A new 5A battery simulator was unveiled by Pickering Interfaces at the Engineering Design Show. Electronic Specifier’s Mick Elliott visited the company’s stand where Product Manager Steven Edwards explained the thinking behind the development of this new PXI/PXIe module and described the features that make this battery simulator ideal for demanding applications.
Edwards introduced the new product, emphasising its release at the show and its role in expanding Pickering’s existing battery simulator range. Previously, Pickering’s battery simulators offered a maximum capacity of 300 milliamps and a voltage range up to six volts. The new 5 amp battery simulator increases the current capacity dramatically, with a voltage range of one to eight volts. This enhancement allows for more robust and flexible testing of battery systems, particularly as the industry shifts towards higher voltage battery packs.
A key technical feature of the new simulator is its high-level isolation: 1,000 volts between channels and ground, and 750 volts between channels. This ensures safety and reliability during testing, especially as battery systems become more complex and operate at higher voltages. The increased capacity enables customers to revise their testing methodologies. Previously, simulating high-voltage battery packs required many channels – up to 16 modules for a 400 volt system. With the new simulator, customers can use a combination of series and parallel configurations, reducing the number of required cards and simplifying test setups.
The development of the 5 amp battery simulator was driven by both market observation and direct customer feedback. As electric vehicle (EV) technology advances, battery packs are moving from 400 to 800 volts, necessitating new testing solutions. Customers have been requesting higher capacity simulators to keep pace with these changes. The new product not only meets these demands but also offers additional benefits, such as freeing up chassis space for other testing modules like switching and thermocouple simulation, resulting in a more compact and versatile test system.
The product is available for order in early 2026, with inquiries being accepted immediately. Manufacturing will take place at Pickering’s facilities in the UK or Czech Republic, both equipped to handle production and provide flexibility based on customer needs.
In addition to battery simulators, Pickering offers a range of complementary products, including thermocouple simulators and 5 amp switching modules, supporting comprehensive hardware-in-the-loop testing. The new simulator also features an external 48 volt supply, maximising PCB real estate for additional channels and enhancing system integration.
To watch more from the show, visit our YouTube channel.
