New Environmentally-Friendly Battery Technology

Cymbet Corporation announced the commercial availability of its EnerChip family of solid-state, thin-film batteries. For the first time, Cymbet's technological advancements have made possible -- in volume -- a small form factor, highly rechargeable device to distribute energy. The solid state battery can be economically and reliably integrated as an embedded device or as a surface-mounted component.

"The launch of EnerChip is a significant milestone in new battery technology," said Bill Priesmeyer, Cymbet's CEO. "Cymbet has taken solid state battery concepts and materials and developed a family of commercial products intended to provide new, cost-effective alternative solutions for the electronics designer needing reliable, long-lived, non-volatility for common semiconductors."

Considered a "component-class" device, EnerChip products provide energy storage in a form factor and convenience not previously attainable using conventional solutions, such as coin cell batteries and super capacitors. Introductory product is available in capacities of 12, 50 and 85uAh and can be automatically surface mounted (SMT), bringing new capabilities to the designer.

All EnerChip products can be lead-free reflow soldered (260 Degrees C) using high-speed SMT pick & place assembly processes, significantly reducing assembly cost. The devices offer a fast recharge time (under 30 minutes to 80 percent), are capable of greater than 5,000 charge/discharge cycles and do not suffer from the self-discharge limitations associated with super capacitors or shelf-life limitations common to chemical batteries.

Cymbet's EnerChip family is well suited for applications where back-up power is needed to maintain the settings of microcontroller memories, real-time-clocks and SRAM during power loss or power failures. Initial products can deliver back-up power ranging from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the system's stand-by current requirements. In many cases, an EnerChip can also function as a primary power source, providing many hours of operation between recharges. When coupled with energy-harvesting or energy-scavenging techniques, an EnerChip can supply the energy storage to build self-contained, long-lived powered systems - an environmental benefit.

Said Priesmeyer, "Environmental friendliness is a key EnerChip attribute, since the product is designed to eliminate battery replacement and last the life of the product it powers. As a solid-state device, the EnerChip is lead-free and contains no hazardous materials, flammable solvents or liquids that can harm the user or the environment, therefore eliminating or reducing some end-of-life product costs."