eNewsletter

April 2009

Micro Power Announces Battery Pack with Cell Balancing
Micro Power Electronics has released its first lithium-ion battery pack with integrated cell balancing capabilities. For larger lithium-ion battery packs, cell balancing extends battery life and system runtime, as well as improves the inherent safety of the battery pack. 

The battery pack consists of 27 18650 lithium-ion cells, arranged in a nine series, three parallel configuration. The battery pack provides a nominal 33 volts and has a 7.8 amp-hour capacity.  The battery pack is used to power untethered undersea sensors that collect seismic data from the ocean floor.  This data is used by the oil and gas exploration industry.  Long runtime and assured performance in the field are critical features of this battery pack.

The cell balancing technology moves energy dynamically from cell to cell with very high efficiency, and does not waste excess energy as heat during the energy transfer process.  This ensures that a potentially weaker cell within a pack does not negatively affect the overall performance of the pack. The cell balancing occurs at every stage of battery operation; charging, discharging, quiescence and storage.  For higher voltage battery packs, advantages of cell balancing include increased duty cycles throughout the pack life (i.e. longer life), maximizing available capacity and ensuring uniform heat generation by the battery pack.

Summit Introduces Programmable 500 mA Battery Charger
Summit Microelectronics has introduced a new addition to its family of programmable battery charger integrated circuits (IC) for single-cell Li-Ion and Li-Polymer powered systems. The SMB239 is a small charger IC and solution, enabling slimmer industrial designs for portable consumer electronics. The device's battery charging parameters are fully programmable via the I2C interface and non-volatile memory, allowing easy system design, without any hardware changes. Additionally, a class-leading set of safety features are incorporated, offering the highest system reliability and protection and eliminating the need for expensive, external safety components.
 
The SMB239 comprises a highly integrated, 500 mA linear charging solution that utilizes a fully programmable algorithm for single-cell Li-Ion and Li-Polymer cells. All charging parameters, pre-charge/fast-charge/charge termination current, cell float/pre-charge voltage, battery temperature/timer safety limits, are configurable via the I²C/SMBus interface, enabling a wide variety of algorithms without hardware changes. Default (custom) configuration in non-volatile memory allows the same product to be used in different system designs and/or with different battery types and technologies, resulting in significantly lower qualification/inventory costs and sourcing risks. Host/software control capability allows in-system adjustment of the charging profile, minimizing charging time and enhancing safety.

The SMB239 is offered in a 2.1 mm by 1.3 mm CSP package and requires two small external chip capacitors for a complete battery charging system design. Unlike other linear chargers offered in packages with a limited number of pins, most of which need to be used for hardware-based programming, the SMB239's chip-scale package allows the integration of a higher number of features including critical charging protection functionality. Furthermore, the device eliminates the need for multiple external components necessary for setting charging parameters, thereby reducing system cost and size. 

The SMB239 operates with an input range from 4.35 V to 6.5 V input and safely withstands continuous input over-voltage up to 10 V (non-operating), while protecting downstream circuitry. Ensuring long battery life when not connected to a DC power source, the device's reverse leakage current is less than 2 mA.  The SMB239 is offered in a  2.1 mm by 1.3 mm, 8-ball, lead-free chip-scale (CSP) package (0.5 mm ball pitch) with an operating temperature range of -30°C to 85°C. Available now in production quantities, the SMB239 is priced at $0.81 each in quantities of 10,000 units.

Philadelphia Scientific Introduces TwinCharge Battery Charger Sequencer
Philadelphia Scientific has introduced TwinCharge, a battery charger sequencer that allows two industrial batteries to be charged sequentially from the same charger. TwinCharge enables warehouses and distribution centers to maximize battery charging capability, particularly when battery room charger slots are limited. This is often a problem, for example, when rental trucks are being used or a facility is being expanded. The new battery charger sequencer also provides significant savings for companies that may be considering the purchase of SCR or high frequency chargers, as the addition of a TwinCharge sequencer may be more cost effective than the purchase of a second SCR or high frequency charger.

When two batteries are plugged into TwinCharge’s two output cables, one battery automatically starts to charge. When the charge is completed, the first battery is safely isolated from the charger, preventing potential sparks during disconnection. The TwinCharge sequencer then automatically switches over and begins charging the second battery without operator input. The status of each battery is clearly displayed on the control panel as “connected,” “charging” or “ready.” The TwinCharge sequencer is powered from the battery that is being charged, so no additional A/C lines are required to power it.

The TwinCharge sequencer is also compliant with the Philadelphia Scientific Intelligent Battery Organizing System (iBOS) and comes ready to be connected to an iBOS system if desired. The sequencer can be connected to an existing or newly installed iBOS system so that each battery is individually monitored and will be dispatched in the order that its charge is completed.

