This user's guide for the bq76925EVM evaluation module can assist designers in their evaluation of the
bq76925, Analog Front End for 3- to 6-Series Lithium-Ion Cells. This guide discusses setup and operation
of the module and contains schematics, bill of materials, and printed-circuit board layout.
Before designing a battery management system with the bq76925, designers are advised to read the
bq76925 data sheet (SLUSAM9).
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I2C is a trademark of Philips Electronics N.V..
This section describes the features of the bq76925EVM and the equipment that is typically required to
demonstrate and use the EVM.
1.1Features
A summary of the features of the bq76925EVM follows.
•One bq76925 and one MSP430F2122 device with associated support circuitry
•Support for 3-to 6-series connected cells
– Pluggable terminal block for cell connections, or
– Onboard simulation of cells for operation from a power supply
•bq76925 circuit is jumper configurable for internal or external 3.3-V source
•MSP430 application circuit includes
– JTAG connector
– Reset and SOC buttons
– Four, controllable LEDs
– I2C™ interface to bq76925 and to USB-to-GPIO
– Pack status connector
•Supports nominal 4.2-V to 26.4-V pack voltages, 30 V maximum
•20-A continuous charge/discharge current rating
– 0.001-Ω (equivalent) shunt resistor
– High-current, stud-type connections for battery power and pack power
•Onboard thermistor for temperature measurement
•Transient voltage protection of PACK± terminals
•Connector for USB-TO-GPIO Adapter
•Test points for monitoring of cell voltages and other important circuit nets
•EVM design files in Mentor Graphics™ PADs™ 2009 format available on request
•Gerber files available on request
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1.2Kit Contents
The bq76925EVM includes the PWR008 printed-circuit board (PCB). Evaluation software is downloadable
from the Texas Instruments Web site (www.ti.com).
1.3Equipment Requirements
The bq76925EVM includes one PCB containing a bq76925 application circuit. The following equipment
and software are typically needed for operation. Some items depend on the usage case.
1.3.1bq76925 Evaluation Software
The bq76925 Evaluation Software is the Microsoft™ Windows™ application that controls and interfaces
with the bq76925. Installation of this software on a compatible personal computer (PC) is required. The
installation file can be found on the product page for the bq76925 on the Texas Instruments Web site.
1.3.2Microsoft Windows-Compatible Computer
The minimum requirement for the PC and operating system are as follows:
•Pentium™ III class or better processor at 1.6 GHz
A resistor divider network is provided on the bq76925EVM to simulate cells. This allows basic evaluation
of the bq76925 without the use of cells. In this case, a power supply connected between BATT+ and
BATT– is required to power the resistor network. A 24-V power supply with a current capability of 100 mA
is required to power the circuit .
1.3.5Power Supply for Simulation of Current
A second power supply is used to simulate battery current. The bq76925 expects a sense resistor value of
0.001 Ω and 1 mV is equal to 1 A. A jumper (J5) allows the sense resistor to be disconnected from the
current input of the bq76925 and be replaced with a millivolt source. A power supply that can accurately
provide up to 100 mV can allow for simulated testing of up to 100 A without actually running this
dangerously high current.
Overview
CAUTION
1.3.6Battery
Lithium-ion, rechargeable-type cells can be used with this EVM. Typical cell voltage rating is 3.3 V to 3.7 V
nominal and the pack consists of 3- to 6-series connected cells. Almost all Lithium-ion chemistries can be
used with the bq76925.
This EVM has no battery current control devices (MOSFETs) that
can stop the flow of charge or discharge current in the event that a
dangerous condition is induced through discharging or charging
of a battery. Exercise extreme caution when using a battery with
this EVM.
1.3.7Power Supply to Charge Battery
A power supply can be connected to the PACK± terminals to provide charge current if a battery is
connected to the BATT± inputs.
Use caution when mating batteries with a charger power supply.
Some power supplies cannot tolerate current being fed into their
output terminals. A battery connected to a power supply can easily
cause this to happen. A properly sized blocking diode connected
to the positive output voltage of the power supply can provide
adequate protection against backfeed from the battery and into the
power supply electronics.
