Varta EASY BLADE Release Note

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Content
1 Caution/warning statements ...................................................................................................... 4
1.1 General safety signs............................................................................................................. 4
1.2 General hazard sources....................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Safety Overview on Battery Management System (BMS)................................................... 6
1.4 Certification......................................................................................................................... 6
2 Contact details............................................................................................................................. 7
3 Introduction of ASB ..................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Definitions and Standards ................................................................................................... 9
3.2 General Design and Application Criteria ........................................................................... 10
3.3 Features............................................................................................................................. 10
4 Reference Table: Easy Blade...................................................................................................... 11
5 Reference Table: Easy Block...................................................................................................... 12
6 Description of the battery ......................................................................................................... 13
6.1 Easy Blade.......................................................................................................................... 13
6.2 Easy Block .......................................................................................................................... 14
6.3 Included in the box............................................................................................................ 14
6.4 Additional systems requirements ..................................................................................... 14
6.5 Push Button ....................................................................................................................... 15
6.6 LED indications .................................................................................................................. 15
7 Setup a system .......................................................................................................................... 17
7.1 Mechanical connection ..................................................................................................... 17
7.2 Electrical connection ......................................................................................................... 19
7.3 Configuration of a system ................................................................................................. 20
7.4 Start the battery/system ................................................................................................... 21
7.5 Shut-down ......................................................................................................................... 22
8 CAN Communication ................................................................................................................. 22
9 Easy Blade - Cooling concept..................................................................................................... 22
10 Charging................................................................................................................................. 23
11 Error....................................................................................................................................... 23
12 The CAN Protocol .................................................................................................................. 25
12.1 Communication within the battery system....................................................................... 25
12.2 Communication sent by the battery master (for application) .......................................... 25
12.3 Communication sent by the battery master (for charger)................................................ 27

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13 FAQs....................................................................................................................................... 27
13.1 Charger .............................................................................................................................. 27
13.2 CAN-Communication......................................................................................................... 29
13.3 TPDO/SDO ......................................................................................................................... 30
13.4 Parallel Connection............................................................................................................ 31
13.5 Safety / Life time ............................................................................................................... 31
13.6 Mechanical ........................................................................................................................ 32
13.7 General .............................................................................................................................. 33
Legal notice
Original Instruction Manual
Nürnberger Straße 65
86720 Nördlingen
Germany
www.varta-storage.de
Tel.: [phone]
[e-mail]
Version 2
Date: December 2020
About this manual
Please read this instruction manual carefully before beginning any kind of work. It contains important
information, in order to ensure problem free performance of your batteries.
Please ensure that you have the latest version of all technical materials by downloaded from below
link:
https://www.varta-storage.com/de/produkte/power/asb

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1 Caution/warning statements
1.1 General safety signs
Symbol
Meaning
Prohibition symbols are circular, showing a
black pictogram on a white background
surrounded by a red edge with a crossbar.
Warning signs are triangular, showing a black
symbol and edge on a yellow background.
Environmental regulations are information on
statutory requirements, which have to be
complied with, especially during disposal.
1.2 General hazard sources
If the following instructions for handling the device are not observed, this might lead to personal injury
or damage to the battery or your device, for which VARTA Storage GmbH will accept no liability.
a. Danger of electrical voltage
WARNING
Contact with electrical voltage!
Risk of fatal injury from electric shock!
Keep the module always sealed.
Pay attention to any damage of electrical
equipment! Eliminate defects immediately!
Don´t open the module.
Don’t connect the modules in serial only in
parallel.
Don´t connect the module or charger in reverse
polarity.

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You are not allowed to disconnect the module in
active mode. Hot-plugging or hot-swapping is not
allowed in active mode! There is a risk of short
circuit between the battery modules. Only in shut-
down mode old or damaged modules can be
replaced with new modules. Even modules with
new cell chemistries are supported if available in
the future.
b. Danger from water
WARNING
Entry of water or other liquids into the module!
Possible mortal danger and material damage!
Do not use water for cleaning the module.
Never put down containers with fluids (beverage
containers and the like) on electrical systems.
The relative humidity inside the room must not
exceed 85%.
Do not clean the system with agents containing
acid, lye or solvents.
c. Danger from heat
ATTENTION
Insufficient ventilation of the system!
Overheating of the system possible!
Keep the ventilation openings clear.
Ensure sufficient ventilation.
ATTENTION
Heat input due to direct sunlight or devices emitting
heat!
Overheating and damage of the system possible!
Protect the system against direct sunlight.
Do not use fan heaters or the like near the
module.

