Category: Company News

Chroma’s HP Multi-coupler Charging Tests Drive Fast EV Charging

Posted on by cherise

Demand for High-Power EV Chargers

Market surveys indicate that, by 2025, there will be over 3 million public charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) globally. New EVs also carry larger capacity batteries in order to reduce the mileage anxiety amongst drivers. Although enabling a larger cruising range, this also necessitates a shortened charging time, thus prompting the rapid development of EV charging stations (EVSE) with DC high-power charging (HPC).

Cost evaluation remains a key factor when automakers and charging equipment manufacturers consider building dedicated public charging stations. In particular, building a DC HPC station is much more expensive than an ordinary AC charging station. Therefore, dual- or multi-coupler DC EVSE are becoming increasingly visible on the market, with advantages including a reduced area needed for the charging station as well as lower hardware and installation costs.

Dual-coupler DC EVSE Advantages

Chroma DC EVSE test systems meet the test requirements of major international standards (most importantly: CHAdeMO from Japan, CSS from Europe and the U.S., and GB/T from China). The flexible hardware configuration can be upgraded according to individual needs and can be integrated with an EV charging interoperability test system. The test architecture is based on the Chroma 8000 ATS with complete automated test functionality. The software contains built-in test cases conform to standard definitions and a user-friendly interface that offers convenient test parameters editing according to the various test requirements.

Watch the video below for a short introduction of the system’s features and interface operation:

Dual-coupler EVSE testing solution

Market surveys indicate that, by 2025, there will be over 3 million public charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) globally. New EVs also carry larger capacity batteries in order to reduce the mileage anxiety amongst drivers. Although enabling a larger cruising range, this also necessitates a shortened charging time, thus prompting the rapid development of EV charging stations (EVSE) with DC high-power charging (HPC).

Cost evaluation remains a key factor when automakers and charging equipment manufacturers consider building dedicated public charging stations. In particular, building a DC HPC station is much more expensive than an ordinary AC charging station. Therefore, dual- or multi-coupler DC EVSE are becoming increasingly visible on the market, with advantages including a reduced area needed for the charging station as well as lower hardware and installation costs.

Chroma ATE is a world-leading supplier of precision test and measurement instrumentation, automated test systems, intelligent manufacturing systems, and test & automation turnkey solutions.
Want further information, advice or a quote? Speak with our expert consultants about any of the Chroma products available on 01462 431981, or contact us here.

HIOKI News release for BT3554-50 Battery Tester

Posted on by Philip Bailey

NEW BT3554-50 Battery Tester

BT3554-51 Heroshot

HIOKI has upgraded the iconic BT3554 series! The new BT3554-50 enhances UPS and lead-acid battery diagnostics with a wireless adapter while still setting the standards in measurement speed, noise resistant technology and usability features such as the comparator function.

Features

  • The interface for the Z3210 Wireless Adapter makes it possible for customers to start with the base model and add the wireless functionality later.
  • Noise resistance technology makes it possible to measure on UPS even while it is in operation.
  • With a measurement time of just 100ms all individual batteries of a UPS can be tested in short time. It is therefore immediately clear which batteries in the string are weak or strong.
  • The mobile app and PC software make it possible to easily create reports and monitor battery degradation.
  • With the Comparator function the BT3554-50 indicates instantly when a battery is getting worse and needs to be replaced.
  • The software enables to create battery profiles that can be downloaded to the BT3554-50
BT3554-50 Data Sheet

HIOKI News release for IM9202

Posted on by Philip Bailey

Test fixture enables HF impedance measurement of irregular shape components

Electronic components in a wide range of shapes and sizes can be tested using a new test fixture from Hioki. Available from MDL Technologies, the IM9202 makes it simple to take reliable high frequency measurements of surface mount and leaded components when using Hioki’s IM7580 range of high-performance impedance analysers.

Ease & Accuracy

Use of the versatile fixture makes testing easier, and enables more reliable and repeatable measurements, higher throughput, fewer handling errors and greater measurement accuracy. Its flexibility in use makes it simple to test complex components, with consequent savings in time and costs.

Component versatility up to 26mm with IM9202

The IM9202 can hold SMDs of irregular shape as well as axial and radial leaded components, including film capacitors and RFID and NFC tags. SMDs from 1.6 mm to 23 mm long can be tested as well as radial components with lead spacings of up to 26 mm.

Test wide range components

These types of components are frequently being used in power circuits with switching frequencies above 1 MHz, with standard practice making it necessary to test their characteristics at frequencies above 10 MHz. The IM9202 is suitable for testing at frequencies from 0 to 600 MHz.

Versatile Fixture for Large Devices

“The Hioki IM9202 lets component manufacturers measure devices that are larger than with other test fixtures, while also being more affordable,” said MDL managing director Mark Lucock.

