In the News
April 9, 2009 - Electronic Design: Changes to IEEE 1625 Establish a High Bar for Battery Design
Several years ago, some laptop fires scared the public and prompted widespread recalls by some of the most reputable lithium- ion (Li-ion) cell manufacturers. The long-lasting repercussions in the battery industry ranged from cell supply shortages to public misconception about the safety of portable electronics. Individual companies have taken many steps to ensure that these events do not recur, and the industry has joined forces to unify safety standards. The IEEE Standards Association, the standards-setting body of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), has published two standards relevant to the design and manufacture of portable battery systems: the 1625 Standard for Rechargeable Batteries for Portable Computing and the 1725 Standard for Rechargeable Batteries for Cellular Telephones.
April 8, 2009 - Battery Power Products & Technology: Micro Power Announces Battery Pack with Cell Balancing
Micro Power Electronics has released its first lithium-ion battery pack with integrated cell balancing capabilities. For larger lithium-ion battery packs, cell balancing extends battery life and system runtime, as well as improves the inherent safety of the battery pack.
March 26, 2009 - ECN: Which Green Technology has the Most Commercial Potential?
Micro Power answers the ECN Brainstorm question, which green technology has the most commercial potential?
Feb 24, 2009 - PowerPulse: Micro Power Electronics Announces Battery Pack with Cell Balancing
Micro Power Electronics announced the release of its first lithium-ion battery pack with integrated cell balancing capabilities. According to the company, for larger lithium-ion battery packs, cell balancing extends battery life and system runtime, as well as improves the inherent safety of the battery pack.
Feb 24, 2009 Computer Technology Review - Micro Power Announces Battery Pack with Cell Balancing
Micro Power Electronics Inc., a provider of portable power systems for mission-critical equipment, announced the release of its lithium-ion battery pack with integrated cell balancing capabilities. For larger lithium-ion battery packs, cell balancing extends battery life and system runtime, as well as improves the inherent safety of the battery pack.
Feb 23, 2009 - ECN: Li-ion Pack Integrates Cell Balancing
Offering an extended battery lifetime with improved inherent safety, a Li-ion battery pack from Micro Power Electronics has integrated cell-balancing capabilities. The pack consists of twenty-seven 18650 lithium-ion cells in a nine-series three-parallel configuration providing a nominal 33 V with a 7.8 Ah capacity.
December 28, 2008 - Electronic Design: Transportation Guidelines for Lithium Batteries get Updated
Most people involved in the design and manufacture of portable devices have heard that there are significant restrictions and in-depth testing associated with the shipment of lithium-based battery packs. However, the details of the regulations are obscure and confusing. Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published significant changes to United States policy. This ruling harmonizes the U.S. policy with international law, eliminating some confusion. Yet the policies are currently in flux, so the interpretation is somewhat more complicated.
November 8, 2008 - COTS Journal: High Power Batteries get Tactical
Driven by demands of other markets, advances in high power battery cell technology are moving right in line with the requirements of portable military system developers. The military may soon reap the battery technology benefits driven by trends happening in the power tool industry. The power tool industry’s demand for high power batteries with lighter weight, smaller and better cycle life than Ni-Cad batteries, has enticed cell manufacturers to develop high drain Li-ion cells. The RoHS restrictions on Ni-Cad have greatly improved the market success of high power cells. These cells are a derivative of Li-ion products, and are derived from the desire for high current combined with high capacity, resulting in cells that deliver high power for shorter periods of time.
November 11, 2008 - PowerPulse.net: Micro Power Announces Integrated Power Supply Capabilities
Micro Power Electronics announced support for custom, integrated ac-dc and dc-dc power supplies. To complement its line of SelfCHARGE battery chargers and docking stations, Micro Power offers ac-dc and dc-dc power supplies integrated directly onto circuit board subassemblies resident within a battery charger, docking cradle or other portable product power accessory. The integration of a system’s primary power converter can reduce recurring product cost, improve reliability, help clear compliance hurdles and optimize power consumption and efficiency.
October 23, 2008 - Electronic Design: The Dangers of Counterfeit Battery Packs: Answers to Reader Questions
The continuing growth of portable handheld devices has spawned a healthy selection of aftermarket battery pack suppliers. Yet aftermarket vendors may resort to activities that compromise the end-user experience or safety to make the battery packs inexpensive and attractive to those placing purchase orders for replacements. An analysis of several counterfeit batteries revealed a variety of manufacturing and design problems, and we can use these examples to answer common questions.