Every output is isolated and can be incorporated into series-connected configurations representing multi-cell strings.
N8331 – Multi-channel Battery Simulator with up to 24 Channels
For repeatable cell-voltage testing in BMS, CMS, calibration and production systems.
The 19-inch chassis combines individually programmable outputs in a compact 2U format, reducing the number of instruments required for multi-cell and multi-station setups. Voltage and current are programmed and read back per channel, allowing different cell states to be reproduced within one test configuration.
Separate sense leads measure voltage directly at the DUT and reduce the influence of connection leads.
The N8331BP and N8331CP add low-current ranges with 0.1 µA resolution for quiescent-current testing.
Network control and isolated RS485 support automated multi-channel and multi-instrument test configurations.
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|
Description
N8331A High-accuracy 24-channel battery simulator, 6 V, 1 A, 6 W per channel, 2U
|
Current [A]
1
|
Power [P]
6
|
Voltage [V]
6
|
Technical Data
Design
Standard 19"
Height
2
Interfaces / Protocols
max. current per channel
max. power per channel
max. voltage per channel
Number of channels
24
16
Product category
Battery Cell Simulators
Type of Batterycellsimulator
Without Display
Fault Simulation
> 10 Channels
Uni-/Bidirectional
Unidirectional
|
Description
N8331B High-accuracy 16-channel battery simulator, 5 V, 2 A, 10 W per channel, 2U
|
Current [A]
2
|
Power [P]
10
|
Voltage [V]
5
|
Technical Data
Design
Standard 19"
Height
2
Interfaces / Protocols
max. current per channel
max. power per channel
max. voltage per channel
Number of channels
24
16
Product category
Battery Cell Simulators
Type of Batterycellsimulator
Without Display
Fault Simulation
> 10 Channels
Uni-/Bidirectional
Unidirectional
|
Description
N8331C High-accuracy 16-channel battery simulator, 5 V, 3 A, 15 W per channel, 2U
|
Current [A]
3
|
Power [P]
15
|
Voltage [V]
5
|
Technical Data
Design
Standard 19"
Height
2
Interfaces / Protocols
max. current per channel
max. power per channel
max. voltage per channel
Number of channels
24
16
Product category
Battery Cell Simulators
Type of Batterycellsimulator
Without Display
Fault Simulation
> 10 Channels
Uni-/Bidirectional
Unidirectional
|
Description
N8331BP High-accuracy 16-channel battery simulator, 5 V, 2 A, 10 W per channel, 2U
|
Current [A]
2
|
Power [P]
10
|
Voltage [V]
5
|
Technical Data
Design
Standard 19"
Height
2
Interfaces / Protocols
max. current per channel
max. power per channel
max. voltage per channel
Number of channels
24
16
Product category
Battery Cell Simulators
Type of Batterycellsimulator
Without Display
Fault Simulation
> 10 Channels
Uni-/Bidirectional
Unidirectional
|
Description
N8331CP High-accuracy 16-channel battery simulator, 5 V, 3 A, 15 W per channel, 2U
|
Current [A]
3
|
Power [P]
15
|
Voltage [V]
5
|
Technical Data
Design
Standard 19"
Height
2
Interfaces / Protocols
max. current per channel
max. power per channel
max. voltage per channel
Number of channels
24
16
Product category
Battery Cell Simulators
Type of Batterycellsimulator
Without Display
Fault Simulation
> 10 Channels
Uni-/Bidirectional
Unidirectional
N8331 battery simulator overview
The N8331 is a programmable multi-channel platform that reproduces individual battery-cell voltages using 16 or 24 mutually isolated channels. Five models cover 0–5 V or 0–6 V and currents of 1 A, 2 A or 3 A per channel, with channel power ratings of 6 W, 10 W or 15 W. All variants provide 0.1 mV voltage resolution and 0.6 mV programming and readback accuracy. The N8331BP and N8331CP add low-current measurement ranges up to 2 mA or 3 mA with 0.1 µA resolution. Every model is housed in a 19-inch 2U chassis. Channels are programmed independently and measured at the DUT through four-wire sensing. Isolated outputs can be series-connected to form cell strings, while several instruments can be remotely operated through the application software.
Key benefits
Precise cell voltages
A resolution of 0.1 mV and programming and readback accuracy of 0.6 mV support calibration and protection-parameter testing.
High channel density
The N8331A provides 24 channels in 2U, while each of the other variants integrates 16 channels.
Model-specific current ranges
Variants rated at 1 A, 2 A or 3 A per channel allow the platform to be matched to different DUT requirements.
