EL-Cell PAT-Tester-i-16 16-Channel Battery Testing System

Overview

The EL-Cell PAT-Tester-i-16 is a modular, high-integrity 16-channel battery testing system engineered for rigorous electrochemical research on lithium-ion and next-generation battery materials. Unlike conventional potentiostats with wired cell connections, the PAT-Tester-i-16 integrates a purpose-built plug-in station (PAT-Stand-16), precision temperature-controlled chamber, and synchronized multi-parameter acquisition hardware into a single platform. It is designed exclusively for use with EL-Cell’s patented PAT-Cell family—disposable, three-electrode electrochemical test cells that eliminate inter-experiment contamination and mechanical variability. The system operates on the principle of controlled galvanostatic/potentiostatic excitation combined with real-time impedance spectroscopy, enabling quantitative analysis of electrode kinetics, interfacial stability, SEI evolution, and degradation mechanisms under isothermal or dynamic thermal conditions. Its architecture supports long-duration testing (exceeding 1,000 hours) with stable reference electrode performance—critical for comparative studies of cathode/anode materials, solid electrolytes, and Li-metal interfaces.

Key Features

• 16 independent, galvanostat/potentiostat channels with synchronized timing and <1 ms sampling resolution
• Four programmable current ranges (±100 mA max) and ±7 V compliance voltage ensure compatibility with low- and high-impedance configurations including half-cells, full-cells, and symmetric Li-metal cells
• Integrated EIS capability spanning 10 µHz–10 kHz with phase accuracy ≤0.3°, supporting time-resolved impedance mapping during cycling
• PAT-Stand-16 spring-loaded contact interface eliminates soldering, crimping, or manual wiring—ensuring repeatable mechanical pressure (±0.1 mm electrode alignment) and eliminating contact resistance drift
• Onboard temperature control (+5 °C to +80 °C) with PID-regulated air circulation and external sensor feedback; compatible with EL-Cell’s thermostatted PAT-Cooler modules for sub-zero operation down to –20 °C (with accessory)
• Script-driven experiment definition using EL-Cell’s PAT-Software: supports nested loops, conditional branching, and event-triggered parameter changes—enabling complex protocols such as hybrid pulse power characterization (HPPC), differential voltage analysis (dV/dQ), and relaxation-based diffusion coefficient extraction
• Simultaneous acquisition of voltage, current, chamber temperature, and optional analog inputs (e.g., pressure transducers, strain gauges) with timestamp alignment to microsecond precision

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PAT-Tester-i-16 is optimized for use with EL-Cell’s disposable PAT-Core platform: a pre-assembled, insulated cell body containing a ring-shaped metallic lithium reference electrode, separator (glass fiber or Al₂O₃-coated nonwoven polyester), and defined electrode geometry (18 mm diameter, sandwich configuration). This design ensures strict reproducibility of electrode loading, compression force, and electrolyte volume (as low as 0.05 cm³). The system complies with standard laboratory safety practices for handling reactive lithium metal and flammable electrolytes (e.g., LP30, FEC-based formulations). All PAT-Cells are rated for operation between –20 °C and +70 °C, and the PAT-Stand-16 housing meets IP20 electrical safety classification. While not certified to IEC 62619 or UL 1642, the system supports GLP-aligned workflows through audit-trail-enabled software logging, user-access controls, and exportable raw data in HDF5 and CSV formats—facilitating traceability in academic, industrial R&D, and pre-regulatory development environments.

Software & Data Management

Control and analysis are performed via EL-Cell’s PAT-Software v5.x—a Windows-based application built on a deterministic real-time kernel. Experiments are defined using a Python-like scripting language (PAT-Script), allowing full customization of waveform shapes, stepping logic, and termination criteria. Batch execution enables unattended parallel testing across all 16 channels with individual protocol assignment per channel. Data is stored in hierarchical HDF5 files containing metadata (user ID, timestamp, calibration constants, environmental conditions) alongside time-series datasets. Built-in tools support real-time FFT-based noise filtering, EIS equivalent circuit fitting (using ZView-compatible models), dQ/dV peak integration, and capacity retention trend analysis. Export options include MATLAB .mat, Origin OPJ, and standardized MDF4 (ASAM MDF) for interoperability with enterprise LIMS or battery digital twin platforms. Audit trails record all parameter modifications, script uploads, and manual interventions—supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with validated IT infrastructure and electronic signatures.

Applications

• High-throughput screening of anode/cathode active materials under identical mechanical and interfacial constraints
• In-situ and operando impedance monitoring during calendaric and cyclic aging of NMC, LFP, silicon, and sulfur composites
• Quantification of lithium plating onset potentials via voltage relaxation and differential capacity analysis
• Electrolyte formulation evaluation—including salt concentration effects, additive screening, and solid polymer electrolyte conductivity profiling
• Pressure-dependent interfacial resistance measurements using integrated load cells (optional)
• Fundamental studies of electrode thickness change (electrochemomechanics) via displacement sensors coupled to PAT-Cell’s rigid housing
• Standardized testing according to ASTM D1533 (moisture in insulating oils) adapted for electrolyte purity assessment, or ISO 12107 (fatigue testing) principles applied to electrode structural integrity

FAQ

Is the PAT-Tester-i-16 compatible with non-PAT electrochemical cells?
No. The system requires the proprietary spring-pin interface and mechanical registration of PAT-Cells. Conventional Swagelok-type or coin cells cannot be mounted without adapter kits (not supplied by EL-Cell).
Can the temperature range be extended below +5 °C?
Yes—when paired with the optional PAT-Cooler-20 module and external chiller, operation down to –20 °C is achievable with appropriate thermal insulation and dew-point management.
Does the system support true 3-electrode measurements with floating reference electrodes?
Yes. Each channel independently controls working, counter, and reference terminals. The PAT-Core’s integrated Li ring serves as a stable, low-impedance reference, and its potential is monitored without current draw.
How is data synchronization handled across 16 channels?
All channels share a common master clock and trigger bus. Timestamps are hardware-generated with <10 µs jitter, and analog-to-digital conversion is synchronized to within ±20 ns using shared sampling gates.
What calibration procedures are required before first use?
Factory calibration is performed at shipment. Users must perform daily zero-current and open-circuit voltage verification using short-circuit and dummy-cell checks. Full 3-point current/voltage calibration is recommended every 6 months or after firmware updates.