# MPPT Testbench Unified tool for testing and tuning MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) converters. Combines three bench instruments with direct STM32 firmware access for closed-loop parameter optimization. | Instrument | Role | Interface | |---|---|---| | **ITECH IT6537D** | DC power supply (solar panel simulator, 80V/120A/6kW) | USB-TMC / SCPI via PyVISA | | **Prodigit 3366G** | DC electronic load (600V/420A/6kW) | RS-232 (115200 8N1 RTS/CTS) | | **HIOKI 3193-10** | Power analyzer (efficiency measurement) | GPIB via UsbGpib / PyVISA | | **STM32G474** | Converter firmware (LVSolarBuck64) | Serial 460800 baud (debug protocol) | ## Wiring ``` +------------------+ IT6500D --(+/-)--> | MPPT Tracker | --(+/-)--> Prodigit 3366G | (DUT) | HIOKI Ch5 --(sense)-- | Input Output | --(sense)-- HIOKI Ch6 +------------------+ | STM32 debug serial (COM4) HIOKI EFF1 = P6 / P5 x 100% (output power / input power) ``` ## Installation Requires Python 3.12+, NI-VISA runtime, and [uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/). ```bash git clone --recurse-submodules https://git.b4l.co.th/B4L/mppt-testbench.git cd mppt-testbench uv sync ``` The debug console (inside `code64/`) has its own environment: ```bash cd code64 uv sync ``` ## Step-by-Step Guide ### 1. Connect and verify instruments ```bash # Check all bench instruments respond uv run bench identify # Check STM32 responds (reads params + telemetry) uv run bench stm32-read --stm32-port COM4 ``` ### 2. Configure instruments for MPPT testing ```bash uv run bench setup ``` This sets wiring mode (1P2W), DC coupling, auto-ranging, efficiency formula (EFF1 = P6/P5), and display layout on the HIOKI. ### 3. Basic measurements ```bash # Single reading from all instruments uv run bench measure # Continuous text monitoring with CSV export uv run bench monitor --interval 1.0 --output data.csv ``` ### 4. Launch the GUI ```bash uv run bench-gui ``` The GUI provides: - Real-time readouts from all three instruments - Supply voltage/current control with ON/OFF indicators - Load mode (CC/CR/CV/CP) and setpoint control - HIOKI channel range selectors + degauss buttons - Meter format selector (scientific/normal) - 2D sweep panel with time estimate - Live-updating power, efficiency, voltage, and current plots plus STM32 Vfly and vfly_correction/vfly_ofs_applied plots (selectable) — all graphs show the last 20 seconds - STM32 telemetry panel ("Link STM32", COM4 @ 460800 8-O-1): every field of the 100 Hz broadcast (V/I/P + net efficiency, temps, Vfly group, control mode, HRTIM compare registers, status flags, fault registers, param echo), with Ping and Clear Flags buttons; auto-reconnects on serial errors - Data logging: instrument rows (with the latest STM32 snapshot merged in as `stm_*` columns) to the chosen CSV, plus the full-rate 100 Hz telemetry stream to `_telem.csv` alongside. Logging is ON by default: every launch auto-starts a log at `logs/data_.csv` (relative to the working directory); use Stop Log / Start Log to switch to a custom path - Console log panel (STM32 fault flags are reported here as they latch) - Input-current guard: the sweep "I limit" field is the maximum input current allowed for the test environment (set it to whatever the PSU on the bench can source; defaults to 20 A, no hardcoded ceiling). It is programmed as the supply CC limit, and sweep steps whose estimated input draw `I_in = P_out / (0.90 * V_in)` exceeds it are rejected (skipped and reported per voltage), regardless of the requested step range; a measured backstop additionally drops any point where the supply actually exceeded the limit and backs the load off. Manual CC/CP load setpoints are checked against the same limit using live Vin/Vout readings. - Load range pinning: a mid-sweep auto-range transition on the Prodigit momentarily unloads the converter, so at sweep start the CC range is pinned to Range II for the whole run (auto-ranging restored after, with the load off). The reachable maximum of the selected range is verified empirically -- the sweep max is programmed with the load off and read back; if the readback comes back clamped, steps above it are rejected instead of silently clamped, and a