Background and Challenges

One of the key challenges with batteries is their inability to communicate directly with users. It is not possible to ascertain the battery's state of charge (SoC) or state of health (SoH) from its physical attributes, such as weight, color, or size. There are a number of different types of "smart" batteries on the market, with varying degrees of complexity and cost. The most basic smart batteries may only include a chip that configures the charger for the appropriate charging algorithm.

What, then, constitutes a battery that can be defined as "smart"? There is no consensus across organizations and manufacturers on the definition of a "smart battery." In the view of the SBS forum, a smart battery must be capable of providing SoC readings. Today, manufacturers offer a range of chips, including single-wire systems, two-wire solutions, and System Management Bus (SMBus) options.

The single-wire system facilitates data communication through a single wire, in conjunction with the positive and negative battery terminals. Additionally, the single data wire carries clock information. To ensure safety, many manufacturers include an additional wire for temperature sensing. The system stores the battery code and tracks key performance indicators such as temperature, voltage, current, and state of charge (SoC). The single-wire system is widely adopted in high-end two-way radios, camcorders, and portable devices due to its low cost. However, these systems often lack a standardized form factor and do not support uniform state of health (SoH) measurements, which presents challenges for universal charger compatibility.

The SMBus is the most comprehensive communication system currently available on the market. It is the result of a concerted effort by the electronics industry to establish a unified protocol and data set. The Duracell/Intel SBS, which was standardized in 1993, features a two-wire interface with distinct lines for data and clock signals. This system enables the standardised measurement of the state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH). The primary objective of the SMBus battery is to transfer charge control from the charger to the battery itself. In a true SMBus setup, the battery serves as the master device, while the charger functions as a slave that must adhere to the battery's commands.

The "smart" battery has several notable drawbacks, particularly in terms of cost. An SMBus battery typically costs around 25% more than its "dumb" equivalent. Furthermore, the inclusion of a smart battery adds complexity to the charger design, as most chargers for smart batteries are hybrid and can also accommodate non-smart batteries. Another potential issue with the SMBus battery is the possibility of non-compliance. In contrast to more strictly regulated standards, the SMBus protocol permits certain variations, which may result in compatibility issues with existing chargers. It is therefore essential to verify the compatibility of an SMBus battery prior to use.

Solution

At Jarltech, we are committed to providing our clients with comprehensive assistance throughout the product development process. Our engineers possess extensive experience across a range of fields, having developed products including laser range finders and security switches. At present, our primary objective is to meet our clients' power requirements, including batteries, power supplies, and DC to DC converters. This allows our clients to focus on their core competencies while we handle the technical aspects of product development. We provide a comprehensive range of off-the-shelf products to streamline your development process. Our areas of expertise include the design and manufacture of custom and semi-custom power supplies, battery chargers, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, and battery backups. Furthermore, we assist our clients in obtaining certification for their batteries in accordance with BSMI and MSDS standards.

Our company is committed to assisting our clients in the design of custom battery pack products that are not only cost-effective but also environmentally safe and fully compliant with all specifications. Our comprehensive range of batteries and custom battery packs allows us to collaborate with our clients and their engineering teams to effectively address the power requirements of their end products. Our objective is to exceed your expectations while remaining within budget. In addition to engineering, we manufacture products on a global scale, fostering enduring relationships with both our customers and factories. Our solutions are designed to be cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and tailored to your specific requirements. We take pride in our collaborative approach and our ability to rapidly develop custom products to meet our customers' needs.