Agilent Technologies Blood Glucose Meter AN 372-2 User Manual
2
Increasing demand for portable DC
power has risen from improvements
in battery and motor design technol-
ogy. More than ever before, portable
DC powered products have become
available in many diverse applications.
Rechargeable batteries appear in all
types of products from analytical
electronic equipment to power tools
and toys. In some instances, these
diverse applications pose different
requirements on the source of DC
Power. Fortunately, availability of
many types of battery chemistries
yield unique characteristics. Table 1
contains just some of the different
battery types and their advantages.
power has risen from improvements
in battery and motor design technol-
ogy. More than ever before, portable
DC powered products have become
available in many diverse applications.
Rechargeable batteries appear in all
types of products from analytical
electronic equipment to power tools
and toys. In some instances, these
diverse applications pose different
requirements on the source of DC
Power. Fortunately, availability of
many types of battery chemistries
yield unique characteristics. Table 1
contains just some of the different
battery types and their advantages.
Whether testing batteries in R&D or
production environments, the test
requirements for each of the different
battery types are basically the same.
Figure 1 shows a common test config-
uration. In general, the testing of a
battery involves discharging it over
a period of time to determine several
specifications. This application note
will concentrate on the test of second-
ary batteries because they require
additional tests involving recharging.
Nickel-cadmium batteries, in partic-
ular, are discussed because they are
the most universally used type of
secondary battery in today’s demand-
ing applications.
production environments, the test
requirements for each of the different
battery types are basically the same.
Figure 1 shows a common test config-
uration. In general, the testing of a
battery involves discharging it over
a period of time to determine several
specifications. This application note
will concentrate on the test of second-
ary batteries because they require
additional tests involving recharging.
Nickel-cadmium batteries, in partic-
ular, are discussed because they are
the most universally used type of
secondary battery in today’s demand-
ing applications.
Introduction
Table 1. Characteristics and Applications of Different Battery Types
Nickel-
Gelled Lead
Lithium
Carbon
Alkaline
Silver
Mercuric
Cadmium
Acid
Zinc
Oxide
Oxide
Volts/Cell
1.2
2.0
1.5 to 1
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.4
Applications
portable
standby service,
memory backup,
average use
good general
button-sized
button-sized cells
equipment,
rechargeable
pacemakers,
purpose battery
cells for watches
for watches and
rechargeable
electronic
and hearing aids
hearing aids
door locks,
emergency
locator
transmitters
emergency
locator
transmitters
Charge
CC
CV, float charge
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Method
Cycle Life
500+ cycles
200 cycles
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Life
3 mos.
1 year
5 to 10+ years
1 to 5 years
5% loss/yr.
6% loss/yr.
4% loss/yr.
(Charged)
(–2%/day)
Operating
20°C to 70°C
–20°C to 65°C
–55°C to 75°C
–5°C to 55°C
–30°C to 55°C
–20°C to 55°C
–10°C to 55°C
Temp.
Performance
high discharge
high capacity
flat discharge,
low cost,
good energy
flat discharge,
flat discharge
Comments
rate, quick
long life, wide
sloping
density,
more energy
charge rate
temperature
discharge,
sloping
per unit
range, good
low energy
discharge
volume than
energy density
density
mercuric oxide
Figure 1. Common Test Configuration