eNewsletter

August 2009

Atmel Secures Portable Electronic Devices with Introduction of Low Power Cryptographic Battery Authentication IC with SHA-256
The AT88SA100S CrytpoAuthentication IC is the only battery authentication IC that uses a SHA-256 cryptographic engine and a 256-bit key that cannot be cracked using brute force methods. It is used to protect mobile phones, portable power tools, cameras and other microcontroller-based products from counterfeit battery packs.

Counterfeit batteries are often less expensive than those provided by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) because they often do not have appropriate protective mechanisms to prevent short circuits, abnormal heat or leakage, ignition, rupture and other malfunctions. They also are likely to lose their charge sooner and wear out more quickly than authentic battery packs. It is estimated that 75 percent of the replacement batteries sold are clones.

The AT88SA100S ensures replacement batteries meet the product manufacturer's standards by providing secure, reliable authentication that can be used to prevent product operation and/or charging with counterfeit product.

The AT88SA100S has 256-bits of SRAM for key storage, a guaranteed unique 48-bit serial number stored permanently inside the chip and 88 one-time, user-programmable fuses that can be used for the storage of battery parameters or status information. The 256-bit key is stored in the on-chip SRAM at the battery manufacturer's site and is powered by the battery pack itself. Physical attacks to retrieve the key are very difficult to effect because removing the CryptoAuthentication chip from the battery erases the SRAM memory, rendering the chip useless.

The AT88SA100S battery authentication IC is available now in production quantities in a 1.3 mm by 3 mm, green-compliant (exceeds RoHS) 3-pin SOT-23 package.

Solar Panel Integrated and Custom MPPT Battery Charge Controller
EMPO-NI has released a space optimized battery charge controllers for panel integration and a solar battery charger for standard and custom applications.

The SOL-1 Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) battery charger offers flexibility in battery powered systems. The circuit topology of the SOL-1 allows to charge in step down mode 12 V batteries out of 12 V solar panels but in step up configuration as unique feature it can also charge 24 V batteries out of standard 12 V solar panels. Voltage levels and conversion modes are detected automatically. In both operation modes EMPO-NI´s SOL-1 is performing MPPT control and hence, the efficiency of the whole solar system is optimized continuously under varying environmental conditions and the maximum achievable energy is stored in the batteries.

The SOLmini series of solar panel integrated battery chargers has been developed for the immediate integration into a standard connection box of solar panel manufacturers reaching protection classes of  IP65 and more. A simple solar panel becomes in conjunction with the SOLmini technology a complete charge controller. The robust circuit topology along with carefully selected components and devices provide extreme compactness and reliability of the battery charger & controller and simplify the whole system. The SOLmini is available for up to 40 W/12 V class and 80 W/24 V class solar panels. A 75 W/12 V version will follow in late 2009. A series of  SOLmini controllers are available already integrated into a panel.

Lithium-Ion Battery Maker EnerDel Teams With Nissan to Research Key Electric Vehicle Battery Material
Lithium-ion automotive battery producer EnerDel and the Nissan Motor Co. of Japan are teaming up to research a new generation of electrical conductive material intended to reduce cost and improve the performance of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries.

"This project is about continuing the evolution of a critical technology," said Charles Gassenheimer, CEO and Chairman of EnerDel, parent company Ener1, Inc. "Nissan is one of the leading companies driving the electric vehicle market today. Over 12 months of discussions on this effort, our management and technical teams have had a tremendous opportunity to get know one another. We are looking forward to successful realization of this project's important goals."

EnerDel recently cut the ribbon at one of the most advanced battery production lines for large format cells at its Indianapolis plant. The facility is currently the only high volume manufacturing facility for automotive lithium-ion batteries in the US.
Under the program, EnerDel and Nissan will co-fund research of a new electrolyte, a viscous liquid that serves as the essential conductive material between battery electrodes, at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) outside Chicago. EnerDel and Argonne recently cooperated on the development of the lithium titanate battery chemistry.

According to Blue Spark president and CEO Gary R. Johnson, “The development of a new integrated circuit designed to support UHF Gen2 battery assisted passive RFID, from Swiss semiconductor manufacturer EM Microelectronic, is a game changer for RFID. Systems integrators and end users have now become aware of a number of high-value applications for which passive UHF did not provide adequate read range or reliability, and active RFID was simply too expensive.”

“With battery assisted operation, the performance of UHF RFID dramatically improves, while the cost remains a small fraction of active,” Johnson said. “We are confident that the new price/performance point for battery assisted RFID will lead to numerous high-volume users. We are especially pleased to see the demand for our batteries take off as initial battery assisted passive projects move from development into production later this year.”

Blue Spark’s has closed on $1.5 million in this $5 million round which will enable them to kick off their continued growth activities while providing working capital to support their sales ramp. Blue Spark is working with institutional investors to close out the remaining $3.5 million in this round.

