Small li-ion rechargeable batteries

1. Small li-ion rechargeable batteries
1-1 Structure of small li-ion rechargeable batteries for use in devices where L and W
dimensions are limited.
The table below provides an overview of the SLB.

Table 1-1. Product specifications
Category

Function

Product number

SLB03070LR35

Nominal capacity*

0.35mAh

ESR@1kHz*

Max. 12Ω

1

2

Voltage

Current
Temperature

Average operating voltage

2.4V

Maximum charging voltage

2.8V

Minimum discharge voltage

1.8V

Maximum charging current

7mA

Maximum discharging current

7mA

Operational temperature range-30°C to +60°C

Storage temperature range-30°C to +60°C* Nominal capacity measurement direction(1) Pre-discharging: Discharging at 1C (0.35mA) to thelower-limit voltage of 1.8V
(2) Charging: After charging at 1C (0.35mA) to theupper-limit voltage of 2.8V, constant-voltage
charging* at 2.8V
*Constant-voltage charging occurs until nominal
capacity x 5% (mA) is reached.
(3) Resting: 30 minutes(4) Discharging: Discharging at 1C (0.35mA) to thelower-limit voltage of 1.8* ESR measurement direction:(1) Pre-discharge: Discharging at 1C (0.35mA) to thelower- limit voltage of 1.8V
(2) Charging: After charging at 1C (0.35mA) to 2.4V,
charging at rated capacity x 5% (mA) at 2.4V
(3) Measuring: AC impedance measurement used tocheck actual resistance at 1kHz

1[Winding element]

2[Product exterior]
Lead
Cathode Separate

※

Anode

[Product dimensions]
Size

φD0

L0

φd

P

φ3×7L

3.1±0.1

6.8+0.2/-0.1

0.40±0.05

1.0±0.3

Figure 1-1. Shape and dimensions of small li-ion rechargeable batteries
Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Small li-ion rechargeable batteries

1-2 Materials in small li-ion
rechargeable batteries

Small li-ion rechargeable batteries are manufactured byapplying the electrode technology utilized in Toshiba
TM
Corporation’s SCiB rechargeable batteries. The
most distinctive feature in the design of our small liion rechargeable batteries is the use of lithium titanate(Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 ) rather than graphite as the anode active
material. As is discussed in “2. Features of small li-ion
rechargeable batteries”, The selection of the optimal
electrolyte and separator combined with the lithium
titanate electrode is key to realizing the battery’s superior
functionality.
The cathode and anode reactions during charging
and discharging of small li-ion rechargeable batteries is
described below.
In electric double-layer capacitors, the electrodesurface and ions in the electrolyte form an electric
double layer that forms the energy storage mechanism.
By comparison, small li-ion rechargeable batteries use
an electrochemical storage mechanism that utilizes
electrochemical reactions. Battery capacity is realized
through the adsorption and release of lithium ions in theelectrodes. Self-discharge is limited as a result.
Standard lithium-ion rechargeable batteries use
electrolytes comprised of lithium salts dissolved in an
organic solvent. The lithium ions in the electrolytes remainsuspended in the organic solvent. When a designatedvoltage is applied, the lithium ions migrate, resulting inthem becoming stacked within the anode.
On the surface of the anode’s active material is a solid
electrolyte interphase (SEI) coating—a compound inwhich electrolytes undergo reductive decomposition andpossess high lithium conductivity. As Figure 1-2 shows,when the anode undergoes the electrochemical reaction,
the disassociated lithium ions pass through the SEI
coating and begin to stack up.

coatings are formed. An effective way to form a thin SEI
coating is to select anode materials that have a reaction
potential higher than the electrolyte’s decomposition rate.
Graphite is typically used as the anode material forstandard lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The potential
for reaction with the lithium ions is extremely small, at 0.1V
vs. Li/Li+, which is one reason for the decomposition ofelectrolytes, and the formation of thick SEI coatings. This
results in higher levels of resistance. By contrast, using
lithium titanate in the anodes the lithium ions reaction
voltage is 1.55V vs. Li/Li+, reactions at a higher potential
result in the formation of a thin SEI coating that reduces
electrolyte decomposition. The lower resistance means
fewer lithium ions are consumed in the electrolyte, andsuperior life properties are acheived.
Optimizing the electrode, separator, and electrolyte
results in superior high-temperature tolerance and cycle
life performance. Using highly safe active materials resultsin superior product safety.

