The first part of EEWorld’s two-part “virtual roundtable” discussion on energy harvesting considers technical challenges and design tradeoffs for engineers using energy harvesting power sources. Joining us for this virtual roundtable are: Dr. André Mansano (AM), CTO at Nowi; Graeme Clark (GC), Marketing Manager, Energy Harvesting Business Unit, at Renesas Electronics, Ken Imai (KI) Sr. […]
Infineon offers new sensing and balancing IC for battery management systems
Infineon Technologies AG is expanding its product offering for battery management systems with a new sensing and balancing IC: the TLE9012AQU. The device is especially designed for batteries in hybrid and electric cars, but it is also suitable for other applications. The TLE9012AQU measures the voltage in up to 12 battery cells with an accuracy of ±…
Could there be a Li-ion battery shortage?
IDTechEx estimates total demand for Li-ion batteries to have been over 200 GWh in 2019 and forecast Li-ion demand for plug-in electric cars alone to be nearly 350 GWh by 2025, but can supply meet this demand? Automotive manufacturers the world over are now pledging to electrify their fleets. However, many traditional automotive manufacturers were…
How Nano One and Tesla are advancing battery systems
Canadian tech company, Nano One, has acquired a patented technology for the low-cost production of high-performance lithium-ion battery cathode materials used in electric vehicles, energy storage, and consumer electronics. The processing technology allows lower-cost feedstocks, simplifies the creation, and improves performance for a wide range of cathode elements. In particular, the patented coated nanocrystal promises…
Saft launches new battery for low-current, continuous cycling applications
Saft recently launched a new product in the Xcelion line, the Xcelion 56V-LEV battery, designed as a more economical option for low-current, 48V continuous cycling applications, particularly in the defense industry. This development represents the growth of the Xcelion product line, aimed at offering lower weight, longer life, and greater overall capability and intelligence compared to traditional…
Battery-management IC extends driving range, reliability, and safety of EVs
STMicroelectronics has revealed new battery-management technology that increases reliability, safety, driving range, and cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are predicted to reach cost parity with conventional combustion-engine vehicles before the end of this decade and overtake in sales volume by 2038. ST, leveraging its technical capabilities to help carmakers achieve these goals, has announced an […]
ASIL-D-compliant battery management IC supports multiple cell module configurations
Designers can now achieve ASIL-D compliance for automotive applications using just a single chip for a safer, more cost-effective battery management system with the MAX17853 battery monitor IC from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. Targeting mid-to-large cell count configurations for automotive applications, such as battery packs for electric and hybrid vehicles, MAX17853’s unique flexible architecture called […]
Gridtential, Crown Battery partner on silicon+lead battery
Using technology similar to a solar cell, Gridtential Energy’s breakthrough Silicon Joule technology allows batteries to deliver up to five-times the power density with up to a 40% weight reduction — and it can be manufactured in current lead battery plants. Silicon Joule technology replaces the lead-grid and cell connecting lead-strap material inside a traditional…
Range of rechargeable Li-ion batteries powers up wearables and hearables
The task of opening or starting a modern car is now the task of miniature computers, which are designed by car manufacturers to perform an increasing number of functions. These smart keys can do quite a lot more. For example, they provide information about the oil level, the distance that can still be traveled, the […]
Charging electric vehicles, Part 1: The numbers
It’s nice to envision that recharging an electric vehicle is as straightforward as filling up an internal combustion vehicle, but it’s not: there are multiple charging, power, and connector options as well as limitations. You’re driving your internal-combustion (IC) car, and the gauge indicates it’s time to get “gas” (of course, it’s actually gasoline). So […]