There’s a lot to think about when choosing the right battery for an IoT-connected device.

Wireless connected objects tend to require light and compact batteries with very high energy density and high voltage, which is why lithium batteries are best suited to IoT devices.

• They’re lightweight and compact, perfect for use in small smart devices
• Thanks to a strong charge retention, they deliver reliable performance over a long life expectancy
• They’re robust and able to maintain performance at a wide range of temperatures (from very low to very high), ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor environments
• The use of lithium for the anode provides a high voltage output – delivering an amount of energy per volume up to ten times more than zinc-oxide batteries

But what is the right lithium battery for your device?

Getting to grips with your device

Before selecting the battery for your device, it’s important to understand the properties that are most relevant to you.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, so these core questions can help you to identify the right battery for you.

Exploring Saft’s Lithium Batteries

Our range of lithium-based batteries have been designed with IoT applications in mind.

• LS, LSH and LSP cylindrical primary lithium cells and batteries
• LM/M cylindrical primary lithium cells
• Medium prismatic MP and cylindrical small VL rechargeable cells

LS, LSH and LSP cylindrical primary lithium cells – 3.6V (read more)

This range is based on lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) chemistry, which exhibits the highest nominal voltage among primary (single-use) batteries (3.6V). These batteries have also the highest energy density, can last for up to 20 years, and are particularly sturdy and resilient to very high temperatures and strong vibrations.

Two types of lithium-thionyl chloride cells are available: bobbin constructions (LS and LSP range) and spiral constructions (LSH range).

About the LS range

• particularly well suited for applications requiring very low continuous or moderate pulsed currents, such as metering devices or parking sensor applications
• the bobbin construction enables the maximum loading of active materials and the corresponding maximum energy
• able to withstand broad fluctuations of pressure, temperature (from - 60°C to + 150°C) and harsh mechanical environments – ideal for use in remote locations and extreme environments such as trackers

About the LSH range

• spiral cell construction is ideal for applications requiring very high pulses (typically in the 50 mA-2 A range)
• some ranges can operate at the very high temperatures found in oil and gas applications, for example

About the LSP range

• a hybrid solution that maximizes energy and power thanks to a combination of a primary bobbin cell assembled in parallel with a lithium-ion capacitor – the ‘best of both worlds’
• specially designed for applications requiring performance stability and high pulse capacity, over a wide temperature range and for a long lifetime
• the lowest self-discharge and ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) at most temperatures and high capacitance during a pulse – meaning a lifespan of over 10 years

LM/M cylindrical primary lithium cells – 3V (read more)

This range of cells is based on lithium-manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) chemistry.

LM/M cells have a spiral internal construction (like LSH cells above) but exhibit a slightly lower nominal voltage of 3.0V.

• a strong economic option for applications with a cut-off voltage below 2.5V, with a good trade-off between energy and power
• features high surface-area spiral electrodes for maximum current pulse capability, making them suitable for smart metering devices, parking sensors and smart farming applications
• an electrolyte formulation for optimized operation from - 40°C to + 85°C

Medium prismatic (MP) and cylindrical (Small VL) rechargeable cells - 3.6V - 3.75V (read more)

This range is based on our lithium-ion technology.

These batteries can be recharged, making them perfect for devices that are frequently used. They can be charged up to 2800 times with only a 30% capacity loss, and so they are long-life and low maintenance – reduce the cost per cycle over other options.

• an option to add state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) indicators to monitor your application’s battery
• equipped with specific safety features – electronic protection circuit, a built-in circuit breaker in case of a charger fault, shutdown separator, and safety vent
• high performance in unregulated outdoor conditions or in extreme temperatures, so ideal for demanding applications in industrial and critical environments

*This is an updated version of an article first published in March 2020.