1.3.8Electronic Load
An electronic load is often needed to sink current or power from the battery and through the EVM. A
constant-current load provides a good means of evaluating the performance of the bq76925 when a
battery is used. Equipment rating depends on the application. Typical criteria for electronic load selection
are a voltage rating of up to 4.5 V/cell and up to 20-A discharge capability with 10-mA resolution.
1.3.9Digital Multimeter
One or two digital multimeters (DMM) capable of voltage, current, and temperature measurement equal to
or greater than the accuracy ratings of the bq76925 are needed for adequate evaluation. Numerous test
clips on the PCB can accept a DMM.
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WARNING
1.3.10Oscilloscope
An oscilloscope may be needed if evaluation of waveforms or timing measurements is required. Typical
waveforms that a user may be interested in are the I2C signals (100 kHz), cell-balancing waveforms or
capture of the activation time of the ALERT signal after an overcurrent event may be of interest. These
signals can happen down to the 10s of microseconds time base.
2Circuit Details and Configuration
This section highlights the important features of the EVM circuit, gives some operating instructions, and
also provides a description of the connector pin assignments. Read through this section before using the
EVM for the first time.
Do not connect the battery, power supplies, or interface at this time. Wait until
the next section.
2.1Connections
Pin 1 on all multisignal-pin headers is indicated by a square solder pad.
2.1.1BATT+, BATT– (CN1, CN2)
These connections connect the battery terminals to the circuit.
The positive, current-carrying connection of the battery connects to the BATT+ terminal (CN1).
The negative, current-carrying connection of the battery connects to the BATT– terminal (CN2).
The BATT± connections are single, heavy-duty screw terminals that feature a 6-32 × 1/4-in.-long screw.
This connector is rated to 30 A, maximum. Actual current is limited to a lower value (20 A) by other circuit
board components.
The cell-sensing wires of the battery pack provide the connection for cell voltage measurement and
resistive cell balancing. If the cell count is N, the number of cell wires is N+1.
Header NameTerminalLabelPurpose
CN64Cell 3Cell 3 positive terminal.
2.1.3PACK+, PACK– (CN3, CN4)
The positive, current-carrying connection of the load or charger connects to the PACK+ terminal (CN3).
The negative, current-carrying connection of the load or charger connects to the PACK- terminal (CN4).
The PACK± connections are single, heavy-duty screw terminals that feature a 6-32 × 1/4-in. screw. This
connector is rated to 30 A, maximum. Actual current is limited to a lower value (20 A) by other circuit
board components.
The USB interface connector (CN8) is for connection to the USB-TO-GPIO Adapter. The pin assignment
is as follows:
Header NameTerminalLabelPurpose
CN81–V3P3 Monitor and Input
2.1.5JTAG Interface (CN7)
The JTAG Interface connector (CN7) is for connection to an MSP430 programmer, such as the
MSP-FET430UIF. Use of this connector is not required for evaluation of the bq76925. This header is for
those users who wish to write code for the MSP430F2122 resident on the EVM. The pin assignment is as
follows:
The Pack Status header is provided as a convenience for those users desiring to develop firmware for the
MSP430. The default firmware does not use these pins. This connector can be used for GPIO or for an
SPI interface. Total current sourcing from these pins must be limited such that the current rating of the
3.3-V source of the bq76925 circuit is not exceeded. Consult the data sheet for details.
2.2Configuration Jumpers and Switches (J1 – J6, S2, S4)
Two- and three-terminal headers allow the user to configure the operation of the EVM by installing a shunt
at the header. The description of each jumper header is shown in the following tables. Shunts are
provided with the EVM in the default position.
Table 5. J1, BAT Pin Circuit Configuration
Header NamePositionPurpose
1 - 2Zener diode and series diode in BAT pin circuit
1 - 2External V3P3 source in circuit 1-µF + 4.7-µF
OFFInternal V3P3 source in circuit and 1-µF capacitance
capacitance used (default).
used
Table 9. J5, SENSEP Pin Circuit Configuration
Header NamePositionPurpose
J5
1 - 2SENSEP connected to sense resistor for normal operation
OFFSENSEP disconnected from sense resistor. This is a test mode
(default).
operation where a mV source is applied to J5:pin 1 for simulation
of current.