Figure 1-2. Reaction mechanism on the anode oflithium-ion rechargeable batteries

However, the passage of lithium ions through the
SEI coating on the surface of the anode active material
generates significant resistance, and that resistancebecomes larger as SEI coatings grow thicker. In addition,
lithium ions are consumed in the electrolyte when SEI
Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Features of small li-ion rechargeable batteries

2. Features of small li-ion rechargeable batteries
2-1 Key features of small li-ion
rechargeable batteries* The following data are not guaranteed values.

Small li-ion rechargeable batteries have higher
capacity and less leakage current than electric doublelayer capacitors. Compared with standard lithium-ion
rechargeable batteries, they have higher-speed charging
and discharging, longer life, and better safety. The SLB
batteries are capable of high-power discharge, whichis extremely difficult to achieve with standard lithium-ion
rechargeable batteries. They can be discharged overlonger periods of time, which is not possible with electric
double-layer capacitors.

2-2 Comparison with electric doublelayer capacitors

Small li-ion rechargeable batteries contain nearly 50 times
as much energy as its electric double-layer capacitors of
the same size. Our small li-ion rechargeable batteries canbe used in place of electric double-layer capacitors topower devices for longer periods of time.
* The following data are not guaranteed values.

Figure 2-2. Changes in voltage on the φ3x7L; 0.35mAh
when stored fully charged at different temperatures

days, NICHICON’s electric double-layer capacitors drop
in voltage to 1.97V. By contrast, after being charged to
2.8V, Small li-ion rechargeable batteries (φ3x7L) drop involtage to 2.6V, indicating the leakage current is small.
Because this product demonstrates little selfdischarge, they can be used for a long period oftime without charging. This allows them to be used inconjunction with energy-harvesting technology, improving
efficiency as they can store energy for a long period oftime after being charged.

2-3 Comparison with general lithiumion rechargeable batteries

Figure 2-1. Comparison of volume energy densities of
NICHICON’s electric double-layer capacitors
and its small li-ion rechargeable batteries

Materials in small li-ion rechargeable batteries store
and release electrical energy through the electrochemical
reactions of lithium ions in the electrode active materials
and the electrolyte. In the charged state, the selfdischarge of the battery is low, as the electrode active
materials are chemically stable by the charged voltage.
The anode active material, lithium titanate, has excellent
thermal stability, and resists self-discharge at hightemperature. Figure 2-2 shows the self-discharge
behavior of a fully charged φ3x7L; 0.35mAh products at
different ambient temperatures.
After being charged to 2.7V and stored at 60°C for 30

2-3-1 Ultra-fast charge/discharge function
Small li-ion rechargeable batteries are superior tostandard lithium-ion rechargeable batteries in theircharge/discharge characteristics. Standard lithium-ion
rechargeable batteries typically take about 1 hour tocharge, while product can be charged and discharged at
up to 20C (20 times the current value needed forcharging in one hour; for the φ3x7L; 1C=0.35mA,
20C=7mA). Figure 2-3 shows the charging time andcharging rate for different C rates on the φ3x7L. If
charged at 20C, the battery could be charged to 80% of afull charge in around three minutes.
The ability to charge the batteries rapidly optimizes
their use in devices that require short charging times andwhen charging is interrupted or forgotten.

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Features of small li-ion rechargeable batteries* The following data are not guaranteed values.