Balqon Corp. Releases Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Drayage Truck for Extended Range Applications
Balqon Corp., an emerging developer and manufacturer of zero emissions heavy-duty electric vehicles for Class 7 and Class 8 applications, has released lithium-ion batteries as an alternative to lead acid traction batteries for its entire product line of Class 8 yard tractors and drayage vehicles. In May 2009, Balqon received a $400,000 grant from the Port of Los Angeles to install lithium-ion powered battery packs in its yard tractor and drayage truck products. In June 2009, Balqon completed assembly of a Nautilus E30 retrofitted with lithium ion battery packs. Initial testing of this Nautilus E30 demonstrated a range of more than 150 miles on a single charge under unloaded conditions at 80 percent depth of discharge. The new lithium-ion battery packs include the company’s battery management system that allows batteries to be fast charged and self equalize during idle operation.

“A public/private partnership among the Port of Los Angeles, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Balqon that began in May 2007 to demonstrate 25 mph, 30 mile range zero emissions vehicles with a 30 ton capacity has now reached mainstream cargo transportation applications in a short two year time period,” said Balwinder Samra, president and CEO of Balqon Corp. “The speed of innovation in battery, charger and propulsion technology has accelerated with increased demand for electric vehicles during the past year,” he added.

Balqon recently signed an agreement with Autocar, LLC to collaborate on the development, marketing and sale of on-road Class 7 and Class 8 zero emissions electric trucks to be used in short haul drayage and trash hauling applications. Examples of the vehicles that may be developed in collaboration with Autocar include refuse haulers, refueling trucks and construction vehicles for use in short haul drayage applications at ports and cargo transportation in inner city applications.

Avnet Electronics Marketing and House of Batteries Sign Americas Distribution Agreement
Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas and custom battery pack assembler House of Batteries have signed an Americas distribution agreement. Avnet now offers customers in the electronics industry a full range of battery solutions from simple off-the-shelf batteries to complex custom assemblies from more than 25 manufacturers.

Avnet and House of Batteries offer all common battery chemistries and provide custom design assistance to help customers develop complete solutions to meet their needs. Batteries and battery pack assemblies conform to strict quality standards required by designers for use in medical instrumentation, test equipment, military/aerospace applications and telecommunications applications.

ReVolt Technology, Ltd & BASF Announce Joint Development Agreement for Rechargeable Zinc-Air Battery
ReVolt Technology Ltd, a technology company, which has developed a rechargeable zinc-air battery, has announced a joint-development agreement with BASF to speed the development and commercialization of ReVolt’s rechargeable zinc-air battery system. Under the agreement, BASF will use its material scientists as well as its know-how in the area of electrochemistry to further advance the technology. BASF will supply key component materials and jointly developed subsystem elements necessary for the continued development and commercialization of ReVolt’s rechargeable zinc-air batteries.

There is a strong need for safe, environmentally friendly and cheap energy storage solutions. Zinc-air batteries can be a solution to some of the challenges ahead. ReVolt, using its established technology base and know-how, will help BASF to assess today’s and future potential of this technology.

ReVolt’s zinc-air, rechargeable battery technology provides a high energy solution for consumer and industrial market applications that is environmentally safe, reusable and recyclable. Revolt’s zinc-air technology offers up to three times the energy density of lithium-ion in an inherently safe and cost-effective package representing a major leap forward and compelling value proposition for energy storage applications.

Early Registration for Battery Power 2009 Ends Thursday, August 20th
Make plans today to attend the industry-leading international conference dedicated to batteries and battery-powered systems and components.  Battery Power 2009, October 20-21 in Denver, Colo, will feature more than 35 presentations on the latest trends, technologies and advancements affecting the power industry.

If you manufacture batteries or if your products use batteries, this is a must-attend conference.

Register for the conference by August 20th and for an early bird registration of only $595. Book your hotel at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center by the August 20th and receive an additional $200 off your full conference pass (discount only redeemable at time of registration).

Click here to view the conference program.

August
16-20 - APCO, Las Vegas, Nev.

September
30-Oct 2 - Batteries 2009, Cannes Mandelieu, France

October
20-21 - Battery Power 2009, Denver, Colo.
20-21 - Thermal Management & Technology Symposium (co-located with Battery Power 2009), Denver, Colo.
29-30 - Remote Conference & Expo, San Antonio, Texas

BATTERIES 2009
September 30th – October 2nd
CANNES – Mandelieu, France

BATTERIES is the preferred meeting venue between raw materials suppliers, electronic devices suppliers, battery manufacturers, environment and recycling specialists and battery users. BATTERIES 2009 includes good blend of keynote sessions, panel discussions and case studies with different workshops. You will be able to catch in depth and targeted information on fuel cells, new products & development and power management. BATTERIES 2009 will dedicate 3 days to analysing: “How to bridge the gap between power needs and what the market offers today while still providing safe solutions.”

Come and meet your customers, your suppliers, your competitors and your partners at BATTERIES 2009.

For more information contact Richard Veyrac or visit www.batteriesevent.info.

INTERNATIONAL CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & ENTERTAINMENT 2009
October 7-9, 2009
San Diego Convention Center San Diego, Calif.

No matter what your business is - healthcare, entertainment, fleet management or financial planning - wireless can transform how you do business. International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment brings this possibility to life.

With a focus on applications, network architecture and technologies such as LBS, machine-to-machine and WiMAX (just to name a few), this international event brings a community of users, carriers, developers and manufacturers together to generate dialogue, share ideas and debate the economics of MOBILE BUSINESS.

Register now at www.CTIAShow.com!

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