Rechargeable batteries for mobile communications

The rapid advances that have occurred in the electronics industry have lead to a reduction in the size and weight of most portable electronics products, including mobile phones. This size reduction has usually been accompanied by an increase in the number of functions that the phone is capable of performing. As a result the demands placed on the portable power supply have changed. The selection of the battery system used within the mobile phone is now of critical importance, both in terms of size and weight and capability to perform the phones numerous functions. This paper highlights the major differences between the three systems available for use in the mobile communications market. The future possibilities within the rechargeable battery market are also discussed. There are three main battery systems available to the mobile phone designer, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride and lithium ion. Nickel cadmium has been available for a considerable time and is the most widely used system for rechargeable battery applications. Nickel metal hydride and lithium ion batteries are comparatively recent developments