Lifetime Tester and Suns-Voc frequently asked questions
Is the Suns-Voc included in the analysis?
Yes, every cell test solution we offer includes the familiar Suns-Voc analysis. This technique was developed & commercialized by Sinton Instruments and has been included in our instruments since 1995.
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Does the module tester have a class A spectrum?
In its standard configuration the module tester is class B. There are options available to filter the light source to meet class A spectrum requirements. The Xenon flash red shifts during the decay of the pulse, therefore the tester and filtering have been optimized for a class A spectrum at 1 sun.
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Why would I want to use a class B light source?
In a production line if you are using a calibration module to normalize the measurements, the measurements are relative to the normalization of that calibration module, so a stable spectrum is sufficient for these measurements. Class B light sources require less power, have a lower cost of ownership, and are overall a more environmentally friendly and more compact solution.
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What intensities can be reached using a Sinton flash tester?
The Sinton light source decays from 1.2 to 0.2 suns and we can construct I(V) curves for any intensity in this range, however the user should be aware that the spectrum red shifts through the decay of the pulse and the spectrum has been optimized for 1 sun operation.
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What is the throughput of the instrument?
In a standard configuration the FMT-350 is capable of flashing once every two seconds. In high throughput applications it is suggested the tester be used in a three flash configuration to measure Voc, Jsc, and Vmp, with a total test time of about 6 seconds.
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Does the FMT-350 include the ability to mount my module?
No, fixtures for mounting modules are not included with the tester, and the user is responsible for mounting the module.
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What is the maximum power the tester is capable of measuring?
The standard tester is capable of measuring modules with powers of 500W, maximum short circuit current of 10A and open circuit voltage of 100V are standard, however the tester has been used to test powers as high as 800W.
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What is included with a standard module tester?
Sinton Instruments sells module test instruments as complete systems including: light source & power supply, electronic load, computer and data acquisition, and analysis software.
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Are these testers used in production?
Yes. Over a GW of modules have been tested by multiple module manufacturers and in some cases the entire production is tested by Sinton Instrument's module testers. .
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Is the Suns-Voc included in the analysis?
Yes, every cell test solution we offer includes the familiar Suns-Voc analysis developed & commercialized by Sinton Instruments and included in our instruments since 1995.
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Does the cell tester have a class A spectrum?
Xenon flashes are well suited to match the solar spectrum although they are somewhat IR rich. The Sinton light source has available in-line optical filtering options which are designed to meet the class A requirements. Ask for the options available for a particular configuration.
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What intensities can be reached using a Sinton flash tester?
The intensity can vary greatly with the size of the device, 0.2 to 1.2 suns for standard cells, 2-20 suns for large area medium concentration cells and over 1000 suns for small area high concentration devices. The Sinton tester uses a multiple flash technique rather than a flat top pulse. This allows for high peak intensities to be obtained with relative ease.
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How are multiple I(V) curves obtained for a single I(V) scan?
Due to the nature of the decay of the flash, the Sinton tester is capable of acquiring current and intensity profiles for each flash. The Sinton tester effectively scans intensity and current at constant voltage for each flash as opposed to conventional testers in which the voltage is scanned in a single flat top light pulse. This data, from the peak intensity down through lower intensities, is available from each individual flash in order to construct multiple I(V) curves from a specified sequence of flashes.
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What is the throughput of the instrument?
The tester is best suited for R&D applications, and in a standard configuration is capable of flashing once every six seconds. In higher throughput applications it is suggested the tester be used in a three flash configuration measuring Voc, Jsc, and Vmp, a total test time of about 18 seconds. For applications in which the full efficiency versus illumination is desired a denser set of data is required and this can lead to test times of a minute or more. Higher speed power supply options are available, to increase the repetition rate.
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Is the tester capable of fixturing my cell?
Yes. The standard fixture for front contact cells is fully adjustable and customizable and has been used to measure cells ranging from dual busbar 6cm cells to triple busbar 156mm cells. We are open to discussions about custom chucks, and interchangeable backside contact chucks are also available. Sinton Instruments does not typically provide micromanipulators for high concentration cells, but can refer the cell manufacturer to a vendor.
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What current is the tester capable of measuring?
Concentrator cell testers in their standard configurations are capable of measuring up to 50A, while the standard one sun cell tester is capable of measuring up to 15A. Custom options to measure higher currents are possible please contact Sinton Instruments for details.
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What is included with any of the I(V) cell testers I purchase?
Sinton Instruments sells cell test instruments as complete systems including: light source & power supply, electronic load, computer and data acquisition, and analysis software. At this time we do not sell the fixtures and electronic loads of the cell test instruments independently.
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Are there options to measure high-efficiency triple junction cells?
Yes. Sinton Instruments provides a solution for measuring triple junction cells in the HCCT-350. The HCCT-350 is capable of measuring intensities up to 1000 suns with the ability to tune the spectrum of the light incident on the cell.
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Do the chucks have temperature control?
Yes. Our standard cell testers include heating elements that will take the chuck from room temperature to 40C. There is very little temperature excursion during testing due to the very low duty cycle of the flash lamp and our temperatures are therefore very stable. Higher temperature options to increase the range of the tester are available.
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Are these testers used in production?
These testers have been used in order to provide pilot production test capabilities for multiple concentrator companies; however they have not yet been fully integrated into automated lines. Sinton Instruments is open to discussions about inline integration of our testers; please contact us if you are interested in this application.
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| • | FAQs on Lifetime Testers & Suns-Voc |
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| • | Lifetime Tester papers |
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| • | Suns-Voc papers |
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| • | Complete literature list (PDF/252k) |
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