TEST STRATEGY
Test strategy determination is based on a number of factors. Product technology, component selection, product criticality, and product complexity are just a few factors that must be considered when investigating a test strategy. By reviewing relevant characteristics of a product, key test requirements are derived. Then the most appropriate test method can be implemented to insure complete test coverage.
CELL QUALIFICATION
Every new battery cell undergoes rigorous IQ-BATT® qualification process. This includes testing of both cells and battery packs and evaluating their performance over 300 cycles.
Key parameters of the tests include:
- Cell impedance is checked at the beginning of test and every 25 cycles for variations or indications of degradation.
- Mechanical dimensions are benchmarked on new cells, then inspected after 300 cycles for stability.
- Cell capacity is monitored over the 300 cycle sequence for inconsistencies, and also check for performance at low temperature (-20ºC).
- The cell’s ability to deliver power to a pulsed load is checked by measuring the depth of the cell’s voltage depression.
- Pack Safety Circuit.
- Pack — mechanical integrity – environmental conditions.
DESIGN VERIFICATION
DVT testing can include internal testing, as well as external laboratory testing. The tests can consist of some or all of the following:
- Environmental Conditions
- Specification Adherence
- Preliminary Safety Agency Tests
- Preliminary Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility Tests
- Performance under adverse operating conditions
- Fault mode tests
- Other tests to be determined, as required
- Tests will, at a minimum, correspond to and address, all points specified in the Product Specification.