Automatic Test System – Chroma 8000

The power conversion section of the EV / HEV is composed of several power electronic units, which include the EVSE (EV Supply Equipment), on-board charger, DC/DC converter, motor driver, etc. The Chroma ATS (Automatic Test System) addresses the specialized requirements involved in testing the power electronics during not only the development phase, but also the production phase. The benefits of our ATS are not limited to the reduction of manpower and prevention of human error; they also include advanced features such as automatic test data recording and creation of statistical analytical reports for later design review or product improvement. There are custom-built systems that are designed specifically for certain power electronic units; however, these systems are usually difficult to maintain and lack flexibility. These shortcomings will definitely impede the product development process as test methodologies evolve.

The Chroma 8000 ATS is a standard test platform that solves the conventional problem of self designed ATS’s for power electronics testing. It is built on testing technology and experience in the power electronics industry, where Chroma has been a technological leader for over 20 years. Chroma has provided over 1,500 Chroma 8000 ATSs to customers worldwide that are being used in R&D, QA departments and production lines. Our test system is designed to have an open architecture, allowing the user to easily integrate various instruments. The Chroma 8000 ATS includes a wide range of hardware choices such as AC/DC power supplies, Electronic Loads, Power analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Digital multi-meters, as well as various digital/analog I/O cards. This flexibility combined with an open architecture gives the user an adaptable, powerful and cost effective test system for the EV / HEV power electronics. The Chroma 8000 test system includes a sophisticated test executive, which includes pre-written test items. Users may also create new test items by using the Test Item Editor function. This provides the flexibility to expand your test library without limits. The Chroma 8000 ATS’s ability to satisfying the test requirements for multiple power electronic units is key to keeping consistency and reducing costs during the transition between R&D and production.

The following pictures of the Chroma ATS show some applications for EV / HEV. The system will not only perform the tests and report it to an isolated PC, but it will also network to the shop-floor (MES) system for production line for data log-in, analysis and monitoring.

Software Platform of ATS Chroma 8000

PowerPro III provides users with an open software architecture suited to a wide range of applications and devices. The test item editor is a powerful tool which is similar to C language, but much easier to use. It allows users to define test procedures, test condition variables, test result variables and temporary variables. The test program editor also provides a useful means to link several pre-defined test items for batch testing.

Customized ATS for EV/PHEV Maintenance Application

Charger Station

The demand for charging stations is steadily growing as EV / PHEV’s gain popularity. Unlike the conventional gas station, which mainly consists of mechanical parts, the EV / PHEV charging station has Implemented sophisticated electronics for metering, controlling, and measuring the amount of energy required and transferred to the vehicle. In order to keep the charging station in optimum operating condition and maintain its accuracy, frequent service and calibration is required. Chroma has the capability to provide a customized mobile service system, which is specifically designed to perform diagnosis, measurement and meter calibration for these charging stations.

Auto Service

With the power train system switching from internal combustion engine (ICE) mechanical design to fully electric power train design, ICE oriented auto mechanics must quickly familiarize themselves with the electrified system. In order to provide optimum vehicle operating conditions, maintain serviceability and minimize the chance of a mechanics exposure to electric shock hazards, the Chroma 8000 provides unique, dynamic diagnostic capabilities. These include: vehicle battery unit testing, voltage/current parameter measurement reading, CAN bus interface, diagnostic reporting, etc. The test system provides diagnostic data through the internet directly to the vehicle manufacturer for data analysis.

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Chroma’s 63600 Series DC Electronic Loads are designed for testing multi-output AC/DC power supplies, DC/DC converters, chargers, batteries, adapters, and power electronic components. Excellent for research, development, production, and incoming inspection applications. The 63600′s state of the art design uses DSP technology to simulate non-linear loads using an unique CZ operation mode allowing realistic loading behavior. The 63600 series can draw its full rated current to almost zero volts. This unique feature guarantees the best loading performance for fuel cells and modern Point-of-Load devices.