ICS1702EB ICS1702 Evaluation Board General Description Galaxy Power, Inc.'s ICS1702 Evaluation Board allows quick evaluation of the ICS1702 Charge Controller for Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries. The evaluation board provides the designer an opportunity to both test the ICS1702 and a fast charge battery charger. The board is self-contained and can provide a constant current to charge a battery when optional components are installed. The board includes resistors that are user-installed to customize operation for the desired charge rate, discharge pulse current, and number of cells in the battery pack. The board has a 5V regulator that provides power to the ICS1702 and the LED display. The board also has a breadboarding area consisting of a matrix of holes for user added components. Before using Galaxy Power, Inc.'s ICS1702 Evaluation Board, ICS recommends the user review the ICS1702 data sheet to become familiar with the operation of the controller. The ICS1702EB can be purchased two ways: ICS1702EB or ICS1702EB/CR. The difference between these boards is a constant current linear supply as shown in the board schematic. The ICS1702EB has an area on the board reserved for these components. The ICS1702EB/CR contains a kit which includes an LM317 and associated parts needed to build a current regulator Setting-up the Board for your Application Refer to the evaluation board schematic diagram. The ICS1702 requires that the battery voltage is normalized to the voltage of one cell, or about 1.2V. To do this, resistors must be installed in the locations marked R6 and R8. The appropriate values can be selected from Table 1. An assortment of resistors is provided with the board. Table 1 Cells 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R6 Open 2.0k 1.0k 1.0k 3.0k 2.0k 2.0k 1.3k R8 Short 2.0k 2.0k 3.0k 12k 10k 12k 9.1k If the evaluation board is used with battery packs containing more than eight cells, the resistors can be determined by counting the number of cells to be charged in series. Then choose either R6 or R8 and solve for the other resistor using: R8 = R6* (# of cells -1) or R6 = R8 (# of cells -1) R7 sets the open circuit (no battery) reference voltage at the OPREF pin voltage. The purpose of this voltage reference is to detect the removal of the battery from the charging system. The voltage at this pin is compared to the voltage at the VIN pin when the current source is turned on. If the voltage at VIN is greater than the voltage at OPREF, the ICS1702 assumes the battery has been removed and the ICS1702 enters the polling detect mode. For proper operation, the voltage at OPREF must be set between the (divided down) open circuit voltage produced by the current source and the maximum normalized battery. As a guide, set the voltage at OPREF (TP1) to be 200mV to 300mV higher than the maximum normalized battery voltage. For most batteries, the maximum normalized battery voltage at full charge is 1.7 to 1.8V, so OPREF (TP1) should be set at about 2V. When power is applied to the board, the controller will start a charge sequence unless a logic low is applied to the RESET terminal. When RESET is removed by a logic high or open, a charge sequence will begin. ICS1702 Evaluation Board The board provides several low value resistors that may be used to set the amplitude of the discharge pulse. The resistors can be installed in any or all of the locations labeled R1, R2, or R3. The resistor value is calculated by setting the amplitude of the discharge pulse. The discharge pulse amplitude is typically 2.5 times the charge current based on 1.4V/cell. The required power rating of the resistor is highest when the Discharge-to-Charge and Discharge-Only Auxiliary Modes are used. See the ICS1702 data sheet for additional information. The resistor locations R1, R2, and R3 are connected in series. The unused locations must have a jumper to complete the circuit. Not using the discharge pulse feature will not affect the performance of the ICS1702. The ICS1702 is capable of operating at nine different charge rates between 4C (15 minutes) and C/4 (four hours). The charge rate is selected by installing jumpers in the appropriate locations. Table 2 shows the proper settings to use for the desired charge rate. Table 2: Charge Rate List Charge Rate Jumper S0 Jumper S1 Topping Charge pulse Rate Maintenance Charge Pulse Rate 4C (15 min) 2C (30 min) 1.3C (45 min) 1C (60 min) C/1.5 (90 min) C/2 (120 min) C/2.5 (150 min) C/3 (180 min) C/4 (240 min) 1&2 1&2 1&2 2&3 2&3 2&3 None None None 1&2 2&3 None 1&2 None 2&3 1&2 None 2&3 one every 40 sec one every 20 sec one every 13 sec one every 10 sec one every 7 sec one every 5 sec one every 4 sec one every 3 sec one every 2 sec one every 160 sec one every 80 sec one every 53 sec one every 40 sec one every 27 sec one every 20 sec one every 16 sec one every 13 sec one every 10 sec Fast Charge Timer Duration (after reset) 21 min 39 min 57 min 75 min 110 min 144 min 212 min 244 min 275 min The ICS1702 has several auxiliary modes available. Table 3 shows the jumper configurations for the auxiliary modes. Table 3: Mode Select List Mode Selected Direct Maintenance Charging System Test Ten Hour Timer Discharge-to-Charge Condition Fast Charge Discharge-Only Jumper AUX0 2&3 2&3 1&2 1&2 1&2 None None Jumper AUX1 1&2 2&3 1&2 2&3 None None 2&3 Mode Operation Indefinite C/40 maintenance charge Charging system test for embedded applications Limits total charge including the maintenance charge to 10 hours Battery discharge to 1V/cell followed by the selected charge mode Timed C/10 topping