New Industry Products

2.0mm Thin Laminate Energy Storage Devices

July 19, 2016 by Jeff Shepard

Wireless sensor networks that use energy harvesting for power supply are expected to grow in popularity moving forward. Energy devices used in the sensor nodes of these networks need to be compact yet high capacity, have an extended cycle life (maintenance-free) and low internal resistance, be capable of fast charging and discharging, and be able to withstand load fluctuations. Now, in order to meet market demand for a thinner, larger-capacity device, Murata has added the UMAL laminate-type device to its product lineup. The UMAL delivers 12mAh of capacity, low resistance of 200mΩ, and longer cycle life characteristics than the UMAC. Murata plans to continue to expand its product lineup to meet future demand for larger capacity.

Features include: Low profile (2.0 mm), large capacity (12mAh), low internal resistance (200mΩ); Capable of continuous discharge at a high rate of 10C (120mA); Long life: Charge (capacity) recovery rate of 90% or higher after 5,000 cycles (capacity reduction of 10% or less); and Constant voltage charge is possible, making charging current control unnecessary.

Applications are expected to fall into three main areas: 1. Energy device for sensor nodes of wireless sensor networks that use energy-harvesting enabled by: Long cycle life characteristics that enable maintenance-free operation; High-rate discharge characteristics mean that peak-assist capacitors are not required; Low self-discharge level minimizes loss of stored energy; and Flat voltage characteristics permit use immediately after charging starts for stable device operation.

2. Power supply for various types of wearable devices enabled by: High-rate charge characteristics and long cycle-life characteristics enable repeated use after rapid charging whenever use of the device is required; and Due to chemically stable composition, no generation of smoke or fire even if the terminals are shorted.

3. Power system backup when replacing the batteries enabled by: High-rate discharge characteristics that allow for use in a variety of backup scenarios over a wide output range.