Discussion on Lithium Coin Cell Battery

Lithium batteries are also known as lithium-metal batteries and primary batteries that come up with metallic lithium acts as an anode. These batteries are much better than other batteries in terms of their high cost per unit and high charge density.

You will find these types of batteries in a wide range of applications, especially portable electronic devices and vehicles range from full-sized to radio-controlled toys.

Most of the Lithium batteries you will find are in the form of coin/button and coin cells are nothing, but small discs. Lithium coin cells were initially invented in the 1970s as a three-volt miniature power source for applications with low drain and battery backup. In fact, their long shelf life and high energy density made them quite well appropriate option for such applications. At present, lithium coin cells are available on the market in various different capacities and sizes.

As electronics are evolving with the passage of time, device designers have discovered lithium coin cells to be quite a useful power source for their capacity and size. However, when device designers choose a battery power source, it is vital for them to consider all battery characteristics, which include battery internal resistance, voltage, size, temperature, etc.

Here, we will talk about the characteristics of lithium coin cell battery along with tips to charge the lithium coin cell battery. So, let’s begin…

Lithium Coin Cell Battery Voltage

The term “voltage” means the difference in the electric potential between the negative and positive terminals of the battery. Thus, a greater difference in potential means greater voltage. And electric potential refers to the difference in charge between two terminals of the battery. A negative charge means that there are a lot of negatively charged particles/electrons on the terminal. On the other hand, positive charge means that there is a shortage of those electrons.

The MPV, also known as mid-point voltage is the nominal voltage of the battery/cell and it is determined when the cell has discharged 50% of its whole energy. The nominal voltage of a lithium coin cell battery is 3.0 volt. In fact, one of the most famous coin cells in use these days is the CR2032 that is 20mm in diameter and 3.2 mm in thickness and it generates 220mAh at 3.0 V. Also, lithium coin cells can achieve as large as the CR2477 along with 1000mAh as capacity.

The other lithium coin cell you may see around is the only CR123 that is a 3.0V and it is a little bit thicker as compared to AA type of battery and a little bit shooter also. The lithium coin cell batteries are known for its high cell voltage and easy-to-stack for higher voltages and that’s why you may find them in various applications.

Lithium Coin Cell Battery Temperature Range

While recommended operating temperature range for lithium coin cell battery is -30C to 60C, the range of the extended temperature lithium coin batteries has been changed and it is -40c to 85C. And this type provides support for electronic components whose operating temperature range is 85C in several cases. In addition to it, the outstanding storage traits reduce the voltage drop as compared with the basic even when the extended temperature lithium coin batteries are stored for up to 100 days or >85C.

Cold temperatures lead to the electrochemical reactions that occur within the battery and will minimize ion-mobility in the electrolyte. Generally, the cold temperature will impact battery performance negatively in devices and eventually, will minimize battery runtime and voltage.

Let’s take an example - a wireless garage door sensor can stop working in the cold temperature due to an extreme voltage drop.

Lithium Coin Cell Battery Charge Tips

Charging a lithium coin cell battery involve the process to plug the electrical item into a power adapter or remove the battery from the device and place it in a battery charger.

Battery Charger

· Turn off the item by simply pressing and holding down the power button.

· Next, remove the battery from the device when your battery is dying or dead.

· Now, you need to place your battery in a coin cell battery charger.

· Plug the charger into an electric outlet and in a while, the batteries will start to charge automatically.

It is recommended to charge your battery until the batteries are fully charged. Also, note that most battery chargers come with green and red light, where red one determine the batteries are charging and a green one tell that they are fully charged.

Tip: When you are in the hunt of lithium coin cell battery charger online or offline, don’t go for cheap if the quality is compromised. Make sure that the manufacturer of the charger has a reputation in the market and check the specification of the charger before buying to ensure the charger is compatible with your battery. Otherwise, the cheap battery charger can damage your battery performance.

Power Adapter

· Turn off the item

· Next, you need to plug the adapter of your device into the electric outlet on that item.

· Now, plug another end into the outlet. Once you are able to the plugin, the power adapter will start charging your lithium coin cell battery charger.

Lithium coin cell batteries are an ideal option for applications that run at or nearby room temperature or where the discharge current is constant or low.

One of the biggest advantages of lithium coin cells has over others is they are available in various standard sizes from different manufacturers. They are replaced quite easily if you use an appropriate cell holder or can be installed into the devices permanently using PCS solder pins. Thus, it makes them an ideal choice for memory backup applications.