Characterize Solar Cell Performance with New PXI Source Measure Unit
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Engineers can use the new PXI-4130 power source measure unit for photovoltaic cell characterization.
To expose the performance and efficiency of new photovoltaic (PV) technologies, solar engineers must perform IV curve tracing to elicit the forward characteristics of cells in addition to performing breakdown tests to find reverse characteristics. These tests require an instrument capable of sourcing and sinking power from a cell and precisely measuring voltage and current. Software analysis can then help derive important performance parameters such as maximum power and fill factor.
With the announcement of a new PXI source measure unit (SMU) from National Instruments, engineers can now apply the benefits of the PXI platform to testing and characterizing PV cells. The NI PXI-4130 SMU offers a four-quadrant output that can source up to 40 W and sink up to 10 W, which is useful for exposing both the forward and reverse characteristics of PV cells. The SMU also incorporates precision current measurements as well as remote (4-wire) sense capability, making it a flexible instrument for testing new PV technologies. Occupying only a single PXI slot, engineers can use this new power SMU in parallel test applications to achieve up to 17 SMU channels in a 19 in., 4U space. The PXI-4130 complements the existing NI platform of tools and technologies that facilitate green engineering.
Read a white paper and download example code for solar test.
This article first appeared in the Q2 2008 issue of Instrumentation Newsletter.
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