Ossila T2002 Solar Cell I-V Test System User Manual

User Manual for Ossila models including: T2002, Solar Cell I-V Test System, T2002 Solar Cell I-V Test System, I-V Test System

Chris

Download PDF

Solar Cell I-V Test System | Solar Cell Measurement | Ossila

Manual version: 2.0.L Product code: T2002 Product Version: 2.0 Software version: 1.6

SOLAR CELL I-V TEST SYSTEM - Ossila

SOLAR CELL I-V TEST SYSTEM USER MANUAL Manual version: 3.0.A Product code: T2002/T2003 Product Version: 3.0 Software version: 3.0

File Info : application/pdf, 30 Pages, 1.14MB

solar-cell-iv-test-system-manual

Manual version: 2.0.L Product code: T2002 Product Version: 2.0 Software version: 1.6

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

Contents

1. Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

2. EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)........................................................................................................... 3

3. Safety............................................................................................................................................................. 6

3.1

Use of Equipment .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

3.2

Hazard Icons .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

3.3

General Hazards ............................................................................................................................................................ 6

3.4

Power Cord Safety ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.5

Servicing ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.6

Health and Safety Servicing ....................................................................................................................................... 7

4. Requirements ............................................................................................................................................... 8

5. Unpacking ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

5.1

Packing List..................................................................................................................................................................... 8

5.2

Damage Inspection........................................................................................................................................................ 8

6. Specifications................................................................................................................................................ 9

7. System Components .................................................................................................................................. 10

8. Installation.................................................................................................................................................. 11

9. Operation.................................................................................................................................................... 11

9.1

Measurement Types.................................................................................................................................................... 11

9.2

Quick Start Guide......................................................................................................................................................... 13

9.3

Shared Software Settings............................................................................................................................................ 13

9.4

Characterisation Settings............................................................................................................................................ 16

9.5

Lifetime Settings .......................................................................................................................................................... 17

9.6

Stabilised Current Settings ......................................................................................................................................... 19

9.7

Saving and Loading Settings....................................................................................................................................... 20

9.8

Saving Results .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

9.9

Controls ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22

9.10 Plot Controls................................................................................................................................................................. 23

10. Test Device.................................................................................................................................................. 24

10.1 Taking a Measurement ............................................................................................................................................... 24

11. Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................... 26

11.1 Installation and Setup ................................................................................................................................................. 26

11.2 Error Messages and Warnings ................................................................................................................................... 27

12. Related Products ........................................................................................................................................ 28

12.1 Related Consumables ................................................................................................................................................. 28

12.2 Related Equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 28

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

1. Overview
The Ossila Solar Cell I-V Test System is a low-cost solution for reliable current-voltage characterisation of solar cells. The system is controlled by specially designed software which can perform multiple I-V measurements, determine key metrics of solar cells, and measure these properties over long periods of time.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

2. EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
We
Company Name: Ossila BV Postal Address: Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8 Postcode: 2333 BD Leiden Country: The Netherlands Telephone number: +31 (0)71 3322992 Email Address: info@ossila.com

declare that the DoC is issued under our sole responsibility and belongs to the following product:
Product: Solar Cell I-V Test System Manual (T2002A2/T2002B2/T2002E2), Solar Cell I-V Test System No Test Board (T2002D2) Serial number: T2002A2-xxxx, T2002B2-xxxx, T2002D2-xxxx, T2002E2-xxxx.

Object of declaration:
Solar Cell I-V Test System Manual (T2002A2/T2002B2/T2002E2), Solar Cell I-V Test System No Test Board (T2002D2)

The object of declaration described above is in conformity with the relevant Union harmonisation legislation:
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU

Signed:

Name: Dr James Kingsley Place: Leiden Date: 16/11/2021

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

: Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

, (-) (-) .

[Cestina]

Prohlásení o shod EU

Výrobce:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Prohlasujeme na vlastní odpovdnost, ze uvedené zaízeni je v souladu s píslusnými harmonizacními pedpisy EU

uvedenými na pedchozích stranách tohoto dokumentu.

[Dansk]

EU-overensstemme lseserklærin g

Producent:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Erklærer herved, at vi alene er ansvarlige for, at det nævnte udstyr er i overensstemmelse med den relevante EU-

harmoniseringslovgivning, der er anført på den/de foregående side(r) i dette dokument.

