Conductive Deposit Test: The CDT instrument is designed to determine the tendency of lubricating fluids to form conductive layer deposits on exposed copper motor windings, connectors, and electrical components at elevated temperatures in an Electrified Vehicle (EV) Drivetrain. A specially modified circuit board (PCB) is lowered into ~20 mL of test fluid at 150°C for ~500 hours while supplied with a 5V DC signal. The resistance, in Ohms supplied to two voltage loops on the PCB, is
measured in both the liquid and vapor phases the duration of the test. A failed test occurs
when deposits conduct across copper traces on the PCB.

With the rapid increase in EV mobility of all types (EV,
BEV, Hybrid, etc.), the need for EV fluids with special performance specifications and characteristics is critical. Initial studies found the ASTM D130 (Copper Strip Test) does not adequately predict fluid performance in electrified drivetrains and is limited to evaluation of copper metal strips only. Failures in EV motors have been shown to relate to growth of the conductive layer deposits that connect the hairpin locations of the motor winding, providing a pathway for current to flow via the deposit. Exposed copper in the motor winding is the result of either a flaw in the manufacturing process or the failure of the coating during operation.

Conductive deposits form from the chemical reaction of the lubricating fluid and copper motor windings and electrical components in very small areas at elevated temperatures. This occurs under electrified conditions both in the fluid and the vapor state causing failures. The CDT test appears to be a good discriminator between passing and failing either vapor and/or liquid phases of field passing and failing fluids.

Continued advancement of the original liquid bath version of the conductive layer deposit test has resulted in the small, non-liquid, TanEV CDT™ with minimal operational setup and teardown steps. It has (4) independent heating/data units per docking station and works with an IOS application for starting/ stopping tests and capturing data.

• 150°C for 500+ Hours with 5V DC Applied to Two Voltage Loops per PCB
• Tests Liquid & Vapor Phase Deposit Formation (~20 mL Sample Size)
• Specially Designed PCBs with Critical Spacing for Drivetrain Simulation
• 4-port Docking Station, Independently Controlled Units
• Small Benchtop Footprint (30 cm x 32 cm)
• Included in SAE J3200 for EV Drivetrain Fluids