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How to Use 4s BMS: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

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Lisolec 4S Battery Management System (BMS) Documentation

1. Introduction

The Lisolec 4S Battery Management System (BMS) is a compact and efficient solution for managing lithium-ion battery packs consisting of four series-connected cells (4S configuration). This BMS is designed to ensure the safe operation of the battery pack by performing critical functions such as:

  • Cell voltage balancing: Ensures all cells in the pack maintain equal voltage levels.
  • Overcharge and over-discharge protection: Prevents damage to the cells by monitoring voltage thresholds.
  • Temperature monitoring: Protects the battery pack from overheating during charging or discharging.
  • Short-circuit and overcurrent protection: Safeguards the battery pack and connected devices.

Common Applications

The Lisolec 4S BMS is widely used in applications requiring reliable battery management, including:

  • Electric bicycles and scooters
  • Solar energy storage systems
  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
  • Portable power banks
  • Robotics and IoT devices

2. Technical Specifications

The following table outlines the key technical details of the Lisolec 4S BMS:

Parameter Value
Battery Configuration 4S (4 cells in series)
Input Voltage Range 12.8V to 16.8V (nominal 14.8V)
Overcharge Protection 4.25V ± 0.05V per cell
Over-discharge Protection 2.7V ± 0.05V per cell
Balancing Voltage 4.2V per cell
Balancing Current 50mA
Maximum Continuous Current 20A
Overcurrent Protection 25A
Short-circuit Protection Yes
Temperature Protection Yes (Thermistor-based)
Dimensions 60mm x 20mm x 3mm
Weight 15g

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The Lisolec 4S BMS has the following pin configuration:

Pin Name Description
B- Battery pack negative terminal
B1 Connection to the positive terminal of the first cell
B2 Connection to the positive terminal of the second cell
B3 Connection to the positive terminal of the third cell
B4 Connection to the positive terminal of the fourth cell
P- Power output negative terminal (connect to load or charger negative terminal)
P+ Power output positive terminal (connect to load or charger positive terminal)

3. Usage Instructions

Connecting the Lisolec 4S BMS to a Battery Pack

  1. Prepare the Battery Pack: Ensure the battery pack consists of four series-connected lithium-ion cells. Verify that the cells are of the same type, capacity, and charge level.
  2. Connect the BMS:
    • Connect the B- pin to the negative terminal of the battery pack.
    • Connect the B1, B2, B3, and B4 pins to the positive terminals of the first, second, third, and fourth cells, respectively.
    • Connect the P- and P+ pins to the load or charger as required.
  3. Verify Connections: Double-check all connections to ensure proper polarity and secure connections.

Important Considerations

  • Cell Matching: Use cells with identical capacities and charge levels to ensure proper balancing and operation.
  • Heat Dissipation: Ensure adequate ventilation or heat sinking to prevent overheating during high-current operation.
  • Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the maximum continuous current rating of 20A.
  • Temperature Monitoring: Place the thermistor in close proximity to the battery pack for accurate temperature readings.

4. Example Arduino Integration

The Lisolec 4S BMS can be monitored using an Arduino UNO to read cell voltages and temperature. Below is an example code to interface the BMS with an Arduino using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for voltage monitoring and a thermistor for temperature sensing.

Wiring Diagram

  • Connect the B1, B2, B3, and B4 pins to the analog input pins of the Arduino (e.g., A0, A1, A2, A3).
  • Connect the thermistor output to another analog input pin (e.g., A4).

Arduino Code

// Lisolec 4S BMS Monitoring with Arduino UNO
// Reads cell voltages and temperature using analog inputs

// Define analog input pins for cell voltages
const int cell1Pin = A0; // B1 pin
const int cell2Pin = A1; // B2 pin
const int cell3Pin = A2; // B3 pin
const int cell4Pin = A3; // B4 pin

// Define analog input pin for thermistor
const int tempPin = A4;

// Voltage divider ratio (if used)
const float voltageDividerRatio = 2.0; // Adjust based on your circuit

// Function to read cell voltage
float readCellVoltage(int pin) {
  int rawValue = analogRead(pin); // Read ADC value (0-1023)
  float voltage = (rawValue * 5.0) / 1023.0; // Convert to voltage
  return voltage * voltageDividerRatio; // Adjust for divider
}

// Function to read temperature (example for 10k thermistor)
float readTemperature(int pin) {
  int rawValue = analogRead(pin);
  float resistance = (1023.0 / rawValue - 1.0) * 10000.0; // Calculate resistance
  float temperature = 1.0 / (0.001129148 + (0.000234125 * log(resistance)) +
                             (0.0000000876741 * pow(log(resistance), 3)));
  return temperature - 273.15; // Convert to Celsius
}

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  // Read and print cell voltages
  float cell1Voltage = readCellVoltage(cell1Pin);
  float cell2Voltage = readCellVoltage(cell2Pin);
  float cell3Voltage = readCellVoltage(cell3Pin);
  float cell4Voltage = readCellVoltage(cell4Pin);

