Electronic component manufactureDevelopment division
Solving Power Supply Issues of Cold Chain Sensor TagsDevelopment of Low Temperature Sensor Tag Causes Headaches
Solutions
A Thin and Compact Cold Chain Sensor Unit
Solution Offered by EnerCera battery
The EnerCera ET series enables reliable communication and extended operation even at as low temperatures as below -30 degree C.
The ET series supports constant voltage (CV) charging, eliminating charging ICs and making circuit design simple.
The 0.45 mm-thin EnerCera pouch can be integrated into an ultra-thin, bendable sensor tag that can be positioned anywhere.
EnerCera batteries’ low internal resistance allows them to efficiently store the minuscule currents yielded from various wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies.
Super Compact EnerCera to the Rescue
One of the engineers in the development team, which had been broadening its search for information on battery solutions, came across an NGK website detailing the ultracompact lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, EnerCera series. Upon seeing the EnerCera’s specifications and applications, the engineer knew the range would be perfect for the team’s project and immediately decided to contact NGK for more details. The NGK representative said that the EnerCera ET series supported reliable wireless communications and longtime extended operation, even at temperatures of -30 degree C. The representative also advised the team that EnerCera batteries support CV charging and therefore do not require charging ICs, enabling them to be used with simple circuits.
Stellar Performance Suggests Infinite Possibilities of EnerCera Range
Upon receiving some sample EnerCera ET series batteries, the development team decided to evaluate their power and size on several prototype units. The results bore out NGK’s claims. In particular, the team was amazed by EnerCera’s performance in low temperature tests. The team was also able to build a slimline sensor tag around the 0.45 mm EnerCera Pouch that could be mounted anywhere, including on curved surfaces, irrespective of the shape of the container or the position of the tag. The outcomes of this evaluation made the team feel that this was the ideal sensor unit to ensure product quality, requiring as it did a high degree of temperature control. What is more, the low internal resistance of the EnerCera enabled it to efficiently store the minuscule currents yielded by wireless power transfer, solving recharging issues as well. A maintenance free solution to constant temperature monitoring, as well as support for long-distance wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy and Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN), was now in sight.
Seeing these results, the manufacturer formulated a concept for a sensor tag for cold chain use. It was well received by the customer, and the manufacturer is currently working on developing the product in preparation for a rapid launch on the market.
