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Deutsch Certification: the right cables for mobile batteries
The Right Cables for Mobile Batteries
In the era of fast charging of the mobile phones used everywhere, charging may involve the use of incorrect voltages and cables that are not up to the drawn currents, or replacement batteries that do not support fast charging. Measures must be taken to enable users to charge their smartphones faster – no matter what combination of charger, cable or handheld device is available for. So-called Electronically Marked Cable Assemblies (EMCA – also called E-Markers), for example, can prevent problems that can arise if too much power is passed through a USB cable. These are small active circuits embedded in one or both ends of a USB-C cable. These communicate properties to the downstream facing port (DFP) and only when the fast charging functionality has been confirmed is the configuration of the requested higher currents and voltages.
In order to prevent problems with the use of "inferior" chargers and cables, the USB-IF has also created an authentication specification for USB-C implementation. This should enable mobile devices to recognize whether the charging port used (for example, at a foreign airport) is really certified. What is considered certified can be configured either by the manufacturer of the product, by the user himself, or even by the IT department of a company. Authentication also extends to the authentication of USB products, such as flash drives.
In October 2021
Significant technology trends
Digitization, Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, comprehensive information technology and the like are terms that you can read and hear about all the time. Below are some megatrends that will certainly change our future significantly.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): This technology is increasingly being used. In medicine, for example, the AI used in the computer and display system can be x times more accurate and extremely rapid than doctors to determine whether an incipientry cancer is present. In an American research laboratory, it has also now been possible to detect the onset of Parkinson's disease at the very earliest stage. People who will soon be subject to this disease have an irregular progression, which also moves the hips up and down slightly differently than a healthy person.
Confidential algorithms: The increasing spread of fake news and data has led to the development of specially crafted algorithms for the computer programs, which determine much more quickly whether it is fake data or not.
Blockchain monitoring: This allows the manufacturer, the transport company and the customer to determine at any time where a specific delivery is actually located. For example, if a fake object is added to the blockchain as a so-called real version, the blockchain program checks and compares only the previous original data. These, in turn, can never be changed or deleted unilaterally in this procedure. This applies not only to deliveries, but to all other aspects (money transfers, etc.) that must be "bomb-proof".
Moore's law states that the number of transistors in a highly integrated circuit doubles every two years. Now, however, the researchers are coming to the physical limits of silicon. For example, DNA and biochemistry are already used in DNA calculation and storage instead of silicon and quantum architectures to perform even faster calculations or store corresponding data. Home office is popular in Corona times. But beware: malicious cyber attacks on companies are on the rise every day. Especially among home workers, the laptops are often not properly protected and thus offer the clever hackers wide open entrance portals. This can cause the entire company to suffer huge damage. The data is then gone and there are high demands for money from the attackers. Companies must now pay close attention to this evil fact and seek advice from the appropriate experts. Digitalization and Industry 4.0 do not only have advantages.
Challenges in testing Li-Ion batteries
The accurate testing of battery modules and corresponding packs is crucial for assessing the condition and performance of the battery. It includes measurements of the state of charge, the depth of discharge and much more. Exact tests must also be carried out to assess the performance of the electronic components and systems connected to the battery. Battery tests at the module level usually include charging and discharging tests to ensure that the cell connections are sufficiently strong and thick to handle expected current loads without weakening, failure, or overheating. In addition, it must be checked that the state of the individual cells is balanced, that the voltages are reported correctly and that the temperature sensors function flawlessly. Accutron AG attaches great importance to ensuring that such tests are strictly adhered to by its suppliers. Prevention is better than cure!
State-of-the-art storage elements
The sun does not always shine, and the wind blows irregularly. However, a massive solar and wind system is far from suitable for every application. That's why you need rechargeable storage elements such as batteries and batteries, which will hopefully be recharged later in the application from renewable energy sources. Batteries are found in countless mobile systems. As batteries including protective circuits, for example in electric cars, e-bikes, and more recently also in e-trottinettes. Soon, each new product will have an E- before the type designation. Storage elements everywhere! Most of all, it's in the mobile phones that virtually every person carries around with them all the time. Here it is mainly the well-known lithium-ion batteries and batteries. In the industry, the Li-ion packs are manufactured exactly to specific customer needs. Here it is definitely worth contacting experts in this field. The devil is in the detail here, too.
Tips for mobile phone users
With all the countless mobile phone types, you should know that they are usually recharged within 1000 to 1500 cycles. Fortunately, this will be enough for a few years. But even before that, the loading capacity is constantly reduced. Also, it is not absolutely necessary to charge the mobile phone or other lithium-ion applications again and again to 100%. Experts recommend the range from about 30% up to a maximum of 80%. You can also save money by turning on the power-saving mode. Performance is slightly reduced, but in the mobile phone background, the consumption-intensive apps, etc. are turned off. The user will also save power if the background lighting is not fully turned on. And those who do not buy a new mobile phone every year are now serving the environmental protection that is now in everyone's interest.
Who actually invented the lithium-ion battery?
Everyone knows in the meantime the electric car manufacturer Tesla. This has taught the conventional German luxury car producers the fear. In Switzerland, in the upper segment such as the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 and the like, significantly more Teslas have been sold than from those models. Tesla finally comes with smaller, cheaper models on the market. In the meantime, the Europeans have also woken up and now also come with e-models in the price range middle. High time, otherwise a major worldwide trend simply overslept. China relies heavily on e-mobility, not least because of the filthy air in big cities, where the sun shines through only dimly, if at all, and people with face masks walk around. A terrible idea for us.
Thousands of lithium-ion batteries are installed in the lower part of the Tesla S in the picture and provide for enormous acceleration, extremely low center of gravity and for a distance of around 500 kilometers and more. Not only in the car such batteries are installed, but in countless mobile devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tools, bicycles and now even in small scooters.
Who actually invented the Li-ion batteries?
The Japanese chemist Akira Yoshino worked in the early 1980s on a specific technology that was still in need of improvement. His goal was to produce the smallest possible battery, which also has a high energy density. In 1985, Yoshino and his colleagues were granted the patent for the first lithium-ion battery with truly huge potential. The energy density is increasing now and Yoshino expects in the future with a load time of only 5 minutes!. He continues to research on a solid-state battery that can not burn, among other things! At the Paul Scherrer Institute in Würenlingen, the local researchers are on the front line. We are eager to see what happens. In English, the general battery technology is a real "game changer" for all of us!
from Jürg Fehlbaum, free journalist
08. November 2018
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