Texas Instruments bq76PL536 EVM Quick Start Manual

1 Scope

This document covers the initial connection and installation of the Texas Instruments bq76PL536
Evaluation Module (EVM), supplied in kit form including the EVM board, the Aardvark USB-SPI adapter,
and connectors to make cells-to-EVM connection. It is not meant as a comprehensive guide to using the
'536 integrated circuit and its' features. See the device data sheet for details (SLUSA08).

2 Software Installation

2.1 PC Requirements

1. Pentium 1.66GHz (Core™2 or better recommended)

2. Windows-XP™ SP2 (software has not been tested with Windows Vista™/Win7)

3. Windows .NET™ 2.0 or later, with updates

4. Available USB powered-port (hub OK if wall adapter used)

User's Guide

SLUU437B–October 2010–Revised May 2011

bq76PL536 EVM Quick Start Guide

2.2 Installing the Aardvark Driver

CAUTION

The Aardvark driver must be installed before attaching the adapter for the first
time.

The Aardvark driver should be installed prior to installing the TI supplied bq76PL536 Evaluation software.
From the CD-ROM, run the file "/Tools/Aardvark/Drivers/TotalPhaseUSB-v2.xx.exe" to install the drivers. If

prompted to do so, plug in the Aardvark to an available USB port using the supplied cable. The port must
be a powered-port, typically directly from a PC. Use of a USB non-powered hub may not provide sufficient
operating current for the Aardvark or EVM to operate correctly.

2.3 Installing the bq76PL536 Evaluation Software

From the CD-ROM, run the file "/Software/bq76PL536 Evaluation Software x_x_x.msi" to install, where the
"x_x_x" is replaced by the current build number. Installation is automatic. This installs the GUI (Graphical
User Interface) software for Windows. As new versions are released, they may be installed over the
existing version.

Windows-XP, Windows Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SLUU437B–October 2010– Revised May 2011 bq76PL536 EVM Quick Start Guide

Submit Documentation Feedback

Copyright © 2010–2011, Texas Instruments Incorporated

1

EVM Assembly and Configuration

3 EVM Assembly and Configuration

3.1 Configure the Isolated Communications Interface

3.1.1 5V vs 3.3V Selection

In the ISO-COMMS section of the PCB, there are two jumpers. JP5 selects 5V or 3.3V I/O operation
across the isolation boundary. The Aardvark adapter supplied with the EVM uses 3.3V logic, but is 5V
tolerant. JP5 should be configured for 3.3V operation with the supplied Aardvark interface adapter,
although either position will work correctly. For connection to a user supplied microcontroller, select the
appropriate voltage.

3.1.2 Use USB Power from Aardvark

JP1 selects power from the USB connection through the Aardvark when installed in the “USB” position.

3.2 Configure the EVM board

3.2.1 Use with Cells

Remove jumpers JP1-18 (18) located near the black battery connectors P1-P3 to reduce the current draw
of the board. It is OK to leave the jumpers in place; they connect a 1K precision resistor between each
adjacent pair of cell inputs and are supplied to use the EVM with power supplies in place of cells (see the

Use with ~12-26VDC Power Supply).

Connect cells to the supplied mating connectors with screw terminals BEFORE plugging the connector
into the EVM at P1, the large black connector on the left edge of the board. The most negative cell
connects to the most bottom of the black connector (P1).

The bottom-most pin of the battery connector is the most negative connection to the board from the
battery stack. This is the negative end of cell 1. The next pin up the connector is the positive end of cell 1
(and the negative end of cell 2). The connections proceed in this fashion up the connector to pin 7, which
is the most positive voltage from the battery stack connected to each IC. Pin 7 of P1 (P1.7) is connected
to P2.1 on the board. The same is true of P2.7 and P3.1. P3.7 is connected to the top of the PCB (most
positive voltage), while P1.1 is connected to the bottom of the PCB (most negative voltage).

The battery connections should be made secure, a loose connection may result in device destruction.
Ideally, the cells are connected to one another by secure means such as welding, and only tap points are
brought over to the EVM from each cell-to-cell interconnection.

Although the device is immune to the effects of a random connection sequence, the ideal connection
sequence is from pin P1.1 to pin 3.7 in order.

TI recommends that users unfamiliar with the EVM and/or li-ion cells begin by using power supplies as
outlined in the next section.

www.ti.com

2

bq76PL536 EVM Quick Start Guide SLUU437B–October 2010– Revised May 2011

Copyright © 2010–2011, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Submit Documentation Feedback

www.ti.com

3.2.2 Use with ~12-26VDC Power Supply

Important: Install jumpers JP1-18 (18) located near the black battery connectors P1-P3 before connecting

power supplies. These jumpers connect a precision 0.1% resistor divider network between cell
connections.

Connect an appropriate power supply capable of supplying 12-26VDC to connector P1, then plug P1 into
the EVM connector. Any voltage which meets the IC requirements will work, 18-24V is typical of most
six-cell systems. Plug additional supplies into P2 and P3. The supplies must be isolated from each other
and from earth ground to avoid unintentional short circuits. A separate supply is required for each IC
(each cell-connection plug).

