Keysight Unveils Battery Emulation and Profiling Approach for IoT Devices

Keysight Technologies, Inc. introduces the Keysight E36731A Battery Emulator and Profiler, an emulation solution that identifies the impact of variables affecting the battery drain of internet of things (IoT) devices to enable development engineers to improve their device designs, the company reports.

International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates that there will be 41.6 billion connected IoT devices in use by 2025, many of which will be portable, battery-operated devices requiring advanced battery management techniques. To ensure these devices perform well in the field, development engineers need to design for peak battery performance and validate those designs against real-life performance. However, testing the run time of a physical battery in a device is a challenging task, according to Keysight Technologies.

The Keysight E36731A Battery Emulator and Profiler addresses the battery testing needs of IoT device designers by giving them an integrated electronic load and power supply that can be used to emulate battery performance. By testing with an emulated battery, engineers can quickly assess the effect of design or software changes on battery life by instantly transitioning the battery's charge state, allowing them to enhance their designs to achieve longer battery life and reduce device size, Keysight Technologies explains.

The Battery Emulator and Profiler works with the Keysight PathWave BenchVue Advanced Battery Test and Emulation Software to provide a solution that:

• Generates Battery Profiles—By generating battery profiles, the solution allows designers to establish known references with properties that can be used over and over to simulate battery drain. Profiles can be linked to factors such as age and temperature.
• Increases Battery Profile Accuracy—By using the simulated current drain of a device to generate battery profiles, engineers can enhance the accuracy of profiles compared to using generic manufacturer models.
• Speeds Testing with Battery Emulation—An emulated battery allows development engineers to instantly transition a battery's charge state and gain real-time insight into current drain. 
• Automates Battery Run-Down and Cycle Testing—By automating these tests, engineers can accurately estimate battery run time and aging effects.
• Offers Flexibility—The solution provides power up to 200W, 30V, 20A and offers a dynamic measurement range from microamps to amps.

“Rather than relying on intricate and time-consuming manual tests, the emulator allows engineers to quickly identify the current drain effect of critical factors such as hardware changes, software updates, and temperature changes,” says Carol Leh, vice president and general manager for Keysight's Electronic Industrial Solutions Group's Center of Excellence. “This way, engineers can save time and improve their device designs by using an emulated battery for testing, without the need for physical batteries.”

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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