Battery cell holding options on PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: viper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 03:10:47 pm
content: Consider this from a commercial application, not hobby. I think I have decided (somewhat) to use a type of cell holder for 2 cells, and probably rigid attachment to the PCB. This is primarily so that I don't need to ask for any special battery pack designs, just buy bare cells.The cells will be LiFe, but we are doing all the charge controlling and balancing so the batteries will be protected and there will be a simple PCB fuse so if something really gets nuts, the circuit is just dead, but failed safely and can be returned to us.I know I've see PCB mounted spring tabs but I do wonder if that spring force can eventually cause issue with the board? If not, I had the idea to design slots in the board for zip ties to retain the cells.

author: reboots
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 03:24:49 pm
content: Are the cells intended to be user-replaceable? If not, I would consider sourcing an assembled LiFe pack (or tabbed cells) prepped with a pigtail connector. Zip ties should work for retention. If you have a lot of these to assemble, you will appreciate a zip tie tensioning tool.I have had difficulty in a mobile application (high shock/vibration) with AA cells bouncing in their holders hard enough to break the positive connection and cause momentary power dropouts. I experimented with supercaps to maintain power during these events, but the project moved to a Li-Ion pack for other reasons.

author: viper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 04:38:06 pm
content: No, the pack is not being designed to be replaceable. The device would not be subjected to shock when in use, but we have to account for handling or shipping. I do have some concern with shock as it relates to that much mass attached to the board. Was just trying to stay simple as it's probably easier to source bare cells as opposed to packs. I do like the idea of a stand alone pack with short lead wires and plug though. Pretty common.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 05:27:18 pm
content: What about soldering PC tabbed cells into place on the printed circuit board?This eats a lot of expensive printed circuit board area though, so the battery pack might be less expensive.

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 06:10:11 pm
content: Be careful, most of the holders don't really prevent the cell from popping out when shock is applied. If you want the cell to remain in the holder during transport, tie it down somehow, 2 holes in the PCB and a zip tie or better yet, good mechanical design of the enclosure.

author: viper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 06:38:06 pm
content: Quote from: David Hess on October 02, 2025, 05:27:18 pmPossibly a good consideration here. Other is with the pack/pigtail, we could just plug them in in-house as opposed to soldering in place. My thought was to have the spring plates added during PCB mfg, but you guys got me second guessing that idea.

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2025, 05:19:51 am
content: If you solder spring tabs to a PCB, make sure they are well supported. I've seen some bend/tilt away from the batteryover time.I usually opt for pouch cells that come with PCM and 10k NTC, and plug them into PCB. This is my prefered supplier:https://www.gebbattery.com/