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1.3 Safety Overview on Battery Management System (BMS)
The battery contains three levels of safety, which is controlled by the BMS.
1st Level Protection for over voltage/ under voltage / over current / short circuit / over temperature /
under temperature. It is controlled by the BMS software and is non-permanent.
2nd Level Protection for over voltage/ under voltage / over current / short circuit / over temperature/
under temperature. It is controlled by the BMS software and is permanent.
3rd Level Protection (passive) with current fuse on board.
1.4 Certification
The battery is qualified acc. to UN Recommendations on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods, UN
Manual of Test and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3 (ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev. 5). The battery is qualified
acc. to IEC 62133-2:2017.

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3 Introduction of ASB
Application Specific Batteries (ASB) is VARTA’s new range of lithium-rechargeable battery products
from VARTA Storage GmbH, offering products in the voltage range of 24V –48V for modern systems
and applications.
We offer a growing range of battery packs that are immediately available for high-energy or high-
power applications. All ASB battery packs are fitted with an electronic battery management system
(BMS) with protection against unsafe conditions. All cells used comply with the requirements of the
safety standard UL1642 and the packs in this handbook are certified to additional safety standard
IEC62133-2:2017 as well as UN38.3 requirements for transportation.
SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS OF VARTA STORAGE ASB RANGE:
►Excellent energy density
►Zero maintenance requirements
►Different form factors
►Low self-discharge and wide temperature
range
►~24V and ~48V versions
►Up to 40kWh systems using modular
approach
►IEC62133-2:2017 certification
►Mechanical stacking/locking design
►CAN Bus Communications (CANopen)
►ISO9001 certified for design and
manufacture
►Excellent cycle life (see PI-Sheet)
►2 year manufacturer’s limited warranty
Comparison of different rechargeable battery systems regarding their energy densities

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3.1 Definitions and Standards
BASICS
Unless otherwise stated the technical values and definitions are based on room temperature
conditions (RT = 22°C ± 3°C).
VOLTAGE DEFINITIONS
Open Circuit Voltage (OCV):
is the difference of electrical potential between
two terminals of a device when disconnected from
any circuit, dependent on battery model,
temperature, storage duration and state of
charge.
End of Discharge Voltage (EoD):
The voltage at the end of discharging depending
on discharge rate and temperature.
End of Charge Voltage (EoC) should also be
referenced from the individual specifications.
CAPACITY DEFINITIONS
The capacity C of a cell is defined by the
discharge current I and the discharge
time t: C = I * t
I = constant discharge current
t = duration from the beginning of discharge until
the end of discharge voltage is reached
Nominal Capacity: The nominal capacity C
denotes the capacity amount in Ah (Ampère
hours) that the battery can deliver at the 5h
discharge rate (0.2 C). The reference
temperature is +22°C ± 3°C, if not otherwise
stated and the final discharge voltage will also be
stated.
Available Capacity:
Factors which affect the available capacity are:
►Rate of discharge
►End of discharge voltage
►Ambient temperature
►State of charge
►Battery age
►Cycle history of the battery
At higher than usual discharge rates the
available capacity is accordingly reduced.
CURRENT DEFINITIONS
Charge and discharge rates may be given as
multiples of the Rated Capacity (C) in Ampères
(A) with the term C.
Example:
Rated Capacity C = 1000 mAh
0.1 C = 100 mA, 1 CA = 1000 mA
Nominal Discharge Current:
The nominal discharge current of an ASB battery
is the 5 hour discharge current (0.2 C). It is the
current at which the nominal capacity of a cell is
discharged in 5 hours.
I = C/t = C/5 = 0.2 C when t = 5 h