[Deutsch]

EU-Konformitätserklärung

Hersteller:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Wir erklären in alleiniger Verantwortung, dass das aufgeführte Gerät konform mit der relevanten EU-

Harmonisierungsgesetzgebung auf den vorangegangenen Seiten dieses Dokuments ist.

[Eesti keel]

ELi vastavusavaldus

Tootja:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Kinnitame oma ainuvastutusel, et loetletud seadmed on kooskõlas antud dokumendi eelmisel lehelküljel / eelmistel

lehekülgedel ära toodud asjaomaste ELi ühtlustamise õigusaktidega.

[]

: Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

n n

n .

[Español]

Declaración de conformidad UE

Fabricante:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Declaramos bajo nuestra única responsabilidad que el siguiente producto se ajusta a la pertinente legislación de

armonización de la UE enumerada en las páginas anteriores de este documento.

[Français]

Déclaration de conformité UE

Fabricant:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Déclarons sous notre seule responsabilité que le matériel mentionné est conforme à la législation en vigueur de l'UE

présentée sur la/les page(s) précédente(s) de ce document.

[Hrvatski]

E.U izjava o sukladnosti

Proizvoac:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Izjavljujemo na vlastitu odgovornost da je navedena oprema sukladna s mjerodavnim zakonodavstvom EU-a o usklaivanju

koje je navedeno na prethodnoj(nim) stranici(ama) ovoga dokumenta.

[Italiano]

Dichiarazione di conformità UE

Produttore:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Si dichiara sotto la propria personale responsabilità che l'apparecchiatura in elenco è conforme alla normativa di

armonizzazione UE rilevante indicata nelle pagine precedenti del presente documento.

[Latviesu]

ES atbils tbas deklarcija

Razotjs:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Ar pilnu atbilclbu paziojam, ka uzskaittais aprkojums atbilst attiecgajiem ES saskaosanas tiesbu aktiem, kas minti

ieprieksjs s dokumenta laps.

[Lietuvi k.]

ES atitikties deklaracija

Gamintojas:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL,

atsakingai pareiskia, kad isvardinta ranga atitinka aktualius ES harmonizavimo teiss aktus, nurodytus ankstesniuose sio

dokumento

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

[Magyar]

EU-s megfelelségi nyilatkozat

Gyártó:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Kizárólagos felelösségünk mellett kijelentjük, hogy a felsorolt eszköz megfelel az ezen dokumentum elz oldalán/oldalain

található EU-s összehangolt jogszabályok vonatkozó rendelkezéseinek.

[Nederlands]

EU-Conformiteitsverklaring

Fabrikant:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Verklaart onder onze uitsluitende verantwoordelijkheid dat de vermelde apparatuur in overeenstemming is met de

relevante harmonisatiewetgeving van de EU op de vorige pagina('s) van dit document.

[Norsk]

EU-samsvarserklæ ring

Produsent:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Erklærer under vårt eneansvar at utstyret oppført er i overholdelse med relevant EU-harmoniseringslavverk som står på

de(n) forrige siden(e) i dette dokumentet.

[Polski]

Deklaracja zgodnoci Unii Europejskiej

Producent:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Owiadczamy na wlasn odpowiedzialno, e podane urzdzenie jest zgodne ze stosownymi

harmonizacyjnymi Unii Europejskiej, które przedstawiono na poprzednich stronach niniejszego dokumentu.

przepisami

[Por tuguês]

Declaração de Conformidade UE

Fabricante:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Declara sob sua exclusiva responsabilidade que o equipamento indicado está em conformidade com a legislação de

harmonização relevante da UE mencionada na(s) página(s) anterior(es) deste documento.

[Român]

Declaraie de conformitate UE

Productor:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Declar pe proprie rspundere c echipamentul prezentat este în conformitate cu prevederile legislaiei UE de armonizare

aplicabile prezentate la pagina/paginile anterioare a/ale acestui document.

