Orion Jr. BMS Manual
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Rev. 2
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Current limiting via the analog voltage outputs.
The Orion Jr. BMS is equipped with two analog voltage outputs which can be used to communicate the
amperage limits to external devices. Pin 16 (Discharge Current Limit or DCL) and Pin 5 (Charge
Current Limit or CCL) are both outputs which range from 0 to 5 volts and provide an analog
representation of the maximum current limits (0V = 0%, 5V = 100% of the maximum limit). If a motor
controller does not support CAN, but has a 5V potentiometer for a throttle, it may be possible to use the
0-5V output from the BMS to limit the maximum voltage on the potentiometer and therefore effectively
limit current. The BMS can interface with devices requiring a 0-10V signal with the addition of external
op-amp circuit to translate the voltage.
Important: Whenever the 0-5V analog outputs are used for controlling current, they must be used in
conjunction with the charge or discharge enable outputs from the BMS as a backup to ensure the BMS
can fully turn off the device. This is important since the analog 0-5V outputs are not watchdog backed
and could potentially lock at a certain voltage in a failure.
See “Wiring the Main I/O” below for more
information.
Current limiting via an on/off signal from the BMS.
The simplest method to control a load or charger is by using the on / off outputs. These outputs will turn
on when charge or discharge are allowed based on the present conditions. Unlike the other above
methods of controlling external devices, these outputs are either on or off and cannot gradually taper
charge or discharge (though they can be used in conjunction with the other methods). There are 3
primary on / off outputs: Charger safety enable, discharge enable and charge enable. Charger safety
enable is used to control a battery charger; discharge enable is used to control a load such a motor
controller or AC inverter; and charge enable is used to turn off intermittent charging currents such as
charge from regenerative braking.
More information about how the outputs are wired and how they function can be found later in this
manual as well as in the operational manual. Information on changing the setting for when these
outputs are on can be found in the software manual.
Notes for specific applications
Application notes are available for integrating with many common motor controllers and chargers and
include information, tips and recommended wiring specific to those devices. Application notes can be
viewed at
http://www.orionbms.com/application-notes/
Orion Jr. BMS Manual
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Rev. 2
13
Digital RS232 Serial Communication
The Orion Jr. unit must be programmed using a computer and the Orion Jr. BMS utility in order to
operate.
The BMS will not function until programmed. The necessary utility can be downloaded
from
www.orionbms.com/downloads
.
The Orion Jr. can either be programmed by connecting
to a computer’s RS
-232 port or directly to a
USB to Serial adapter. A USB to Serial adapter can be plugged directly into the BMS without an
extension cable. However, if a serial extension cable is used to physically extend the connection, it
must be a straight through serial cable. Any other type of RS-232 cable including a null-modem cable
will not work.
Note that this port is to be used for RS-232 serial communication only. It will not work if connected to
the CANBUS or connected using the CANdapter.
Straight Through Pinout
Connector 1
Connector 2
2 (RX)
---
2 (RX)
3 (TX)
---
3 (TX)
5 (GND)
---
5 (GND)
7 (RTS) *
---
7 (RTS) *
8 (CTS)
---
8 (CTS)
Minimum required connection for straight through serial cable (additional wires 1-1, 4-4, 6-6 and 9-9 may also be present but are not
necessary for proper operation.)
*The BMS serial transceiver is powered by the RTS pin and will not function without it.
Mating Connector Part Numbers
Connector
Manufacturer Part Number
Crimp Part Number
Main I/O (20 pin)
JST
PADP-20V-1-S SPH-001T-P0.5L
Serial
Various
Standard DB-9
Voltage Tap (24 pin) Molex
39-01-2225
39-00-0038
Orion Jr. BMS Manual
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Rev. 2
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Main Input/Output (I/O) Connector
Looking into back of connector (wires coming toward viewer)
Signal Name
Description
1. Charge Enable Signal
(Out)
An open drain digital on/off signal used to signal to a load that the
load can charge the battery. This would normally be used to
control regenerative breaking in a mobile application or enable a
solar or wind charge in a stationary application. This signal can be
used as a backup to digital CAN communication with a controller.
This is a signal current level (175mA max) and should be amplified
for controlling large contactors or relays (see electrical specs.)
2. READY Power Source This power source should be connected to a 12V - 48V nominal
power source whenever the BMS should be active for normal use.
This input must be fused at no more than 3A. The voltage on this
pin may not exceed 60V at any time.
3. Discharge Enable
Signal (Out)
An open drain digital on/off signal used to signal to a load that the
load can discharge the battery. This would normally be used to
control a discharge contactor or to signal to a controller that
discharge must be stopped if this signal is not present. This signal
can be used as a backup to digital CAN communication with a
controller. This is a signal current level (175mA max) and should
be amplified for controlling large contactors or relays (see
electrical specs.)
4. CHARGE Power
Source
This power source should be connected to a 12V - 48V nominal
power source whenever the BMS should be active for a defined
charging period. When powered by this source, the BMS enters
charging mode. If this power source is connected while the
READY power source is also connected, the BMS will activate the
“Charge Interlock” state.
Must be fused at no more than 3A. The
voltage on this pin may not exceed 60V at any time.