Battery Solutions
Batteries are used widely in electronic design. Although sometimes considered only late in the design cycle, a battery system is often critical to correct device operation and backup. This holds true in particular for handheld devices, but also for harsh/rugged environments.
Batteries are broadly divided into primary and secondary (rechargeable). The cells in a battery can be connected in parallel, series or both. Cells in parallel are usually fitted with an electronic circuit to protect against short-circuit or uneven discharge. The available capacity of a battery depends on the rate at which it is discharged. Discharging performance of all batteries drops at low temperatures. Rechargeable batteries generally self-discharge more rapidly than disposable alkaline batteries.
The electrochemical systems of batteries are varied. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) is a common type of rechargeable battery useful for high drain current applications (NiMH can have 2-3 times the capacity of the same size NiCd). Lithium-ion (Li-ion) is another type of rechargeable, commonly used in consumer electronics (lower self-discharge and higher energy density than NiMH). Lithium polymer (LiP) batteries are development of Li-ion, giving lower cost manufacturing and improved robustness to physical damage.