Circuit Details and Configuration
Table 10. J6, DVCC Pin Circuit Configuration
Header NamePositionPurpose
J6
1 - 2Power to MSP430 during programming is from VCC-Tool. (default)
2 - 3Power to MSP430 during programming is from VCC-Target.
2.2.1Cell Simulator DIP Switch (S4)
The eight-position DIP switch (S4) allows the user to simulate cell-voltage inputs to the bq76925 rather
than supply actual cell voltages. See Table 11 for details of the operation of the DIP switch.
Use silkscreen labeling and square pin 1 pad to determine orientation and
operation of the eight-position DIP switch. Ignore numbers actually printed on
the switch.
All S4 dip switches must be opened when using a battery with the EVM.
SwitchTerminalLabelPurpose
Name
S41BatterySwitch to connect power supply to resistor network. Closure
2Cell 6Applies simulated cell voltage to VC6.
3Cell 5Applies simulated cell voltage to VC5.
4Cell 4Applies simulated cell voltage to VC4.
5Cell 3Applies simulated cell voltage to VC3.
6Cell 2Applies simulated cell voltage to VC2.
7Cell 1Applies simulated cell voltage to VC1.
8Cell 0Applies simulated cell voltage to VC0.
The eight-position DIP switch (S2) allows the user to isolate the MSP430 circuit from the bq76925 circuit.
Circuit isolation may be needed to measure some performance characteristics of the bq76925 or during
MSP430 programming.
Use silkscreen labeling and square pin 1 pad to determine orientation and
operation of the eight-position DIP switch. Ignore numbers actually printed on
the switch.
Switch NameTerminalLabelPurpose
S21V3P3Controls application of V3P3 from bq76925 to MSP430
2ThermIsolates the THERM circuit when opened.
3VCOUTIsolates the VCOUT circuit when opened.
4VIOUTIsolates the VIOUT circuit when opened.
5SDAIsolates the SDA circuit when opened.
6SCLIsolates the SCL circuit when opened.
7ALERTIsolates the ALERT circuit when opened.
8VRefIsolates the VREF circuit when opened.
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CAUTION
Table 12. DIP Switch, S2
2.3Pushbuttons (S1, S3)
The two pushbuttons on the EVM are normally open, momentary-style buttons. The pushbutton labeled
RESET (S1) is the reset button for the MSP430. Pressing this button restarts the MSP430.
The pushbutton labeled LEDs (S3) is intended to be a display control for the state of charge (SOC) display
formed by the four LEDs (D8 –D11). Pressing this button triggers an input on the MSP430 that
incrementally lights the four LEDs – despite what the actual SOC of the battery may be that is connected
to the EVM. This is the default functionality defined by the firmware. The user can choose to use the
pushbutton in another way by creating new firmware for the MSP430.
2.4Test Points
Twenty-nine test loops are located on the EVM. Table 13 names the circuit connected to each test point.
The first 20 test points correspond one-to-one to the pin number on the bq76925.
TP13ALERT
TP14VIOUT
TP15VCOUT
TP16VTB
TP17VREF
TP18SDA
TP19SCL
TP20V3P3
TP21BATT+
TP22PACK–
TP23P2.5 ON MSP430
TP24P3.7 ON MSP430
TP25P3.5 ON MSP430
TP26P3.4 ON MSP430
TP27P3.0 ON MSP430
TP28VSS
TP29VSS
2.5bq76925
The bq76925 application circuit provided allows for complete evaluation of the device performance with 3-,
4-, 5-, or 6-cell battery packs. Cell voltages, battery current, and temperature can be monitored.
Monitoring is possible with the firmware that is preloaded into the MSP430 microcontroller and with the
bq76925 Evaluation Software provided. Alternatively, the user can develop a custom system if desired.
