Decibels Lab

The Single Cell BMS Algorithm Development & Testing Lab from Decibels Lab is an industry-oriented embedded development and learning platform designed for the development, testing, and validation of Battery Management System (BMS) algorithms. Built around the automotive-grade NXP S32K1XX ARM Cortex MCU, the platform enables students, researchers, and engineers to practically implement Model-Based Design (MBD) workflows using MATLAB/Simulink, develop voltage, current, and temperature protection algorithms, perform SOC & SOH estimation algorithms, and deploy embedded C-code directly onto real hardware. The setup integrates real-time sensing, configurable charging and discharge systems, LCD-based visualisation, and MIL/SIL/PIL validation workflows, providing a complete hands-on environment for embedded BMS software development and EV battery engineering education. 

The setup enables students, researchers, and engineers to practically study:

• Battery Management System (BMS) architecture and workflows
• Model-Based Design (MBD) using MATLAB/Simulink
• Voltage, current, and temperature sensing techniques
• ADC configuration, calibration, and signal processing
• Over-Voltage (OV) and Under-Voltage (UV) protection logic
• Over-Current protection for charge and discharge conditions
• Thermal protection algorithms using NTC sensors
• Charge and discharge behaviour of Li-ion NMC and LiFePO₄ cells
• Cell characterisation and C-Rate analysis
• State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH) estimation 
• Embedded C-code generation and deployment workflows
• Real-time telemetry and data logging
• MIL, SIL, PIL, and hardware-level validation methodologies
• Charge/discharge MOSFET control and battery safety mechanisms

Learning outcomes using this platform, learners can:

• Understand the complete workflow of embedded BMS software development
• Configure and validate sensor acquisition systems for battery applications
• Develop and test voltage, current, and temperature protection algorithms
• Implement SOC estimation algorithms using industry-oriented approaches
• Analyze battery charge/discharge behaviour under different operating conditions
• Develop Stateflow-based control logic for battery protection systems
• Generate embedded C-code directly from Simulink models
• Deploy and validate algorithms on automotive-grade NXP microcontrollers
• Perform real-time monitoring and telemetry analysis
• Understand fault handling, hysteresis, and recovery mechanisms in BMS
• Gain practical exposure to EV battery safety and control strategies
• Learn debugging, calibration, and hardware validation workflows
• Build foundational skills required for EV battery and embedded software engineering

The platform integrates:

• NXP S32KXX Automotive-Grade ARM Cortex MCU
• MATLAB & Simulink Development Environment
• Embedded Coder & NXP MBD Toolbox
• Dual 18650 Cell Support for Li-ion & LiFePO₄ Chemistries
• Real-Time Voltage, Current, and Temperature Sensing
• Differential Amplifier-Based Voltage Measurement
• Shunt-Based Current Sensing with INA301 Amplifiers
• NTC Thermistor-Based Temperature Monitoring
• Adjustable CCCV Charging System
• Multi-Step Constant Current Discharge Load System
• Charge & Discharge MOSFET Control
• CAN and UART Communication Interfaces
• SEGGER J-Link Programming & Debugging Interface
• LCD-Based Human Machine Interface (HMI)
• UART-Based Real-Time Telemetry & Logging
• MIL, SIL, PIL, and Hardware Validation Workflows
• Real-Time Embedded Deployment & Testing Environment

Integrated MATLAB models, data visualisation & data logging