Sony Expands Line-Up of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Portable Computing, Communications and Information Applications
PARK RIDGE, N.J. — November 8, 1994 — Sony Electronics today announced its new lithium-ion cell line-up comprising three models: one cylindrical and two prismatic battery types.
Lithium-ion technology offers many advantages over conventional nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) technologies. Lithium-ion batteries are compact and light, and offer higher energy capacity, full recharge capability with no "memory" effect, and longer life.
"Sony's lithium-ion batteries are smaller, lighter and more powerful than conventional rechargeable batteries, making them an appropriate power source for today's portable applications, especially notebook computers, cellular phones and personal entertainment and information products," said Wataru Ogawa, president of Sony Electronics' Recording Media and Energy Products Group. "We believe these are the most exciting rechargeable batteries on the market. We are confident in the potential of Sony's lithium-ion batteries to meet the energy needs of the expanding portable electronics market and to be the preferred power source for years to come."
Currently, Sony is using lithium-ion batteries to power some of its Handycam(R) 8 mm camcorders, MiniDisc personal stereo recorders and players, as well as its recently introduced Magic Link(TM) personal intelligent communicator.
The new cylindrical battery, the US26650, packs 2500mAh (9Wh) of power in a small 26x65mm package weighing only 80 grams (g). The prismatic models come in two sizes. The smaller of the two cells, the US083448, is housed in a casing measuring 8x34x48mm and weighing only 40g. This cell is targeted for use in such applications as cellular phones where battery width and weight are important design factors. The larger of the two batteries, the US143448, is designed for use in applications such as personal computers where the energy requirements are greater. The US143448 comes in a 14x34x48mm casing.
Sony was the first to announce lithium-ion battery technology in 1990, and was the first company to initiate mass production of these batteries in 1992. Sony views lithium-ion batteries as a means to power a new generation of portable AV and personal information and communication products. With a nominal voltage of 3.6V, lithium-ion offers more power, meeting the energy requirements of any given product using fewer batteries than either Ni-Cd or Ni-MH.
Compared to standard Ni-Cd batteries with the same discharge capacity, Sony lithium-ion batteries are approximately 30 percent smaller in volume and 35 percent lighter in weight.
Lithium-ion batteries have no "memory" and can be fully recharged at any point without any reduction in energy storage capacity. Ni-Cd and some Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, however, can only be fully recharged after they have been completely drained because of the memory effect, which limits their storage capacity.
To help ensure optimal performance and usage of the equipment they power, Sony lithium-ion battery packs incorporate a unique CPU-based, "intelligent control" feature that accurately calculates the pack's remaining capacity. In addition, lithium-ion batteries are environmentally friendly.
To help meet the growing demand for its lithium-ion line-up, Sony will continue to increase production, with the short-term objective of doubling current capacity by the end of 1994 to two million cells per month. In addition, a new operation will be established by Sony Electronics in San Jose, Calif., as part of its Recording Media and Energy Products Group, to conduct marketing activities and to provide customers with technical support and quality assurance.
CONTACT:
Manny Vara, 408-955-5142, or David Yaun, 201-930-7834, both of Sony Electronics