BRS BIM1 User manual

BIM1 / BIM2 / BTC1 / BIM300
Battery Impedance Meters
Instruction manual

Battery Impedance Meters
BRS Messtechnik GmbH
Page 2 of 36
Version 1.7 / April2015
© 2015 BRS Messtechnik GmbH
Strohberg 23
D-70180 Stuttgart
Germany
Email: [e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
File: Manual BIM-BTC-SW17.docx

Battery Impedance Meters
BRS Messtechnik GmbH
Page 3 of 36
Version 1.7 / April2015
Safety guidelines
Before use please read the instruction manual.
The device may only be used by trained technical personnel.
Even if only one cell of a battery pack is measured, if there is an er-
ror, the voltage of the whole pack or module may be shown in the
measurements.
If the test item (the battery) is attached to a charger or a converter
during the measurement, care should be taken to ensure that even if
there is an error there are no dangerous voltages above 60V across
the measurement input.
If the device is operated at high battery voltage and with a high
measurement current, the resulting loss of power causes a corre-
sponding heating of the casing. You should therefore ensure that
there is a suitable convection cooling system and that, particularly
when the ambient temperature is high, the casing can tolerate high
temperatures.
When carrying out measurements over extended periods, you should
ensure that the measurement device works in a unipolar manner, i.e.
that the test item is discharged with at least 50% of the measurement
current set. You should therefore ensure that the battery is not com-
pletely discharged.
Additional information
The device is designed to work over small voltages (less than 60V) and
is in protection class III.
Any reference to “batteries” in this instruction manual includes both primary bat-
teries as well as (rechargeable) secondary batteries (storage batteries).
Declaration of conformity
The device meets the requirements of EC Directive 2004/108/EC
(EMC Directive)
Information on environmental protection
Please dispose of the device separately from household waste at your lo-
cal collection station or recycling centre. This applies to all European Union
countries and other European countries with separate collection systems.

Battery Impedance Meters
BRS Messtechnik GmbH
Page 4 of 36
Version 1.7 / April2015
Contents
1Overview............................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Short description ...................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Versions ................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Evaluation Functions................................................................................................................ 6
1.4 Selecting languages................................................................................................................. 6
2Operating preparations......................................................................................... 7
2.1 Unpacking ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Installing the programs............................................................................................................. 7
2.3Positioning of the instrument.................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Connecting the measurement cable for impedance and voltage............................................. 8
2.5 Connecting the measurement cable for temperature or current (BIM2/3)............................... 9
2.6 Connecting the digital inputs/outputs....................................................................................... 9
2.7 Connecting the test item ........................................................................................................ 10
3Applications........................................................................................................ 11
4Measurement Functions..................................................................................... 12
4.1 Functional principle of the impedance measurement ............................................................ 12
4.2 Overview ................................................................................................................................ 12
4.3 Settings .................................................................................................................................. 12
4.4 Battery discharge during extended use ................................................................................. 13
5Operation............................................................................................................ 14
5.1 Measurement function at single frequency............................................................................ 14
5.2 Measurement function for spectral measurement ................................................................. 16
5.3 Measurement function capacity test (BTC1 only).................................................................. 20
5.4 Evaluation function tolerance test.......................................................................................... 22
5.5 Evaluation function Diagnosis................................................................................................ 23
5.6 Measuring and monitoring voltage......................................................................................... 25
5.7 Temperature and current measurements (BIM2, BTC1) ....................................................... 26
5.8 Single measurements ............................................................................................................ 26
5.9 Instrument configuration......................................................................................................... 27
6Data Export......................................................................................................... 28
6.1 Data export via text file (log file)............................................................................................. 28
6.2 Data export via csv files ......................................................................................................... 29
7Remote control................................................................................................... 29
8Maintenance....................................................................................................... 30
8.1 Cleaning................................................................................................................................. 30
8.2 Firmware updates .................................................................................................................. 30
8.3 Recalibration .......................................................................................................................... 30
8.4 Help........................................................................................................................................ 30