charge followed by a C/40 maintenance charge Normal fast charge Battery discharge to 1V/cell 2 ICS1702 Evaluation Board The ICS1702 has the capability to use either temperature slope termination, voltage slope termination or both methods simultaneously. Table 4 shows the termination method and the jumper settings. Refer to the ICS1702 data sheet for more information on charge termination methods. Current Regulator (CR option) The ICS1702EB/CR contains an LM317 regulator. The LM317 is configured as a constant current source. The amplitude of the current is determined by the value of R15 and the setting of R16. As an example, with a 2 ohm resistor for R15, the current can be adjusted with R16 from 0.625A to 1.25A. The LM317 will regulate a voltage difference of 1.25 volts between the OUT and ADJ pins. Table 4: Termination Select List Termination Method Voltage slope termination only Voltage slope and temperature slope termination Temperature slope termination only Jumper DTSEL None 1&2 Operation Before applying power to the board, ensure that the board is properly initialized. * 2&3 * * Power Requirements The evaluation board uses a regulator to provide +5 volts for the controller. The regulator allows operation from a DC supply of 8 to 32 volts when the supply is connected to the +V terminal. The board may also be operated from an external 5 volt supply by removing the regulator (U2), wiring a jumper between regulator pins 1 and 3, and by connecting 5 volts directly to the +5V terminal. * * * Connections To External Circuitry Set the AUX0 and AUX1 jumpers for the desired mode of operation. Set the S0 and S1 jumpers for the correct charge rate. If needed, set the DTSEL jumper for the desired termination method. Check to make sure the divider resistors R6 and R8 are of the correct value to normalize the battery pack voltage to one cell. If applicable, choose a value for R15 (see the section on Current Source). If applicable, choose resistors R1, R2 and R3 to obtain the required discharge current. A normally closed thermal switch or a thermistor should be connected to the TS terminal. If a thermal protection device is not used, the TS terminal must be grounded. After applying power to the board, set the following: Connect the battery between the +BAT and GND terminals. If using an external current source, connect the charging current source and its return between the +CUR and GND terminals. If the on board current source is used, no connection to the +CUR terminal is required. * * * Adjust the potentiometer R7 for the desired open circuit reference voltage at the OPREF pin. If applicable, set the LM317 charging current by adjusting the potentiometer R16. Push and hold the reset switch SW1 for at least 700ms. All LEDs should turn off while the switch is depressed. If fast charge is selected, the green CHG LED will light. The LED will remain lit until full charge is detected by the ICS1702. At that moment, the CHG LED will turn off and the MAINT LED will light, indicating that the topping charge stage has begun. The MAINT LED will remain on until a reset is issued either by interrupting the power, removing the batteries or depressing the reset switch SW1. Two charge signals are provided to control external charging circuitry. CHG is high when the charging current is on. The other signal CHG is low when the charging current is on. The charging circuitry should provide a current at an amplitude that is equal to the product of the battery capacity and the desired charge rate. For example, to charge a 1.2 ampere hour battery in 30 minutes, the current required would be 2.4 amps or 2C where `C' is the battery capacity. If the ten hour timer mode is selected, the LED sequence is the same as the fast charge sequence explained above. After a maximum of 10 hours has elapsed (from the time the ICS1702 was reset), the controller will shut down and the MAINT LED will turn off. It is important to note that the ICS1702 does not control the current flowing into the battery in any way other than turning it on and off. The charging current should be constant when using voltage slope termination. The current may vary when using temperature slope termination. 3 ICS1702 Evaluation Board If either direct maintenance or the condition mode is selected, the MAINT LED will turn on. The LED will remain on until a reset is issued either by interrupting the power, removing the batteries or depressing the reset switch SW1. When in the topping charge or maintenance charge stages, a charge pulse may not occur for several seconds. During the period between charge pulses, the voltage at VIN should be greater than 0.5V if a battery is attached. If the voltage at VIN is less than 0.5V, the ICS1702 assumes the battery has been removed, and the polling detect mode is initiated. If the discharge-only mode is selected, the MAINT LED will flash at a one second rate until the battery has been discharged. When the battery is discharged, the controller will shut down and the MAINT LED will turn off. Out-of-Temperature Range The TEMP LED activates if the battery is either too hot or too cold to fast charge. If a thermistor is used, the ICS1702 employs internal voltage references to determine if a battery is hot or cold. Note: Remove R9 and replace with a jumper when using a thermistor. A 10k @ 25C thermistor with an external pull-up resistor is typically used. See the ICS1702 data sheet for additional information. If the discharge-to-charge mode is selected, the MAINT LED will flash at a one second rate until the battery has been discharged. When the battery is