sweep that fits nothing aborts up front. - Thermal sweep guard (needs the STM32 link): before every sweep step the heatsink/board temperatures are checked against the firmware trip limits (60 C / 80 C). At 57 C / 77 C the sweep pauses, holds the load at 1 A (CC; ~1 A worth of W in CP), and waits until both temps drop 5 C below the pause thresholds, then resumes at the same step -- no points are lost. If the STM32 link is down the sweep still runs, with a console warning that the guard is inactive. ### 5. Run efficiency sweeps #### Voltage sweep (1D) ```bash uv run bench sweep \ --v-start 30 --v-stop 100 --v-step 5 \ --current-limit 20 \ --load-mode CP --load-value 200 \ --settle 2.0 -o voltage_sweep.csv ``` #### Load sweep at fixed voltage (1D) ```bash uv run bench sweep-load \ --voltage 60 --current-limit 20 \ --i-start 0.5 --i-stop 15 --i-step 0.5 \ --settle 2.0 -o load_sweep.csv ``` #### 2D voltage x load sweep (efficiency map) ```bash # Constant Power mode uv run bench sweep-vi \ --v-start 60 --v-stop 100 --v-step 5 \ --l-start 50 --l-stop 500 --l-step 50 \ --load-mode CP --current-limit 20 \ --settle 2.0 -o map_cp.csv # Constant Current mode uv run bench sweep-vi \ --v-start 35 --v-stop 100 --v-step 5 \ --l-start 0.5 --l-stop 15 --l-step 0.5 \ --load-mode CC --current-limit 20 \ --settle 2.0 -o map_cc.csv ``` ### 6. Analyze sweep results ```bash # Generate efficiency overlay, heatmap, and power loss plots (no instruments needed) uv run bench plot-sweep map_cp.csv # Save plots without displaying uv run bench plot-sweep map_cp.csv --no-show -o plots/ ``` Produces three PNG files: - `*_efficiency.png` -- efficiency vs load, one line per voltage, best point marked - `*_heatmap.png` -- 2D efficiency surface (voltage x load) - `*_loss.png` -- power loss vs load, all voltages overlaid #### Efficiency vs Vin vs current from any logged CSV `bench-plot` auto-detects all three CSV formats the tooling produces -- sweep CSVs, GUI data logs (`data_*.csv`), and full-rate telemetry logs (`*_telem.csv`) -- and draws an operating-point map (x = Vin, y = current, color = efficiency) plus efficiency-vs-current curves grouped by Vin bin: ```bash uv run bench-plot # no args -> file-picker dialog uv run bench-plot data_20260703_140000.csv uv run bench-plot run1_telem.csv run2_telem.csv --vin-bin 2 --save eff.png # options: --current iout|iin, --source auto|hioki|instr|stm (data logs), # --min-pout W (default 5), --vin-bin V (default 1), --save PNG ``` Also reachable via the GUI's "Plot Eff..." button (Logging section, opens the same dialog preselecting the last log) and `plot_eff.bat` one level up (double-click for the dialog, or drag && drop CSV files onto it). For GUI data logs the efficiency source defaults to `auto`: HIOKI EFF1 if the meter was connected, else supply/load power ratio, else the board's own `stm_eff_net_pct`. Telemetry logs always use the board's net efficiency (`(P_out - P_sys) / P_in`, iout_slow). Points below `--min-pout` (default 5 W, same as the GUI display gate) are dropped. ### 7. Tune converter parameters The tuning commands combine the testbench instruments (ground truth efficiency from HIOKI) with direct STM32 parameter writes to find optimal settings. #### Read current STM32 state ```bash uv run bench stm32-read ``` #### Write a single parameter ```bash uv run bench stm32-write --param dt_10_20A --value 20 ``` #### Sweep a parameter to find the optimum Sweeps a parameter from start to stop, measuring HIOKI efficiency + STM32 telemetry at each step. Plots the result. ```bash # Optimize deadtime for the 10-20A bracket at 300W uv run bench tune-param \ --param dt_10_20A --start 14 --stop 40 --step 1 \ --voltage 60 --current-limit 20 \ --load-mode CP --load-value 300 \ --settle 3.0 -o dt_tune.csv # Tune Vfly proportional gain uv run bench tune-param \ --param vfly_kp --start -2 --stop 2 --step 0.1 \ --voltage 60 --current-limit 20 \ --load-mode CP --load-value 200 \ --settle 3.0 ``` #### Optimize the global dead-time The firmware uses a single global dead-time (`dt_normal`). `tune-deadtime` sweeps it from `--dt-start` to `--dt-stop`, optionally at several `--load-values`, and picks the highest-efficiency value. ```bash # Sweep