Fast, Accurate Analysis - Hioki IM7580

The powerful Hioki IM7580 series impedance analysers for which the fixture is designed are available in five models, providing measurement frequency bands up to 3 GHz. With a half-rack footprint and a palm-sized test head, they offer test speeds as fast as 0.5 ms with a repeatability of 0.07 %.

Hioki fixture simplifies high-frequency testing.

Applications for the new test fixture include the research and development of large or irregular shape components for use in high power, high frequency circuits, as well as components and antennas for RFID and NFC circuits.

Find out more!

Live Webinar – EMI/EMC design & troubleshooting

Posted on by Philip Bailey

Hi Everyone,

We would like to invite you to join a Live Webinar, hosted by Y.I.C. Technologies.  We appreciate that it is a difficult time for businesses, but we would like to take this opportunity to get in touch and address EMI/EMC design & troubleshooting.
Other topics will follow during the year.

EMI/EMC DESIGN AND TROUBLESHOOTING WITH NEAR FIELD SCANNING TOOLS
5th May 2020 at 11:00 CET.
Register Here:

Enjoy a really practical and useful lecture discovering the fundamentals of practical EMI/EMC design and troubleshooting electronic circuits using near field scanning tools.
Discover really powerful design and troubleshooting techniques along with tools to “see” and “feel” your problems.
Presented by:
Prof. Arturo Mediano | University of Zaragoza

Battery Tech Expo – 15th March 2018

Posted on by MDL Technologies

MDL Technologies will be exhibiting at Battery Tech Expo, the UK’s first b2b exhibition dedicated to the advancement of battery technology. Visit us at stand: A7 on the 15th March 2018 at the International Centre, Telford.

 

  • Event provides over 60 pioneering technology exhibitors including Tesla, Panasonic, Battery Research Institute and Mahindra Formula E racing, 16 industry leading speakers and anticipated numbers of over 1000 engineers and scientists on the day.
  • Government’s £243million Faraday Challenge project will be presenting on funding opportunities for UK business
  • MDL Technologies set to exhibit at stand A7

 
Battery Tech Expo UK has seen huge demand from both exhibitors and visitors.  The free to attend one day expo will cover topics including Battery Management Systems, Electric Vehicle Batteries, the future of Energy Storage, Battery Development/ Discovery and pushing batteries to their limits with the likes of Formula E racing.
David Reeks, Director of 10four Media Ltd, commented “the battery industry is on the cusp of a power revolution with big technology companies investing heavily in the next generation of battery development and energy storage. The Battery Tech Expo UK allows companies in the field to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and services, network, do business and share ideas in this increasingly expanding sector”.
Mark Lucock, Director of MDL Technologies, commented “The Battery Tech Expo is a great opportunity to showcase our solutions to a dynamic audience at an exciting event. We are excited to be showcasing our Battery Test Systems in March.”
 

 
Full Speaker Agenda

  • 10:00 – 10:20 – Dr Anna Wise – Innovation Lead – Batteries, Innovate UK – The Faraday Battery Challenge: Accelerating the UK Battery Industry
  • 10:20 – 10:40 – Khalid Khan – Business Development Director, Steatite – The use and development of Lithium batteries in emerging markets.
  • 10:40 – 11:00 – Garry Wilson – Director of Business Development, Advanced Propulsion Centre
  • 11:00 – 11:20 – Peter Collins – Field Sales Team Leader, Laser 2000 – Into the Blue – Laser Welding of Batteries
  • 11:20 – 11:40 – Thomas Carl – Laboratory Manager, Intertek – EV Battery Safety – Testing, Regulations and Standards
  • 11:40 – 12:00 – Michael Phelan – CEO, GridBeyond, formerly Endeco Technologies
  • 12:00 – 12:20 – Dr Alastair McGibbon – Head of Business Development, Catapult – SiC and GaN power electronics applications: The role of the CSA Catapult
  • 12:20 – 12:40 – Dr Dan Gladwin – Deputy Director of CREESA, The University of Sheffield – Batteries: Grid Connected Energy Storage and Applications
  • 13:10 – 13:30 – Angus Lyon – Head of Powertrain Mahindra Formula E – Director of Rockfort Engineering, Electric Racing: Pushing batteries to the limits
  • 13:30 – 13:50 – Mike Parsons – Business Manager Electrification – AVL
  • 13:50 – 14:10 – Dr Gary Mepsted – Technical Manager – Advanced Batteries, Qinetiq – Advanced lithium-ion cells for next generation battery packs
  • 14:10 – 14:30 – Greg Harris – Head of Commercial – Strategic Projects & New Technologies, HORIBA MIRA – Development of the hybrid powertrain and traction battery for the next generation of Hybrid Refuse Vehicles
  • 14:30 – 14:50 – Helen Johnstone – European Patent Attorney – Chartered Patent Attorney and Ben Lincoln – European Patent Attorney – Chartered Patent Attorney, Potter Clarkson
  • 14:50 – 15:10 – Omer Sheikh – Applications Specialist, Tektronix – Challenges of High-Sided FET Measurements and avoiding CMRR Issues
  • 15:10 – 15:30 – Mark Ellis – Principal Engineering – Battery Systems, WMG, University of Warwick – Enhancing battery performance – a manufacturing challenge
  • 15:30 – 15:50 – Kevin Mak – Senior Analyst – Global Automotive Practice, Strategy Analytics

