Technological evolution of cell-phone batteries

Technological evolution of cell-phone batteries

Apart from a "hello" or some other warm greeting, I have had
recipients answer my call first with "Sorry if the line cuts off,
my cell phone is 'lowbat'." Then a click. Then a disconnection.

Well, you might say, why don't they just go and purchase a new
battery for their cell phone? Or, why not go to Glodok Jaya, a
shopping center in Kota, downtown Jakarta, to get their batteries
repaired at very reasonable prices. Thanks to technological
advancements, newer versions of replacement batteries usually
last longer than the original batteries which came with cell
phones.

Indeed, the number of cell-phone users has increased
dramatically in recent months. But many of them do not really
comprehend how long their batteries will last, though they are
racing to buy the most sophisticated, latest models.

Cell phone batteries will last for several years; however,
according to some battery manufactures, batteries used on a
regular basis should be replaced every year.

It actually depends on the type of battery used. The first
batch of cell-phone batteries is the Nickel Cadmium (NiCad),
followed by Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) and
Lithium Polymer.

NiCad batteries are now out of date as NiMHs and Li-Ions are
now more popular and have no memory effect, which means users can
recharge them at any level. Memory effect occurs when the
batteries can no longer hold a full charge, resulting in a so-
called "false peak".

There is no need to wait until they are completely discharged
before recharging. These batteries will also last two times to
three times longer than NiCad types and 30 percent longer.

Battery traders at Glodok even say that they can alter your
NiCad packs to be replaced with NiMH, and that users can use
their current NiCad charging system. But, for optimum results, it
has always been advised to use the actual NiMH charger, to help
prevent overcharging and allow for maximum capacity. Overcharging
a NiCad has always been a problem, and severely shortens its
lifespan. NiMH offers greater talk and standby times than
comparable NiCad and do not require discharging entirely prior to
recharging.

Li-Ion battery technology is a breakthrough in cell-phone
power source option. The batteries are prepared to assure highest
quality and customer satisfactory. The advantages include: no
memory effect, higher capacity, smaller size, double capacity
over NiCad battery, longer lifespan and up to 1,000 times
charging cycles. Li-Ion tends to offer the highest energy density
for extended talk-times in a lightweight package with the lowest
self-discharge rate.

Cell-phone makers are now competing to apply the best in
batteries. Motorola was the first to introduce Lithium technology
into cell phone applications in 1993. Newcomers like Samsung also
apply Li-Ion batteries.

Currently, battery producers are researching Lithium Polymer
technology. Few cell-phone makers have tried to apply this
technology on their handsets, but get disappointed as it does not
meet the required standards.

The type of battery users choose to use with their handsets
will determine the length of talk and standby time as well as the
total size and weight of the phone.

There are many factors relating to the weight of a battery,
including the milliampere hours (mAh) and the design, which is
slim or vibrating. (I. Christianto)