Writing An Application Checklist For A Product That Uses Batteries

   Just like chest full of tools, there is an ideal battery for every job. That's why it is worth your time to put together a quick checklist describing what your design requires from its battery- so you can find the perfect fit. Application checklists are a handy place to store all of your pertinent battery-related information. Here are a few things you should consider including in your application checklist:

Application
   How will you use the battery? A short description here will help you focus more.

Battery Type And Power Source
   It’s important to know if you’ll need an ultra-compact battery or a more robust electrical cell. These are usually designated by common sizes like AA, AAA, or more specific numbers like the 2032 in CR2032.

   The primary power source refers to the chemistry type. Different battery chemistries work better in different environments, so it’s important to know which chemistry type will be a good fit for your job.

Will You Use Your Battery For Memory Backup (MBU)?
   It’s also good to know if you’ll use your battery for memory backup purposes. Many lithium coin cell batteries, such as CR2032 batteries, are specifically designed for this purpose.

Current And Voltage Characteristics
   If you’ve been designing your device for any amount of time, you should know how much voltage and current your device needs in order to operate properly. List the maximum, minimum, and cutoff voltages as well as the maximum, minimum, and average currents.

Current Profile
   How does electricity flow through your circuit? Do you use capacitors and inductors to change the current in any way? Describe the circuit and whether it fits any known current profiles.

Operating Temperature Profile
   Describe your device’s environment in terms of the external temperature. Put down a maximum, minimum, and average temperature in which your device will be used. Describe any other temperature characteristics if they stand out.

Storage Temperature Profile
   Where will users store your device? Do the same as above with your storage temperature profile, making sure to list the maximum, minimum, and average temperatures in which your device is likely to be stored.

Device Dimensions
   List the overall size characteristics of your device.

Additional Requirements
   List anything that could be pertinent to selecting the appropriate battery. This is a good space to use if you don’t have room in the other fields.

   Here is an example application checklist for you to look over and use to help you design your own checklist. As long as you list all of the above, you should be well on your way to making the right battery choice for your device.