BT2202A TAP Plugin for Keysight Instruments

📝 Overview

This OpenTAP plugin provides advanced automation for Keysight's BT2202A Charge-Discharge System - a specialized instrument for Li-ion cell formation and testing. The plugin transforms the BT2202A into a programmable testing platform with sophisticated sequence capabilities for battery research, development, and production.

⚡ Key Features

Core Functionality

• Complete Test Suite: Comprehensive charge, discharge, and measurement operations with configurable parameters
• Real-time Monitoring: Live data visualization through the integrated plotting tool
• Flexible Cell Management: Control individual cells or cell groups with customizable channel assignments
• Smart Test Logic: Conditional testing with pass/fail verdicts based on voltage/current thresholds

Advanced Capabilities (BT2202A_2025 branch)

• Parallel Test Execution: Run multiple tests simultaneously with synchronized OpenTAP instances
• Inter-Process Communication: JSON-based coordination for distributed testing
• Hardware Resource Management: Intelligent allocation of instrument resources with safety limits
• SCPI Command Optimization: Workarounds for limitations in simultaneous operations

🔧 Components

Test Steps

• Charge: Configure voltage, current, duration, and cell assignments
• Discharge: Set discharge parameters with customizable thresholds
• Measurement: Collect and analyze voltage and current data
• Duration Test: Create pass/fail conditions based on electrical parameters
• Abort: Safely terminate operations with proper shutdown procedures

Data Visualization

• Real-time Plotting: Live visualization of voltage and current data
• CSV Export: Automated data logging for analysis and reporting
• Test Reports: Comprehensive result summaries with verdict information

Communication Layer

• SCPI Command Interface: Direct instrument control through standard commands
• JSON Configuration: Flexible parameter management through external configuration files
• Status Monitoring: Real-time test status tracking across distributed processes

💻 Requirements

Development Environment

• Visual Studio 2019
• .NET Framework 5.0.408
• OpenTAP framework (latest version)
• Keysight Pathwave Test Automation (BTA)

Hardware Requirements

• Keysight BT2202A instrument with SCPI command support
• Network connectivity for TCP/IP communication with the instrument
• Sufficient system resources for real-time data processing and visualization

🚀 Getting Started

Installation

1. Clone the repository
2. Open the solution file in Visual Studio
3. Build the solution to generate the plugin DLL
4. Install in your OpenTAP environment

Configuration

1. Connect to your BT2202A instrument via TCP/IP
2. Configure the instrument address in the OpenTAP plugin settings
3. Create test sequences with the provided test steps

Running Tests

1. Design test sequences using the OpenTAP GUI
2. Configure charge/discharge parameters and cell assignments
3. Add measurement and condition steps
4. Execute the sequence and monitor results in real-time

📊 Data Analysis

The plugin includes a dedicated data visualization tool that provides:

1. Real-time plots of voltage and current data
2. CSV export for offline analysis
3. Cell comparison across multiple channels
4. Test report generation with verdict statistics

🔌 API Reference

The plugin exposes a comprehensive API for programmatic control:

• ScpiInstrument: Base communication interface
• Charge/Discharge: Control functions for energy transfer operations
• Measurement: Data acquisition and analysis
• JSON Manager: Configuration and inter-process communication
• Status Monitoring: Test progression and verdict tracking

👥 Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please follow these steps:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Implement your changes
4. Add tests for new functionality
5. Submit a pull request

📄 License

This project is licensed under the Apache License 2.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

---

Acknowledgements

This project was made possible through the collaboration between Tecnológico de Monterrey and Keysight Technologies. Special thanks to Pablo Bernal, Keysight Engineer, and Cheyenne Rigel de Jesús's team for their previous solution and invaluable support.

Authors

Developed by the BT2202A Plugin Development Team © 2025

• Sánchez M. - Tecnológico de Monterrey
• Martínez C. - Tecnológico de Monterrey
• Hofmann S. - Tecnológico de Monterrey
• Cantú E. - Tecnológico de Monterrey
• Reyes Y. - Tecnológico de Monterrey
• González S. - Tecnológico de Monterrey