Rohde & Schwarz, in collaboration with Analog Devices Inc (ADI), is contributing extensively into the advancement of wireless battery management system (wBMS) technology for the automotive industry, offering technical, environmental, and cost benefits over traditional wired systems. The joint effort has resulted in an automated test solution designed specifically for verifying and conducting mass production tests on wireless devices.
The battery management system (BMS) is a critical component in electric vehicles (EVs), influencing safety, range, and performance. Wired BMSs present limitations in design flexibility and scalability, contributing to increased vehicle weight. The innovative wBMS approach involves wireless communication between the Cell Monitoring Controller (CMC) and Battery Management Controller (BMC), streamlining assembly, maintenance, and cell exchange, ultimately leading to cost savings and reduced vehicle weight. ADI, a global semiconductor leader specializing in battery management technology, has developed a comprehensive wBMS. This wBMS, currently deployed across multiple EV platforms, stands out as the first ISO21434 CAL4 compliant wBMS, adhering to stringent cybersecurity standards. It also excels in RF performance and robustness, optimizing battery capacity and overall lifetime value.
To facilitate the testing and verification of wBMS, Rohde & Schwarz, in partnership with ADI, has introduced an ultra-compact automated test equipment (ATE) system. This setup enables efficient calibration, receiver and transmitter tests, and DC tests for wBMS modules, both in laboratory settings and high-yield production tests. Comprising the R&S CMW100 radio communication tester, the R&S WMT wireless automated testing software framework, and the new R&S ExpressTSVP universal test and measurement platform, this ATE system ensures swift and reliable testing. The device under test (DUT) is placed in an interference-free environment within the R&S TS7124 RF shielded box during radiated tests.
For RF robustness testing, Rohde & Schwarz and ADI collaborated on an off-the-air recording solution to capture real-world RF spectrum, subsequently playing it back in the lab to validate the correct operation of wBMS in challenging RF environments. This innovative solution offers realistic, repeatable, and efficient verification of wireless devices. Using an R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer during various test drives in complex RF environments, the RF spectrum was monitored and sent to an R&S IQW wideband I/Q data recorder. For playback in a lab setting, the R&S IQW was connected to an R&S SMW200A vector signal generator.
Rohde & Schwarz, with a comprehensive portfolio of test solutions for wBMS, is addressing the challenges of wBMS testing throughout the entire lifecycle, from research and development to mass production. Juergen Meyer, Vice President Market Segment Automotive at Rohde & Schwarz, expressed the company’s commitment to leveraging technical expertise to develop innovative solutions, collaborating with ADI to address wBMS test challenges and maximize the robustness and performance of wBMS, enabling the automotive industry to unlock the potential offered by this technology. Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its wBMS solution at the CES 2024 trade show in Las Vegas from January 9 to 12, 2024, at booth 6567 in the West Hall.
