Panasonic introduces first cylindrical battery for powering wearable devices

Panasonic introduces a pin shaped lithium-ion battery (CG-320) with a 13-mAh nominal capacity, a diameter of 3.5 mm and a weight of 0.6 g. It is suitable for powering small devices such as wearable devices. This product, in addition to being the industry's smallest cylindrical shaped rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, features the high reliability and high output required for near-field communications (NFC). Mass production and shipping are planned to begin in February, 2015 with a monthly production of one hundred thousand units.

The full-scale introduction of wearable device products, anticipated widely as the next wave in mobile devices after smartphones, is expected in a wide variety of applications from 2014. Rechargeable batteries, the power source for wearable devices, are expected to be not only small and light, but also to have a high level of reliability and performance.

The battery is rechargeable, can be used repeatedly and has the output capability required for NFC. A stainless-steel-can is used for the exterior providing for dimensional stability. It will be possible to ensure good design for slim devices such as pen-shaped or spectacles-shaped products.
Applications include wearable devices, electronic pens, medical devices such as hearing aids, and measuring devices.

Note:
*1 For cylindrical rechargeable batteries, based on diameter and capacity by volume. Does not include coin-shaped batteries. Findings based on Panasonic research as of Oct. 3rd, 2014.

Features
1. A pin-shaped, 3.5-mm diameter lithium-ion battery, the industry's smallest, which expands design options for small devices.

The industry's smallest diameter cylindrical rechargeable battery has been developed by using extremely fine components and materials compared to current cylindrical lithium ion batteries, and also by applying the know-how and technology cultivated during the high precision manufacturing process of small coin-shaped batteries. This product is also the smallest in the industry in terms of capacity by volume, at one twentieth of an AAA size battery (Diameter 10.5mm, Height 44.5mm). This size is suitable as a power source for small devices such as spectacles-shaped, pen-shaped and other slim devices. Design options can be expanded for these types of communication devices.

Battery position for some wearable device applications

2. A rechargeable battery that can be used repeatedly and has the output capability required for NFC.
Despite the very thin diameter of 3.5mm, the same spiral electrode construction used in current cylindrical Lithium Ion batteries is employed, allowing a wide area between the cathode and anode and resulting in high output. By succeeding in developing this electrode construction at such a small size, it is possible to use similar materials and achieve high voltage (3.75V) as is seen in current lithium ion batteries. It is possible not only to operate devices that require high output that would not be possible with current small primary lithium batteries, but also to allow Bluetooth and other NFC with smart phones.

This product provides the output and voltage required by small devices and, as a rechargeable battery that can be used repeatedly, does not require frequent battery replacement.

Pin battery spiral construction

3. A high-strength stainless steel exterior can provides excellent reliability.
A high-strength stainless steel can is used for the exterior. This technology stabilizes the battery dimensions, preventing swelling and allows for confident use of this highly reliable battery.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and engineering of electronic technologies and solutions for customers in residential, non-residential, mobility and personal applications. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates over 500 consolidated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.74 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2014. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company strives to create a better life and a better world for its customers. For more information about Panasonic, please visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/.