This manual relates to SBX Firmware V4.2.x
Older versions of this document:
This manual describes the operation modes of the SBX solar charger module used in solar powered radar sensors like PCR2-ODS or TCR-xSS.
The SBX’s power management controls the attached load (radar mainboard) and prevents the battery from deep discharge. As soon as battery is above its minimal voltage the attached load ist switched on.
| Battery Type | Min Voltage Level |
|---|---|
| NiMH 6S1P (7.2V) | 6.6V |
| NiMH 8S1P (9.6V) | 8.8V |
| Li-Ion 2P2S (7.4) | 6.0V |
The charger starts to operate by its own. If there is a input voltage drop, the charger will re-initialize. After Hardware Init the application code takes control. Following state chart shows the application states.
| State | Description | Radar | Heater | Charger | Batt LED | Chrg LED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Init | Battery initialization | Off | Off | Running | Blinking fast | Blinking slowly (Charging) On (Connected) |
| Off | Battery is low | Off | On when >4W Input and too cold | Running | 4 Pulses | Blinking slowly (Charging) On (Connected) |
| On | Normal operation | On | On when >4W Input and too cold | Running | Blinking slowly (1..99%) On (100%) |
Blinking slowly (Charging) On (Connected) |
| Hot | Temperature too high | On | Off | Interrupted | Blinking slowly (1..99%) On (100%) |
Blinking slowly (Charging) On (Connected) |
| Error | Battery not connected Sensor broken Charger error |
Off | Off | Interrupted | Blinking slowly (1..99%) On (100%) |
- |
Operation states and errors of the solar charger are indicated by 3 LEDs. Pressing the red button switches on Battery LED and Error LED for some time while the Solar LED is directly controlled by the power input.
Battery LED indication is active after pressing the red button.
| - | Battery is very low or there is an error |
| Blinking slowly | Battery Charge is between 1% and 99%. Radar is enabled. |
| On | Battery is fully charged (100%). Radar is enabled. |
Error LED indication is active after pressing the red button.
| - | No Error |
| 1 pulse followed by a longer pause | Battery not connected |
| 2 pulses followed by a longer pause | Battery is too cold for charging. Heater will be activated. |
| 3 pulses followed by a longer pause | Battery is too hot. Charging is interrupted to cool down the battery cells |
| 4 pulses followed by a longer pause | Battery voltage too low. Initial charging is active. |
Charging LED is always active as soon as power source is detected.
| - | No power source |
| On | Power source detected but too less power to start charging. |
| Blinking slowly | Charging active |
| Battery Type | Typical Voltage | Min Voltage (1) | Full Voltage (2) | Charging End (3) | Max Charging Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NiMH 6S1P | 7.2V | 6.6V | 8.1V | 8.7V | 1000mA |
| NiMH 8S1P | 9.6V | 8.8V | 10.8V | 11.6V | 1000mA |
| Li-Ion 2P2S | 7.4V | 6.0V | 7.6V | 8.4V | 2000mA |
(1) Load will be switched off below this level to protect the system agains deep discharging. (2) Battery is full (100%) (3) Cut-off voltage for charger to protect battery from damage
| Battery Type | Min charging temperature | Max charging temparture | |-|-:|-:| | NiMH 6S1P | -10°C | +65°C | NiMH 8S1P | -10°C | +65°C | Li-Ion 2P2S | 0°C | +55°C