Figure 2-3. Relationship between charging time andcharging rate of φ3x7L at different charging current rates

Figure 2-4 shows discharging time versus remaining
capacity for the φ3x7L at different C rates. If discharged
at a current value of 20C, the maximum guaranteeddischarging current value, the battery could bedischarged completely in approximately 3 minutes. Dueto the extremely large discharge current given the
product’s size, the battery is well suited for use in devices
that require high power and a small size.

followed by the cathode and electrolyte reacting. Sparks
from the short circuit and the release of oxygen due to thecollapse of the cathode’s crystal structure can result in anoxygen combustion reaction. Various exothermic
reactions occur one after another resulting in thermal
runaway and fire. The SLB use of lithium titanate for theanode, does not suffer thermal runaway due to its low
resistance and can be charged and discharged at
extremely low temperatures (-30°C).
Figure 2-5 shows charging curves for the φ3x7L being
charged at 1C for various ambient temperatures. Figure
2-6 shows the discharging curves. At low temperatures,the reaction resistance increases for the electrolyte within
the device and between the electrode and electrolyte,
necessitating a higher voltage to initiate the charge(discharge), and capacity decreases. At -30°C, charge
capacity decreases to around 52% of the level at room
temperature, and discharge capacity falls to around 46%.
Standard lithium-ion rechargeable batteries have higher
resistances, so operation at extremely low temperatures
can result in overcharge/over-discharge voltages.
Thermal runaway can result in ruptures or fires, so inmany cases temperature management in cells that
contain thermistors within battery packs is designed toprevent low-temperature operation. The SLB, however,can be used in cold climates and remain safe to use.

* The following data are not guaranteed values.
* The following data are not guaranteed values.

Figure 2-4. Relationship between discharging time andremaining capacity of φ3x7L

at different discharging current rates

2-3-2 Low-temperature characteristics
Small li-ion rechargeable batteries have excellent lowtemperature characteristics. Standard lithium-ion
rechargeable batteries charging at temperatures
significantly below 0°C becomes difficult, because lithium
ions are less likely to be adsorbed by the anode(graphite) and tend to condense as lithium metal. Also, if
the temperature is extremely low, dendrites form whenlithium metal condenses, which can penetrate through theseparator between the cathode and anode, causing aninternal short circuit. If an internal short circuit occurs, anextremely high current passes through the short-circuit
area, generating heat. Next the anode and electrolyte
react causing decomposition within the electrolyte

Figure 2-5. Charging curves for φ3x7 at a current value of
1C for different ambient temperatures

Figure 2-6. Discharging curves for φ3x7L at a current
value of 1C for different ambient temperatures

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Features of small li-ion rechargeable batteries
2-3-3 Overcharge resistance
Small li-ion rechargeable batteries are more resistant toovercharging than standard lithium-ion rechargeable
batteries. Product characteristics for this battery indicate
its maximum rated voltage at 2.8V, but no significant
capacity degradation was observed in charge/discharge
cycle tests involving repeated charging to more than
2.8V. Figure 2-7 shows the results of a charge/discharge
cycle test conducted on the φ3x7L, where the battery isrepeatedly charged to 3.3V at a current value of 10C anddischarged to 1.8V, indicating the retention rate for 1C
discharge capacity based on the number of cycles. Even
when repeatedly overcharged to 3.3V for 1,500 cycles,
the retention rate was 98% of initial capacity.
These results suggest that even when operating inconditions where the charging voltage is not controlled nosudden degradation in the product’s characteristics
occurs.
* The following data are not guaranteed values.

* The following data are not guaranteed values.

Figure 2-8. Rate of change in discharge capacity whenstored fully charged at different ambient temperatures

Figure 2-9 shows the rate of change in discharge
capacity for the φ3x7L following charge/discharge cycles
between 2.8V to 0V at different ambient temperatures.
Although the decrease in capacity was more significant
than in a test where the battery was stored fullydischarged, after 1,800 cycles the battery’s capacity
decreased by approximately 30% at 60°C and by 22% at
40°C, indicating the product would not suddenly fail.
* The following data are not guaranteed values.