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3.2 General Design and Application Criteria
Choose the best suitable battery from our range of ASB batteries according to your needs relating to
the specific application and its corresponding planned operation conditions:
The most important criteria for the type-selection are these:
►Required minimum operating time
►Charging rates required vs. calendar life target
►Max. and average current drain
►Min. and max. voltage of operation
►Operating temperature range
►Mechanical properties
►Available space
►Environmental conditions
All ASB batteries are equipped with our specially selected and carefully designed safety electronic
modules (BMS) which prevent the risks of hazards due to any foreseeable abuse / misuse.
Nevertheless, it is required that any application is designed so that the battery may operate within its
normal specification without the safety features being triggered by end-user behavior.
3.3 Features
VARTA Storage ASB batteries are first choice for a number of modern high-tech products in fields
such as robotics, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), related Logistics and Agricultural solutions and
more. They provide long lasting, reliable main power, occupying a minimum of space and weight in the
corresponding devices.
VARTA Storage ASB batteries fulfill the most important design-in requirements: Reliable high-power
output, design flexibility with minimized space requirements and a long life.
Feature
Advantage
Customer Benefit
UN38.3 Certified
Approved for Transport
Supplier’s Test Summary
Available
IEC62133-2:2017 Certified
Ready for design-in for
certified applications
Reduced design-in cost
Multiple form-factors with
modular design
Design flexibility
Product design convenience
Excellent overall performance
High energy and high cycle
life
Lower total cost of ownership
and highly satisfying over the
long-term
Complete battery module
solution, zero maintenance
Fit and forget design
Low cost of maintenance in
the field
CAN Communications
Smart battery management,
regardless of module size
Battery behavior, charging,
safety can all be controlled
and monitored

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4 Reference Table: Easy Blade
*illustration only
Product
Easy Blade 24 V
Easy Blade 48 V
Order Number (VKB)
56654 799 098
56654 799 097
State of Charge
< 30 %
< 30 %
Typical Capacity (Ah)
58
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Nominal Voltage (V)
25.9
51.8
Operating Temperature
Charging
0oC to +45oC
0oC to +45oC
Discharging
-20oC to +55oC
-20oC to +55oC
Storage
1 to 3 month at -20oC to +45oC
1 year at -20oC to +24 oC
1 to 3 month at -20oC to +45oC
1 year at -20oC to +24 oC
Life Expectance (typical)
No. of cycles (on Cmin)
1,200 (80%)
1,200 (80%)
Miscellaneous
NTC
Yes
Yes
Certification
UN38.3
IEC62133-2:2017
UN38.3
IEC62133-2:2017

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5 Reference Table: Easy Block
*illustration only
Product
Easy Block 24 V
Easy Block 48 V
Order Number (VKB)
56650 764 099
56650 764 098
State of Charge
< 30 %
< 30 %
Typical Capacity (Ah)
22.8
11.4
Nominal Voltage (V)
25.6
51.2
Operating Temperature
Charging
0oC to +50oC
0oC to +50oC
Discharging
-20oC to +60oC
-20oC to +60oC
Storage
1 to 3 month at -20oC to +45oC
1 year at -20oC to +24 oC
1 to 3 month at -20oC to +45oC
1 year at -20oC to +24 oC
Life Expectance (typical)
No. of cycles (on Cmin)
4,000 (80%)
10,000 (60%)
4,000 (80%)
10,000 (60%)
Miscellaneous
NTC
Yes
Yes
Certification
UN38.3
IEC62133-2:2017
UN38.3
IEC62133-2:2017

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6 Description of the battery
6.1 Easy Blade

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6.2 Easy Block
6.3 Included in the box
Two module connectors (including the two screws) will be delivered together with the battery. (see 7.1)
6.4 Additional systems requirements
a. Power cable
Power cables are not provided by VARTA as requirements differ in all use cases. These are available
from our distributors. See contact details on page 7. VARTA recommends using an M6 screw type for
the negative terminal and an M8 screw type for the positive terminal. For connection of the modules an
additional bus bar or wires with cable lug are needed.
b. Communication cable
The communication cable is not provided by VARTA. These are available from our
distributors. See contact details on page 7. VARTA recommends to use Tyco
Amphenol LTW 12-05BMMA-SL8001 or similar.
c. CAN termination resistor
The CAN termination resistor is not provided by VARTA. These are available from
our distributors. See contact details on page 7. VARTA recommends using Phoenix
Contact 1507816 or similar.

