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Dual Active Bridge Development Board

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Dual Active Bridge Development Board

dsPIC33C DAB Development Board
dsPIC33C DAB Development Board

Summary

This solution showcases the implementation of a Dual Active Bridge (DAB) application demonstration utilizing Microchip's dsPIC33C device, primarily aimed at automotive On-Board Charger applications. The DC-DC Dual Active Bridge Development Platform is a versatile development board featuring well-organized components, including an input filter, power stage, auxiliary supply, and a socket compatible with Microchip's latest Digital Power Plug-In Modules (DP PIMs).

The platform is designed to handle voltage levels of up to 800 VDC on the primary side and up to 900 VDC on the secondary side. Additionally, it includes a socket for dsPIC33 plug-in modules, enabling the system to be tested with various controllers. The pinout is compatible with EP, CK, and CH dsPIC DSC DP PIMs, ensuring flexibility and ease of use.

Highlights

  • Digitally-Controlled Dual Active Bridge Converter
  • Utilization of dsPIC peripherals that allows switching frequency operation ranging from 65KHz to 300KHz
  • dspic33 plug-in module mating socket pinout compatible to other DSC DP PIMs.

Related Documentation

Firmware Documentation

Hardware Documentation

Target Device Documentation

Please always check for the latest data sheets on the respective product websites:

Software Used

Hardware Used

  • dsPIC33C Dual Active Bridge Development Board
    • Power Board
    • Isolated Voltage Acquisition Board
    • SiC FET PIM

Directory Structure

The directory structure for this project is summarized below. 

├───dspic33ck-dab.X                         DAB main project 
├───images                                  Images for the Readme 
├───power_board_visualizer_xmls             Power Board Visualizer Projects
├───pre_compiled_hex_files                  Pre compiled Hex files for 400V output operation 
└───sources                                 Common Sources between both projects

Programming Hex File using available hex files

In this example ICD4 is being used, but any of the available debuggers/programmers can be used.

  1. Open MPLAB X IPE
  2. Select the device on DP-PIM : dsPIC33CK256MP506
  3. Connect computer to ICD4 via USB cable, connect ICD4 to 6 pin header on DP-PIM via RJ11 cable and RJ11 to ICSP adapter.
  4. Power the dpPIM through a microUSB cable.
  5. Click Connect on the MPLAB X IPE
  6. Wait for the device to connect
  7. Navigate to the folder pre_compiled_hex_files, and select the correct hex file
  8. Click Program
  9. Wait for the program/verify complete message.
  10. Disconnect programmer from Digital Power Plug-in Module.

Quick Start Guide

This Section will guide you on how to run and control the DAB application using power board visualizer, once the electrical connections are made.

Hardware Setup

Please consult the operational manual for DAB hardware setup considerations and verify that the correct load and source selections have been made. This readme does not include the electrical setup for the DAB Application board.

To enable CAN communication from the PC to the DAB application board, a USB to CAN dongle is required. Note that the Power Board Visualizer is compatible only with PEAK System USB CAN-FD dongles. You can use an RS232 DB9 Straight Through cable to connect the DAB board to the PEAK dongle.

dsPIC33C DAB Development Board Hardware set-up
dsPIC33C DAB Development Board Hardware set-up

Powering On board through Power Board Visualizer

Prerequisites

Following software must be installed on your pc to control/communicate between Power Board Visualizer and dsPIC33CK.

  • Power Board Visualizer V2
  • Peak System USB Drivers

Setting up and Connecting the Power Board Visualizer

After completing the hardware setup, go to the power board visualizer XMLs folder. Open the appropriate project using Power Board Visualizer. Once the project is open, you will see the following screen.

DAB project running on Power Board Visualizer GUI
DAB project running on Power Board Visualizer GUI
  1. Start/Stop Button
    • This button toggles the application on and off. Each button press sends a corresponding message over CANFD. For detailed CAN message descriptions, click on the Info tab.
  2. Voltage Output, Current Output, and Power Output Reference Sliders
    • These sliders are used to set reference values for output voltage, current, and power for the DAB. The lowest value among them will control the output. Ensure to press the Set button below the slider to communicate the reference value to the microcontroller.
  3. Comm Status and COM Selector
    • The "COM?" button lists all available communication ports for the PBV. If the Peak Dongle drivers are installed and the Peak USB dongle is connected, it will appear as PCAN_USB:FD. Select the appropriate port and click enable. The Power Board Visualizer will then open the selected Comm port.
  4. DAB Controller State
    • This section displays the current state of the system. Detailed information about each state and the state machine can be found in the Firmware Overview section.
  5. DAB Status Flags
    • This section lists the high-level state of the system and any fault conditions that occur.

Sequence of Actions to Power On

After opening the appropriate Power Board Visualizer project, follow these steps to start the board:

  1. Select the correct communication port and enable it.
  2. Verify that everything is set up correctly by checking for status/housekeeping data and ensuring the system is in the PCS_STANDBY state. Confirm that the correct operation mode is programmed by examining the status flags.
  3. Adjust the reference voltage/current if necessary.
  4. Click on "Start." The system will quickly transition through various states and should eventually reach the PCS_UP_AND_RUNNING state.
DAB in StandBy state
DAB in StandBy state
DAB in running state
DAB in running state

© 2024, Microchip Technology Inc.