[Slovensky]

Vyhlásenie o zhode pre EÚ

Výrobca:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Na vlastnú zodpovednos prehlasuje, ze uvedené zariadenie je v súlade s príslusnými právnymi predpismi EÚ o

harmonizácii uvedenými na predchádzajúcich stranách tohto dokumentu.

[Slovenscina]

Izjava EU o skladnosti

Proizvajalec:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

s polno odgovornostjo izjavlja, da je navedena oprema skladna z veljavno uskladitveno zakonodajo EU, navedeno na

prejsnji strani/prejsnjih straneh tega dokumenta.

[Suomi]

EU-vaatimustenm ukaisuusvakuutus

Valmistaja:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Vakuutamme täten olevamme yksin vastuussa siitä, että tässä asiakirjassa luetellut laitteet ovat tämän asiakirjan sivuilla

edellisillä sivuilla kuvattujen olennaisten yhdenmukaistamista koskevien EU-säädösten vaatimusten mukaisia.

[Svenska]

EU-försäkran om överensstämmelse

Tillverkare:

Ossila BV, Biopartner 3 building, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, NL.

Vi intygar härmed att den utrustning som förtecknas överensstämmer med relevanta förordningar gällande EU-

harmonisering som fmns på föregående sidor i detta dokument.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)
3. Safety

User Manual

· Do NOT connect external voltage sources to either SMU channel. · The absolute maximum input voltage for the Vsense channels is ±12 V. Do NOT apply
input while not powered.

3.1 Use of Equipment
The Ossila Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual) is designed to be used as instructed. It is intended for use under the following conditions:
· Indoors in a laboratory environment (Pollution Degree 2).
· Altitudes up to 2000m.
· Temperatures of 5°C to 40°C; maximum relative humidity of 80% up to 31°C.
The unit is supplied with a 24 VDC power adapter with a power cord for the country of purchase, in accordance with European Commission regulations and British Standards. Use of any other electrical power cables, adaptors, or transformers is not recommended

3.2 Hazard Icons
The following symbols can be found at points throughout the rest of the manual. Note and read each warning before attempting any associated operations associated with it:

Table 3.1. Hazard warning labels used in this manual.

Symbol

Associated Hazard

Electrical shock

3.3 General Hazards
Before installing or operating the Ossila Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual) there are several health and safety precautions which must be followed and executed to ensure safe installation and operation.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

3.4 Power Cord Safety
Emergency power disconnect options: use the power cord as a disconnecting method and remove from wall. To facilitate disconnect, make sure the power outlet for this cord is readily accessible to the operator.

3.5 Servicing
If servicing is required, please return the unit to Ossila Ltd. The warranty will be invalidated if:
· Modification or service has taken place by anyone other than an Ossila engineer. · The Unit has been subjected to chemical damage through improper use. · The Unit has been operated outside the usage parameters stated in the user
documentation associated with the Unit. · The Unit has been rendered inoperable through accident, misuse, contamination,
improper maintenance, modification, or other external causes.

3.6 Health and Safety Servicing
Servicing should only be performed by an Ossila engineer. Any modification or alteration may damage the equipment, cause injury, or death. It will also void your equipment's warranty.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

4. Requirements
Table 4.1 details the power requirements for the Solar Cell I-V Test System, and the minimum computer specifications for the Ossila Solar Cell I-V software.

Table 4.1. Solar Cell I-V Test System requirements.

Power Operating System CPU RAM Available Hard Drive Space Monitor Resolution Connectivity

24 VDC Windows 10 or 11 (32-bit or 64-bit) Dual Core 2 GHz 2 GB 192 MB 1680 x 1050 USB 2.0 Ethernet (requires DHCP)

5. Unpacking
5.1 Packing List
The standard items included with the Ossila Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual) are:
· Ossila Solar Cell I-V Test System and Test Board. · 24 VDC power adapter. · USB-B cable. · USB memory stick pre-loaded with the user manual, USB drivers, quality control data, and
software installer. · Resistor test device.
5.2 Damage Inspection
Examine the components for evidence of shipping damage. If damage has occurred, please contact Ossila directly for further action. The shipping packaging will come with a shock indicator to show if there has been any mishandling of the package during transportation.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

6. Specifications
The Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual) specifications are shown in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1. Ossila Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual) specifications.

