In miniaturized form, supplied by Nichicon, they retain their excellent electrical parameters, but are enclosed in housings the size of a small electrolytic capacitor.
The Japanese supplier, specializing in components for power and amplification systems, has introduced the SLB series to its product line for manufacturers of portable devices, industrial sensors, and consumer goods. These batteries maximize energy storage efficiency in small systems powered by traditional methods or through energy harvesting.
Advantages of the SLB Series:
Compared to standard solutions, such as the 18650 average switchgear, Nichicon products excel in virtually every area. They have been designed to meet high requirements not only in terms of dimensions, but also in terms of electrical parameters and physical durability.
Parameters of available models
Currently, TME's offering includes 5 models of Nichicon compact batteries:
Model SLB03070LR351BT, maximum current 7mA, dimensions Ø3.1x6.8mm, weight 0.112g. 0.35mAh.
Model SLB03090LR801BT, maximum current 16mA, dimensions Ø3.3x8.8mm, weight 0.156g. 0.8mAh.
Model SLB04255L0401ED, maximum current 80mA, dimensions Ø4x25.5mm, weight 0.607g. 4mAh.
Model SLB08115L1401CT, maximum current 280mA, dimensions Ø8x11.5mm, weight 1.11g. 14mAh.
Model SLB12400L1511CN, maximum current 3A, dimensions Ø12.5x40mm, weight 8.81g. 150mAh.
SLB cells offer a lifespan of 25,000 charge/discharge cycles. This allows them to be used in circuits that receive external power irregularly, periodically, or even sporadically. Examples include devices using photovoltaic panels or miniature wind turbines, or consumer products that are only charged when convenient. Repeated battery recharging during the day (for example, due to cloud cover or wind changes) will not significantly affect the energy storage capacity of SLB cells.
Charge and discharge current intensity
It is worth highlighting the current capabilities of miniature lithium-titanium batteries. Their charge/discharge current reaches 20C, that is, 20 times the battery capacity divided by 1 hour. This means the intensity of the current supplied and consumed can be up to 150mA * 20 = 3A. When charging with these parameters, the cell will be fully saturated with energy after only 3 minutes. Conversely, the battery can deliver a large current in a short period of time, for example, to power lighting/alarms, send a message using a long-range radio module, etc. This characteristic allows the construction of devices that will: (a) only be charged periodically (during maintenance, when the meter reading is taken), using the accumulated energy sparingly on a daily basis; (b) or gradually charged, for example, by means of a small solar cell, but under certain conditions capable of activating not only electronic circuits, but also electromechanical elements, such as servos, solenoid valves, etc.
Nichicon batteries can operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 60°C. Furthermore, even when these parameters are exceeded, the batteries have a very low probability of failure, auto-ignition, or explosion. This will be a particularly important feature for manufacturers of consumer devices.
Nichicon's SLB batteries provide the ideal parameters for devices using energy harvesting technology. Because they can be charged with both very high and very low currents, this enables the development of a completely new type of electronic device: self-sufficient.
As an added benefit, this translates into significant savings related to the reduced need for energy supply and maintenance infrastructure, as well as the ability to build scalable and complex networks in both industry (including commerce, warehousing, and shipping) and public spaces (road traffic management systems, public transportation, weather and seismic sensor networks, etc.). Beacons or environmental sensors powered by Nichicon SLB cells (charged with readily available energy sources) represent another step toward a computerized, secure, and environmentally friendly future.
