Matrix development for Spectro CA-12 in graphics What is a Matrix

Matrix development for Spectro CA-12 in graphics April 2005 Cadex Electronics Inc. 22000 Fraserwood Way, Richmond BC Canada V6W 1J6 Tel: +1 604 231-7777; Fax: +1 604 231-7755; info@cadex.com www.cadex.com The Spectro CA-12 differs from other battery rapid-testers in its ability to measure capacity, impedance (CCA) and state-of-charge in one short measurement. Your CA-12 is equipped with a generic matrix to test most car batteries. If you want to test specialty batteries or need high accuracies on a dedicated battery type, a custom matrix is required. We will now create such a matrix step-by-step. Also refer to ’Matrix Development for Spectro CA-12 in detail’, http://www.cadex.com/downloads/spectrumdatagathering.pdf. What is a Matrix? A matrix is the landscape of a battery, which is captured by scanning batteries with different performance protocols. The landscape is then converted into a reference matrix that enables displaying the test results in Ah [or RC] and CCA. Good, marginal and bad batteries produce unique landscapes that are converted into a matrix The matrix is stored in the Spectro CA-12 and is recalled when testing a battery type or battery group. The CA-12 can hold up to 5 different matrices. Additional matrices can be stored in the PC-Companion software for easy download on request. The Matrix is a set of numbers to which battery readings are compared 1 Generic and Custom Matrices Your CA-12 is fitted with a Generic Matrix to service standard car batteries. Custom matrices are for specialty batteries There are two types of matrices: generic and custom. The generic matrix is factory installed and serves most car batteries. Custom matrices are recommended for special battery types and are required for AGM, spirally-wound and gel-type batteries. Custom matrices provide the highest accuracy. The data to build a custom matrix should be collected in a battery test laboratory. Building a Custom Matrix We will now create a custom matrix for a 60 Ah, 600 CCA car battery. (SAE may mark this battery at 100 RC.) Once the concept is understood, you will be able to build other custom matrices. The created matrix will automatically be based on the standard in which the readings were taken (CCA, CA, BCI, DIN, EN, IEC). You can generate a custom matrix in any known standard Collecting the battery Collect 10 test batteries of same make and model. Choose a wide range of states-of-health variations, from good/new, to poor/old but still functioning batteries. Failing to include batteries of lesser performance levels will result in lower accuracies in the missing performance band. If the selected batteries cover an ideal performance spectrum of 50– 100%, then only 5 samples will be required. The 10 test batteries must be in various states-of-health (excellent to weak). Number each battery Important: Mark each battery with a unique ID number. 2 Capturing the ‘actual’ Capacity and CCA readings Capture the ‘actual measured’ values of the test batteries by applying a discharge according to the desired standard. Enter the Ah (RC) and CCA readings on the battery sheet (sample enclosed) together with the battery ID number. Do not mix up battery ID numbers. Note: Disregard CCA if not required. Measure the actual capacity and CCA readings of each test battery and add on worksheet Scanning the batteries We now take the impedance scan. Before scanning, allow the battery to rest for 8 hours after charge. If stored for more than 96 hours, recharge the battery and include the 8-hour rest. Procedure: Connect the Spectro CA-12 to the batteries and measure the impedance spectrum as if taking battery readings. Scan the batteries as if taking battery readings Downloading scanned data into PC-Companion The CA-12 can store 25 battery scans. When scanning multiple battery groups, download the data to the PC-Companion software before starting with the next batch. Procedure: Start PC-Companion on the PC and connect the cable. Follow the procedure as outlined in the Spectrum Data Gathering Instructions. Transfer the scanned data to PC-Companion 3 Sending data to Cadex Electronics for matrix assembly The stored data can now be emailed to Cadex Electronics, attention Carl.Dempsey@cadex.com for assembly. Select all results and while highlighted, click Export. Download scanned data into the PC and email to Cadex Sending completed matrix to customer Allow 1-2 weeks for completion. When ready, Cadex will email the custom matrix to you for download into the Spectro CA-12. Cadex sends completed custom matrix by Inter net for download into your CA-12 Custom Matrix Verification You are now ready to test the specialty batteries. To verify that the matrix is performing correctly, we advise you to email sample test results to Cadex. We wish you much success in rapid-testing batteries with the Spectro CA-12 For best results, send sample readings to Cadex by Internet for verification on accuracy 4 Spectro Custom Matrix Worksheet Date: Organization: Test Technician: Phone: Fax: Battery Information Test Norm Battery Manufacturer Battery Model Capacity in Ah or RC CCA Data File CCA CA BCI DIN EN IEC Other Scanned Battery Data Battery ID Number Rated 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 050413 Ah or RC Measured Rated CCA Measured Note 5