Voltage range Voltage accuracy Voltage resolution Current range Current accuracy Current resolution Substrate Size
Substrate Compatibility T2003A Substrate Compatibility T2003B Substrate Compatibility T2003C Substrate Compatibility T2003E Overall Dimensions

±10 mV to ±10 V ±10 mV offset 170 V ±10 nA to ±200 mA (5 ranges) ±10 nA (at 20 A range) 0.1 nA (at 20 A range) 20 mm x 15 mm 25 mm x 25 mm S101
S211
S171
S2006
Source Measure Unit: Width: 125 mm; Height: 55 mm; Depth: 185 mm Test Board: Width: 105 mm; Height: 40 mm; Depth: 125 mm

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

7. System Components
The Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual) is comprised of 3 items: the Source Measure Unit (Figure 7.1), Push-Fit Test Board (Figure 7.2), and the Ossila I-V Curve software (Figure 7.3).

Figure 7.1. Source Measure Unit.

Figure 7.2. Push-Fit Test Board.

Ossila.com

Figure 7.3. Solar Cell I-V Test System software.

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

8. Installation
1. Install the Ossila Solar Cell I-V software on your PC. I. Run the file `Ossila-Solar-Cell-IV-Installer-vX-X-X-X.exe' on the USB memory stick provided. II. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
2. Connect the 24 VDC power adaptor to the power socket on the rear of the unit. 3. Connect the unit to your PC using the provided USB-B cable, or an Ethernet cable if
preferred.
Note: The Ossila Solar Cell I-V software can also be downloaded from ossila.com/pages/software-drivers

9. Operation
9.1 Measurement Types
The Solar Cell I-V software can perform 3 different types of measurements. Each measurement type can be selected using the tabs at the top of the window. The available measurements are:
1. Characterisation (Section 9.1.1). 2. Lifetime (Section 9.1.2). 3. Stabilised Current (Section 9.1.3).
Each measurement type requires several settings to be selected before it can be performed. Settings that are shared between all measurements are detailed in Section 9.3. Measurementspecific settings are detailed in Sections 9.4, 9.5, and 9.6.
9.1.1 Characterisation
The Characterisation tab performs current-voltage (I-V) measurement and analysis of solar cells. The analysis calculates the following properties:
· Power conversion efficiency (PCE) · Fill factor (FF) · Short-circuit current density (Jsc) · Open-circuit voltage (Voc) · Shunt resistance (Rsh) · Series resistance (Rs) · Maximum power (Pmax)

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

Figure 9.1. Solar Cell I-V software: The Characterisation tab.
9.1.2 Lifetime
The Lifetime tab tracks PCE, FF, Jsc, and Voc over time by performing periodic I-V measurements and analysis. Between I-V measurements, the solar cell can be held at short-circuit, open-circuit, or maximum power.

Figure 9.2. Ossila Solar Cell I-V software: The Lifetime tab.
9.1.3 Stabilised Current
The Stabilised Current tab lets you measure the evolution of the photogenerated current at specific voltages.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

Figure 9.3. Ossila Solar Cell I-V software: The Stabilised Current tab.
9.2 Quick Start Guide
1. Start the Ossila Solar Cell I-V software. The window shown in Figure 9.1will open. 2. Choose a measurement type as described in Section 9.1. 3. Place your sample in the device holder. 4. Place the device holder beneath your solar simulator. 5. Set the appropriate settings in the software (explained in more detail in Sections 9.4 - 9.8).
I. Set `Pixel Switching' to `Manual'. 6. Open the shutter of your solar simulator. 7. Click the `Measure' button.
I. You will be prompted to switch to the first pixel to measure. II. For each pixel, measurements are performed using the chosen measurement
settings. III. This process is repeated until all pixels have been measured. 8. If automatic saving is turned on, the measurement data and settings will then be saved.
9.3 Shared Software Settings
The settings in these sections are shared between all measurement types.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)
9.3.1 System Settings

User Manual

Figure 9.4. System settings.
(I) System Address
· Select the COM port or IP address of the connected unit you intend to use (USB and Ethernet connection respectively). I. This box will be populated automatically with the addresses of any units connected to the computer.
(II) Voltage Source
· Select which SMU channel of the Source Measure Unit the test board is connected to.
(III) Range
· Select the range of currents to be used for the measurement. I. This defines the upper limit and accuracy of current measurements that can be performed by the unit. The values for each range are given in Table 9.1. II. The maximum current values for each range are shown in the range selection box.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

Table 9.1. Maximum current and accuracy for the different range settings for the Ossila Solar Cell I-V Test System.

