Abstract: A microprocessor couples to a voltage sensor through an analog to digital converter. The voltage sensor is adapted to be coupled across terminals of a battery. A small current source is also provided and adapted to be coupled across the terminal to the battery. The current source is momentarily applied to the battery and the resulting change in voltage is monitored using the microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates battery conductance based upon the magnitude of the differential current and the change in voltage and thereby determines the condition of the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to couple to a battery contact is provided. The apparatus includes an electrical connector for connection to a battery contact and an environment sensor integrated with the electrical connector, the environment sensor senses changes in a battery environment during battery charging or testing. In addition, a method of coupling an electrical circuit to a battery contact is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a straightforward diagnostic system and testing procedure that gives relevant data on the performance of the charging system in a battery-based electrical system. The overall method for testing the alternator comprising determining a threshold voltage of the battery-based electrical system, powering the alternator, determining a charging current generated by the alternator, and determining a charging voltage generated by the alternator. In this manner, an apparatus and system capable of rapidly determining whether a vehicle charging system is operating properly are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes first and second Kelvin connections configured to couple to the battery. A forcing function applies a time varying signal to the battery through the first and second Kelvin connections. Further, a resistive load is configured to couple across the first and second terminals of the battery and draw a relatively large current. The storage battery is tested as a function of a dynamic parameter measured through the first and second Kelvin connections and as a function of a response of the storage battery to the relatively large current drawn through the resistive load.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle electrical system tester includes a starter motor or charging system voltage measurement circuit configured to measure a voltage of an electrical system of a vehicle. A microprocessor is configured to diagnose the electrical system as a function of the measured voltage and responsively output the diagnosed condition on a display. The microprocessor is further configured to encrypt the diagnosed condition and responsively output encrypted information related to the condition.

Abstract: An improved battery testing system and method is disclosed. The system measures an open circuit voltage and a dynamic parameter of a test battery, and uses those measurements, along with correlation data stored in memory, to determine a physical condition and/or charge state of the battery. The measured dynamic parameter may be scaled based on the rating of the test battery. Also, a high current load pulse may be applied to the test battery and a wait period implemented before the open circuit voltage is measured. In addition, the charge state may be determined from a state of charge value, and categorized into one of several charge state ranges. In one embodiment, the state of charge value is determined from the relative distance along a curve, represented by the correlation data stored in memory, that the measured open circuit voltage is not greater than or equal to such correlation data.

Abstract: A method and system for performing automatic and rapid diagnostic testing and charging of a battery. The diagnostic test unit utilizes a charger combined with a rapidly variable load. After inputting battery characteristics including the cranking rating (CCA or CA) and the temperature of the battery, a diagnostic ramp procedure is utilized to provide an instantaneous current versus voltage analysis to determine the instantaneous cranking value (i.e., the single crank capability at full charge) of the battery being tested. If the instantaneous cranking value of the battery is above a level determined acceptable, a sustained discharge is carried out to tax the capacity of the battery. At the end of the constant current discharge, the current is again to determine a loaded cranking value which simulates the battery power after multiple cranking attempts. If the loaded cranking value is below a desired percentage of the cranking rating, then the battery is put into charge.

Abstract: A microprocessor couples to a voltage sensor through an analog to digital converter. The voltage sensor is adapted to be coupled across terminals of a battery. A small current source is also provided and adapted to be coupled across the terminal to the battery. The current source is momentarily applied to the battery and the resulting change in voltage is monitored using the microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates battery conductance based upon the magnitude of the differential current and the change in voltage and thereby determines the condition of the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an alternator in an automotive vehicle includes a sensor positioned proximate the alternator which provides a vibration output related to vibrations generated by operation of the alternator. A diagnostic system diagnoses the condition of the alternator based upon sensed vibrations. A temperature sensor can also be employed.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester for determining a condition of a storage battery includes a forcing function adapted to couple to the battery. Circuitry coupled to the forcing function is adapted to obtain measurements from the battery at multiple levels of the forcing function. In the method according to the present invention, a forcing function is applied to the battery at a first level and a first measurement is obtained. The forcing function is applied at a second level and a second measurement is obtained. The first and second measurements are correlated to condition of the battery.