discharged, the appropriate charge indicator will turn on. See the data sheet for more detailed information on this auxiliary mode of operation. Polling for a Battery If a thermal switch is used, choose a switch that opens at 45C or lower. If a thermal protection device is not used, the TS terminal must be grounded. Upon power-up or after a reset is issued, any excess charge from filter capacitors at the +BAT and +CUR terminals is removed with a series of discharge pulses. After the discharge pulse series is complete, the voltage at VIN must be greater than 0.5V when a battery is present. If the voltage at the pin is less than 0.5V, the ICS1702 assumes no battery is attached, and the polling detect mode is initiated. GPI strongly recommends the use of a thermal safety device in the battery pack. One source of thermal switches is Portage Electric Products, Inc., in North Canton, Ohio; (216) 499-2727. A source of thermistors is Semetic USA (Ishizuka Electronics Corp.), Babylon, NY; (516) 587-4086. The ICS1702 then applies a 100ms charge pulse. During the pulse, the ICS1702 monitors the VIN pin to determine if the divided down terminal voltage is above OPREF. If the battery is present, the voltage will be clamped below the reference on OPREF when the current pulse is applied. If a battery is not present, the voltage at VIN will rise above the reference at OPREF. The POLL LED lights immediately. Design Considerations When designing external current source circuitry for use with the ICS1702, there are several important considerations to make before starting the design and the PC board layout. For fast charge rates (1C through 4C), consideration has to be given to the use of a pulse-width modulated switch mode current source in order to reduce size and power dissipation. Switch mode current sources can provide the ability to charge battery packs that require voltages higher than the primary supply. For instance, to charge a 24 volt battery from a 12 volt vehicle battery, a switch mode boost converter could be used. Charge pulses will repeat at one second intervals until the battery is reinstalled. The POLL LED is active as long as the ICS1702 is in the polling detect mode. Once a battery is installed, the ICS1702 will turn off the POLL LED and enter the soft start stage. The ICS1702 will automatically re-enter the polling detect mode if the battery is removed during the fast charge, topping charge, or maintenance charge stages. Any open circuit in the current path to the battery will initiate the polling detect mode. In general, linear chargers are less complex and more cost effective, but less efficient than switch mode chargers. For lower charge rates (C/1.5 through C/4), consideration should be given to using a linear charger unless the size and ability to dissipate heat are not available. It is very important that care be taken to minimize noise coupling and ground bounce. In addition, wires and connectors can add significant resistance and inductance to the charge and discharge circuits. 4 ICS1702 Evaluation Board When designing the printed circuit board, make sure ground and power traces are wide and bypass capacitors are used right at the controller pins. Use separate grounds for the signal, charge, and discharge circuits. Separate ground planes on the component side of the PC board are recommended. Be sure to connect these grounds together at the negative lead of the battery only. For the discharge circuit, keep the physical separation between power and return (ground) to a minimum to minimize field radiation effects. This precaution is also applicable to the constant current source, particularly if it is a switch mode type. Keep the ICS1702 and the constant current source control circuits outside the power and return loops described above. These precautions prevent high circulating currents and coupled noise from disturbing proper operation. Galaxy Power Incorporated wants to help create a successful battery charging solution using the ICS1702. If you need technical advice or applications information, call the Intelligent Charging Solutions hotline at (610) 676-0188 x-277. Ordering Information ICS1702EB /CR Ordering Option blank=populated board /CR=populated board with regulator kit Device type ICS1702 Evaluation Board 5 ICS1702 Evaluation Board 6 +5 V R17 390 +5V +V R5 390 C3 .047F (note 4) R18 390 1 D3 D1 2 VOUT GND R12 390 VIN U2 (note 6) 1 2 3 3 +5V R4 1k 4 3 2 1 TEMP 10 9 8 7 6 CHG 5 MAINT POLL Q1 (note 5) SEL1 AVSS VSS SEL0 OTN CMN MMN PFN DCHG CHG VDD MRN RC DTSEL AUX0 AUX1 THERM OPREF VIN unused U1 ICS1702 (note 1) R3 R2 R1 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 +5V IN U3 3 3 3 2 2 2 CR1 (not used) 1 DTSEL 1 AUX0 1 +5V +5V 3) Remov e TS to GND zero ohm resistor and replace R9 with a jumper when using a thermistor. Use of a thermistor requires an external pull-up resistor to +5V (see ICS1702 data sheet f or details). 4) 8 Vdc minimum input 2) Components within dotted lines can be supplied as a kit f or user-installation when ordered; see ordering inf ormation. ICS1702 EVALUATION BOARD REVISION C SCHEMATIC 6) LM340, AN7805 or equiv alent 5) Logic lev el compatible FET 1k R16 1k 1N5822 D5 (note 3) 1k R9 (note 1) R8 C6 1F SW1 C5 not R7 10k R14 (note 1) R15 R6 (note 1) 1k R13 2 +5V TP1 AUX1 C4 .047F (note 2) 1 ADJ OUT LM317 Q3 2N7000 3 C9 .1F C1 .047F +V +5V C7 100pF R10 15k C2 4.7F Q2 2N7000 R11 10k +5 V TP2 1) Values are determined by number of cells and actual charge current used ; see text f or details. Notes: 1 S1 2 D4 D2 S0 3 +5V C8 not used RESET GND GND GND GND (note 3) TS +BAT +CUR CHG CHG