Off peak battery charging is also enabled with the TwinCharge sequencer. Operators simply plug two discharged batteries in at the end of the day and let the batteries charge, in sequence automatically, during less expensive off peak times overnight.

Emerging Applications Charge Up Thin Battery Market
As much as ten times thinner than incumbent coin cell batteries and often constructed from flexible materials, thin battery technologies are introducing disruptive new design options for conventional energy storage applications. Coin cells will remain the dominant technology for many uses, but emerging applications will provide thin batteries enough juice to grow from a $19 million market in 2008 to a market of over $250 million in 2014.

With a diversity of technologies vying for dominance, the thin battery market is currently up for grabs. But while some battery platforms are quickly advancing, the window of opportunity is closing for others, according to the latest report from Lux Research. Titled "Thin Batteries: Novel Storage Powering Novel Devices," the report offers strategic guidance for investors and corporate tacticians who wish to gain an early edge in the market.

"The absolute numbers for the thin battery market aren't huge compared to coin cells, but the potential rate of growth spells opportunity for companies looking to buy early into the market," said Jacob Grose, an analyst at Lux Research and the report's lead author. "Investors and financiers, meanwhile, may find potential profits through late-stage funding for thin battery companies that have largely resolved their technological issues."

The report updates Lux Research's analyses of eight thin battery manufacturers and draws on nine additional interviews with application developers downstream to assemble a comprehensive perspective on thin battery technologies, companies and markets.

"By 2014, there simply won't be enough space in this market for ten thin battery companies to sustain a healthy business," said Grose. "Anyone interested in getting a seat at the table will need to identify the winners, and identify them early."

"Thin Batteries: Novel Storage Powering Novel Devices" is part of Lux Research's Alternative Power and Energy Storage Intelligence Service. Clients subscribing to this service receive continuous research on the industry, as well as market trends and forecasts, ongoing technology scouting reports and proprietary data points in the weekly Lux Research Alternative Power and Energy Storage Journal, and on-demand inquiry with Lux Research analysts.

K2 Energy Solutions Tapped by US Army to Develop New Rechargeable Lithium Battery for Military Applications
K2 Energy Solutions, a manufacturer of rechargeable battery systems for electric vehicles and energy storage applications, has been awarded a $119,000 contract by the US Army’s Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

The contract was awarded under the Army’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and calls for the development of an improved, ultra-safe BB-2590 rechargeable battery, a high-power lithium ion battery for military applications.

As one of the most advanced rechargeable batteries of its kind, the BB-2590 is designed to power a variety of rugged military devices including portable electronics, military communication systems, robotics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV). An advanced, more powerful BB-2590 will allow the Army to utilize the battery for more complex applications such as non-line-of-sight missile firing.

“This new contract allows K2 to take the Lithium Ion Phosphate battery technology we’ve already developed for commercial use and modify it in a way that is advantageous for the military,” said Jim Hodge, CTO at K2. “Not only will this new generation of battery provide the Army with a more powerful form of portable energy, but it will be at a much lower cost than hi-grade batteries currently being deployed.”

One of the nation’s leaders of rechargeable battery technology, the Henderson, Nevada-based K2 Energy Solutions has been tapped by the Army to create an updated BB-2590 battery that is three times as powerful, can be used longer, is lighter weight, is capable of a faster recharge, and costs less than the original. Such improvements will drastically reduce the number of batteries troops must carry in the field, and save weight and logistics needed to transport the battery to the field.

UPM Raflatac and Blue Spark Technologies Partner to Drive New Battery Assisted Passive RFID Research and Product Development
UPM Raflatac and Blue Spark Technologies have formed a partnership specifically targeted towards the development and launch of new and innovative products and applications in the emerging battery assisted passive (BAP) RFID market.

Both companies bring to the alliance their own deep and unique product knowledge and engineering expertise applicable to BAP RFID technology. UPM Raflatac is a developer and supplier of HF and UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and inlays and self-adhesive label materials. Blue Spark is a supplier of thin, flexible printed battery solutions suitable for use in a host of industrial and consumer applications including RFID and smart cards.

The research and development partnership was enabled with the launch of a new EPC Gen2 battery assisted passive RFID chip from Swiss-based EM Microelectronic. EM’s new EM4324 RFID chip is capable of battery assisted read ranges up to 50 meters (154 feet) and features 1024 bits of non-volatile memory. The chip includes a “low battery” alarm. Radio frequency performance and durability assurance will be provided by UPM Raflatac’s tag and inlay design capabilities, supported by the company’s worldwide production and testing facilities. Power will be supplied by a variety of Blue Spark’s thin, flexible printed battery solutions including the ultra-thin Blue Spark UT series.

Both companies view battery assisted passive RFID as the next chapter in the evolution of the RFID market. BAP effectively bridges the gap between pure passive RFID technology and high-end active and real-time location systems (RTLS), from both a price and performance standpoint. The companies will focus their efforts on developing high-volume BAP RFID-enabled products for consumer, life sciences and industrial markets.

