Update quick start guide for BMS boards and examples version 2.4.0

[alfonso_mauro]

So, if I have more than 14 cells, I can't use it as master? Like AEK-POW-BMSWTX, EVAL-L9963E-MCU etc...

[Max VIZZINI]

Hi,

We should not confuse the master which implies the presence of an MCU with the head node that connects to the same MCU (despite the two things can be in the same board).

Each node can control up to 14 cells and you can have up to 31 nodes, therefore 14 x 31 cells monitored in total.

The BMSWTX is the first (head) node to connect to the MCU, all the other nodes are connected to this via the isolated ISOSPI interface.

Best Regards,

AutoDevKit Team

[alfonso_mauro]

so i can use AEK-POW-BMSLV with other of this board or i can just use one of this and monitorate up to 14 cells and stop?

[SRomeo]

Hi Alfonso,
I assume you are talking about the BMSLV demo application. And I assume you just want to monitor 4 cells instead of 14.

If that's the case then, SW side, you do not need any modification.
HW side you HAVE to follow the accouterments Max already gave you, or else the system won't work.

But, as you can read from the demo description in the readme, which you find here:

this demo has been developed specifically for a purpose.

If you need a more customizable system, maybe the BMSLV (which relies on legacy code) is not the best option.
In general:

•  If you need to jump-start in BMS word → 1x AEK-POW-BMSHOLD kit 
•  If you need an all-in-one LowVoltage BMS → 1 x AEK-POW-BMSLV
•  build a BMS network → 1-2 AEK-COM-ISOSPI + n x AEK-POW-BMS63EN
  or 1 x AEK-POW-BMSWTX/AEK-POW-BMSNOTX + n x AEK-POW-BMS63EN
• build a more compact BMS network → 1 x AEK-POW-BMSCCTX + n x AEK-POW-BMSCC
  
  I recommend reviewing our QSG closely to help you make an informed decision.
  
  In case you need specific support with respect to a specific evaluation board, make sure to create a separate topic   to ensure your question gets proper attention.

Best Regards
AutoDevKit team  

[Max VIZZINI]

Hi

Yes, this has been designed for Low Voltage therefore it is up to 14 cells aka only 1 node.

At the moment we do not have an integrated master board with MCU for multi node system design, we are working for that.

For now, you should use a MCU board like AEK-MCU-C4MINI1 then connect the BMSWTX and additional BMS63EN (as many as you need up to a maximum of 31 nodes).

Obviously the same can be done with BMSCCTX and BMSCC compact boards.

Best Regards,

AutoDevKit Team

[alfonso_mauro]

what about the SOC/SOH estimation? Cause for AEK-POW-BMSLV i find nothing. Demo can show me this parameters or i have to do with external program as MATLAB/Simulink etc...

[SRomeo]

Hi Alfonso,
No, as described on the readme, the demo SPC58EC - AEK_POW_BMSLV application for discovery does not evaluate SOC/SOH because BMSLV reference demo is based on legacy code.
It allows, though, to monitor Voltage, Current and Temperature of a battery pack, sending these data via CAN.

For SOC or SOH estimations you should integrate an estimation algorithm, making use of Current, Voltage and Temperature measurements.

Yes, Matlab+SIMULINK may be a way to implement an algorithm, which should be then exported in C and merged with a new custom application.

In Autodevkit, however, you can find many other BMS applications already embedding a MATLAB/SIMULINK model for SOC/SOH, taking advantage of more reliable APIs.
You can find up-to-date demo applications for:

• AEK-POW-BMS63EN
• AEK-POW-BMSWTX
• AEK-POW-BMSNOTX
• AEK-POW-BMSCCTX & AEK-POW-BMSCC
  
  Best Regards,
  SR
  AutodevKit Team

[alfonso_mauro]

okk, thank you

just another question: if the L9963E can connect up to 31 nodes, why the AEK-POW-BMSLV can't do that?

what is that block the board?

[Max VIZZINI]

Hi,

The ISO interface pins are not brought out therefore the BMS node chain is not possible.

AutoDevKit Team

[alfonso_mauro]

so if I recreate the pin, it works?