Abstract: An automotive battery charging system tester for testing the charging system of an automotive vehicle includes AC and DC voltage measurement circuits and a microprocessor controlled testing sequence. The microprocessor is used to perform a series of tests and to instruct an operator to perform steps associated with performing those tests. Through the application of various loads at various engine speeds, the tester is capable of identifying faults in the battery charging system including a bad battery, problems in the alternator or associated electronics, and problems in the starting system.

Abstract: A battery monitor is provided for use with a battery of an automotive vehicle. The battery monitor can provide real time battery condition measurements and can selectively control the charging of the battery through an alternator of the vehicle based upon the measured battery condition.

Abstract: A device for testing a battery of the type which consists of a string of individual cells includes circuitry adapted to measure a dynamic parameter of the cells or groups of cells that make up the battery. Measurements are used to construct a reference standard or to calculate a statistical parameter of a cell or group of cells that make up the battery. A output is provided which relates to the condition of the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery, includes a first electrical connector configured to couple to a positive terminal of the battery and a second electrical connector configured to couple to a negative terminal of the battery. The first and second connectors are used to charge the battery. A microprocessor is configured to test the battery and provide an encrypted output related to the battery test.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester includes a calibration interface. A microprocessor is configured to calibrate the battery tester by coupling to a calibrator through the calibration interface.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing a first storage battery in a bank of storage batteries, the bank formed of at least two storage batteries electrically coupled together. The apparatus includes a first Kelvin connection configured to couple to the bank of storage batteries, the first Kelvin connection including a first and second electrical connection and a second Kelvin connection configured to couple to the bank of storage batteries, the second Kelvin connection including a first and a second electrical connection, the first and second Kelvin connections configured to couple across at least the first battery. A time varying forcing function source is configured to apply a forcing function between the first electrical connection of the first Kelvin connection and the first electrical connection of the second Kelvin connection.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a first pair of electrical connectors configured to couple to a positive terminal of the battery and a second pair of electrical connectors configured to couple to a negative terminal of the battery. The first pair and second pair of connectors forming Kelvin connections to the battery. A microprocessor is configured to selectively charge the battery and measure a dynamic parameter of the battery as a function of an AC signal applied to the battery.

Abstract: A microprocessor couples to a voltage sensor through an analog to digital converter. The voltage sensor is adapted to be coupled across terminals of a battery. A small current source is also provided and adapted to be coupled across the terminal to the battery. The current source is momentarily applied to the battery and the resulting change in voltage is monitored using the microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates battery conductance based upon the magnitude of the differential current and the change in voltage and thereby determines the condition of the battery.

Abstract: A calibration fixture is provided for calibrating an electronic battery tester which has first and second battery tester Kelvin connections configured to couple to terminals of a battery. The calibration fixture includes a first Kelvin connection has an A′ terminal and a C′ terminal configured to couple to the first battery tester Kelvin connection and a second Kelvin connection having a B′ terminal and a D′ terminal configured to couple to the second battery tester Kelvin connection. A calibrated shunt is in series with a power supply connected between the A′ terminal of the first Kelvin connection and the B′ terminal of the second Kelvin connection. The calibrated shunt has a calibrated resistance value. An active shunt is placed in series between the C′ terminal of the first Kelvin connection and the D′ terminal of the second Kelvin connection.

Abstract: A method and system for performing automatic and rapid diagnostic testing and charging of a battery. The diagnostic test unit utilizes a charger combined with a rapidly variable load. After inputting battery characteristics including the cranking rating (CCA or CA) and the temperature of the battery, a diagnostic ramp procedure is utilized to provide an instantaneous current versus voltage analysis to determine the instantaneous cranking value (i.e., the single crank capability at full charge) of the battery being tested. If the instantaneous cranking value of the battery is above a level determined acceptable, a sustained discharge is carried out to tax the capacity of the battery. At the end of the constant current discharge, the current is again to determine a loaded cranking value which simulates the battery power after multiple cranking attempts. If the loaded cranking value is below a desired percentage of the cranking rating, then the battery is put into charge.