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BQ34Z100-G1: learning cycle - final operations

Part Number: BQ34Z100-G1
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: BQ34Z100, , BQSTUDIO

Good morning,

after completing the learning cycle accordingly to SLUA597, it is not clear how to create a golden file ready to be used in production.

In SLUA334B it seems the "Update Status" parameter must be manually changed from 06 to 02. In SLUA664 (referred to BQ34Z100 instead of BQ34Z100-G1), I can read: "When the golden DFI file is created by bqEASY, bit 2 will be cleared, leaving Update Status=0x02. Note that none of these bits should be manually changed."

So I don't know if and how to change the Update Status from 06 value (at the end of the learning cycle) to 02 (value suitable for production programming of the BQ34Z100-G1).

Is there any detailed procedure description for extracting the golden file at the end of the learning cycle by using the BQ Studio software?

Thank you and best regards

Matteo

  • Hi Matteo,

    Unfortunately, the bqEasy tool does not exist for this gauge in this iteration of the bqStudio software.

    Please export your GG.CSV file and open it up in a text editor. Manually modify Update Status from 0x06 to 0x02. Please also zero out the cycle count and lifetime values.

    Save this file and import it back to the gauge. Then, export the SREC, BQFS and/or DFFS for use in programming other gauges.

    Once the other gauges are programmed, tests may be performed. As a last step on the production line, please make sure to send the IT_ENABLE and SEAL commands to enable IT Gauging and seal the device prior to shipping.

    An updating production guide is currently in the works. In the iterim, please also refer to the production guide for the bq34z100 (this guide also uses the older toolchain, but includes these steps above): www.ti.com/.../slua665

    Sincerely,
    Bryan Kahler
  • Hi Bryan,

    thank you very much for your clear and complete answer!

    Matteo

  • Hello Bryan,
    I am also using the bq34Z100-g1 device and have created the golden file. However I was not aware that after programming a device during production that I then also need to send the IT_ENABLE command. What is the consequence of NOT sending IT_ENABLE to the device?
    So far, without sending IT_ENABLE, the gas gauge seems to be working OK in our pre-production units.

    Do I need to review and check my golden file register settings? What registers would I need to check?

    Thank you
    Pete
  • Hi Pete,

    The IT_ENABLE step as the last step to production is because we have manually modified the Update Status to 0x02 in the golden image so that IT is not enabled initially, allow electrical testing to be performed on the device in production as well as prevent lifetime updates prior to shipping.

    If your image already has Update Status of 0x04, 0x05, or 0x06, IT is already enabled. Most likely, IT is enabled on your device if it is working, but please confirm. If IT is not enabled, please enable IT.

    If Impedance Tracking (IT) is not enabled, the gauge will not operate properly. For example, it will not learn and update Ra tables.

    Sincerely,
    Bryan Kahler
  • Hi Bryan,

    Thank you for the reply. I have checked the golden image settings and the update_status register is set to 02h, so IT is currently disabled.

    So I will plan to create a new image setting update_status to 06h

    Note that in our design the bq34Z100-G1 is system side, and the battery is not user replaceable.

    The production sequence is:

    1. PCB basic test (Voltage rails etc)
    2. Program gas gauge and other devices
    3. PCB Advanced system test (Battery will not connected). Gas gauge communication to the host MCU will be tested.
    4. We are not performing any gas gauge voltage/current/temp. calibration
    5. Assemble product, including connection of battery
    6. Final unit test

    Do you foresee any issues with the gas gauge having IT enabled when programmed at (2) in the production sequence? Will it get upset without a battery connected?

    Would it be affected by subsequent operation of the PCB without the battery connected at (3)

    Thank you

    Pete

  • Hi Bryan,
    as I've pointed out also in another post ( e2e.ti.com/.../2580324 ), to set the Cycle Count to 0 seems to generate a Max Error issue. In my case the Max Error jumps to -112% if I set also Cycle Count at 0 in gg file, while it remains at 1% if I set the Cycle Count at 1.
    Is that correct?

    Thank you and best regards

    Matteo
  • Hi Pete,

    As long as the device is not powered, nothing should happen. However, lifetime values could be updated during the MCU tests if the device is powered but does not have a battery connected. It is recommended to send the command to enable IT and SEAL the device after the Final Unit tests. The MCU can even send the commands as part of the Final Unit tests.

    Sincerely,
    Bryan Kahler

  • Hi Matteo,

    I will answer this question in that thread: e2e.ti.com/.../2580324

    Sincerely,
    Bryan Kahler