Stacked Second Level Overvoltage Protectors by Texas Instruments
In recent years there has been an increase in the use of multicell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries in various applications such as power tools, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and hybrid electric vehicles. In these applications, system safety is a primary concern. A second-level over voltage (OV) protector is a device used to improve the system’s overall safety. They are connected across each cell in addition to the primary protector to check if the battery voltage goes above a prescribed threshold. If an over voltage condition occurs, and the primary protector fails to protect the system, the second-level protector usually blows a fuse or turns on a protection FET to prevent a hazardous condition. The key performance metrics for second-level protectors are total solution cost, power consumption and the maximum voltage that the IC can withstand. Click here to read the full article.

Saft’s New Smart VHT Ni-MH Modules Specifically Designed for Small, Off-Grid Renewable Energy Systems
Saft, a specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech industrial batteries, now offers a range of Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable battery modules specifically designed to meet the needs of off-grid photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy systems. The Smart VHT Module range offers better performance, lower total cost-of-ownership (TCO), improved integration and a better environmental profile than traditional batteries.

Stand-alone renewable energy sources are increasingly popular in applications ranging from street lighting and signage, water supply and irrigation, weather stations and environmental sensors, wireless local area networks and navigation aids. These applications benefit from reliable, maintenance-free, long-life energy storage.

However, renewable energy storage in highly distributed, often remote locations, in uncontrolled environments is characterized by a high number of shallow cycles, with erratic charge current and time, and often under extremes of temperature. Today’s lead-acid storage batteries do not cope well in these conditions, and suffer from limited life, poor reliability and even sudden death,  leading to high maintenance and replacement costs.

Despite its higher initial cost, the Ni-MH chemistry of the Smart VHT Module range has been shown to reduce total cost of ownership by 45 percent, or more, when operating over a 15-year period in such applications. This is due to its longer life (typically three to five times), better failure resistance and wider temperature tolerance than lead-acid technology.

The design and production of the VHT range have been optimized to minimize water and energy consumption, reduce the production of greenhouse gases and toxic waste, diminish negative effects on global warming and the ozone layer and curb the unnecessary depletion of natural resources.

The Smart VHT Module enables direct integration of smart electronics, such as seamless charge/discharge management, battery condition logging and accurate state of health indicator, removing the need for separate PV controllers.

Smart VHT Modules are available in 12 V, 24 V and 36 V versions in 10 Ah capacity increments (up to 80 Ah). These modules can also be housed in a ruggedized aluminum casing providing added protection from the elements. They are directly interchangeable with traditional Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) battery modules.

Tadiran Introduces Cost-Effective, High Energy TLM Military Grade Lithium Batteries
Tadiran, a provider  in lithium battery technology, has introduced TLM Military Grade Batteries, a family of rugged, high energy lithium metal oxide batteries developed specifically for military and aerospace applications.

TLM Military Grade cylindrical batteries feature an open circuit voltage of 4 V, with a discharge capacity of 500 mAh (20 mA at 2.8V RT), capable of handling 5 A continuous pulses and 15 A maximum high current pulses. These batteries are constructed with a carbon-based anode, multi metal oxide cathode, organic electrolyte, and shut-down separator for enhanced safety. TLM Military Grade batteries also feature low self-discharge and a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. These batteries comply with MIL-STD 810G specs for vibration, shock, temperature shock, salt fog, altitude, acceleration (50,000 gn) and spinning (30,000 rpm) and conform to UN 1642 and IEC 60086 standards for crush, impact, nail penetration, heat, over-charge and short circuit, and can be shipped as non-hazardous goods.

TLM Military Grade batteries meet the demanding requirements of single use applications such as avionics, navigation systems, ordinance fuses, missile systems, telemetry, electronic warfare systems, GPS tracking and emergency/safety devices, shipboard and oceanographic devices. These batteries come in a variety of cylindrical configurations and can easily be assembled into custom battery packs to meet virtually any requirement.

Low Cost Intelligent Battery Charger for Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
Aimed at developers of equipment with sealed lead acid (SLA) battery back-up, such as security, fire/safety and telecom/ datacom equipment, Silver Telecom has launched the first environmentally friendly SLA battery charger module capable of maximizing battery life and providing the user with a battery status output.

The challenge for equipment developers using SLA batteries has been providing the three state charging necessary to achieve maximum battery life.  Three state charging requires providing constant-current bulk charge, constant voltage bulk charge and constant voltage trickle charge to the battery, depending on its charge state.  Additional difficulties arise when battery temperature is taken into account as this can alter the charging voltages applied to the battery.

The Ag102 module has the ability to detect battery condition and temperature and automatically provide the correct voltage levels and type of charge.  This maximizes battery life, and provides the most efficient way of charging, with the added benefits of relaying battery status back to the user.
 
Packaged in a small footprint SIL module, Ag102 is a low cost solution that can also convey significant design time savings, as well as savings in PCB real estate. Designed and manufactured in the UK, and fully RoHS and WEEE compliant, the Ag102 supplements Silver Telecom's extensive range of power, datacom and telecom products. 

Summit Expands Family of Tiny, Programmable Switch-Mode Battery Chargers Featuring Fast and Efficient Green Technology
Summit Microelectronics has expanded its third-generation programmable battery charger integrated circuit (IC) family with the introduction of the SMB329. Based on the highly-integrated SMB339 family, the SMB329 integrates additional features, such as “instant-on”, even with a dead battery, and real-time charge current monitoring. Like its predecessors, the SMB329’s parameters are programmable in non-volatile memory for power-up configuration, and in volatile memory for in-system adjustments via the I2C host interface. In addition, high-efficiency switch-mode operation and TurboCharge mode allow for thirty to fifty percent shorter charging times, while reducing thermal dissipation and wasted power by 80 percent. The SMB329 supports all relevant interface (USB2.0, USB OTG, USB charging, etc.) and safety (IEEE1725, JICS8714, etc.) standards, resulting in reduced development time and cost associated with system compliancy efforts. Additionally, the SMB329 supports the industry’s environmental and Green efforts by enabling universal USB charging, eliminating electronic waste while dramatically reducing energy usage.
 
The SMB329 is based on a 3 MHz, switch-mode architecture, with minimal external components, which allows for very efficient power delivery and extremely compact solution size. High-efficiency operation enables fast charging due to higher output/charge currents, while reduced thermal dissipation improves user comfort and system reliability. Furthermore, Summit’s proprietary TurboCharge patent-pending technology enables high charge current, even from relatively low-power sources. As consumer devices continue to employ larger batteries, the SMB329 reduces charge time for consumer convenience. The SMB329 operates with an input range from 3.5 V to 6.2 V input and safely withstands continuous input over-voltage up to 18 V (non-operating), while protecting downstream circuitry. The SMB329 is offered in a 2.3 mm by 2.0 mm, 20-ball, lead-free chip-scale (CSP) and in a 4x4 QFN-24 package with an operating temperature range of –30°C to 85°C. Available now in production quantities, the SMB329 is priced at $1.15 each in quantities of 10,000 units.

The May/June issue of Battery Power Products & Technology magazine includes the latest new products entering the market, industry news as well as feature articles including:

• Fuel Cell / Battery Combination Provides Sustainable, Green Solution for Extended Runtime in Telecom Applications
• Assuming Responsibility for E-Waste Through Recycling: Emerging Issues with Product Stewardship Initiatives 
• IEEE 1625 Battery Standard: Recent Changes to Improve Safety
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Stimulus Act: What’s in Store for the Battery Industry?
• One Company’s Journey to Go Green
• Green Technologies & Initiatives