Maximum Current

Accuracy

Precision

Resolution

±200 mA

±500 A

10 A

1 A

±20 mA

±10 A

1 A

100 nA

±2000 A

±1 µA

100 nA

10 nA

±200 A

±100 nA

10 nA

1 nA

±20 A

±10 nA

1 nA

100 pA

(IV) Sampling Rate
· Select the number of samples to be taken for each data point. I. A higher number of samples per point will improve the accuracy and precision of the measurement. However, this will increase the time taken for the measurement to be performed.
9.3.2 Device Details

Figure 9.5. Device Details settings.
(I) Pixel Switching
· Select `Manual' in the pixel switching setting.
(II) Number of Pixels
· Set the number of individual solar cell pixels in the device being measured.
(III) Pixel Area
· Set the are in cm2 of each pixel in the device.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

(IV) Inverted Device
· Set whether the device to be measured is inverted. I. This option should be on if the anode of your device connects to the `cathode' pins in the device holder.

9.4 Characterisation Settings

9.4.1 Measurement Settings

Figure 9.6. Measurement Settings for the characterisation and lifetime measurements.
(I) Start Voltage
· Set the voltage in volts at which to start the current-voltage measurement. I. This can be set between -10 V and +10 V.
(II) End Voltage
· Set the voltage in volts at which to end the current-voltage measurement. I. This can be set between -10 V and +10 V.
(III) Voltage Increment
· Set the step size in volts for changing the voltage during current-voltage measurement.
(IV) Voltage Settle Time
· Set the time in seconds between applying a voltage and measuring the current. I. This has a maximum of 10 seconds.
(V) Illumination
· Set the illumination intensity (in mW.cm-2) being used during the measurement.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

(VI) Hysteresis I-V
· This option performs a reverse current-voltage measurement after the forward currentvoltage measurement has completed. I. This reverses the set start and end voltages and uses the same voltage increment and settle time as the forward measurement.

9.5 Lifetime Settings

9.5.1 Measurement Settings

Figure 9.7. Measurement Settings for the characterisation and lifetime measurements.
(I) Start Voltage
· Set the voltage in volts at which to start the current-voltage measurement. I. This can be set between -10 V and +10 V.
(II) End Voltage
· Set the voltage in volts at which to end the current-voltage measurement. I. This can be set between -10 V and +10 V.
(III) Voltage Increment
· Set the step size in volts for changing the voltage during current-voltage measurement.
(IV) Voltage Settle Time
· Set the time in seconds between applying a voltage and measuring the current. I. This has a maximum of 10 seconds.
(V) Illumination
· Set the illumination intensity (in mW.cm-2) being used during the measurement.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

(VI) Hysteresis I-V
· Set whether to perform a reverse current-voltage measurement after the forward currentvoltage measurement has completed. I. This reverses the set `start' and `end' voltages and uses the same voltage increment and settle time as the forward measurement.

9.5.2 Lifetime Parameters

Figure 9.8. Lifetime Parameters settings.
(I) Duration
· Set the total duration in hours of the lifetime measurement.
(II) Interval
· Set the time interval in minutes between performing repeat current-voltage measurements of the device.
(III) Hold Voltage
· Set the voltage that all pixels will be held at between measurements. · This can be set as:
I. Short-Circuit hold at 0 V. II. Maximum Power hold at the average maximum power point determined from
most recent current-voltage curve. III. Open-Circuit hold at the average open-circuit voltage determined from the most
recent current-voltage curve.
Note: As the voltage source is a single channel, the hold voltage will be the same for all pixels being tested.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)
9.6 Stabilised Current Settings
9.6.1 Measurement Settings

User Manual

Figure 9.9. Experimental Parameters settings for the Stabilised Current Output.
(I) Voltage
· Set the voltage to apply to the sample for the measurement. I. This can be set between -10 V and +10 V.
(II) Total Time
· Set the total length of the measurement in minutes.
(III) Measurement Interval
· Set the time between each current measurement in seconds.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)
9.7 Saving and Loading Settings