Low ripple
Specified voltage ripple of no more than 2 mVrms supports low-noise cell-voltage and acquisition-channel testing.
Cell-string configurations
Isolated channels and multiple instruments can be series-connected to reproduce multi-cell battery configurations.
Quiescent-current measurement
BP and CP variants measure low currents with 0.1 µA resolution for standby and quiescent-current tests.
Battery cell simulation principle
Each channel provides a programmable output voltage and current range. Setpoints and readback values are processed independently, allowing different electrical states of individual battery cells to be represented within the same test sequence.
CV operation regulates the programmed cell voltage, while CC operation provides a programmed current within the applicable model range. Separate output and sense leads measure voltage directly at the DUT terminals, reducing the influence of connection-lead resistance on the voltage applied to the test object.
Channel-to-channel isolation enables the construction of series-connected cell strings. The N8331 therefore targets cell-level simulation and multi-cell low-voltage configurations rather than providing one single high-voltage battery-pack output.
Role within a BMS test system: The N8331 provides battery-cell voltage simulation. Temperature, total-current, high-voltage, IO, insulation and CAN functions are added through separate system modules in a complete BMS test platform.
Models and technical specifications
Model selection is based on the required channel count, maximum cell voltage, current demand and the required resolution for low-current measurements.
| Model | Channels | Voltage per channel | Current per channel | Power per channel | CC ranges | Current resolution / accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N8331A | 24 | 0–6 V | 0–1 A | 6 W | 0–1 A | 0.1 mA / 1 mA |
| N8331B | 16 | 0–5 V | 0–2 A | 10 W | 0–2 A | 0.1 mA / 2 mA |
| N8331C | 16 | 0–5 V | 0–3 A | 15 W | 0–3 A | 0.1 mA / 3 mA |
| N8331BP | 16 | 0–5 V | 0–2 A | 10 W | 0–2 mA and 0–2 A | 0.1 µA / 2 µA in the low range; 0.1 mA / 2 mA in the main range |
| N8331CP | 16 | 0–5 V | 0–3 A | 15 W | 0–3 mA and 0–3 A | 0.1 µA / 3 µA in the low range; 0.1 mA / 3 mA in the main range |
The stated current accuracies apply to programming and readback at 23 ±5 °C. The N8331BP and N8331CP include a separate low-current measurement range in addition to the main current range.
| Common specification | Value | Condition or purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage resolution | 0.1 mV | Programming and readback |
| Voltage accuracy | 0.6 mV | Programming and readback at 23 ±5 °C |
| Voltage temperature coefficient | 30 ppm/°C | From 0 to 40 °C |
| Current temperature coefficient | 50 ppm/°C | From 0 to 40 °C |
| Long-term stability | 100 ppm/1,000 h | Voltage and current values |
| Voltage ripple noise | ≤2 mVrms | Measurement bandwidth from 20 Hz to 20 MHz |
| Output-to-ground isolation | 1,500 V DC | Common isolation specification |
| Inter-channel isolation | 500 V DC | Provides mutually isolated cell channels |
Dynamic response and regulation
Rise and fall times describe the output-voltage transition from 10% to 90% and from 90% to 10% of the final value. Full-load voltage fall time depends on the selected model.
| Parameter | N8331A | N8331B / N8331BP | N8331C / N8331CP | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage rise time at no load | ≤3 ms | ≤3 ms | ≤3 ms | 10–90% of final value |
| Voltage rise time at full load | ≤3 ms | ≤3 ms | ≤3 ms | 10–90% of final value |
| Voltage fall time at no load | ≤3 s | ≤3 s | ≤3 s | 90–10% of final value |
| Voltage fall time at full load | ≤30 ms | ≤20 ms | ≤10 ms | 90–10% of final value |
| Transient recovery time | ≤200 µs | ≤200 µs | ≤200 µs | Load change from 10% to 90% at full voltage; recovery to within 50 mV of the previous value |
Operating modes and programmable functions
Constant-voltage operation
Each channel regulates a programmed output voltage to represent the required electrical state of a battery cell.
Constant-current operation
Current values can be programmed within the applicable channel range and read back with model-specific resolution.
Multi-channel batch control
The application software provides common operation of multiple channels and reduces setup effort for extensive test configurations.
Display and analysis
Channel values and graphs can be displayed, with additional functions for data analysis and report generation.
Typical applications
The N8331 is used when many low-voltage cell channels must be provided accurately, independently and under automated control.
BMS testing for automotive and e-mobility
The simulator supplies individual cell voltages to control units and measures channel-related currents during BMS testing.