Figure 2-7. Capacity retention rate versus number ofcharge/discharge cycles when φ3x7L charged to 3.3V

2-3-4 Over-discharge resistance
Small li-ion rechargeable batteries are more resistant toover-discharging than standard lithium-ion rechargeable
batteries. Product characteristics for this battery indicate
its rated minimum voltage at 1.8V, but when subjected toa fully discharged cycle test where the battery is shortcircuited for a long period of time, it could again becharged and discharged.
For example, the SLB could be used in temperature
sensors for clean-energy applications. If used in energy
harvesting of solar power, it could remain uncharged for along period of time. Figure 2-8 indicates changes indischarge capacity if the φ3x7L is attached to a resistor(15Ω) and stored at different ambient temperatures. No
significant decline in capacity was observed at different
temperatures even when stored fully charged for 1,000
hours.

Figure 2-9. Rate of change in discharge capacity at
different ambient temperatures

following a full discharge cycle to 0V

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

How to use small li-ion rechargeable batteries

3. How to use small li-ion rechargeable batteries
3-1 How to charge small li-ion
rechargeable batteries* The following data are not guaranteed values.

The recommended charging method is to first charge tothe maximum rated voltage of 2.8V using constant-current
charging, and then maintain the charge at the rated
voltage of 2.8V (constant-voltage charging). Figure 3-1
shows the voltage and charging current value when the
φ3x7L is charged at a current value of 5C (1.75mA). Afterbeing charged using constant-current charging to the
maximum rated voltage of 2.8V, the battery was held at its
rated voltage of 2.8V. Charging was halted when current
value reached 5% of current value capacity (0.0175mA).
* The following data are not guaranteed values.

Figure 3-2. Relationship between discharging current
value and discharging time for φ3x7L

Figure 3-1. Constant current-constant voltage charging
curve for φ3x7L

3-2 How to discharge small li-ion
rechargeable batteries

The cycle properties deteriorates when the charge on
the SLB falls below 1.8V. Figure 3-2 shows the discharge
capacity relationship for various discharge current
values. When the φ3x7L is discharged at 1C (0.35mA),
the discharge takes approximately 1 hour. At 20C(7mA), discharging occurs in around 3 minutes. As thedischarging current increases, the internal resistancecauses the voltage to drop substantially, so as thedischarge capacity decreases, the discharge current
increases.

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

How to use small li-ion rechargeable batteries

3-3 Recommended ICs for charging/discharging
Because a maximum charging voltage and minimum
discharge voltage have been set for small li-ion
rechargeable batteries, voltage control is required.
Table 3-1 gives examples of ICs that can be used inmonitoring the charging and discharging of the SLB

series. NICHICON does not guarantee the operationof the ICs listed in the table, so please check with their
manufacturers when considering the use of these ICs.
For details on control ICs, please check the data sheets
provided by the ICs’ manufacturers.

Table 3-1. Recommended ICs
No.

Supplier

Part No.

FeatureNichicon type No.

1

Analog Devices

LTC4079

Linear Charger

SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

2

Analog Devices

LTM4661µModule Regulator

SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

3

Renesas Electronic

RE01

Renesas MCU

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

4

RICOH
Electronic Devices

R1800
R1801

Buck DC/DC Converter

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140

5

RICOH
Electronic Devices

RP604
RP605

Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140

6

ROHM

BD99954GW/MWV

Battery Manager

SLB12400L151

7

ROHM

BD71631QWZ

Linear Charger

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140

8

TOREX
SEMICONDUCTOR

XC8109High Function Power Switch

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

9

TOREX
SEMICONDUCTOR

XC6504LDO

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

10

TOREX
SEMICONDUCTOR

XC6240LDO

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151
Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

How to use small li-ion rechargeable batteries

11

TOREX
SEMICONDUCTOR

XC6140C

Reset ICSLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

12

TOREX
SEMICONDUCTORXCL103

DC/DC Converter

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

AEM10330
AEM30330
AEM00330

AEM10330 –Solar Energy Harvesting - Buck Boost
AEM30330 –Vibration/RF Energy Harvesting - Buck Boost
AEM00330 –Ambient Energy Manager with Source Voltage Level
Configuration

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

13e-peas14e-peas

AEM10300
AEM30300
AEM00300

AEM10300 –Solar Energy Harvesting - Storage Charger only Buck boost
AEM30300 –Vibration/RF Energy Harvesting - Storage Charger
only - Buck boost
AEM00300 –Ambient Energy Manager - Storage Charger only Buck boost