User Manual

Figure 9.10. Controls for saving and loading settings profiles.
(I) Save Settings
· Saves the current settings as a profile that can be loaded quickly for use at another time. · When clicked, you will be prompted to name the settings profile.
I. If the name is already in use, you will be asked if you wish to overwrite the previous profile.
II. The name cannot contain the characters: \ / : * ? " < > | · The settings profile will be added to the drop-down box using the given name.
(II) Settings Profiles
· Select a saved settings profile from the drop-down box. I. The settings fields will be populated with the saved values.
· Settings profiles can be deleted by selecting the profile, and then clicking the red `delete' button next to the drop-down box.
9.8 Saving Results

Figure 9.11. Saving measurement data settings.
(I) Save After Measurement
· Set whether the measurement data will be saved after the measurement has completed.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

Warning: Automatic saving can be turned off for lifetime measurements. However, manual saving is unavailable for lifetime measurements, so you will not be able to save your data if it
is turned off.
· The program allows for data to be saved automatically and manually once the measurement is complete. I. For automatic saving, the `Saving' fields must be filled in before the measurement can start, these are detailed below.
· For all measurements, a save directory must be specified. This can be done either by: I. Manually typing the directory into the `Save Directory' field, II. Copy and pasting from your file explorer,
III. Clicking the file icon button, which will open a dialog box to allow the selection of a folder to save to.
· All output files are comma separated variable (.csv) files.
(II) Save Directory
· Set the directory in which to create the data files. · This can be filled in by:
I. Manually typing the directory into the `Save Directory' field, II. Copy and pasting from your file explorer, III. Clicking the `Select Directory' button, which will open a dialog box to allow the
selection of a folder to save to.
(III) Device Label
· Set the name of the device being tested. · This is used to label the files for I-V data and measurement settings. · This field cannot contain the following characters:
I. \ / : * ? " < > |
(IV) Save Data Format
· All data is saved as .csv (comma separated value) files. · The figures below show the files that are created when saving data for each of the
measurements.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

Figure 9.12. Characterisation save data format.

Figure 9.13. Stabilised Current Output save data format.
Figure 9.14. Solar Lifetime Measurement save data.
9.9 Controls

Figure 9.15. Controls for the measurements.
(I) Measure
· Clicking this button will start the measurement using the chosen settings. · This button cannot be clicked if the software has not detected the test system.
(II) Abort
· Stops a measurement that is currently in progress.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

9.10 Plot Controls

(I) Position Readout
Whilst the mouse cursor is over the plot in the Characterisation and Stabilised Current tabs, the x and y position of its location are displayed in the bottom-right of the plot, as shown in Figure 9.16.

Figure 9.16. Readout of the voltage and current density at the mouse cursor location in the Characterisation tab.
(II) Plot Display Controls
By default, the axes of the plot will automatically scale to display all the data within it. The view can be controlled manually using the following mouse controls:
· Left/Middle click and drag pan the axes. · Right click and drag scale the axes (left-right for x-axis, up-down for y-axis). · Scroll wheel scale the axes centred on the cursor location.
A specific axis can be controlled by using these controls on the axis labels. The axes can be reset by clicking the `A' button in the bottom-left of the plot, as shown in Figure 9.17.

Figure 9.17. Button to reset the plot axes.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

10. Test Device
The system is shipped with a test device with 100 k resistors that can be used to check the calibration of the system. They are arranged in the geometry of the substrate pixels, and the appearance of the test device will depend on the substrate system being used (Figure 10.1).

Figure 10.1. Test device configurations.
10.1 Taking a Measurement
1. Plug in and switch on the system. 2. Allow at least 30 minutes for the system to warm up. 3. Place the test device in the device holder with the resistors or photodiodes facing upwards. 4. Start the Solar Cell I-V software and enter the settings in Figure 10.2.
I. These settings can be used with any current range except for the 20 A range. For this range the start and end voltages must be lowered to -2 V and 2 V respectively.
II. The `Pixels to Measure' checkboxes should match the device configuration you have.

