithley/dc-power-supplies/2281s-series-battery-simulator-emulator#product-list ) - seems best of the lot, but measurement seems slow, would be great to capture peaks
NGU201 ( https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/products/test-and-measurement/dc-power-supplies/rs-ngu-source-measure-units_63493-1005128.html ) - requires software option for battery stuff, nice sampling
B2901B ( https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/B2901B/precision-smu-1ch-100fa-resolution-210v-3a-dc-10-5a-pulse.html ) - complete overkill
E36731A ( https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/E36731A/battery-emulator-and-profiler.html ) - still looking at this one

Any other recommendations? Or what to avoid?

Thanks,

David

[Phil1977]

Good old Keithley 2400? Yes, it´s a little expensive and outdated regarding the UI.

But did anyone ever regret having it on the table?

[nctnico]

Agilent 66311B or one of its many cousins. Relatively cheap on the used market as well.

[pdenisowski]

NGU201 ( https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/products/test-and-measurement/dc-power-supplies/rs-ngu-source-measure-units_63493-1005128.html ) - requires software option for battery stuff, nice sampling

If you have any questions about the NGU, please let me know - if I can't answer them, I (personally) know the people who can

I'm assuming you've seen these?

[mawyatt]

That R&S NGU201 looks nice, good videos to back it up as well!!

In a pinch David, you might be able to use the Instek GPP-4323 which can use one channel as a simple load while the other is a source.

https://www.gwinstek.com/en-global/products/downloadSeriesDownNew/14230/1737

Also, one could parallel up a PS and E-Load and control them via remote SCPI commands.

Best, 

[jc101]

I have a 2281S, which works well for me.  The downside is that the fan noise is the worst of anything I own; the pitch grates the most.  I try not to use it if I can.  Plus, it cannot create battery models.  Well, it can, but only discharging at a fixed 1A.  So, for battery models, they recommend an SMU.

I was looking at the Keithley E36731A as a replacement, as it can both generate the models and emulate a battery. The biggest issue is that you buy the instrument but then have to rent or buy a license for BenchVue to use any of the battery emulation stuff. The annual rental is ~$900 a year; to purchase a permanent node-locked licence, add about 30% onto the unit's price.  Oh, and they recommend you have the software on maintenance, that's a few hundred a year too.

[daqq]

Thanks to everyone for the opinions!

So far the NGU looks like the nicest option, if quite pricey, especially with the battery option being another pretty expensive license.

Another interesting SMU but without battery simulation is https://www.aimtti.com/product-category/source-measure-units/aim-smu4000

[jc101]

If you have any questions about the NGU, please let me know - if I can't answer them, I (personally) know the people who can

The R&S NGU201 looks interesting, does it let you connect a battery and generate a battery model from it?


I've often looked at the SMU4000 from AimTTI but have not found a review of one. Based on the specs, they look like good value.

[mawyatt]

Another SMU is GW Instek GSM-20H10.

https://www.gwinstek.com/en-US/products/detail/GSM-20H10

Best,

[nctnico]

I've often looked at the SMU4000 from AimTTI but have not found a review of one. Based on the specs, they look like good value.

Only one way to find out then: order one and try it. Send it back if you don't like it. Maybe you can get a demo unit on loan for evaluation.

[voltsandjolts]

A budget option might be the Agilent 66319D or such like. Obsolete, widely available on second hand market for few hundred dollars. 15V/3A output, GPIB connection, with programmable output resistance up to 1Ohm (seems low to me) in steps of 1mOhm. Will sink current over 1A - but the current is not programmable (you can use some custom software to auto adjust output voltage to reach desired discharge current, bit of a cludge though).

https://www.keysight.com/gb/en/product/66319D/dual-mobile-comm-dc-source-battery-emulation-dvm.html

[thm_w]

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/keysight-e36731a-battery-emulator-alternative/
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/battery-simulators-ngm202-vs-bcs6401/

That aim smu4000 is 25W, so you'd probably only get 1.8A at 14V not 2A.