Agilent HP AN 372-2 Application Note free download

File name HP AN 372-2 Application Note.pdf

Agilent AN 372-2 Battery Testing Application Note An electronic load can be used to discharge batteries of various chemistries to determine actual capacity, capacity retention, and internal impedance. Introduction Increasing demand for portable DC Whether testing batteries in R&D or power has risen from improvements production environments, the test in battery and motor design technol- requirements for each of the different ogy. More than ever before, portable battery types are basically the same. DC powered products have become Figure 1 shows a common test config- available in many diverse applications. uration. In general, the testing of a Rechargeable batteries appear in all battery involves discharging it over types of products from analytical a period of time to determine several electronic equipment to power tools specifications. This application note and toys. In some instances, these will concentrate on the test of second- diverse applications pose different ary batteries because they require Figure 1. Common Test Configuration requirements on the source of DC additional tests involving recharging. Power. Fortunately, availability of Nickel-cadmium batteries, in partic- many types of battery chemistries ular, are discussed because they are yield unique characteristics. Table 1 the most universally used type of contains just some of the different secondary battery in today's demand- battery types and their advantages. ing applications. Table 1. Characteristics and Applications of Different Battery Types Nickel- Gelled Lead Lithium Carbon Alkaline Silver Mercuric Cadmium Acid Zinc Oxide Oxide Volts/Cell 1.2 2.0 1.5 to 1 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.4 Applications portable standby service, memory backup, average use good general button-sized button-sized cells equipment, rechargeable pacemakers, purpose battery cells for watches for watches and rechargeable electronic and hearing aids hearing aids door locks, emergency locator