Auxiliary Inputs in Battery Testing
Elevate test capabilities beyond current and voltage to capture thermal, electrochemical, and mechanical data. Integrating environmental and internal cell metrics into a single time-stamped record.
Understanding Auxiliary Inputs
Auxiliary inputs extend the tester beyond standard channel voltage and current by allowing additional signals such as temperature, external analog voltage, and pressure to be displayed and logged with the test. Add these inputs at the time of system purchase or let our treainded service engineers field install the hardware.
What Auxiliary Inputs Are
Auxiliary inputs extend a battery test channel beyond its core voltage and current measurements by connecting additional physical sensors — thermocouples, thermistors, reference voltage probes, and pressure transducers — directly into the test data record. Each auxiliary input is assigned to a test channel, sampled during the test, logged alongside electrical measurements, and made available as both a real-time display value and an end condition trigger.
Individual auxiliary inputs can be assigned to a single test channel. They are listed in the Detailed screen's Actual Readings panel in the order assigned, with input type differentiated by unit of measurement. Any channel assigned an Active Smart Battery interface is limited to 8 auxiliary inputs.
Thermocouples & Thermistors
Accurate temperature monitoring is critical for safety and characterization:
- Thermocouples (T, K, J): Robust sensors for wide temperature ranges and fast response times.
- Thermistors: High-precision NTC/PTC sensors ideal for narrow-range, high-sensitivity requirements.
- Software Integration: Temperature can be used as an end-condition or safety limit.
Reference Voltage Inputs
Isolate electrode performance without cell teardown:
- Half-Cell Analysis: Measure Anode vs. Ref or Cathode vs. Ref independently.
- Internal Impedance: Correlate voltage drops to specific electrode behavior.
- High Impedance Inputs: Specialized circuits prevent the test system from loading the reference electrode.
Pressure & Strain Inputs
Monitor physical changes during charge/discharge cycles:
- Cell Swelling: Capture expansion data using load cells or displacement transducers.
- Internal Pressure: Monitor gas evolution via integrated pressure transducers.
- Analog Scaling: Software converts 0-100mV, 0-5V, or 0-10V signals into engineering units (PSI, Bar, mm).
Why Integrate Auxiliaries?
Single-platform logging provides distinct engineering advantages:
- Time Alignment: Sensor data is perfectly synchronized with V/I records.
- Global Safeties: Use pressure or temp spikes to trigger immediate system-wide shutdowns.
- Complex Control: Adjust C-rates dynamically based on real-time cell temperature.
Your tester did not include Auxiliary Inputs—
but that's not a problem. We understand that testing requirements can evolve over time, and your equipment needs may change as your projects become more complex. Our highly skilled service engineers can install them in the field, minimizing downtime and getting your system up and running quickly. These field installations are performed efficiently and professionally, ensuring that your tester is upgraded to meet your current specifications without the need to ship equipment back to our facility. Contact Maccor Support to discuss upgrade options for your tester, including pricing, installation timelines, and technical specifications to ensure compatibility with your existing setup.