2.6MSP430F2122
The MSP430F2122 application circuit is provided to read the analog signals from the bq76925 and make
them available for reading over the I2C bus by the bq76925 Evaluation Software. The MSP430 circuitry is
designed to allow the user to create custom firmware if desired.
3Quick-Start Demonstration
This section demonstrates the measurement system of the bq76925 using the onboard cell simulator.
To quickly get the bq76925EVM up and running, follow the instructions in this section. The following
equipment and software are required:
•bq76925EVM Evaluation Module
•A 24-Vdc power supply
•Power supply capable of up to 100 mV and at least 100 mA of drive capability.
•PC with MS Windows operating system
•bq76925 Evaluation Software
•USB-TO-GPIO Adapter
3.1Evaluation Software and USB-TO-GPIO Adapter
The bq76925 Evaluation Software and the USB-TO-GPIO Adapter must be installed and set up.
The USB-TO-GPIO Adapter is an EVM that is sold separately from the bq76925EVM. The firmware in it
must be changed to work with the bq76925 because this EVM was developed for generic applications. Go
to the TI Web site to download the firmware loader.
With the USB-TO-GPIO Adapter connected to the PC, follow the instructions included with the firmware
loader software, and change the firmware version to 2.0.19. All necessary files are included with the
USB-TO-GPIO Firmware Updater.
If the firmware download fails, do not disconnect the USB-TO-GPIO Adapter.
Try to load the firmware again until it is successful. Removing power after a
failed download can permanently damage the USB-TO-GPIO Adapter.
The bq76925 Evaluation Software is free to download from the product page for the bq76925 on the TI
Web site. Follow the installation instructions in the install package.
3.2Configuration Switches and Jumpers
Before applying any power to the board, ensure that all of the jumpers and switches are set up correctly
for this demonstration. A summary of all of the jumper and switch positions appears in Table 14.
Table 14. Circuit Configuration
HeaderShunt or Switch Notes
NamePosition
J11 – 2Zener and blocking diode on BAT Pin
J22 – 3External Pass Transistor enabled
J3ONExternal Pass Transistor enabled
J4ON5.7- µF capacitance on V3P3 pin.
J5ONNormal mode
J61 – 2VCC from Tool
S2ONAll eight switches to the closed position.
S4ONAll eight switches to the closed position.
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CAUTION
3.3Power to the bq76925EVM
Ensure that the configuration described in Table 14 has been verified.
The bq76925EVM must be powered from a power supply for this demonstration. The power supply drives
an onboard cell simulator as well as powers the bq76925 and MSP430 circuitry. No battery is required at
this point.
Connect a 24-V power supply with current drive of at least 100 mA between the BATT+ and BATT–. Turn
on the output of the power supply.
On application of power, the red LED, D13, illuminates.
A voltmeter can be used to verify that the 3.3-V output is working. Place the voltmeter between test points
TP20 and TP10.
3.4Connect USB-TO-GPIO Adapter
Connect the USB cable provided with the USB-TO-GPIO Adapter between the PC with the Evaluation
Software installed on it and the USB-TO-GPIO Adapter.
The green LED near the USB connector illuminates to indicate that the USB-TO-GPIO Adapter is properly
connected. Because of the marginal mechanical design of the case, the USB connection can sometimes
become intermittent. The green LED is a good indication if a connection problem exists.
Connect the ribbon cable provided with the USB-TO-GPIO Adapter from it to header CN8 on the
bq76925EVM. The red LED, D12, illuminates.
Having followed the instructions in the previous sections, open the bq76925 Evaluation Software.
The following screen appears (Figure 1). This main screen is often referred to as the home screen.
Quick-Start Demonstration
3.5.2Start Polling Data
Data from the bq76925 can be polled and displayed in the application. To start polling, click on the Poll
button.
With polling active, the cell voltages and temperatures update on a periodic basis. The poll indicator light
next to the word POLL flashes between green and orange for each poll cycle.
One way to easily simulate battery current is to apply a millivolt source to the current-sense inputs of the
bq76925. Tens of amperes can be simulated where each 10 mV is equal to 10 amperes.