A lot has been written regarding rechargeable lithium (LI) batteries and sustainability. Primary (non-rechargeable) Li batteries can also make major contributions to improving the sustainability of the systems where they are used. This FAQ reviews some of the factors related to the sustainability of primary Li batteries including key performance indicators (KPIs), downcycling versus recycling,…
Rare earths and EVs — it’s not about batteries
Rare earths play an important part in the sustainability of electric vehicles (EVs). While there are sustainability challenges related to EV batteries, rare earths are not used in lithium-ion batteries. They are necessary for the magnets that form the main propulsion motors. The batteries mostly rely on lithium and cobalt (not rare earths). At the…
What’s the difference between quick charge and extreme fast charge?
Several things. First, quick charge is used with devices like smart phones and tablet computers, while extreme fast charging (XFC) is used with electric vehicles (EVs). Quick charge (QC) is generally slower than extreme fast charge. QC has competitors like universal serial bus power delivery (USB-PD), IEC 62680-1-2:2022, and USB extended power range (EPR). Tesla…
EV basics: Comparing innovative battery chemistries
While lithium-ion battery chemistry dominates the current electric vehicle market, scientists are working to develop innovative battery chemistries that address the known challenges the existing chemistry presents. By Adam Kimmel for Mouser Electronics Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) continue to outpace the overall automotive segment, with EV market shares of 5.2% in Q1 and 5.6%…
What battery chemistries are used in grid-scale energy storage?
Expansion of grid-scale energy storage is important to enable the transition to variable renewable energy (VRE) sources such as wind and solar, and a green energy economy. The use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is a key to enabling the growing penetration of VREs. BESS installations are classified as behind-the-meter (BTM) or front of…
Modules help add wireless charging to small devices
Rohm Semiconductor announced they have developed compact wireless charger modules with an integrated antenna board: the BP3621 (transmitter) and the BP3622 (receiver). These new modules allow designers to add wireless power supply functionality to smaller devices such as smart tags/cards or PC peripherals. Wireless power supplies are increasingly being adopted in smartphones, smart watches, and other compact devices. […]
Battery charger IC handles low-voltage charging of wearables, compact IoT devices
The BD71631QWZ battery charger IC from Rohm Semiconductor is designed to provide low-voltage charging of wearables (e.g., wireless ear buds) and thin, compact IoT devices (e.g., smart displays) powered by rechargeable batteries. In recent years, the need for safer, higher density rechargeable batteries has led to the development of new battery types. This includes all-solid […]
50-W Qi wireless-charging IC speeds consumer electronics recharging
STMicroelectronics has introduced the world’s fastest Qi wireless charging IC, STWLC88. Delivering as much as 50W of power, the new device enables consumers to charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other personal electronic devices without cables as safely and nearly as quickly and efficiently as they could by plugging them in. ST’s state-of-the-art 50W wireless-power IC charges smartphones two […]
Authentication device allows for secured wireless charging
Infineon Technologies AG extends its OPTIGA Trust product family with a dedicated solution for secured inductive charging. The new OPTIGA Trust Charge is the industry’s first embedded security solution that is usable for the Qi 1.3 wireless charging standard. It addresses chargers for small personal electronic devices like smartphones, earbuds, tablets, wearables, or health tech […]
Buck-boost charger ICs for USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery ports hit 97% charging efficiency
Texas Instruments introduced the industry’s smallest buck-boost battery charger integrated circuits, which integrate power-path management for maximum power density and universal and fast charging at up to 97% efficiency. The BQ25790 and BQ25792 support efficient charging and 10 times lower quiescent current through USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery (PD) ports in small personal electronics, […]