Choosing the Proper Battery Chemistry

The chemistry inside batteries is constantly being improved. After a thorough evaluation and vetting process, Fedco will guide you to the right type of battery for your application(s), or see if an existing design can utilize a more advanced/higher capacity battery technology. Fedco has years of experience dealing with all of the characteristics and known issues for these chemistries as well as full knowledge of IATA and D.O.T. transportation regulations.

Lithium-Ion

Lithium-Ion cylindrical (Round) and prismatic (Rectangular) cells are the 3.7 Volt rechargeable chemistry of choice for most new designs requiring light weight and long run time. Fedco is an authorized assembler for the leading cell manufacturers, including Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, JHyPower, Saft and Ultralife. All of our battery packs incorporate Protection Circuit Modules (PCM) and may include gas-gauge / communications circuits where required. Lithium-Ion batteries are subject to U.S. DOT and IATA Dangerous Goods regulations when shipped by air or vessel.

Lithium Polymer

Lithium Polymer (Rectangular Pouch) cells are a 3.7 Volt rechargeable technology incorporating a design that is very thin compared to lithium-ion cylindrical and prismatic cells.  These can help you maximize the amount of energy stored in the space you have available in your portable application albeit at a higher price per Watt-Hour.   Fedco is an authorized assembler for JHyPower, Sony, Renata (Small) and Kokam (Large High-Current) cells.  All of our battery packs incorporate Protection Circuit Modules (PCM) and may include gas-gauge / communications circuits where required.  Lithium Polymer batteries are subject to IATA Dangerous Goods regulations when shipped by air or vessel.

Nickel Metal Hydride

Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable cells are a 1.2V technology and are the industry standard for low-cost high durability applications. Fedco is an authorized assembler of cells by Panasonic, FDK (f/k/a Sanyo), Intec, Howell Energy, Industries and Varta-Microbattery.  Ni-MH battery packs require over-current, over-temperature and short-circuit protection to be included in the design.

Ni-Cad

Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) rechargeable cells are a 1.2V technology and were the first small rechargeable cells dating back to the late 1960s but due to their cadmium content have been banned in Europe and discontinued by many cell manufacturers. When very high discharge currents are required the Ni-Cd is still an option.  ARTS Energy and Intec Industries have an excellent product offering.

Sealed Lead Acid

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) rechargeable batteries come in 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 12.0 Volts configuration. and manufactured by Panasonic, EnerSys/Cyclon, EnerSys/Genesis, CSB, Leoch, and Power-Sonic. A major advantage of SLA batteries is that they can handle high current loads and are extremely efficient at low temperatures. Cyclon 2.0 Volt SLA cells are well suited for custom sealed lead acid battery assemblies.

Alkaline & Zinc-Carbon

Available in traditional AAA, AA, C and D 1.5V technology as well as a 9 Volt size. Fedco stocks cells by Panasonic and Varta-Microbattery. Fedco also has the capability of building custom Alkaline battery assemblies. In addition to Alkaline, Silver Oxide (1.55V) and Zinc Air (1.45V) button cells are used in hearing aids and other miniature devices.

Lithium Primary

Lithium Primary cells are non-rechargeable and are available in 1.5, 3.0 and 3.6 Volt technologies for both long life (memory carry-over) applications and high current applications as well as a broad range of operating temperatures.  We are an authorized assembler for Panasonic, Saft, Ultralife, FDK (f/k/a Sanyo), Varta-Microbattery and Maxell and virtually stock their full product lines.  Fedco has hundreds of Lithium Primary battery packs in single and multi-cell configurations in stock and may have an exact model for your application. Lithium Primary batteries are subject to U.S. DOT and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations when shipped by air or vessel.

Ni-MH and Lithium Primary Button Cells

Varta-Microbattery has a specialized 1.2 Volt Ni-MH family of button cells that can be assembled into many different multi-cell batteries. These include bare cells for stacked assemblies and insulated cells for side-by-side assembly. Varta's button cell assemblies are typically used for memory carryover applications. Shown also are 3.0 Volt Lithium primary coin cells manufactured by Panasonic, Maxell, FDK, Renata and Varta-Microbattery, which are also often used for memory carryover.