The supply negative connection is made to pin 1 of the mating connector, the pin that will connect to the
bottom-most pin of the mating connector. The positive connection is made to pin 7, the top-most on the
connector. It is not necessary to connect to the intermediate pins due to the resistive divider on the EVM
which was enabled when JP1-18 were installed

Do not remove any of the jumpers JP1-18 while using the EVM in this
configuration. Lethal DC voltages may be present for these configurations.
Contact with these voltages may result in serious injury or death. Use
appropriate safety precautions.

EVM Assembly and Configuration

CAUTION

SLUU437B–October 2010– Revised May 2011 bq76PL536 EVM Quick Start Guide

Submit Documentation Feedback

Copyright © 2010–2011, Texas Instruments Incorporated

3

P1

P2

P3

+

–

Power Supply

+

–

20V

20V

Power Supply

+

–

Power Supply

Bq76pl536

EVM-3

Jumpers
Installed

(+) and (–) outputs
must

remain isolated

from earth ground .

20V

P1

P2

P3

+

–

54V

Power Supply

Bq76pl536

EVM-3

Jumpers
Installed

10Ω

2W

18V

220µF

63V

+

10Ω

2W

18V

220µF

63V

+

10Ω

2W

18V

220µF

63V

+

54V

EVM Assembly and Configuration

Figure 1. Correct Connection of Three ~20V Power Supplies to EVM

www.ti.com

4

bq76PL536 EVM Quick Start Guide SLUU437B–October 2010– Revised May 2011

Figure 2. Alternate Connection for Single 54V Supply

Copyright © 2010–2011, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Submit Documentation Feedback

P1

P2

P3

+

–

60V

Power Supply

Bq76pl536

EVM-3

Jumpers
Installed

Resistor divider
(18K) does not
supply sufficient
current to IC’s

Base IC must be

powered!

P1

P2

P3

+

–

60V

Power Supply

Bq76pl536

EVM-3

Jumpers
Installed

Resistor divider
(18K) does not
supply sufficient
current to IC’s

P1

P2

P3

+

–

60V

Power Supply

Bq76pl536

EVM-3

Jumpers
Installed

Resistor divider
(18K) does not
supply sufficient
current to IC’s

www.ti.com

EVM Assembly and Configuration

Figure 3. Incorrect Connections, Base IC Not Powered

Figure 4. Incorrect Connections, Insufficient V

SLUU437B–October 2010– Revised May 2011 bq76PL536 EVM Quick Start Guide

Submit Documentation Feedback

Figure 5. Incorrect Connections, Top IC Not Powered, IC1,2 Insufficient V

Copyright © 2010–2011, Texas Instruments Incorporated

BAT

Per IC

BAT

5

Connecting the EVM

3.3 Non-Critical Hardware Testing or Firmware Development

3.3.1 Stacking EVMs

For casual testing, one or two devices may be powered (in order from negative to positive) in lieu of
powering all 3 devices. Due to poor termination of the unpowered devices in this configuration, detailed
testing or critical hardware evaluations should not be undertaken. Any odd behavior or unexpected fault
conditions should be ignored until verified with the EVM correctly powered by three isolated supplies

4 Connecting the EVM

4.1 Connection Order

www.ti.com

(a) Configure the EVM jumpers per Section 3.1.
(b) Connect the EVM to the Power Supplies or cells, turn on the supplies at ~12 to 24V is recommended.

The Absolute Maximum voltage per IC is 36V and should not be exceeded, 30V is the recommended

maximum continuous voltage.
(c) Connect the USB cable to the Aardvark and your PC.
(d) Connect the Aardvark ribbon cable to the 10 pin header on the EVM board

The Aardvark adapter should be connected last during power-up, and disconnected first when

powering down. If not using the wall adapter to supply power, it must be after starting the Windows

application to avoid a turn-on issue with the Aardvark adapter. Many laptop computers power off their

USB ports when they go into sleep, standby, or hibernate modes. If the device the Aardvark is

connected to remains powered when this happens, the Aardvark may suffer permanent damage.
(e) Start the WinGUI User Interface software supplied with the EVM and installed earlier

4.2 Connection Notes

The ISO-COMMS section of the EVM board isolates the EVM side voltages completely from the PC side.
It isolates all power, ground, and signal lines to the EVM. Caution must still be carefully taken when using
the EVM as part of a stack, where lethal voltages may be present. The galvanic isolation provided by the
ISO-COMMS section does not eliminate the need for safe handling procedures, proper High-Voltage
equipment and protective clothing. Proper safety procedures should always be followed.

6

bq76PL536 EVM Quick Start Guide SLUU437B–October 2010– Revised May 2011

Figure 6. Bq76pl536EVM-3

Copyright © 2010–2011, Texas Instruments Incorporated

Submit Documentation Feedback