at a single load and report the best value uv run bench tune-deadtime \ --voltage 60 --current-limit 20 --load-mode CP \ --dt-start 14 --dt-stop 50 --dt-step 1 \ -o deadtime_results.csv # Sweep across several loads, then apply the best dt_normal to the STM32 uv run bench tune-deadtime \ --voltage 60 --current-limit 20 --load-mode CP \ --load-values 100,300,500 \ --apply ``` ### 8. Shade / irradiance profile simulation Simulate cloud passing or partial shading with a CSV-driven sequence: ```bash uv run bench shade-profile \ --profile samples/cloud_pass.csv \ --settle 2.0 -o shade_results.csv ``` Profile CSV format: `time,voltage,current_limit,load_mode,load_value` ### 9. Real-time debug console (TUI) For live monitoring and parameter tuning via the Textual terminal UI: ```bash cd code64 uv run debug-console COM4 ``` Keybindings: `p` ping, `f` toggle EMA filter, `s` shutoff, `x` reset, `t` 50% duty test, `c` relay on, `d` relay off, `h` hold converter, `g` toggle precharge, `q` quit. Parameter writes are auto-retried until ACKed (the MCU's RX is EMI-lossy while switching). ### 10. Direct instrument control ```bash # Supply uv run bench supply set --voltage 48 --current 10 uv run bench supply on uv run bench supply off # Load uv run bench load set --mode CP --value 200 uv run bench load on uv run bench load off # Emergency shutdown (load first, then supply) uv run bench safe-off ``` ## CLI Reference ``` uv run bench [-h] [--supply-address ADDR] [--load-port PORT] [--load-baud BAUD] [--meter-address ADDR] [--timeout MS] [--stm32-port PORT] [--stm32-baud BAUD] {command} ``` | Command | Description | |---|---| | `identify` | Show identity and status of all instruments | | `setup` | Configure all instruments for MPPT testing | | `measure` | Single measurement from all three instruments | | `monitor` | Continuous text monitoring with optional CSV | | `live` | Real-time 4-panel matplotlib graph | | `sweep` | Voltage sweep with efficiency recording | | `sweep-load` | Load current sweep at fixed voltage | | `sweep-vi` | 2D voltage x load sweep (efficiency map) | | `efficiency` | Averaged efficiency at a fixed operating point | | `shade-profile` | Run shade/irradiance profile from CSV | | `plot-sweep` | Generate analysis plots from sweep CSV (offline) | | `stm32-read` | Read all STM32 parameters and telemetry | | `stm32-write` | Write a parameter to the STM32 | | `tune-param` | Sweep an STM32 parameter while measuring efficiency | | `tune-deadtime` | Auto-optimize deadtime for each current bracket | | `supply` | Direct IT6500D control (on/off/set) | | `load` | Direct Prodigit 3366G control (on/off/set) | | `safe-off` | Emergency shutdown (load first, then supply) | ### Global Options | Option | Default | Description | |---|---|---| | `--supply-address` | auto-detect | IT6500D VISA address | | `--load-port` | `COM11` | Prodigit 3366G serial port | | `--load-baud` | `115200` | Prodigit 3366G baud rate | | `--meter-address` | auto-detect | HIOKI 3193-10 VISA address | | `--timeout` | `5000` | VISA timeout in milliseconds | | `--stm32-port` | `COM4` | STM32 debug serial port | | `--stm32-baud` | `460800` | STM32 debug baud rate | ## Tunable STM32 Parameters Names, IDs, types and ranges mirror the firmware (`code64/debug_console/protocol.py`). | Parameter | Type | Range | Description | |---|---|---|---| | `VREF` | uint16 | 2340-3500 | ADC reference voltage | | `vfly_kp` | float | -10 to 10 | Vfly proportional gain (mode 1, duty asymmetry) | | `vfly_ki` | float | -10 to 10 | Vfly integral gain (mode 1) | | `vfly_kp_phase` | float | -10 to 10 | Vfly P gain (mode 2, master-phase offset) | | `vfly_phase_clamp` | uint16 | 0-10000 | Clamp on the master-phase offset (mode 2) | | `vfly_clamp` | uint16 | 0-10000 | Vfly integrator clamp (mode 1) | | `vfly_loop_trig` | uint16 | 1-10000 | Vfly loop counter trigger | | `vfly_active` | uint8 | 0-3 | Vfly mode: 0 off, 1 duty-asym PI, 2 phase P, 3 manual both | | `test_corr` | int16 | -3000 to 3000 | Manual duty-asymmetry correction (mode 3) | | `phase_ofs` | int16 | -3000 to 3000 | Master-phase offset: manual (mode 3), readback (mode 2) | | `cc_target` | float | 0-60000 | CC target (mA) | | `cc_gain` | float | -1 to 1 | CC proportional gain | | `cc_min_step` / `cc_max_step` | float | -1000-0 / 0-1000 | CC step clamps | | `cc_loop_trig` | uint16 | 1-10000 | CC loop counter trigger | | `cc_active` | int32 | 0-1 | CC loop enable | | `mppt_step` | float | 1-200 | MPPT P&O step size | | `mppt_duty_min` / `mppt_duty_max` | float | 0-6800 | MPPT duty search bounds (CMP ticks) | | `mppt_loop_trig` | uint16 | 1-50000 | MPPT loop counter trigger | | `mppt_active` | int32 | 0-1 | MPPT loop enable | | `cv_threshold` / `cv_hysteresis` | float | 20000-30000 / 0-5000 | CV corner (mV) | | `cc_threshold` / `cc_hysteresis` | float | 0-55000 / 0-10000 | CC/Iout limit (mA) | | `dt_normal` | uint16 | 14-200 | Single global dead-time (dt register ticks) | | `override_duty` | uint16 | 716-6442 | Manual fixed-duty base (CMP ticks, D=10..90%) | | `manual_duty_en` | uint8 | 0-1 | Enter manual fixed-duty mode | | `precharge_kp` / `precharge_ki` | float | 0-100 / 0-10 | Closed-loop precharge PI gains | | `precharge_reg_en` | uint8 | 0-1 | Enable closed-loop precharge | | `dither_en` | uint8 | 0-1 | Enable duty dithering (de-stack-band avoidance) | | `dither_band_lo` / `dither_band_hi` | uint16 | 716-6442 | Forbidden duty band edges (CMP ticks) | | `dither_anear` / `dither_afar` | uint16 | 716-6442 | Out-of-band dither anchors | | `dither_dzero` | uint16 | 716-6442 | \|e\| fold center (D=0.5) | | `adc4_trig_phase` | uint16 | 3-14313 | HRTIM master CMP3: iout_slow sample instant | | `iin_zero_sum` | uint16 | 0-32760 | IIN software zero offset (sum-of-8 counts) | ## CSV Output Format Sweep CSV files contain: | Column | Description | |---|---| | `voltage_set` | Supply voltage setpoint (V) | | `current_limit` | Supply current limit (A) | | `load_setpoint` | Load setpoint value (A for CC, W for CP) | | `supply_V/I/P` | Supply measured voltage, current, power | | `load_V/I/P` | Load measured voltage, current, power | | `input_power` | HIOKI P5 -- power into MPPT tracker (W) | | `output_power` | HIOKI P6 -- power out of MPPT tracker (W) | | `efficiency` | HIOKI EFF1 -- P6/P5 x 100 (%) | Tuning CSV files additionally contain `param_name`, `param_value`, and STM32 telemetry columns (`stm_vin`, `stm_vout`, `stm_iin`, `stm_iout`, `stm_eff`, `stm_vfly`, `stm_etemp`). GUI data-log CSVs contain the instrument columns plus the latest STM32 broadcast snapshot per row (`stm_counter` … `stm_age_s`; flag/fault registers as hex). While logging, the full-rate 100 Hz telemetry stream is additionally written to `_telem.csv` with every broadcast field (one row per fresh publish, `pc_time`/`t_mono` timestamps, computed `p_in_W`/`p_out_W`). Note: STM32-derived `power_out_W`/`efficiency` now use `iout_slow` (the PWM-synchronous ADC4 output current) instead of the fast protection-path `iout` — tuner numbers shift slightly vs. old logs. ## Project Structure ``` mppt-testbench/ +-- IT6500D/ git submodule -- DC power supply driver +-- PRODIGIT-3366G/ git submodule -- electronic load driver +-- HIOKI-3193-10/ git submodule -- power analyzer driver +-- testbench/ | +-- __init__.py exports MPPTTestbench | +-- bench.py orchestrator (sweeps, measurement, auto-range wait) | +-- cli.py unified CLI entry point | +-- gui.py tkinter GUI with live plots | +-- gui_workers.py background instrument I/O thread | +-- stm32_link.py STM32 debug protocol: 114B broadcast RX + CRC-framed TX commands (8-O-1) | +-- plot_eff.py efficiency vs Vin vs current plots from any logged CSV | +-- tuner.py automated tuning routines (param sweep, deadtime opt) +-- code64/ | +-- Core/ STM32G474 firmware (C) | +-- Drivers/ HAL drivers | +-- debug_console/ Textual TUI for live debugging | +-- pyproject.toml uv-compatible package config +-- samples/ shade profile CSV examples +-- pyproject.toml package config, entry points: bench, bench-gui, bench-plot ``` ## Dependencies - Python >= 3.12 - [PyVISA](https://pyvisa.readthedocs.io/) + [pyvisa-py](https://pyvisa.readthedocs.io/projects/pyvisa-py/) - [pyserial](https://pyserial.readthedocs.io/) - [matplotlib](https://matplotlib.org/) - [numpy](https://numpy.org/) - NI-VISA runtime (for GPIB/USB-TMC communication) - [Textual](https://textual.textualize.io/) (debug console only, in code64/)