VisuaLCN 7: Smarter Battery Testing Starts Here!
Smarter Battery Testing Starts Here
A VisuaLCN 7 Software update
By Rahul Gauba
VisuaLCN 7 transforms your workflow—bringing clarity, control, and precision to every test. From electric vehicles and renewable energy storage to consumer electronics and defense applications, today’s industries demand innovation powered by rigorous testing and insightful data analysis. Setting a new industry standard for battery testing.
Transform Complexity into Clarity
Built to meet the evolving demands of modern energy systems, VisuaLCN is a Windows-based suite of applications designed to simplify even the most intricate battery testing workflows. It offers an intuitive platform that transforms battery testing from a complex challenge into a streamlined, insight-rich experience.
Now, with upgraded tools, users benefit from:
- Real-time monitoring
- A modernized user-friendly interface
- A minimal learning curve
Value added features:
- Lookup table function for dynamic current, voltage and power control
- CAN 2.0 A/B, CAN FD and J1939 enabled test profiles
- Built-in blackout protection
- Drive-cycle enhancements
These enhancements empower engineers and researchers to push boundaries, uncover breakthroughs, and shape the future of energy—without the hassle.
Unlock The Full Story
Beyond the Test
Battery testing isn’t just about running tests—it’s about revealing the full story behind performance. VisuaLCN 7 enhances real-time data monitoring, transforming your workflow by providing:
- Live display of critical parameters
- Immediate adjustment capabilities
- Proactive troubleshooting tools
Every data point is securely logged into SQL or Access databases, creating a robust archive for deep post-test analysis. Filterable, graphable, and ready for exploration, this data helps:
- Uncover trends
- Spot anomalies
- Optimize designs
VisuaLCN’s BMS-Driven Testing
Integrates CAN (standard and extended) and CAN FD data logging—crucial for capturing a direct, time-stamped record of the Battery Management System’s (BMS) internal state and commands. This integration allows the BMS to act as the controller, with the Bitrode cycler functioning as a responsive test unit, enabling complex, dynamic tests that simulate real-world conditions—such as mimicking a vehicle’s drive cycle with rapid changes in power and voltage.
As the BMS continuously monitors parameters such as:
- Individual cell voltages
- Overall pack voltage
- Temperature
- State of charge (SOC)
VisuaLCN then logs all this data in real time—providing a comprehensive view of battery performance and health.
Built with you in mind
Our engineers and researchers rely on software that drives innovation—so we built solutions shaped by user feedback. This has
led to one of VisuaLCN 7’s most impactful additions: J1939-enabled test profiles, designed specifically for heavy-duty vehicle battery pack applications. This feature functions as a seamless extension of the existing CAN and CAN FD platform, offering expanded capabilities while maintaining the familiar VisuaLCN workflow, including:
- Minimal disruption
- A short learning curve.
And one of the most exciting upgrades? The modernized Program Editor user interfaces—designed to make test creation faster, more intuitive, and more efficient than ever.
Smarter Design, Sharper Insights
The reimagined QuickDataView interface boosts efficiency and makes navigating data effortless. VisuaLCN 7 now features collapsible sidebars that expand on hover, maximizing your workspace. Tabbed views replace dialog boxes, enabling seamless switching and comparison. Updated Intuitive icons and clear labels make task identification faster and more natural. And with integrated help, support is always within reach.
Whether you’re analyzing trends or troubleshooting tests, QuickDataView makes the experience smoother, smarter, and more satisfying.
And when the unexpected happens, VisuaLCN has your back.
Protect Your Data
With built-in blackout protection, Bitrode cyclers are prepared for sudden power interruptions. The system automatically detects the event and gracefully stops all active tests. All data up to that point is saved to flash memory—ensuring nothing is lost.
Once power is restored, operators can perform safety checks and seamlessly resume testing—no need to start over. This ens
ures your data remains intact, even during an outage.
Dynamic Testing, Real-Time Precision
Static test parameters are a thing of the past. VisuaLCN’s improved Lookup Table Function intr
oduces dynamic control, allowing set-points—like current, voltage, or power—to be calculated in real time using pre-configured tables.
As tests run, your dashboard updates instantly, displaying the variables driving each calculation and the resulting set-points. This feature delivers immediate insights, enabling quick, confident responses. It’s a game-changer for engineers who demand precision without guesswork.
Drive Cycle Enhancement
For users running drive cycles with numerous transitions, there’s more good news. Bitrode has significantly increased test program capacity on the BTDC™ cell testing platform, now supporting:
- 150,000 steps per channel (previously 60,000)
- 450,000 steps per cabinet (previously 150,000).
This upgrade eliminates the need to divide complex drive cycles into multiple, smaller test segments—streamlining execution and improving overall efficiency.
Streamlined Control with VisuaLCN Thin Client
VisuaLCN 7 gets even better with the Thin Client. This streamlined, touch-enabled application is purpose-built for direct operation of Bitrode cyclers (MCV, LCV, FTV, FTF) via a Human-Machine Interface (HMI).
Focused on delivering only the most essential functionality, the Thin Client allows users to easily select, start, stop, and resume test programs while displaying critical circuit information in real time. Designed for simplicity and ease of use, it connects seamlessly to a VisuaLCN Server running on a desktop PC, which can simultaneously manage additional testing cabinets—providing efficient, centralized control in a compact, user-friendly format.
