Pickering Interfaces has launched the PXI and PXI Express (PXIe) battery simulator modules, models 41-754 (PXI) and 43-754 (PXIe), which are designed for testing and verification of battery management systems. These modules are available in a single-slot form factor and provide either two or four channels, each capable of supplying up to 8 volts and 5 amps. All channels are fully isolated from ground and from each other, supporting series connection to mimic batteries in a stacked configuration typical of modern electric vehicle propulsion systems.
Pickering says that more modules can be added to achieve higher voltage stacks, minimizing capital expense and supporting future scalability. The modules can be integrated with other PXI or PXIe instruments, such as fault insertion units or thermocouple simulators, making it suitable for advanced fault and thermal response testing.
Key features include isolated channels with a 1,000-volt channel-to-ground and 750-volt channel-to-channel barrier, allowing safe and representative battery stack simulation for electric vehicle applications. Each channel can replicate up to 16 cells in parallel, while providing a 300 milliamp balancing current per cell—helpful for faster development cycles and enhanced safety. The modules enable simulation of faults like cell imbalance, cell aging, temperature effects and safe testing of extreme fault modes, including overcharge and short circuits, by emulating cells rather than storing energy.
Pickering says this approach drastically cuts test time, since engineers can switch conditions instantly without waiting for batteries to charge or degrade. The system also supports software and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, enabling real-time validation of algorithms for state-of-charge, state-of-health and cell degradation in BMS development.
Drivers are available for Windows, Linux, and real-time operating systems. All modules include a three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term support, says Pickering Interfaces.
“Our 5 A battery simulator family is designed to simplify and accelerate BMS testing,” said Stephen Jenkins, Simulation Product Manager at Pickering. “With up to four fully isolated channels, it enables customers to emulate battery cells or modules in both low- and high-voltage stacks. It combines high current drive and precision readback in a compact platform ideal for demanding applications across EVs, energy storage and beyond.”
Source: Pickering Interfaces