Creating Compensation Values for a Test
- Updated2025-10-15
- 3 minute(s) read
Create compensation values to account for the impedance of cables, connectors, and other components in the measurement path. Create compensation values for EIS tests and ACIR tests.
The compensation value is subtracted from the impedance that is obtained during the test. The resulting value is the impedance of the battery cell.
If you have multiple instances of the same DUT, create one compensation file for all DUTs. Create or update a compensation file when you complete any of the following actions:
- Change the excitation current
- Add more frequencies to the frequency sweep
- Change the maximum or nominal voltage
- Move or adjust the cabling to the fixture
- Re-cable or replace the fixture
- Change the SMU that is taking the measurement
Equipment
- PXIe-4139
- Compensation device in place of the DUT
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Use the NI Example Finder to open <Test
type> Create or Override Compensation Files.vi.
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In the LabVIEW window, select .
The NI Example Finder window loads.
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Select .
The front panel of the VI loads.
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In the LabVIEW window, select .
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On the front panel of the VI, select the SMU resource from the HW Resource
Name and Channels control.
Note NI supports the PXIe-4139 (40 W) and PXIe-4139 (20 W) SMUs.
- Optional:
If you want the SMU to perform self-calibration, enable self-calibration on the front
panel.
Note You must disconnect the DUT during self-calibration. If the DUT is connected to the SMU during self-calibration, an error occurs.
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Update the test parameters input to use the same settings you use for the test.
If you are using a configuration file, you must specify the same Compensation Method when creating the configuration file.
Option Description Enter the test parameters for an EIS test. - Configure the Frequency Sweep Characteristics. Each entry
on the Frequency Sweep Characteristics array defines the
parameters that the VI uses to generate a sine wave. Refer to Configuring
the Frequency Sweep Characteristics for EIS Measurements for more
information about each parameter.
- Select the number of tests.
- Select the Frequency (Hz). The frequency is limited by the number of arrays you selected.
- Select the Current Amplitude (A).
- Select the Number of Periods.
- Select the Voltage Limit Hi (V).
- Select the Nominal DUT Voltage (V).
- Select the Compensation Method.
- Select the Power Line Frequency.
Enter the test parameters for an ACIR test. - Select a Nominal DUT Voltage (V).
- Select a Voltage Limit Hi (V).
- Select a Current Amplitude (A).
- Select a Number of Periods.
- Select a Compensation Method.
- Select a Power Line Frequency.
- Configure the Frequency Sweep Characteristics. Each entry
on the Frequency Sweep Characteristics array defines the
parameters that the VI uses to generate a sine wave. Refer to Configuring
the Frequency Sweep Characteristics for EIS Measurements for more
information about each parameter.
- Optional:
Select a Known Impedance Table.
If you select Short Compensation for the compensation method, you can use a small known resistor in the jig as a compensation device. Define a Known Impedance Table. Then, provide the path to a Known Impedance Table so that the compensation file records only the difference from the known values. The saved compensation reflects the impedance of the jig, which must be compensated during measurement.
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Place the short compensation device in the fixture.
Note NI does not provide a compensation device. You must design and create a device that is based on the guidelines provided in Improving Measurement Accuracy with Compensation.
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Click Run.
The VI creates a file of compensation values in the following folder: C:\Users\Public\Documents\National Instruments\NI-Cell Quality\Compensation.
The compensation file name has the following structure: z_Short_<smu-serial-number>_Ch0.json.
Related Information
- Improving Measurement Accuracy with Compensation
When performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on battery cells, compensation techniques improve measurement accuracy. Compensation techniques address various sources of error or impedance contributions that are not inherent to the cell. For repeatable measurements, perform compensation for each frequency at which you perform a test.
- Creating a Configuration File for Tests
Create a configuration file to set test parameters that you can use for multiple tests. You can use configuration files with EIS, ACIR, and OCV tests.
- Configuring Frequency Sweep Characteristics for EIS Measurements
For EIS measurements, the Battery Cell Quality Toolkit directs the SMU to move through a set of frequencies at a rate that you specify. The software stores the test parameters in an array. For each frequency value in the array, the SMU sends one sine wave to excite the battery cell and measure its impedance.