Battery Impedance Meters
BRS Messtechnik GmbH
Page 5 of 36
Version 1.7 / April2015
9RS232 Communication....................................................................................... 31
10 Technical data.............................................................................................. 32
11 Appendix...................................................................................................... 34
11.1 Recommendations for cable running ..................................................................................... 34
11.2 Recommendations for selecting frequencies......................................................................... 34

1 Overview
1.1 Short description
The BIM1/BIM2/BTC1/BIM300 are economical, easy to
operate and compact battery impedance measuring in-
struments.
They offer functions of a battery tester, of a battery ana-
lyser and a capacity tester and enable the quick test of
batteries and accumulators.
They are connected in parallel to the battery terminals
and measure the complex battery impedance and voltage of cells or modules inde-
pendently of the battery technology. Some versions offer additional temperature and
current measurements.
The measurement values are provided in an electrically isolated manner via a USB
communication interface. The device is operated with a graphical user interface
(GUI) and the results are shown on this interface. Alternatively, there is a program-
ming interface for remote control.
1.2 Versions
Measurement Functions
BIM1
BIM2
BTC1
BIM300
Impedance
1µΩ…1Ω
1µΩ…1Ω
1µΩ…1Ω
1mΩ…500Ω
Frequency range
1-1000Hz
0,1-1000Hz
0,1-1000Hz
0,1-1000Hz
Voltage
0…60V
0…60V
0…60V
0…60V
Temperature via ext. PT1000
----
yes
yes
----
Current via ext. current clamp
----
yes
yes
----
Capacity (current ≤2A)
----
----
yes
----
Each version requires compliant firmware and PC software.
1.3 Evaluation Functions
Graphical presentation of spectral impedance as Nyquist chart
Approximation of model parameters (substitute values)
Calculation of battery states (diagnostics) by means of reference values
Tolerance analysis for production testing by comparison with reference values
1.4 Selecting languages
The language can be changed at any time in the menu
“extras”.

Battery Impedance Meters
BRS Messtechnik GmbH
Page 7 of 36
Version 1.7 / April2015
2 Operating preparations
2.1 Unpacking
Please check to ensure that the delivery is complete:
BIM measurement instrument with adapters for digital inputs/outputs
Operating software on CD-ROM: GUI as exe, USB driver
English instruction manual: printed and as a PDF on the CD-ROM
USB connection cable 1.8m
2 pcs of measurement cables (1m each): for impedance and for temperature
2.2 Installing the programs
Copy the control program (BIMGIU.exe) to a suitable folder, e.g. in the Programs
folder.
Connect the measurement device to the computer using the USB cable. The operat-
ing system will find the new device and will ask for information about the driver. Man-
ually select the “FTDI” folder in the CD drive and confirm by clicking on “OK”
1
. If you
have an internet connection, you can also download the driver directly.
Start the graphic user interface by double clicking on BIMGIUI.exe. In the top right
corner of the GUI, the HW-Link status will be shown. The soft-
ware automatically searches for available interfaces. As soon as
the communication is established, the colour changes into
green, and the device is ready for use
2
.
The USB cable is used for both data communication and providing the device with a
5V voltage and a maximum power supply of 100mA.
2.3 Positioning of the instrument
A power of up to 6W caused by the measurement current can occur
in the device, which has to be dissipated through the casing. Regard-
less of its orientation, the device should be set up so that sufficient
convection cooling is possible.
1
If that does not work, please use the device manager. Look for “unkown device”. With right mouse
click you will come to “update driver software”.
2
If the device is not found, remove and attach the USB cable again.