15

e-peas

AEM10941

AEM10941-Solar Energy Harvesting with boost and
LDO

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

16

e-peas

AEM20940

AEM20940 - AmbientThermal energy harvestingBuck boost and LDO

SLB03070LR35
SLB08115L140
SLB12400L151

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

How to use small li-ion rechargeable batteries
The data sheet for each recommended IC are as follows.
○ LTC4079

https://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/4079f.pdf○ LTM4661

https://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/LTM4661.pdf○ RE01(with 256KB flash memory)https://www.renesas.com/jp/ja/document/dst/re01-group-256-kb-flash-memory-datasheet?language=en○ RE01(with 1.5MB flash memory)https://www.renesas.com/jp/ja/document/dst/re01-group-products-15-mbyte-flash-memory-datasheet-0?language=en○ R1800

https://www.n-redc.co.jp/en/pdf/datasheet/r1800-ea.pdf○ R1801https://www.n-redc.co.jp/en/pdf/datasheet/r1801-ea.pdf○ RP604

https://www.n-redc.co.jp/en/pdf/datasheet/rp604-ea.pdf○ RP605

https://www.n-redc.co.jp/en/pdf/datasheet/rp605-ea.pdf○ BD99954GW/MWV

https://fscdn.rohm.com/en/products/databook/datasheet/ic/power/battery_management/bd99954xxx-e.pdf○ XC8109https://www.torexsemi.com/file/xc8109/XC8109.pdf○ XC6504https://www.torexsemi.com/file/xc6504/XC6504.pdf○ XC6240https://www.torexsemi.com/file/xc6240/XC6240.pdf○ XC6140C

https://www.torexsemi.com/file/xc6140/XC6140.pdf○ XCL103

https://www.torexsemi.com/file/xcl103/XCL102-103.pdf○ AEM10330

https://e-peas.com/product/aem10330○ AEM30330

https://e-peas.com/product/aem30330○ AEM00330

https://e-peas.com/product/aem00330-ambient-energy-manager-with-source-voltage-level-configuration○ AEM10300

https://e-peas.com/product/aem10300-solar-battery-charger-up-to-7-cells○ AEM30300

https://e-peas.com/product/aem30300-rf-battery-charger○ AEM00300

https://e-peas.com/product/aem00300-ambient-energy-manager-battery-charger○ AEM10941

https://e-peas.com/product/aem10941○ AEM10240

https://e-peas.com/product/aem20940
Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Reliability of small li-ion rechargeable batteries

4. Reliability of small li-ion rechargeable batteries
4-1 Features of the charge/discharge
cycle

Small li-ion rechargeable batteries have an excellent
charge/discharge cycle life. For general lithium-ion
batteries, significant capacity degradation occurs after
several hundred to several thousand cycles. But for SLB,
the use of lithium titanate in the anode results in long
life, as lithium ions are less likely to be consumed by theelectrolyte when forming the SEI. Figure 4-1 shows therate of change in 1C capacity for the φ3x7L at a given
number of cycles following a charge/discharge cycle
test at a current value of 10C. The figure shows that 1C
discharge capacity remains at 90% or higher of the initiallevel even after around 25,000 cycles, confirming the SLB
demonstrates extremely favorable cycle properties.
Given the product’s excellent cycle properties, it iswell suited for use in devices that are charged/discharged
several times a day.

retains nearly 80% of its initial capacity after 2,000 hours
has elapsed. However, when a battery charged to 100%of capacity is stored in high-temperature/high-humidity
conditions (65°C and 95% RH), its capacity fell to about
60% of the initial figure after 1,000 hours. This confirmsthat capacity degradation accelerates significantly when
the battery is stored in high-temperature/high-humidity
conditions.
The SLB can easily be stored in a highly charged
state at high ambient temperatures for an extended
period of time. Moisture in the environment will reduce
product life significantly, so storage in such conditions
is not recommended. If you need to use the SLB in theenvironment with high temperature and high humidity,
please contact NICHICON beforehand.
* The following data are not guaranteed values.