 
Entry is free on the day and tickets can be registered using this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/battery-tech-expo-tickets-35687976699
www.batterytechexpo.co.uk

New Product Ranges from SIBO Electronic

Posted on by cherise

We are very pleased to announce two new product ranges now available from one of our newest suppliers, SIBO Electronic.
SIBO is a German manufacturer, providing four quadrant high power low frequency amplifiers.
The first new product is the 4-Quadrant Voltage and Current Amplifier.
The SIB 100 series are linear precision 4-quadrant power amplifiers for fast voltage and current signals – each positive and negative (bipolar). They also work as sink in applications to absorb power. Extremely high bandwidth at highest power requirements, necessary for fast signals, characterizes this series. Especially these amplifiers are characterized by their signal quality.

 

The second product from SIBO is the LV124 Test Equipment with Arbitrary 4-Quadrant Voltage & Current Amplifier. LV124 aka VW80000 is one of the most important standards of the automotive industry. With the SIB 100-TS series, SIBO presents a globally unique solution for the simulation of on-board supply systems acc.

Find out more about both these products by visiting the SIBO Electronic manufacturer page here.

Benchtop Power Supplies From MDL Offer High Performance at Affordable Cost

Posted on by admin

A brand-new series of benchtop DC power supplies from MDL Technologies offers high performance at an affordable price. Compact and lightweight, the Chroma 62000L series has a linear output with low noise and ripple, as well as a fast-transient response.

Designed to meet the stringent requirements of the next generation of power electronics, the programmable units provide a clean and stable output with noise as low as < 3 mV peak-to-peak and a transient response time of better than 50 µs.

Auto-ranging makes it possible to freely adjust the voltage and current without the need to manually select the optimum range, allowing the power to be available across all the voltage and current settings. This means that when integrated into a standard ATE, one 62000L could take the place of multiple conventional power supplies.

The models have GPIB and USB interfaces as standard for remote control, and up to seven units can be connected together in series / parallel to provide a higher voltage / current output.
A built-in auto-sequencing function allows users to define and edit output wave-forms and cycles, with up to eight steps per cycle.
Compact and weighing only 2.5 kg, the units are easy to handle and stack. Voltage output for a single unit is up to 60 V, with current up to 7 A and power up to 150 W.

Typical applications include laboratory and system integration, automotive electronics, wireless communications and the aerospace industry.

Get in touch today on +4401462431981 to find out more.

Electronic loads from MDL offer advanced, economical power supply testing

Posted on by cherise

Electronic loads from MDL offer advanced, economical power supply testing

The new 63200E series high power DC electronic loads from Chroma enable simple and economical testing of a wide range of power supplies, on-board chargers, batteries and other power electronics components. Available from MDL Technologies, the programmable loads offer market leading accuracies of up to 0.02% + 0.02% FS for voltage and 0.1% + 0.1% FS for current.

The range has three operating voltage options of 150 V, 600 V and 1200 V, with models covering power ratings from 2 kW to 24 kW and up to 2000 A in a single unit. When greater power is required up to 20 units can be linked together in parallel in a master/slave configuration to produce a total power of 480 kW.

Among the features included are CC, CR, CV and CP modes, high speed programmable dynamic loading, short circuit simulation and smart fan control.

The Chroma 63200E high power DC electronic loads from MDL offer economical testing of a wide range of power supplies, batteries and other power electronics components.

“These compact models save space in the laboratory and other test environments, and offer an ultra high power density of 6 kW in a 4U chassis,” said MDL managing director Mark Lucock.

Applications include high power EV battery discharge testing, charger stations, fuel cells, AC/DC power supplies, on-board chargers and burn-in testing.

Also available from MDL is the even more powerful Chroma 63200A series, which includes functions such as dynamic synchronous control to allow the generation of complex multi-channel transient profiles.

They also accept digital data from DAQ cards or analogue data from function generators to allow user defined waveforms to be created.