ChargeBridge Evaluation Board

This repository contains the KiCad project files for the ChargeBridge Evaluation Board, released as open hardware.

Note

KiCad version 9.0.3 or newer is required to open this project. Download KiCad

Overview

This evaluation board is designed to facilitate testing and development with Pionix ChargeBridge modules, supporting all major charging standards. It is compatible with both EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) and EV (Electric Vehicle) ChargeBridge modules.

Use Cases

• Dual-Board Evaluation Setup: Using two evaluation boards (one with an EVSE module and one with an EV module), you can create a fully functional desktop test environment where the EV module simulates a vehicle being charged by the EVSE module.

• Standalone Charger Development: A single board can be integrated into a fully operational AC or DC charger by connecting appropriate external components such as:

  • Contactors or relays
  • Isolation monitoring devices
  • DC power supplies
  • Power meters

Mechanical Mounting

The board can be DIN rail mounted using a suitable adapter, enabling integration into control cabinets or industrial test setups.

For more details refer to the PDF datasheet.

Features

• Wide Input Voltage Range: VSUPPLY input supports 9–30 V

• Charging Cable Interface: 7-pin connector supporting all major charging standards

• Temperature Sensing:

  • 2× PT1000 sensor inputs
  • On-board PCB temperature monitoring

• Relay Control:

  • 3× relay drivers for VSUPPLY (with feedback inputs)

• Output Over Voltage Monitoring:

  • Input for DC overvoltage monitoring (supports up to 1200V)
  • Compliant with IEC 61851-23:2023, sections 6.3.1.106.2 and 6.3.1.106.3

• Communication Interfaces:

  • Ethernet and USB-C for host communication
  • UART (3.3 V TTL level)
  • CAN with onboard termination
  • RS485 with onboard termination
  • Debug UART pin header compatible with FTDI cables

• User Interface & Control:

  • RGB LED for charging status indication

  • Push buttons for:

    • Stop charging
    • Emergency stop
    • Module secure
    • Reset

  • Emergency stop I/O and stop charging input (up to VSUPPLY)

• General Purpose I/O:

  • 5× digital inputs
  • 5× digital outputs (all at VSUPPLY level)

• Power & Measurement:

  • VSUPPLY voltage monitoring
  • Integrated shunt resistor for measuring ChargeBridge current consumption