* The following data are not guaranteed values.

Figure 4-2. Rate of change in capacity of φ3x7L
in high-temperature and high-temperature/high-humidity conditions

Figure 4-1. Rate of change in capacity of φ3x7L during charge/
discharge cycle test at current value equivalent to 10C

4-2 Shelving characteristics
Shelving characteristics refer to a product’s capacity
characteristics when stored for a long period of time ina charged state and left as an open circuit, with no load
attached. In general lithium-ion batteries, degradation
occurs as the result of chemical reactions. Usually, storinga battery can cause a decrease in capacity, an increase
in internal resistance, or other form of degradation.
However, if a battery is stored at a high temperature
in a fully charged state, this high-voltage storage canplace even more stress on the battery, accelerating its
degradation. Figure 4-2 shows the rate of change in 1C
capacity when the φ3x7L is stored in a fully charged statein high temperature (65°C) and high-temperature/highhumidity (65°C and 95% RH) conditions. When the battery
is charged to 100% of capacity and is stored at 65°C, it
Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Safety of small li-ion rechargeable batteries

5. Safety of small li-ion rechargeable batteries
5-1 Safety settings of small li-ion rechargeable batteries
Lithium titanate is used as the active material in theanodes of small li-ion rechargeable batteries. Selectionof a highly safe active material as the anode results inexcellent safety. For this reason, the SLB exhibits a highdegree of safety and has passed a variety of safety
tests, including external short-circuit, overcharge, forced
discharge, and nail penetration tests.

5-2 Safety testing of small li-ion rechargeable batteries
Table 5-1 indicates the safety tests small li-ion
rechargeable batteries have passed.

Table 5-1. Safety test categories for small li-ion rechargeable batteries
No. Test parameter Reference standard

1

2

Test details

Judgment
criteria

Proof of safety

Does notexplode or
burst into flame

No explosion
or flames

Crushing

JIS C 8712

After charging fully, a semicircularindenter (10mm) is used to indenta cylindrical battery’s vertical axis,
crushing it to 50% of its height before
the test.

Nailpenetration

Safety assessment
standards andguidelines of theBattery Associationof Japan

After fully charging, a nail of φ3.0mm is
inserted vertically into the center of thebattery at a speed of 5.5mm/s, piercing
through the battery.

Does notexplode or
burst into flame

No explosion
or flames

UL

Pressure is applied to a blunt nailapproaching fully charged battery ata speed of 0.1mm/s. A short circuit isdeemed to occur if battery voltage drops
by 0.5V or more, and the lowering of thenail is halted.

Does notexplode or
burst into flame

No explosion
or flames

JIS C 8712

A battery’s cathode and anode areconnected to an external resistance ofapproximately 1mΩ, causing a shortcircuit.

Does notexplode or
burst into flame

No explosion
or flames

Does notexplode or
burst into flame

No explosion
or flames

Does notexplode or
burst into flame

No explosion
or flames

3

Blunt nail test

4

Exterior
short circuit

5

Overcharge

JIS C 8712

Using a battery that can be used at 10Vor more, charge from a discharged state
at 1C (or 2–10C) to 250% of the battery’s
rated capacity.

6

Forceddischarge

JIS C 8712

Conduct a reverse charge of a battery
from its discharged state (SOC of 0%) for
90 minutes at 1C.

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Safety of small li-ion rechargeable batteries
Crush test

Nail penetration test

Figure 5-1. Safety test examples(left: crush test; right: nail penetration test)

Table 5-2 indicates the safety tests with therecommended United Nations tests for goods to betransported (UN38.3). The SLB has passed all of thesetests, indicating it can be shipped overseas.

Table 5-2. Details of implemented UN standards and results.

Test parameter

Requirements

ResultT1

High-speed simulation

No leaks, valve operation, rupturing, cleavage or fires and, except forbatteries that are fully discharged, the open circuit voltage is 90% ormore than the level just before the test.

Pass

T2

Temperature test

No leaks, valve operation, rupturing, cleavage or fires and, except forbatteries that are fully discharged, the open circuit voltage is 90% ormore than the level just before the test.