  Serial.print("Cell 1 Voltage: "); Serial.println(cell1Voltage);
  Serial.print("Cell 2 Voltage: "); Serial.println(cell2Voltage);
  Serial.print("Cell 3 Voltage: "); Serial.println(cell3Voltage);
  Serial.print("Cell 4 Voltage: "); Serial.println(cell4Voltage);

  // Read and print temperature
  float temperature = readTemperature(tempPin);
  Serial.print("Temperature: "); Serial.print(temperature); Serial.println(" °C");

  delay(1000); // Wait 1 second before next reading
}

5. Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue Possible Cause Solution
BMS not powering on Incorrect wiring or loose connections Verify all connections and ensure proper polarity.
Cells not balancing Voltage difference between cells is too high Pre-charge all cells to similar voltage levels before connecting to the BMS.
Overheating during operation Exceeding current rating or poor ventilation Reduce load current or improve heat dissipation.
No output voltage Over-discharge protection activated Recharge the battery pack to restore normal operation.

FAQs

  1. Can I use the Lisolec 4S BMS with fewer than 4 cells?

    • No, this BMS is specifically designed for 4S configurations. Using fewer cells may result in improper operation.
  2. What happens if one cell fails?

    • The BMS will detect the imbalance and may shut down to protect the pack. Replace the faulty cell immediately.
  3. Can I use this BMS for LiFePO4 cells?

    • Yes, but ensure the voltage thresholds are compatible with LiFePO4 chemistry.

This concludes the documentation for the Lisolec 4S Battery Management System (BMS). For further assistance, contact Lisolec support or refer to the product datasheet.

Explore Projects Built with 4s BMS

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
18650 Li-ion Battery Pack with BMS for 5V Power Supply
Image of battary: A project utilizing 4s BMS in a practical application
This circuit consists of a battery management system (BMS) connected to a series of 18650 Li-ion batteries arranged in a 4S configuration to provide a regulated output voltage. The BMS ensures safe charging and discharging of the batteries, while a connector provides a 5V output for external devices.
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Image of Power Bank: A project utilizing 4s BMS in a practical application
This circuit is a battery management and charging system for a 4S Li-ion battery pack. It includes multiple 18650 Li-ion batteries connected to a 4S40A BMS for balancing and protection, a battery indicator for monitoring charge status, and an XL4016 module for voltage regulation. The system is designed to be charged via a 20V input from a charger.
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This circuit is a power management system that uses four Li-ion 18650 batteries connected to a 2S 30A BMS for battery management and protection. The system includes step-up and step-down voltage regulators to provide adjustable output voltages, controlled by a rocker switch, and multiple DC jacks for power input and output.
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Image of dog: A project utilizing 4s BMS in a practical application
This circuit consists of three 18650 Li-ion batteries connected in parallel to a Battery Management System (BMS), which ensures safe charging and discharging of the batteries. The BMS output is connected to a 5V adapter and an XL6009E1 Boost Converter, indicating that the circuit is designed to provide a regulated power supply, likely stepping up the voltage to a required level for downstream electronics.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with 4s BMS

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of battary: A project utilizing 4s BMS in a practical application
18650 Li-ion Battery Pack with BMS for 5V Power Supply
This circuit consists of a battery management system (BMS) connected to a series of 18650 Li-ion batteries arranged in a 4S configuration to provide a regulated output voltage. The BMS ensures safe charging and discharging of the batteries, while a connector provides a 5V output for external devices.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Power Bank: A project utilizing 4s BMS in a practical application
18650 Li-ion Battery Pack with 4S40A BMS and XL4016 Voltage Regulator for Battery-Powered Applications
This circuit is a battery management and charging system for a 4S Li-ion battery pack. It includes multiple 18650 Li-ion batteries connected to a 4S40A BMS for balancing and protection, a battery indicator for monitoring charge status, and an XL4016 module for voltage regulation. The system is designed to be charged via a 20V input from a charger.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of mini ups: A project utilizing 4s BMS in a practical application
Battery-Powered Adjustable Voltage Regulator with Li-ion 18650 Batteries and BMS
This circuit is a power management system that uses four Li-ion 18650 batteries connected to a 2S 30A BMS for battery management and protection. The system includes step-up and step-down voltage regulators to provide adjustable output voltages, controlled by a rocker switch, and multiple DC jacks for power input and output.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of dog: A project utilizing 4s BMS in a practical application
18650 Li-ion Battery-Powered BMS with Boost Converter and 5V Adapter
This circuit consists of three 18650 Li-ion batteries connected in parallel to a Battery Management System (BMS), which ensures safe charging and discharging of the batteries. The BMS output is connected to a 5V adapter and an XL6009E1 Boost Converter, indicating that the circuit is designed to provide a regulated power supply, likely stepping up the voltage to a required level for downstream electronics.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer