MPG-2xx A series of battery testers with EIS capability

Importance of the Topic

The rapid expansion of rechargeable energy storage devices in industry, transportation and portable electronics drives the need for precise and versatile battery testing platforms. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) combined with programmable cycling enables in-depth characterization of internal resistance, capacity retention, and degradation mechanisms. Such insights are essential for improving battery performance, ensuring safety and accelerating development of advanced chemistries.

Objectives and Overview of the Article

This article presents the MPG-2xx series of research-grade battery testers by BT-Lab. Established to extend the original MPG2 line, the MPG-2xx family offers five fixed configurations for battery cycling and optional EIS measurement. Key goals include high channel density, wide current and voltage ranges, flexible experiment design and networked operation to support Li-ion, Li-polymer, NiMH cells and supercapacitors.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The MPG-2xx platform integrates potentiostat/galvanostat control with EIS capability. Users define battery parameters in EC-Lab® software and build custom sequences using techniques such as GITT, PITT and the new ModuloBat modular protocol. Real-time temperature monitoring and selectable connection modes (battery holder, short or long cables) enhance experimental control. Ethernet connectivity allows multiple users to schedule and monitor tests over a local network.

Used Instrumentation

• MPG-2: 16 channels, ±100 mA continuous, 0–9 V control.
• MPG-205: 8 channels, ±5 A continuous.
• MPG-210: 4 channels, ±10 A continuous.
• MPG-220: 2 channels, ±20 A continuous.
• MPG-240: single channel, ±40 A continuous.
• Optional EIS module: 10 µHz–20 kHz frequency range, single/multi-sine and FFT modes.
• EC-Lab® software: battery test techniques, data analysis and Z Fit advanced fitting.

Main Results and Discussion

The MPG-2xx series delivers:

• Current resolution down to 0.004 % of full scale and voltage resolution to 5 µV.
• Acquisition speeds as fast as 200 µs with no recording time limit.
• Up to 100 programmable sequences per technique, conditional branching and multi-technique linking.
• Integrated analysis tools computing energy, charge/discharge capacity, efficiency and dynamic resistance over successive cycles.
• Networked control of up to five units from one PC, enabling shared access and remote monitoring.

These features support detailed assessment of degradation pathways, impedance evolution and capacity fade under realistic cycling profiles.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

Researchers and QA/QC laboratories benefit from the MPG-2xx series through:

• High-throughput evaluation of new electrode materials and cell designs.
• Consistent and automated protocols for life-cycle testing.
• Flexible EIS integration to diagnose internal resistance and interface dynamics.
• Scalable configurations matching low-current research to high-current industrial validation.

This versatility makes the series well suited for battery R&D, manufacturing process control and supercapacitor characterization.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in battery chemistry and smart grid integration will drive demand for even higher current capability, expanded frequency EIS, and AI-assisted data analysis. Cloud-based experiment scheduling and real-time diagnostics can enable global collaboration and predictive maintenance. Modular hardware designs and open APIs will facilitate integration with robotic sample handling and machine-learning workflows.

Conclusion

The MPG-2xx series by BT-Lab, coupled with EC-Lab® software, offers a comprehensive solution for battery and supercapacitor testing. Its combination of precise potentiostatic/galvanostatic control, EIS capability, customizable protocols and networked operation addresses current needs in energy storage research and quality assurance. As energy storage technologies evolve, platforms like MPG-2xx will remain critical for optimizing performance and longevity.