A First Look at the mPhase Smart NanoBattery
mPhase Technologies, Inc. has released the first image of the Smart NanoBattery packaging prototype. The Smart NanoBattery is being developed as part of the US Army STTR Program. mPhase was awarded a two year Phase II development contract in September 2008 to complete the battery. 

The image showcases the packaging for the multiple cell design that will potentially provide constant power to certain devices for 20 years. An AA battery is shown to provide an accurate scale relating to the size of the Smart NanoBattery. Internally, the Smart NanoBattery has several layers, including the silicon based membrane that is the battery’s critical element. By keeping key chemicals separated until initial use, the membrane provides a shelf life of at least 20 years.

The Smart NanoBattery is both smart and programmable in that it can be programed to activate according to a predetermined schedule, sequence or external trigger. As the power drains from each cell, the NanoBattery is designed to automatically activate the next cell. This automatic progression may eliminate the need to service certain devices, such as wireless sensors, as often as is currently needed.

Battery Power 2009, October 20-21 in Denver, Colo. has announced the preliminary program. This international conference will feature more than presentations on portable, stationary and automotive battery technology, as well as battery manufacturing, materials and research & development. Topics will include new battery designs, emerging technologies, battery materials, power management, charging and testing systems, battery health, as well as the latest market trends affecting the industry.
The conference is designed for OEM design engineers, system engineers, technical and management professionals involved in battery powered products and systems, battery manufacturing, battery technology research and development and power management technology.

April

27-29 - Battcon 2009, Orlando, Fla.

29-1 - ENTELEC, Houston, Texas

Battcon 2009 International Stationary Battery Conference
April 27-29
Orlando, Fla.

The Battcon Stationary Battery Conference is a three day, noncommercial, technical event for storage battery users from the power, telecom, UPS and other industries.

This well-established event brings over 450 end-users, engineers, battery and battery test equipment manufacturers, installers, and standards and safety experts together to discuss storage battery innovations and solutions for existing systems.

Presentations by users and manufacturers address everyday battery applications, technical advances, and industry concerns. A two evening trade show featuring storage power related vendors is also part of the conference.

Jennifer Stryker, Albercorp, 3103 N. Andrews Ave. Ext., Pompano Beach, FL 33064. (954) 623-6660 ext 31206, or visit www.battcon.com.

Portable Energy
May 6
Orlando, Fla.

Portable Energy is a special 1-Day Symposium on alternative energy sources for portable devices and will explore new horizons in technology advancement and innovation toward generating advanced, cost efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative solutions for energy sources for portable devices and power systems:
• Novel battery chemistries and technologies
• Hybrid portable energy sources
• Nanomaterials and nanodevices challenge
• Biofuels and biofuel cells
• Photovoltaics and solar cells powered devices

For more information visit www.knowledgefoundation.com.

EDS
May 12- May 14
Las Vegas

EDS is the premier BtoB event that focuses on the electronics distribution supply chain and is the single most important annual conference, show and networking event for manufacturers, distributors, and manufacturers’ representatives.

At EDS 2009, May 12- May 14 at the Paris/Bally’s Hotel complex in Las Vegas, a number of new programs will increase the value of your participation in the electronic industry’s most connected conference. EDS will also feature a Solid-State Lighting Technology Conference to spotlight this emerging technology.

EDS allows companies to do business in their own style and at their own pace, with meetings occurring both in personal suites and at the traditional show floor conference units. Business gets done at EDS. 

For more information visit www.edsc.org

ECS Meeting
May 24-29
San Francisco, Calif.

Founded in 1902, ECS has become the leading society for solid-state and electrochemical science and technology. ECS has 8,000 scientists, engineers and students in over 75 countries worldwide that hold individual membership, as well as over 90 corporations and laboratories who hold corporate membership.

ECS is engaged in a broad range of solid-state and electrochemical topics broken into technical interest areas, of which the Dielectric and Semiconductor Materials, Devices, and Processing category is one of our largest and most active segments.

Opportunities in Grid-Connected Mobility
May 27-29, 2009
San Francisco, CA

Infocast’s inaugural Opportunities in Grid-Connected Mobility will help accelerate the emerging "Smart Garage" business eco-system. Investors, entrepreneurs, policy makers, car companies large and small, suppliers, utilities, analysts and demand response aggregators, will convene to map out and deploy the electric mobility industry of tomorrow. Early adopters and leaders will have strategic advantage. This event will provide unique insight into the best investment plays, and offer a robust setting for growing relationships and making deals. Building on Infocast’s line of highly regarded finance and investment summits, this will be a watershed event for anyone with a stake in grid-connected mobility.

For more information visit www.infocastinc.com

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