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A system without CAN communication to the Host needs two CAN termination resistors of 120 Ohm
each. One CAN termination resistor has to be connected to the M12 connector of the first module and
one CAN termination resistor has to be connected to the M12 connector of the last module. In this way
the resistors are placed at the physical ends of the CAN bus.
Systems with CAN communication to the Host only need to have one CAN termination resistor of 120
Ohm on the last module which is connected. In this case the Host needs its own termination resistor.
Please make sure that the system is terminated at both physical ends of the CAN Bus!
d. Charger
We recommend VARTA approved chargers which are already programmed with compatible firmware
and tested. The charger datasheets can be provided on request. (for more information on charging
see chapter 10).
Description
Material number
Remark
Easy Charger –24 V
57020101401
Easy Blade 24 V + Easy Block 24 V
Easy Charger –48 V
57021101401
Easy Blade 48 V + Easy Block 48 V
AC Cord 3m USA
37000727150
Available additionally
AC Cord 3m EU
37000800751
Available additionally
6.5 Push Button
Push the button to wake up and to shut-down the module. For more than one battery in parallel the
button only needs to be pushed on one module. (see 7.4)
6.6 LED indications
The LED is able to show three different colors steady or blinking.
a. Switch from Deep Sleep to Active Mode
LED
[s]
0.5
0.5
0.5
…
b. Switch from Active Mode to Deep Sleep
LED
[s]
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
…
Note: As long as voltage is applied on the power terminals, the battery will continue the sequence
c. Active Mode and DSG FET or CHG FET is closed
LED
[s]
…
d. Active Mode and DSG FET and CHG FET opened
LED
…
[s]
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
…

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e. Deep Sleep
LED
[s]
…
f. Irreversible error (e.g. defect fuse, defect FET, …)
LED
…
[s]
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.6
…
g. Reversible error (e.g. over-temperature, over-current, …)
LED
[s]
…
h. No valid Node ID or double Node ID detected
LED
…
[s]
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.6
…
i. Switch to Bootloader Mode
LED
[s]
0.1
0.1
0.1
j. Bootloader is active
LED
[s]
…
k. Node ID assignment in process
LED
[s]
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.6

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7 Setup a system
7.1 Mechanical connection
Important! When installing the module in your application, it is important to ensure that load-bearing is
evenly spread. Pressure or weight in a single area, especially on the metal plate is not allowed and
may cause damage to the battery and internal components. For example, it is not allowed to fix the
modules with a strap or similar where all of the weight could be carried in one small area. The
pressure must be spread over the whole module.
The modules can be connected in “x1” or “z2” direction for Easy Blade. For Easy Block “x3” and or
“y3” directions are possible via two module connectors, shown below in black. Place the module
connectors inside the recess of two modules (see below picture). The module connectors are
asymmetric and have a broad and a narrow side. If the orientation of the modules is wrong (e.g. in
case of serial connection of the modules), the connectors will not fit properly. When the module
connector is placed, insert a screw (Screw Wuerth Wueplast W1423 3x8, TX8 or Screw EJOT Delta
PT WN5454 30x8, TX10) and tighten it with a torque of max 0.16 Nm). The module connector will
expand and jam in the recess.

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Important: The module connector will ensure correct position of the modules and add stability. The
end user is responsible for creating sufficient stability of the battery system within the device with
respect to the requirements of the application and variation of battery systems which can be
assembled. In some cases it is necessary to consider that additional support of the module structure
should be considered in the final design of the application.
For removal of the module connector loosen the screw and remove the module connector. If the
connector is stuck, use a screwdriver for pulling it out of the recess via the side opening in the
connector.
The modules can be connected in z1 (Easy Blade) and z3 (Easy Block) directions. You can stack the
batteries via the design features on the bottom and on the top of each module. (see below picture).
Please note the stacking features are only for orientation and guidance not for fixation. The user is
responsible, to make sure that the module can´t move during operation.

