I am looking to evaluate the BQ25886EVM to charge a 2S 18650 Li-Ion battery pack. Upon reading through the spec sheet I noticed that it is suggested to use a battery simulator. My question is, is it required to use a battery simulator or could I just use an actual battery pack? I'd like to quantify things like time charge, charge current, power draw (into the IC) and total power delivery (to the battery pack) to the actual batteries I am planning on using for this product. I understand the benefits of using a source meter but I'd rather get more "realistic" data on how the IC interfaces with the actual batteries. Would using an actual battery pack cause damage to the evaluation board?
Thanks!
Michael
