User's Manual

Table Of Contents
July 23, 2002 4-25
CreataLink2 XT Hardware Integrator’s Guide Hardware Integration
Battery Selection Criteria
Battery Selection Criteria
This chapter provides an overview of the current state of available battery
technologies, and some considerations for applying battery technology to a packet
data product. Use batteries only if line power is unavailable.
Select a battery, based on the following factors:
•Cell size
Internal impedance
Charging requirements
Susceptibility to common battery phenomena, such as memory effect or
overcharging
Available Technologies
The four prevailing battery technologies are:
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)
Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH)
Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
•Lead-Acid
Nickel-Cadmium
NiCd characteristics are as follows:
Most mature technology
Lower energy density (energy/volume) than NiMH or Li-ion
Available in all cell sizes, including AA, 2/3A, 4/5A, A, 4/3A. This represents
the largest number of packaging options.
Exhibits a memory effect when not discharged below the lower extent of its
operating voltage. The memory effect reduces the usable capacity of each
battery cell.
Internal impedance of 25-30 m for each 1.2V cell
Cell voltages are 1.2V, with multiple cells used to obtain higher operating
voltages.
Can withstand high current pulses that are characteristic of packet data
applications
Typical charge method is -V (known as negative delta voltage). Negative delta
voltage means charging the battery while waiting for the battery voltage to
peak and enter a slight overcharge condition, where the voltage actually begins
to decrease prior to terminating battery charging. NiCd is the most robust
battery technology available today for non-vehicular applications. NiCd
withstands overcharging, over-discharging, and harsh environments with
reasonable resilience.
Raw battery cells or battery packs can be purchased from suppliers.
Typical operating temperature range is –20° C to +50° C
Nickel-Metal-Hydride
NiMH characteristics are as follows:
Reasonably mature technology with potential for improvements in battery
chemistry and energy density during the next five years
Higher energy density than NiCd, but lower than Li-ion
Available in standard sizes AA, 2/3A, 4/5A, A and 4/3A and some prismatic
(rectangular) configurations