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Below table shows the permitted layers in a specific direction:
Direction
Maximal Layers
Comments
Z1
3 layers
To avoid too much weight
Y1
1 layer
To ensure proper ventilation
Z2
5 layers
To avoid too much weight
Y2
1 layer
To ensure proper ventilation
Z3
3 layers
To avoid too much weight
7.2 Electrical connection
It is not allowed to connect the modules in series! Only connect the battery modules in parallel.
Do not mix up 24V and 48V battery modules within a single system.
The next steps describe how to connect the battery modules in parallel.
Step 1: Minus terminal
Connect the Power Minus of all modules in parallel. Tighten it with a torque of max 3.9 Nm. Please
note the Power minus is marked with the symbol -. For connection of the modules an additional bus
bar or a wires with cable lug is needed.
Step 2: Plus terminal
Connect the Power Plus of all modules in parallel. Tighten it with a torque of max 9 Nm. Please note
the Power Plus is marked with the symbol +. For connection of the modules an additional bus bar or a
wires with cable lug is needed.

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Step 3: CAN cables
Connect the CAN cables. Tighten it with a torque of max 0.6 Nm. Connect always modules next to
each other (see below picture).
Step 4: CAN termination resistor
Connect the CAN termination resistor. Please make sure that the system is terminated at both
physical ends of the CAN Bus.
7.3 Configuration of a system
It is necessary under the following conditions:
1. If the modules are connected the very first time.
2. If one or more modules are replaced in an already configured system.
3. If new modules are added to an already configured system.
Connect the batteries as described in chapter 7.1 and 7.2.
Step 1: Turn on the system by pressing the button on any battery for 3s to 5s until the LEDs starts
flashing orange. Alternatively, the ON/OFF signal at the M12 connector can be connected to GND by
an external switch.
Step 2: Press the button on any battery for at least 5s until the LED on this battery turns red (300ms),
off (300ms), green (300ms) and off (600ms) until the configuration is done (LED green). See also
chapter 6.6 k.
We recommend to check/update the firmware of your battery here:
https://filecloud.varta-microbattery.com/?t=d3787575f81651bda7f959279b063658
Technical details:
Batteries which are not configured will not have a valid Node ID and will also not send any messages
on the CAN bus. When configuring the system by pushing the button for at least 5s, the batteries will
determine the master of the system dependent on the highest serial number of the batteries. The
Node IDs will be assigned in order of the serial numbers. When all Node IDs are assigned, the battery

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with Node ID 2 switches to Node ID 1 and becomes the master of the system. Because of this, there
will never be an active Node ID 2 available in the system.
Example of system with four batteries in parallel:
7.4 Start the battery/system
Step 1: Wake-up:
Method 1: Push the Button (3 to 5 seconds) on one battery module (doesn´t matter
which module) until the LED is flashing green. The batteries will not turn on if the
button is pushed longer than 5 seconds. This prevents turning on the battery
accidentally if something blocks the button continuously.
Method 2: Pull the ON / OFF Pin (Pin 2) of the CAN connector permanently to ground
(Pin 3).
Note: Wake-Up by the external switch is prioritized. In case the battery has been turned off while the
external switch was active and will be turned on again via the push button, the button only needs to be
pressed for 500ms.
Please wait at least 3 seconds before turning on the battery again after turning off to ensure internal
energy has been discharged.
Pin-out of the M12-5 connector (female connector on the battery)
Pin 1: Wake-Up
Pin 2: ON / OFF
Pin 3: GND
Pin 4: CAN High
Pin 5: CAN Low
Note: All connectors (and all pins) are connected in parallel. The Wake-Up signal (Pin 1) is used in a
system to wake up all batteries by pushing the button of any battery in the system. The ON/OFF signal
(Pin 2) is used to wake up all batteries in a system by an external switch.