Home / Batteries Are Improving but Predicting Lifespan Remains a Challenge - Cadex Spectro™

Spectro™ Modular

Getting Vehicles Mission Ready

Battery failures rarely happen without warning, they happen because capacity loss goes unnoticed. Discover how Spectro™ CM-12 helps identify weak batteries before they impact operations.

Validating performance by EIS Test

Battery Check in Seconds

Spectro™ CM-12 uses patented Multi-Model EIS technology to assess battery health in approximately 30 seconds by validating Minimum Operational Reserve Energy (MORE) based on capacity. For armored vehicles, a 50% capacity threshold is commonly used, allowing batteries to remain in service until the next maintenance interval or be replaced proactively before failure.

Each Spectro™ CM-12 includes a battery matrix, with additional matrices available through the CadexCloud Matrix Library. QR codes provide instant access to battery history and model-specific matrices, making Spectro™ CM-12 an open platform for testing virtually any compatible battery.

Capacity assessment in 30 seconds

Cause of Battery Failure

Statistics reveal that 48% of starter batteries fail by capacity fade while only 12% quit by low CCA (Cold Cranking Amp). The Spectro CM-24 reads both values and also detects anomalies. 

Matrix Choices

A generic matrix checks starter batteries in consumer auto while custom matrices service large vehicles, machinery and marine vessels. The Spectro CM-24 also tests deep cycle batteries in lead acid and lithium-based chemistries.

Matrix development involves scanning same-type batteries at different performance levels. Test accuracy is based on the Matrix Integrity Level (MIL) that can advance from pass/fail classification to tri-state and numeric readout by including batteries exposed to diverse environmental conditions. 

Operation

Settings are entered through the host with tests results shown in numbers and by graphics. The system works in local mode by storing test data in the host with optional connection to CadexCloud to share test results with fleet supervisors. 

Saved data includes battery status, charge levels, internal battery resistance and temperature, as well as VIN records and work orders. Compatible printers produce print reports and labels.

Cloud Connectivity

How do Batteries Age?

The graph on the right reflects capacity fade of 175 starter batteries, tested by a German luxury car maker. Capacity loss follows the arrow while most CCA readings stay in operating range. This reveals that a CCA test alone is incomplete.

How do Batteries Age?

Capacity assessment with multi-model EIS is of special interest when testing large batteries of up to 300Ah, enabled by EIS Direct Drive. SoC test range of most batteries is down to 50%. 

Specifications

Spectro Modular

- Uses multi-model electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to read capacity, CCA and SoC.

- Uses multi-model electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to read capacity, CCA and SoC.

- Test time is 30s with a scanning frequency of 2,000Hz to 4Hz. Frequencies to 0.1Hz are available.

- Test time is 30s with a scanning frequency of 2,000Hz to 4Hz. Frequencies to 0.1Hz are available.

- Includes matrix of choice; additional matrices can be downloaded from CadexCloud.

- Includes matrix of choice; additional matrices can be downloaded from CadexCloud.

- Capacity pass/fail set to 60%. Other settings are on request. Measures internal battery resistance.

- Capacity pass/fail set to 60%. Other settings are on request. Measures internal battery resistance.

- Test ranges: 3–12V; 24V; 35–300Ahand 300µΩ. Extended range to 48V nominal is on request.

- Test ranges: 3–12V; 24V; 35–300Ahand 300µΩ. Extended range to 48V nominal is on request.

- Internal battery performs 250 tests between charges.

- Internal battery performs 250 tests between charges.

- Unit connects to a host by Bluetooth and Cloud Analytics by Wi-Fi.

- Unit connects to a host by Bluetooth and Cloud Analytics by Wi-Fi.

- 1 meter (40”) test cable connects to DB15; USB-C charges internal battery with AC adapter.

- 1 meter (40”) test cable connects to DB15; USB-C charges internal battery with AC adapter.

- D: 182mm (7.16“); W: 96mm (3.78“); H: 47mm (1.85“).430g net (0.94 lb.). Comes in transit case:

- D: 182mm (7.16“); W: 96mm (3.78“); H: 47mm (1.85“).430g net (0.94 lb.). Comes in transit case:

- Complies with CSA/UL/CE. RoHS. REACH, RED, WEEE, ISTA 3A, IP52 and FCC Type A.

- Complies with CSA/UL/CE. RoHS. REACH, RED, WEEE, ISTA 3A, IP52 and FCC Type A.