Friday 28 October 2011

Credit card sized rechargeable battery for medical applications launches at Compamed

Accutronics, the UK based designer and manufacturer of professional battery solutions, is set to launch a range of credit card sized batteries for medical applications at Compamed 2011. These new smart batteries are ideal for portable applications including tele-healthcare devices, data recorders and monitors. Compamed is taking place at the Dusseldorf Trade Fair Centre in Germany between November 16 and 18. 


The credit card batteries have been developed by Accutronics in response to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) demand for a short lead time, compact and rechargeable Lithium Ion battery solution for their portable devices. The products feature accurate impedance tracking fuel gauges, an active protection system, and a compact connector, all contained in a package with a footprint identical to that of a credit card. CE marked, IEC62133 and UN38.3 tested, the batteries are supplied with comprehensive technical back-up and a number of useful accessories which enable the OEM designer to easily integrate the battery into the device system.


“The demand for this kind of product might seem surprising, given the abundant availability of Lithium ion batteries in consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers,” explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics. “However, consumer-market batteries do not satisfy the requirements of OEMs in the quality-driven medical sector and other professional markets, so we’ve created these new credit card batteries to satisfy OEM demand.

Other products on show at Compamed include the range of Inspired Energy batteries for which Accutronics is the sole distributor. The range now includes the new 28.8V ‘PH2059’ Lithium Ion smart battery which opens up a whole new range of application possibilities where higher voltages are required. The PH2059 can be used in a device cavity but also features threaded inserts so it can also be bolted onto a chassis if required. The PH2059 includes a five bar visual state of charge indicator allowing the user to easily see how much energy is in the battery in 20% increments.

“The crux of all of our products is the technical support that goes hand in hand with them,” explained Oliver. “We believe that our credit card battery fills a gap in the compact battery market for a fully-supported, OEM oriented battery solution. Device design engineers need technical guidance and feedback when they specify battery products and Accutronics are one of the few companies who provide that support as standard. Add to this our excellent quality and delivery performance, and you have a valuable total package that will get the medical device OEM to market quickly and confidently.”