Machine learning boosts coin cell battery life by 10x

TL;DR:

  • Nexperia introduces ‘Coin Cell Battery Life Booster’ chips to extend the non-rechargeable lithium coin cell battery lifespan by up to 10 times.
  • NBM5100 and NBM7100 chips employ dual DC-DC converters, an intelligent algorithm, and a storage element, boosting peak output current by 25x.
  • Enhances battery performance for IoT and portable applications, reducing battery waste.
  • Overcomes limitations of high internal resistance and chemical reactions in coin cells.
  • The smart algorithm optimizes energy transfer and minimizes residual charge.
  • Devices specified for commercial and industrial environments from -40°C to 85°C.
  • Serial interfaces facilitate configuration and control for microcontrollers.
  • Promising implications for energy-dense Lithium primary batteries, sustainability, and consumer applications.

Main AI News:

In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the landscape of battery performance, Nexperia has introduced an impressive lineup of ‘Coin Cell Battery Life Booster’ microchips. These innovative chips are meticulously crafted to amplify the operational lifespan of conventional non-rechargeable lithium coin cell batteries by an astonishing factor of up to 10 times.

Pioneering this transformative technology, the NBM5100 and NBM7100 chips seamlessly integrate dual DC-DC converters, accompanied by an intelligent learning algorithm and a strategic storage element. This sophisticated amalgamation doesn’t solely augment battery longevity; it concurrently catapults the peak output current capability by an exceptional 25-fold compared to standard coin cells.

This substantial extension in operational durability possesses the potential to significantly curb battery wastage, particularly within the realm of low-power Internet of Things (IoT) applications and other portable devices. Coin cells, once limited by their longevity, now emerge as a viable power reservoir for endeavors that were traditionally reliant on AA- or AAA-battery sources.

Delving into the technical intricacies, coin cells such as the CR2032 and CR2025, characterized by their heightened energy density and extended shelf life, are increasingly employed in low-power domains encompassing devices fortified with Low Power Wi-Fi, LoRa, Sigfox, Zigbee, LTE-M1, and NB-IoT transceivers. Nevertheless, these coin cells encounter challenges stemming from their relatively elevated internal resistance and chemical reaction rates, thereby diminishing their effective capacity under pulsed-load conditions.

Navigating this challenge with unwavering ingenuity, the NBM7100 and NBM5100 ingeniously incorporate two high-efficiency DC-DC conversion stages, supplemented by an astute learning algorithm. The primary conversion stage orchestrates a gradual transfer of energy from the battery to a capacitive storage component at a subdued pace. Subsequently, the second stage harnesses the accumulated energy to deliver a precisely regulated output programmable within the 1.8 V to 3.6 V range, accompanied by a robust pulse current surging up to 200 mA.

Intricately monitoring energy consumption throughout repetitive load pulse cycles, the intelligent learning algorithm optimizes the initial stage of DC-DC conversion, minimizing residual charge within the storage capacitor. In standby mode, the devices exhibit a remarkably frugal energy consumption, drawing less than 50 nA.

With operational specifications spanning from -40°C to 85°C, these devices seamlessly adapt to diverse commercial indoor and rugged industrial outdoor settings. Bolstering their utility, a ‘low battery’ indicator serves as a vigilant sentinel, notifying the system when the battery nears its functional limit. Moreover, a sophisticated brownout protection mechanism effectively curtails the charging of the storage capacitor as the battery approaches the end of its lifecycle.

The integration of a serial interface, tailored for configuration and control through a system microcontroller, further amplifies the utility of these chips. The NMB7100A and NBM5100A variants feature an I2C interface, while the NMB7100B and NBM5100B models incorporate a serial peripheral interface (SPI). Both iterations hold the power to extend the operational lifespan of energy-dense Lithium primary batteries, including coin cells, Lithium Thionyl batteries (e.g., LS14250 1/2 AA), and emergent paper-printed types. This feat not only elongates maintenance intervals but also aligns with sustainable practices by minimizing battery replacements.

Dan Jensen, the adept General Manager of Nexperia’s BG Analog and Logic ICs division, proudly underscores this momentous launch, stating, “The introduction of this battery life booster product signifies Nexperia’s ongoing commitment to pioneering battery management solutions. We are enthralled to introduce these groundbreaking innovations that seamlessly complement our existing analog and logic portfolio. The NBM7100 and NBM5100 stand as testaments to the heightened performance of coin cells, playing a pivotal role in curbing battery waste across IoT, wearables, and various consumer applications.”

Conclusion:

The introduction of Nexperia’s ‘Coin Cell Battery Life Booster’ chips marks a significant stride in battery technology. By extending coin cell lifespan and enhancing their performance, these innovations are poised to reshape the market. With implications ranging from improved sustainability to extended battery maintenance intervals, Nexperia’s advancements hold the potential to revolutionize the landscape of IoT, wearables, and other consumer applications.

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