User's Manual

LZT 123 1834 46
The weight of lithium ion batteries is approximately one half compared with a nickel
cadmium or nickel metal hydride battery of similar capacity. The volume of lithium
ion batteries is 40 to 50% smaller than that of nickel cadmium, and 20 to 30% smaller
than that of a nickel metal hydride.
The lithium ion battery is free from the so-called memory effect, a phenomenon
associated with nickel cadmium in which the apparent battery capacity decreases
when shallow charge and discharge cycles are repeated.
A single lithium ion cell has a voltage of 3.7V (mean value), which is equal to either
three nickel cadmium or nickel-metal hydride cells connected in series. This voltage
is close to the nominal VCC of the GR64 device.
Li-Ion batteries generally provide long storage life with few limiting condition, and
offer problem-free charge after long storage. Under normal conditions, the lithium
ion battery has a life of more than 500 charge/discharge cycles. Also, Li-Ion
batteries have a slow self-discharge rate (typically 1.3% per month, compared with
Ni-MH batteries which can exceed 50% per month).
Lithium ion batteries are environmentally friendly, inasmuch as they do not contain
any heavy metal pollution substances such as cadmium, lead, or mercury.
There are many manufacturers of Li-Ion batteries worldwide. Sony Ericsson make no
recommendations with regard to specific vendors, but here are some considerations
for GR64 users which may prove to be useful in the selection process and
implementation:
Li-Ion batteries marketed for cellular (mobile) phone use may make a good choice
battery manufacturers with heritage in supplying the cellular (mobile) phone industry
could make a good choice, especially for high-volume requirements
look carefully for batteries which are rated at temperatures that the GR64 is likely to
operate at (many batteries are only specified for -20°C to +65°C operation which may
not be sufficient)
small form-factor (typically handset-sized) Li-Ion battery capacity varies
considerably, some batteries are rated as high as 3200mAh (600mAh to 1800mAH
are more commonly available)
weight is generally not a problem with typical GR64 user application, even so small
form-factor Li-Ion batteries (up to 1800mAh) can vary between 10 to 40 grams