Pass

T3

Vibration

No leaks, valve operation, rupturing, cleavage or fires during or after
the test and, except for batteries that are fully discharged, the averagevoltage is 90% or more than the level just before the test.

Pass

T4

ImpactNo leaks, valve operation, rupturing, cleavage or fires and, except forbatteries that are fully discharged, the open circuit voltage is 90% ormore than the level just before the test.

Pass

T5

External shortening

External temperature does not exceed 170°C, and no rupture, cleavage
or fire occurs during testing or within six (6) hours afterward.

Pass

T6

Crushing

External temperature does not exceed 170°C, and no rupture, cleavage
or fire occurs during testing or within six (6) hours afterward.

Pass

T7

Overcharge

Does not apply, as for secondary batteries only—

T8

Forced discharge

No bursting or fires occur during testing or within seven days afterward.

Pass

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Precautions on use

6. Precautions on use
6-1 Limits on use

Because an accident or malfunction of the SLB could
result in injury or damage to property, NICHICON
requests you confer with NICHICON in advance if you areconsidering using the product in a situation requiring ahigh degree of reliability, such as those indicated below.
(1) Aircraft, (2) spacecraft, (3) generator control
equipment, (4) medical instrument, (5) transport
equipment, (6) traffic signaling device, (7) fire protection,or (8) crime prevention equipment
・ When using the SLB, please design the equipment
based on the delivery specifications. NICHICON is
not liable for any problems that may occur in yourequipment without checking the delivery specifications.
・In addition, NICHICON is not liable for any incidental orindirect damages related to the customer's product thatuses our product.
・Since it is difficult to prevent failures by testing only
individual parts, be sure to perform the necessary
evaluation tests after incorporating the SLB into yourdevice to make sure that no problems may occur.
・ If the SLB does not conform to the specifications,
NICHICON will provide repair and replacement for free,or compensate for the amount equivalent to the sales
price of the subject product.
・If you have any objections or doubts about the contentsof this technical note, please contact NICHICON before
ordering. If you have not contacted Nichicon before
placing the order, NICHICON will assume that you haveaccepted the contents of the delivery specifications.

6-2 Storage conditions

The SLB should be stored in an environment wherecondensation is not present and within the recommended
temperature range for storage (5 to 35°C). The SLB has
a low rate of self-discharge. If the voltage drops below
2.15V, please apply a supplementary charge to 2.4V
across the terminals. If the voltage across the terminals
falls below 2.0V, do not use a supplementary charge, but
contact NICHICON.

6-3 Precautions on settings

1. The SLB has a limited life.
2. A range for the operation and storage of the SLB has
been set. Degradation of its electrical characteristics
increases substantially if the SLB is used intemperatures that exceed the maximum level.
3. If the discharge current is large, a voltage drop occurs
when discharge is initiated. Please confirm the circuit
discharge current and the SLB internal resistancevalues (DCR).

4. When the SLB is connected in series, a voltage
imbalance can cause the voltage on certain cells
to exceed their rated upper or lower voltages. We
recommend the use of overcharge/over-discharge
countermeasures, such as voltage monitoring circuit
devices.
5. The SLB is polarized. Do not apply a reverse voltage.
6. Avoid placing heat generating components in the
SLB’s vicinity or on the back surface of the printed
wiring board.
7. When mounting, provide insulation to the contact parts
such as the board.

6-4 Solder mounting

1. The SLB is not compatible with flow mounting or
reflow solder mounting. When mounting, take care to
avoid mounting methods such as solder mounting or
connector mounting in which the main part of the SLB
would exceed the warranted temperature range.
2. When mounting this product, please avoid excessive
mechanical stress, vibration, or pressure, as this could
result in degradation of electrode terminals or electricalcharacteristics.
3. If solder mounting, we recommend mounting underthese conditions.
Solder: Core thread solder (recommended: φ1.2mm)
Solder type: Lead-free solder Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu
Soldering temperature: 350°C±10°C
Solder time: Within 5s per terminal
Times soldering: 2 or less per terminal
4. Do not wash after mounting.