Battery systems for UAVs, drones and eVTOL
Multiple isolated channels reproduce the cell voltages of compact battery units for BMS and CMS validation.
Energy storage systems and CMS
Series-connected cell channels support the testing of voltage-acquisition paths and cell monitoring in stationary storage systems.
Production and end-of-line testing
The high channel density supports parallel test stations for mobile devices, Bluetooth earphones, smartwatches and related electronic assemblies.
Voltage-acquisition calibration
Voltage accuracy and four-wire sensing support the testing and calibration of acquisition devices such as fuel-cell voltage monitors.
Modular BMS test systems
As the cell-voltage subsystem, the N8331 can be combined with separate temperature, total-current, high-voltage, IO, insulation and CAN modules.
Interfaces, software and automation
The series is designed for centralized operation of many channels and the integration of multiple instruments into automated test sequences.
| Interface or function | Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| LAN | Specified as standard | Network connection for remote control and operation through the application software |
| RS485 | Specified as standard, isolated | Serial communication with test benches and automated systems |
| Application software | Provided for the N8331 series | Voltage and current programming, multi-channel batch operation and the display of data and graphs |
| Data analysis and reports | Software function | Evaluation of displayed channel data and generation of test reports |
| Multi-instrument operation | Through the application software | Remote control of multiple instruments for automated tests and series-connected cell configurations |
| Communication response time | ≤10 ms | Specified instrument-communication response time |
Series connection and scaling
Every N8331 output is isolated from the other channels. Multiple channels can therefore be connected to form a series cell string representing different voltage states within a battery module.
Series-connected channels
Isolated individual channels are combined into a multi-cell configuration while retaining independent channel programming.
Multiple instruments
Several N8331 instruments can be used together in a series configuration for more extensive cell strings.
Centralized operation
The application software supports remote control and automated sequences across multiple connected instruments.
Channel count, isolation stress, total voltage and wiring must be defined for each series-connected project. A maximum number of series-connected channels or instruments is not specified.
Installation and infrastructure
| Requirement | Specification | Note |
|---|---|---|
| AC input | Single-phase, 220 V AC ±10% | Applies to all models |
| Input current | <2 A | Instrument AC input current |
| Line frequency | 47–63 Hz | Single-phase AC input |
| Form factor | 19-inch, 2U | Rack-mount multi-channel instrument |
| Dimensions | 88.0 × 482.0 × 568.5 mm | Height × width with handles × depth |
| Net weight | Approx. 20 kg | Common series value |
| Operating temperature | 0–40 °C | Within the specified environmental conditions |
| Storage temperature | −20 to 60 °C | Instrument not in operation |
| Relative humidity | 5–90% RH | Non-condensing |
| Altitude | <2,000 m | Above sea level |
| Atmospheric pressure | 80–110 kPa | Permitted operating range |
| Inter-channel isolation | 500 V DC | Must be considered when planning series-connected cell configurations |
| Output-to-ground isolation | 1,500 V DC | Must be considered when designing wiring and the test setup |
N8331 series FAQ
Which model provides the highest channel count?
The N8331A provides 24 channels. The N8331B, N8331C, N8331BP and N8331CP each provide 16 channels.
How do the N8331BP and N8331CP differ from the standard variants?
The BP and CP models add a low-current range up to 2 mA or 3 mA with 0.1 µA resolution.
Can several cell channels be connected in series?
Yes. The isolated channels support series-connected cell configurations, and multiple instruments can be combined for larger cell strings.
What voltage accuracy does the series provide?
Programming and readback provide 0.6 mV accuracy and 0.1 mV resolution at 23 ±5 °C.
How does the N8331 compensate for voltage drops in connection leads?
The four-wire connection separates output and measurement leads, allowing the voltage to be measured directly at the DUT terminals.
Which communication interfaces are available?
The instruments provide LAN and RS485 communication. The RS485 interface is isolated.
Which functions are available in the application software?
It supports channel setpoints, multi-channel batch operation, data and graph display, data analysis, reports and remote control of multiple instruments.
Is the N8331 a complete BMS test system?
The N8331 provides the cell-voltage subsystem. Temperature, total-current, high-voltage, IO, insulation and CAN tests require additional system modules.
Technical consultation for N8331 projects
ET System supports model selection between the N8331A, N8331B, N8331C, N8331BP and N8331CP and assists with channel count, current-measurement range, series-connected cell configurations and automation.
- Required cell voltage, current and power per channel
- Number of cells or test stations to be simulated simultaneously
- Requirements for quiescent-current measurement, four-wire sensing and series connection
- Planned LAN or RS485 integration