Battery Impedance Meters
BRS Messtechnik GmbH
Page 8 of 36
Version 1.7 / April2015
2.4 Connecting the measurement cable for impedance and voltage
On the left-hand front panel there is a measure-
ment socket, to which the measurement cable is
attached. The plug has a push-pull mechanism,
which means it is pushed in until it locks and
pulled out of the plug casing to remove.
There are several types of measurement cable for connecting the test item:
a) MK-S: Standard variant
This measurement cable has two Kelvin clips, which are connected to the two poles
of the test item. It is simple to use and produces good results for most cells.
Meaning
Colour of the Kelvin clips
Current connection I+
Voltage connection U+
red; the two connections are
guided separately to the collet
jaws
Current connection I-
Voltage connection U-
black; the two connections are
guided separately to the collet
jaws
b) MK-U: Universal variant
For very low ohmic cells (>10Ah, <1mOhm), the use of the cable with four crocodile
clips is recommended, because it can be connected more precisely, but it is also a
little more awkward to use.
Meaning
Colour of the crocodile clips
Current connection I+
Current connection I-
red (at the + pole)
black (at the –pole)
Voltage connection U+
Voltage connection U-
green (at the + pole)
blue (at the –pole)
c) MK-K: variant for cable lugs
For very low ohmic cells with threaded bolts or female threads. The two lugs per pole
are isolated against each other with an insulating bushing. Available for threads M6,
M8, M10.

Battery Impedance Meters
BRS Messtechnik GmbH
Page 9 of 36
Version 1.7 / April2015
Meaning
Colour of the lugs
Current connection I+
Current connection I-
red (at the + pole)
black (at the –pole)
Voltage connection U+
Voltage connection U-
green (at the + pole)
blue (at the –pole)
d) MK-G: Variant for threaded holes
For the temporary connection to very low ohmic cells with threaded holes. The
probes are inserted into the holes and retained by springs. Available for threads M6,
M8, M12, M14 and thread depths between 12mm and 24mm.
Meaning
Colour of the plugs
Current connection I+
Current connection I-
red (male, at the + pole)
black (male, at the –pole)
Voltage connection U+
Voltage connection U-
green (female, at the + pole)
blue (female, at the –pole)
If you need special measurement cables, we can provide these –please ask.
2.5 Connecting the measurement cable for temperature or current (BIM2/3)
For temperature measurement an external RTD (PT1000) can be connected to the
second input at the front side. The temperature sensor is connected to the enclosed
cable. The sensor must be galvanically isolated.
Alternatively, a current sensor (current clamp) can be connected to this plug. The
sensor connects to other pins of the plug, so you need a different cable –please ask.
2.6 Connecting the digital inputs/outputs
The digital inputs/outputs are situated on the opposite
front panel.
The digital inputs/outputs are connected using a two-
pole phoenix plug. The external parts to be attached
have the manufacturer designation FK-MC0,5/2-ST-
2,5 and are enclosed. Wires can be clipped into these
plugs –push the orange clamping lugs downwards with a sharp object and guide the
wire into the hole above it.
The two LEDs indicate the status: green means logically one.

Battery Impedance Meters
BRS Messtechnik GmbH
Page 10 of 36
Version 1.7 / April2015
2.7 Connecting the test item
The impedance measurement device works according to the four-conductor principle
(Kelvin connection), and therefore has four connections for measuring impedance:
two connections for feeding in the current (I+ and I-)
and two connections for measuring the voltage (U+
and U-). They are only brought together on the test
item (battery) and connected in pairs (I+ and U+
with the positive pole, I- and U- with the negative
pole).
If the measurement cable is used with the two Kel-
vin clips, this happens automatically because each
clip contains both a current and a voltage connec-
tion.
When using the measurement cable with the four
crocodile clips, two clips must be attached to each
battery pole.
The non-terminated cable provides the greatest degree of freedom, such as the con-
nection of test buttons, screwed together cable lugs or a solder connection. This
sometimes gives more reproducible results
When connecting the measurement conductor, pay attention to the
voltage potential. The device has polarity protection, but the (auto-
matically reset) protection could be activated.
Take care that no high voltages above 60V occur.
Please note that if there is an error when measuring cells in the bat-
tery module, the overall voltage of the battery module may be pre-
sent at the measurement inputs.
Please note that the measurement device discharges the battery and
can therefore completely discharge the battery if it is left to run with-
out any control.
The lower the impedance to be measured, the higher the requirements for the meas-
urement connection. For very low impedances (<1mΩ), special connection might be
advisable - please inquire.
Recommendations for proper wiring can be found in section 10.1.
Battery
+
-
I+ I-
U+ U-