Battery management tackles alternative battery technologies in advanced portable systems

Portable systems are driving the development of new battery technologies for increased run-time and portability. Future improvements to older battery chemistries are becoming very limited. Users of portable systems desire longer run times, quicker recharges, and always lower cost. Although operating time can always be increased by adding more cells, this approach does not appeal to users who must carry the equipment. In determining what can be done to improve the utility of portable systems, shortcomings of current batteries must be identified. This paper considers the battery management portion of the rechargeable system which includes the battery, capacity measurement, and charging