6-5 Resin coating

If the SLB is coated with resin, metal corrosion may occur,depending on the coating resin type. The risk also exists:
the terminals or the aluminum case could change shapedue to shrinkage when the resin cures. Please selecta resin that allows the reliability of this product to be
maintained.

6-6 Disassembly

Do not disassemble the SLB, as liquid leaks andaccidents could result.

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Precautions on use

6-7 Hazard

Since the chemical components are sealed in the SLB,
its hazard is extremely low. However, if used improperly,
the SLB may be deformed, leak, burst, generate heat,or generate irritating gas or corrosive gas. Take extreme
care when using it.

6-8 Stability and reactivity(1) If two or more SLBs are allowed to touch without
insulating the terminals, from each other, there is apossibility of explosion or sudden heat generation due
to a short circuit.
(2) If the SLB is overcharged, heated, or dropped in a fire,the electrolyte may spurt out rapidly.
(3) If the SLB is disassembled, there is a possibility ofsudden heat generation due to a short circuit.

6-11 Others

・ Do not short-circuit the SLB.

Overheating of the cell may cause electrolyte leakage,
explosion, or heat generation.
・ Do not apply reverse voltage to the SLB.
Abnormalities may occur inside the SLB, which may
cause leakage, rupture, and heat generation.
・ Do not apply excessive force to the SLB.
If excessive force is applied, the parts may become
damaged, and electric shock, short circuit, or liquidleakage may occur.
・ Do not perform the following tests.
Overcharge test, over discharge test, nail penetration
test, crush test, drop test, chemical resistance test,
high temperature exposure test.
・ The long-term storage performance is still under test.

6-9 Electrolyte leak

The electrolyte of the SLB is flammable. It may irritate theeyes, skin and mucous membranes. Please refer to thefollowing if an electrolyte leak occurs.
・If the electrolyte gets on your skin, immediately washthe skin with soap and lukewarm water. Seek medical
attention immediately if you notice any changes in yourskin or if there is persistent pain.
・If the electrolyte get in your eyes, immediately rinse
your eyes with water for 15 minutes then seek medical
attention immediately.
・ If smoke or fire occurs, extinguish the fire with carbon
dioxide fire extinguisher, powder fire extinguisher, or alarge amount of water.

6-10 Storage

・ Do not allow the terminals to touch each other or makethe terminals touch a conductor.

・ Avoid storing in the following environment.

(A) Environments that are directly exposed to water,or environments with high-temperature and highhumidity, or environments where condensation occurs(B) Environments directly exposed to oil, or environments
filled with oil in a gaseous state.
(C)Environments directly exposed to salt water, or
environments full of salt.
(D)Environments filled with toxic gases (hydrogen sulfide,sulfite, nitrite, chlorine, bromine, methyl bromide,ammonia, etc.).
(E) Environments exposed to direct sunlight, ozone,
ultraviolet rays or radiation.
(F) Environments exposed to acidic or alkaline solvents.

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Transport and return

7. Transport and return
7-1 Product transport

Small li-ion rechargeable batteries pass the individual
tests of the United Nations’ recommended tests on
product transport (UN Manual of Test and Criteria,
Part III, subsection 38.3). In addition, for air transport,
packaging standards are in accordance with IATA’s
regulations on the transport of dangerous goods (IATA-

Figure 7-1. Lithium battery handling label

DGR), in accordance with the Section II of PI965 (Packing
Instruction 965). If the weight changes or excessive
packaging is applied, the applicable rules (Section) may
change. Please consult with NICHICON in advance withregard to air transport.

Figure 7-2. Cargo Aircraft Only label

7-2 Return of damaged or defective products
The air transport of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries
that are damaged or defective is a violation of IATA’s
Dangerous Goods Regulations. When considering a
product return, please contact NICHICON beforehand.

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601

Disposal

8. Disposal
Please dispose of the SLB in accordance with the laws
and regulations that apply to your region. The SLB uses
volatile electrolytes, so do not dispose of the SLB byburning.

Small Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Technical Notes CAT. 8601