Figure 10.2. Measurement settings for the resistor test device.
5. Click the `Measure' button. 6. The system should measure straight line resistor responses from -100 A.cm-2 to 100
A.cm-2 (or -20 A.cm-2 to 20 A.cm-2 for the 20 A current range) as shown in Figure 10.3Figure 10.3. 7. To check the calibration of the system, use the I-V data to calculate the measured resistance at -10 and 10 V (-2 and 2 V for the 20 A current range).

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

I. Resistance can be calculated using: R = V / I II. For the 200 mA current range the calculated resistance should be between 98 and
102 k (within 2% of the resistor value). III. For all other ranges the calculated resistance should be between 99 and 101 k
(within 1% of the resistor value).

Figure 10.3. Example measurement of resistor test device using the 200 A current range.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

11. Troubleshooting
Most of the issues that may arise will be detailed here. However, if you encounter any issues that aren't in this list, please contact us by email at info@ossila.com, and we will respond as soon as possible.

11.1 Installation and Setup

Problem No power
Software does not start
Cannot connect to the system via USB
Cannot connect to the system via network

Possible Cause

Action

The power supply may not be connected properly.

Ensure the system is firmly plugged into the power supply, and that the plug is connected to both the adaptor and a working power socket.

The power supply adaptor has a fault.

Contact Ossila for a replacement power supply adaptor.

The wrong version of Windows is Install the software on a computer

installed on the computer.

with Windows Vista or newer.

The software has not installed properly.

Try reinstalling the software.

The USB cable may not be connected properly.

Ensure the USB cable is firmly plugged in at both ends.

The USB cable may not be

Try connecting the unit to a different

connected to a working USB port. USB port on the computer.

The USB cable is defective.

Try using a different USB-B cable, and contact Ossila if necessary.

The MAC address of the unit is not registered with the internal network.

The Ethernet cable may not be connected properly.

Ensure the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged in at both ends.

The Ethernet cable is defective.

Try using a different Ethernet cable.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)

User Manual

11.2 Error Messages and Warnings

Message Current compliance reached Error communicating with system Voltage increment cannot be zero Start and end voltage cannot be equal No save directory or device label entered Settings profile not found
Error loading settings
Error deleting profile
No data to save Error saving data
Error saving settings
Error creating data directories
Error creating data files

Description The measured current is greater than the set current limit. The software is unable to connect to the system.
The voltage increment is set to 0 V.
The start and end voltages of are set to the same voltage.
The save directory and/or the device label fields are empty.
The given settings profile does not exist or is open in other software. There is a problem with the settings profile preventing it from being loaded. The given settings profile does not exist, the software does not have the necessary permissions to delete it, or it is open in other software. There is no measurement data in memory to save to file. The software does not have the necessary permissions to access the given file path, or the file is already open in other software. The software does not have the necessary permissions to access the given file path, or the file is already open in other software. The software could not create the directories for save data files. The software could not create the files for saving measurement data.

Ossila.com

Solar Cell I-V Test System (Manual)
12. Related Products
12.1 Related Consumables
ITO Coated Substrates
Our range of ITO substrates for OPV, OLED, and sensing applications.
Product codes: S111 / S101 / S211 / S281 / S171
FTO Coated Substrates
Designed to be used as transparent electrodes for thin-film photovoltaics.
Product codes: S301 / S302 / S303 / S304
12.2 Related Equipment
Spin Coater
Product high-quality coatings without any substrate warping. Perfect for busy labs with limited space.
Product code: L2001A3
UV Ozone Cleaner
For removing contamination on the surface of samples, providing you with ultraclean surfaces within minutes.
Product code: L2002A2

User Manual
Flat Tip Tweezers
Provides a good substrate grip without scratching.
Product code: C121
Substrate Cleaning Rack
Holds 20 substrates for a variety of processing techniques.
Product code: E101
Syringe Pump
High-precision, programmable single and dual syringe pumps for automatic dispensing of solutions.
Product codes: L2003S1 / L2003D1
Source Measure Unit
Source voltage, measure current, get data. Simplify and accelerate your data collection!
Product code: P2005A2

Ossila.com

References

Low Price Lab Equipment & Materials | Ossila

Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365