background image

charging to 4.2V/cell.

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) actually refers to a type of construction rather than a chemistry, but 
the vast majority of cells marketed as LiPo are Lithium Cobalt (LiCo) chemistry.

autoMatic Pack BaLancing

In battery packs built from many cells, optimum performance is attained when all cells are at 

the same State of Charge – also known as pack balance.

The BMS12 modules use a system known as “shunt balancing” to maintain balance, which 

switches on small resistors across any cells which go above a programmed shunt threshold. 

In this way cells with higher than average voltage will have some of their energy dissipated 

in order to bring their state of charge back down towards the average.

The  shunt  balancers  are  not  able  to  balance  a  pack  completely  in  a  single  charge  so  we 
recommend manually balancing your cells prior to initial pack assembly (by charging each cell 
individually, or wiring them all together in parallel). However the shunts will get an unbalanced 
pack incrementally closer to balanced each charge, and once balanced are able to maintain 
balance with minimal shunting.

can ProtocoL detaiLS

For those wishing to integrate BMS12 modules with their own master control unit, we have 

prepared an application note detailing the required CAN format and packet IDs/structures. 

Please download a copy from the BMS12 product page at 

http://www.zeva.com.au

.

tech SuPPort and Warranty inforMation

BMS12 modules are covered by a 12 month warranty against manufacturing faults or failures 
under  normal  operating  conditions. The  warranty  does  not  cover  misuse  of  the  product, 

including but not limited to physical damage or modification to the module, and reverse or 

excessive voltages to inputs.

We have taken great care to design a safe and reliable product, but faults can happen. If 

you  believe  your  BMS12  module  has  a  fault,  please  contact  us  via  our  website  for  RMA 
information. Or if you have any questions not covered by this manual, please contact us via 
our website:

http://www.zeva.com.au/contact

7

6

Summary of Contents for BMS12

Page 1: ...thresholds are fully configurable allowing the module to be compatible with most lithium chemistries including LiFePO4 LiCo LiPo and LiMn Battery Management Systems should be considered the last line of defence for your battery pack During normal operation the BMS should never have to intervene with vehicle operation only taking action to protect the battery in exceptional circumstances Although a...

Page 2: ...13 pin plug and the cells as per the diagram below It is best to leave the plug disconnected from the module while wiring up and verify all voltages cell orders before connecting to the module in case of wiring mistakes If fewer than 12 cells are to be connected some cell inputs at the positive end will be unused The voltage sampling chip powers itself from the most positive screw terminal so the ...

Page 3: ...spikes Operation Powering up The BMS12 modules run most of their circuitry from CAN bus power When the module powers up the onboard LED should light up green The LED may display a variety of codes as follows Green BMS active no errors Blinking green No CAN bus communications detected or Idle mode Blinking red No cells detected Flashing green orange One or more shunt balancers active Red One or mor...

Page 4: ...hem all together in parallel However the shunts will get an unbalanced pack incrementally closer to balanced each charge and once balanced are able to maintain balance with minimal shunting CAN Protocol Details For those wishing to integrate BMS12 modules with their own master control unit we have prepared an application note detailing the required CAN format and packet IDs structures Please downl...

Reviews: