HAPPY BIRTHDAY CMX SERIES

We can’t believe it’s been 12 months since the launch of our new energy-dense batteries for Hi-tech portable medical equipment at Compamed 2014, and just how successful the CMX Series has been over the past year. 

The new smart battery range fulfils the needs of manufacturers of high powered medical devices. The CMX series really packs a punch - offering high energy density along with high power discharge. Medical OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are now able to produce innovative portable devices without compromising on safety and reliability in life-critical applications.

The medical market is a challenging environment, and understandably so. With people's lives on the line it is essential that medical practitioners can rely on their equipment to perform under pressure. The rise in the use of portable devices such as acute ventilators, anaesthesia workstations and intra-oral scanners has left many medical OEMs struggling to keep pace in the market.  The CMX Series of batteries and chargers has been designed specifically for medical OEMs following extensive research and discussion with customers and hospitals.

“Part of our branded Entellion range, the CMX meets stringent regulations, demanding development schedules and innovation aims, whilst minimising unit costs," explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics. “The CMX Series, as with our other Entellion products, bridge the gap between custom and standard batteries and chargers”.

The seven batteries in the CMX range use three different cell types to provide specific performance attributes which are required for the medical device market.  Smart features of the CMX series include active and passive protection circuits that prevent over-temperature, over and under-voltage, overload and short circuit.  Forming an essential part of its medical device operation, smart power management means the battery only requests charge when needed and shuts down when not being used. Accurate fuel gauging is possible to 1% through an LCD display, further enhancing reliability.

CMX series batteries comply with regulatory certifications necessary for use in medical devices. In terms of safety they meet the requirements of both UL2054 (2nd edition) and IEC62133:2012 (2nd edition), the latter being a mandatory requirement for medical devices being certified to IEC60601-1 (3rd edition).  They also meet the requirements of The Transport of Dangerous Goods, Methods of Tests and Criteria, UN ST/SG/AC.10.11 Rev5 Section 38.3 which is a mandatory requirement for the transportation of Lithium ion batteries.
 
Hospitals can now perform routine power management checks without having to remove the medical device from service using the smart charger that accompanies the CMX battery. A single charger can be used for different sized batteries, because the two devices automatically communicate exact voltage requirements.

Whether batteries or chargers, the Entellion range is available off-the shelf or can be easily customised to meet particular OEM requirements. Options include product labelling and case colours, software setup and SHA-1 algorithmic security, which prevents counterfeit batteries being used under fraudulent warranty claims.

For more information on the CMX Series of batteries & chargers contact us today

Going mini at world's biggest medical show

Mini battery for portable medical devices smaller than credit card

The doors have now opened at Compamed in Düsseldorf, Germany. Co-hosted with Medica, Compamed is the world's largest medical technology (MedTech) trade show which runs from November 16-19. This year Accutronics are exhibiting its smallest medical battery and charger the CC1150 mini credit card battery and CX3050 desktop charger.   These small batteries target the growing demand for portable medical devices used in hospitals and in home healthcare and can be seen on stand H18 in Hall 8b.

The event will see 728 companies from 37 countries come together with over 17,000 trade visitors in medical technology sectors ranging from nanotechnology and test and instrumentation to certification and medical manufacturing.

The CC1150 mini credit card battery is a 3.7V, 1.15h (4.2Wh) Lithium-ion 2.0A battery measuring just 54mm square and 9.5mm high, occupying just half the footprint of a standard credit card.

Rare in batteries of this size, the CC1150 also features an active electronic protection system that prevents overcharge, over discharge and short circuit, crucial for hands-on environments such as hospitals. In addition, the built-in, high accuracy, impedance tracking, fuel gauge means the CC1150 can track battery status information including remaining capacity (mAh), remaining runtime, percentage charge, battery voltage (mV) and temperature.

"Even though medical devices are getting smaller, battery OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) have been slow to provide devices that pack the same functionality into smaller form factors," explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics. "This is why we've developed the CC1150 mini credit card battery and CX3050 charger.

"OEMs can reduce their testing costs and improve return on investment by specifying these units. This range is fully tested to meet the international requirements of IEC62133 and UN38.3 and, because the battery is under 100Wh, further time and costs can be saved during transportation."

The CC1150 mini credit card battery is accompanied by the CX3050, a slimline desktop charger, which allows the battery to be charged separately from the device. "There is a trend among many medical OEMs to use embedded batteries," continued Oliver. "However, for medical devices, it's not always practical to take the entire device to a charging point. For these situations, simply swapping the empty battery for a fully charged one, allows devices to remain in continuous use - this is where our charger really comes into its own."

The CX3050 desktop charger is supplied with a 100-240VAC wall mounted power supply, charging the battery in just 2.5 hours. Built in LEDs indicate power, charging, fully charged and fault conditions. Furthermore, interchangeable AC blades mean the units can be used in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and China. The CX3050 is also pre-qualified with certification for UL and IEC60950-1 as well as being CE marked. Customers can further customise the casing, labelling and packaging.

Come to meet us on our stand where you can also view many of our custom medical battery and charger solutions (Accupro) and other Entellion products and discuss your upcoming projects - Stand H18 in Hall 8b from 16-19 November.

You may also like to visit the Suppliers Forum in Hall 8b where Neil Oliver will be providing a presentation on 'The Lithium Ion Regulatory Maze' on Tuesday 17th November at 13:15 hrs.

Medical Technology Q&A

Rob Phillips, managing director of professional battery manufacturer Accutronics, has identified several key trends that are emerging in the MedTech sector, from rising energy densities to new innovations such as wireless charging. Below he offers his insights into these trends, where he predicts to see the most market growth in the next twelve months and where Accutronics fits into the industry.

Who are you and what do you do? 
I'm Rob Phillips, managing director of Accutronics Ltd. Accutronics is a successful independent battery business serving specialist OEM’s in the Medical Device market and similar sectors, specialising in developing and manufacturing high-performance smart battery & charger systems.
We have an excellent portfolio of demanding OEM customers, who enjoy a real competitive advantage from their long-term partnerships with us.

As well as the medical and healthcare sector, our smart batteries are used in defence and security, as well as industrial test and instrumentation sectors. From small credit-card sized batteries for use in wearable medical devices to intelligent power vaults for use in high-power, high-discharge environments in hospitals, we make them all.

Some of our technical achievements include class leading protection circuits that prevent batteries from over charging, over discharging and overheating, as well as algorithmic security that prevents fake batteries from being used in life-critical medical applications.


How would you sum up your company?
Accutronics enables forward-thinking MedTech companies to create and deliver the next generation of portable medical devices.

As a leading battery manufacturer, we're dedicated to helping overcome new challenges including the use of portable devices in extreme environments, as well as improved battery security aimed at eliminating counterfeits. To do this, we've brought together a passionate team of designers, engineers and market specialists to apply their expertise in creating the battery solutions of tomorrow.

Name a business achievement you are most proud of?
Having grown the company from a startup in 2009, during one of the worst recessions in history, Accutronics is now a first-choice partner for some of the world's leading MedTech OEMs. This is something we're really proud of.


What excites you about this industry?
The environment of constant innovation is enthralling. Knowing that all these efforts are aimed at improving people's lives and the quality of their health makes this a very rewarding industry to be in. On top of this, there are real opportunities open to smaller and medium-sized companies to play a significant role in this innovation.

We've identified several key trends in the MedTech sector: battery energy densities are rising, as more and more equipment is becoming mobile; security is a big concern, especially when it comes to counterfeit batteries; the demand for premium medical devices in the Asian MedTech sector is growing rapidly; new innovations such as fast and wireless charging are on the rise; and finally, the development of antimicrobial polymers and surfaces is providing an extra line of defence against superbugs.


Where do you predict industry growth will come from over the next 12 months?
The BRIC countries, Brazil, Russia, India and China, are widely recognised as being economies with the fastest growing infrastructure in areas such as health service assets, transportation and specifically portable medical devices, which will deliver increased flexibility and value to healthcare users. This is where we expect most of the growth to come from.


Which medical device do you wish you had invented and why?
The plastic syringe, as it's one of the most versatile products. It's more robust and lighter than glass. It's much cheaper to manufacture, there must have been millions manufactured already. Products like the plastic syringe offer a lot of scope for use in the field and are indispensable in places like Africa where the logistics of medical equipment can be very challenging.

The credit card battery goes mini - Battery specialist launches its smallest ever, sub credit-card sized, battery

Global battery manufacturer Accutronics has launched its smallest ever medical battery and charger set. The CC1150 mini credit card battery meets the trend in the medical and instrumentation sectors for the growing use of portable and handheld devices.

Having already built a reputation for delivering the latest in smart battery technology for the medical sector, Accutronics' new mini credit-card battery, the CC1150, occupies around half the footprint of a conventional credit card. Measuring in at 54mm square and 9.5mm high, it fits perfectly into smaller, handheld, devices with ease.

Featuring a state of the art impedance tracking fuel gauge, the CC1150 is equipped with an I²C interface, simplifying its integration into the device. Enhanced circuitry provides further protection against over charge, over discharge, over current and short circuit.

"OEMs making handheld devices will be pleased to hear that, with the CC1150 mini, we've not only halved the size of the standard credit card battery, but we've also packed it with the same powerful features as its predecessor," explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics. "At the same time, we've still met the vital IEC 62133 safety requirements for batteries manufactured for use in portable applications, as well as UN38.3 transportation regulations.

"To make it a truly global battery, we've accompanied the CC1150 with a new charger, the CX3050, which works anywhere in the world thanks to its AC power adapter and interchangeable blades. For portable and handheld devices, fast charging is just as important as long battery life, so we designed the CX3050 to charge the CC1150 in under 2.5 hours," concluded Oliver.

Both the battery and the CX3050 charger are available off-the-shelf in black and feature Entellion branding. Users can request custom colours, labels and packaging.

Launched in 2011, Accutronics' range of credit card batteries are targeted to meet the needs of medical and instrumentation original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who need a small, off-the-shelf, Lithium-ion smart battery.

Four years after development, the credit-card range of batteries are now used widely in applications ranging from industrial laser measurement devices to medical infusion pumps. Other innovations such as desktop charging have given users the flexibility to charge batteries outside of their devices.

Trust me, I'm a medical device

There is a growing debate surrounding the rise in mobile medical devices. The concern is that the increased reliance on electronic devices to monitor and treat our health becomes dangerous if those very devices become unsafe or unreliable to use. Here, we explore the security and safety of batteries used in our critical medical equipment going forward. 

Medical devices are moving from the once fixed sanctuaries of hospital wards and wandering out into our portable world. The abundance of WiFi, the interconnectivity of electronics and remote information exchange has given rise to the increased portability of the critical devices that monitor our health and provide doctors and paramedics with the tools necessary in delivering flexible and customisable treatment.

However, this rise in portability has created numerous security challenges. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month pushed for improved cyber security when it issued guidelines aimed at helping medical device manufacturers manage cyber security risks as well as "maintain medical device functionality and safety".

The guidelines will decrease the number of incidents of medical devices being hacked, putting the life of patients in jeopardy. Controversies, such as the one reported by former US Vice President Dick Cheney who, fearing assassination, told doctors to turn off the wireless functionality of his pacemaker after it was found that it could be wirelessly hacked, will be avoided.

However, the problem of security is not limited to the wireless capability of devices. A lack of hardware based encryption has already caused widespread concern over the reliability of batteries used in such equipment.

The fact that portable medical devices have to be designed to operate without mains electricity/AC power access necessitates the use of reliable and safe backup-power management systems. Devices such as acute ventilators, portable anaesthesia workstations and intra-oral scanners all need continuous and safe power to protect patient health.

Battery counterfeiting is a problem faced by the medical industry on a scale never before witnessed in the sector. The ready availability of grey market, untested copycat batteries using inferior components means that many life-critical devices used in our hospitals and medical establishments are becoming unreliable and unsafe to use.

Here at Accutronics, we've worked hard to tackle this problem and will be launching a new CMX series of smart batteries and chargers this November. The new range incorporates some innovative features that include SHA-1 hardware encryption, to prevent fake batteries being used with the host device, active and passive protection circuits, accurate fuel gauging, smart charge control and device-to-host communication.

The new batteries can be transported, stored and used safely, without overcharging, over discharging, overloading and short-circuiting. Thermal sensing on the battery triggers alarms if it is too hot; removing it from the circuit if the operating temperature exceeds safe levels.

Smart power management is what makes the CMX range stand out. Whereas other dumb systems that use a fixed-voltage cut off to prevent over-discharge, the intelligent system in the CMX maximises runtime per discharge cycle by telling the host device when to shut down based on highly accurate remaining-capacity prediction.

Visitors to COMPAMED can find out more about how the CMX range will revolutionise the mobile medical market at Accutronics' product launch press conference. The event will be held at 3pm on the 12th of November, 2014 in room 801a off hall 8b at COMPAMED. If you're interested in attending, you can register for free by calling 01785 225416 today.

If you’re unable to make it to Compamed we will also be launching and displaying the new CMX series at ELECTRONICA in Munich between 11th & 14th November in Hall B2 Stand Booth 454.

High-five for high-power

Tackling the rise in demand for portable medical devices delivering high-rate power discharge, battery specialist Accutronics will be launching a new CMX range on 12 November, 2014 at COMPAMED, the international medical trade show held in Dusseldorf, Germany. In anticipation of the launch, we explore the world of portable power.

Speed is of the essence in life-critical applications. Usually, ambulance crews will transport heart-attack patients to the hospital's emergency ward as soon as possible. However, a leading UK Accident & Emergency doctor recently called for patients to be treated by paramedics until their heart starts beating or they die.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, Dr Benger says that it, "may be actively harmful" to rush cardiac arrest patients to hospital. Because there is only a short time-window of around 50 minutes before permanent brain damage sets in, it is vital that treatment is provided quickly and effectively.

The last few years have seen an increased demand in mobile technology used in hospitals and in the field. Specialised stroke emergency mobile (STEMO) ambulances fitted with portable CT scanners cut the alarm-to-treatment period to just 25 minutes. Acute ventilators, portable anaesthesia workstations and intra-oral scanners are other examples of medical equipment breaking free from the traditional mains power supply.

However, the challenge with these devices is the high-rate power delivery required to operate reliably. The recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa has highlighted the challenge of transporting patients from one part of the world to another. Medical equipment used in the transport of patients must be capable of operating with limited resource for electricity, water and compressed gas.

On September 4, 2014, in response to the Ebola outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued guidelines for medical equipment donated for use in the field. The guidelines reinforce the necessity for devices to use high-quality backup power, with current stabilisation, surge protection and uninterrupted power supplies to protect against blackouts and unsustainable mains power.

To overcome these problems, here at Accutronics we've developed a new CMX smart-battery range specifically for high-power applications. Capable of accurate fuel gauging, built to international regulatory standards (IEC62133, UL2054) and offering device-to-host communication for continuous swappable power, the new range will be especially useful in the increasingly dynamic nature of modern hospital care.

Visitors to COMPAMED can find out more about how the CMX range will revolutionise the mobile medical market at Accutronics' product launch press conference. The event will be held at 3pm on the 12th of November, 2014 in room 801a off hall 8b at COMPAMED. Alternatively you can view and discuss the new product range in Hall 8b Stand F30 where Accutronics will be exhibiting. If you're interested in attending, you can register for free by calling 01785 225416 today.

If you’re unable to make it to COMPAMED, we will also be launching and displaying the new CMX series at ELECTRONICA in Munich between 11th and 14th November in Hall B2 Stand Booth 454.

A designer's headache

At the end of March, Sataya Nadella the new CEO of Microsoft gave his first keynote speech only 52 days into his new role. Speaking at the company’s Cloud conference, also dubbed the ‘Office for iPad’ event, he expressed Microsoft’s vision for mobile and cloud computing moving forward. Here, Neil Oliver of Accutronics considers the implications of advancing consumer technology for designers of medical devices that rely on battery size reduction.

It was a bold but necessary step. Microsoft’s ethos of traditional fixed-unit computing has struggled to compete in recent years with the sheer intensity of competition offered up by the likes of Apple, Samsung and Google. Rapid innovation of powerful mobile operating systems, that offer more portable productivity solutions, has left the software giant reeling.

The trend towards mobile devices is nothing new. Having experienced a seismic shift, the industry has gained momentum in cycles over the last twenty years. We have now reached a point where mobile users outnumber desktops, laptops and Internet users, combined.

However, there are drawbacks to such fast paced innovation. The traditionally linear product development has morphed into a vicious cycle of ever increasing consumer expectations, in conjunction with an increased competition to reduce the time to market for each device-iteration.

This has left designer’s scratching their heads. Design objectives that seemed impossible to implement only a few years ago, are now the norm. As a result, user expectations are getting higher and higher. As customers we want bigger screen sizes, with higher resolutions, packed into thinner, more lightweight devices, with lower price points and long run times.

This is as true in the world of professional batteries for medical devices as it is the consumer environment.

In a typical product development lifecycle, industrial and product design consultants are drafted in at the concept stages. The consultants usually specialise in areas such as ergonomics, electronics or even manufacturing readiness. The power solution, in the form of the battery design, is often an afterthought in this process.

Because ergonomics and manufacturing have taken a front and centre seat in meeting consumer requirements, the consultants brought in, don’t always have the most up to date skills in battery technology. It is for this reason that, whilst device design has moved forward, design engineers often struggle to meet the ever tightening requirements for batteries.

However, by relegating the battery solution to an afterthought we risk limiting the options available to designers, making a battery that is truly fit for purpose less likely. By limiting the volume, thickness, weight and material availability, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) may have to compromise in other areas. These variables can directly influence factors such as cell selection, robustness, runtime, efficient operating temperatures, reliability and total life.

Not considering these issues at the design stage could spell disaster in the long term.

The first consequence is as a result of shaving millimetres off the device and thus battery size. For instance, single-cell Lithium-ion batteries in consumer devices such as phones and tablets are being encased in increasingly thinner packaging. This means that accidentally dropping your phone could rupture the battery casing, causing a short circuit. Although extremely unlikely, this could cause the battery to heat up and even explode.

Although an extreme example, a more likely consequence in a medical device would be an inefficient discharge rate at low operating temperatures. Medical devices used outdoors by rescue teams are a prime example. Whilst OEMs seek to market their devices as capable of operating from -20 to +60 degrees Celsius, designers struggle to optimise batteries to perform effectively at both extremes.

For example, a battery optimised for low temperature discharge, will struggle to maintain efficiency in high temperatures, and vice versa. This also means that accurate fuel gauging becomes difficult; creating a potentially hazardous problem for medical and life-critical devices.

Another challenge is device weight. The consequence of pursuing the thinnest and lightest device is that OEMs ultimately compromise on run-time and battery lifetime.

A battery’s energy density is directly proportional to its volume and mass. By reducing the weight of the battery, and subsequently its energy, the runtime is lowered. Even Lithium-ion batteries, which offer the highest energy density commercially available, will struggle to cater for customer expectations in this environment.

Here at Accutronics, we’ve found that the easiest solution to overcome these problems is to work with OEMs at the concept stages to build in requirements for reliable and robust battery design. This helps to achieve a good balance between innovative design and battery performance. It’s a process that market leaders like Microsoft would surely applaud, particularly given Nadella’s focus on mobile first.

Future-proofing for years to come

The importance of fitting the right type of battery in certain devices is something we can’t stress enough, no matter how often we bring it up. The variety of batteries available can sometimes make it very challenging for a design engineer to choose the best option. In fact, the creativity of some battery solutions has impressed even us, here at Accutronics. For example, last month, a team from the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineering Fair created the world’s first battery made entirely of Brussels sprouts.

As charming as the Brussels sprouts battery idea is, certain devices, particularly the ones used in defence and security, or the medical and healthcare sectors, need to be future-proofed for at least a decade. One of the best ways to do that is by applying intelligent design techniques at the earliest possible stages.

Consumer devices, like mobile phones or music players rarely have a lifecycle of over 24 months. This is definitely not the case with medical devices like X-ray machines, ventilators, or patient monitoring equipment, which can go for over a decade without being redeveloped. The reason is partly related to the high cost of redesigning and testing new medical devices.

A long life span is part of the reason why design engineers need to ensure that the components of the device – including the battery - will not become obsolete during the device’s estimated lifetime. This can sometimes be the case if the design engineer decides to use as a power source a battery originally developed with a consumer use in mind.

Because of the unpredictability of consumer markets, there is no guarantee that in five or ten year’s time, that specific consumer battery solution will still be available. Furthermore, consumer battery solutions are usually less reliable and have lower levels of technical support than custom made batteries.

The challenge medical device OEMs face is finding a balance between how to use the latest battery technology, and the guarantee that device components will be available in the long term. And in this context, long term actually means up to 15 years. The solution is to work closely alongside the battery developer from the earliest stages of device design. This way, the device can be built, to the appropriate extent, around the battery or at least with its own power requirements in mind.

Leading battery developers closely monitor battery and device trends, and can offer objective advice about cell selection, ensuring the device is future-proof until its estimated end of life. Battery developers also guarantee continuous and expert levels of technical support throughout the device’s life cycle and can continue to manufacture the custom-made battery even in small numbers, when a consumer battery manufacturer wouldn’t.

Not to toot our own horn, but here at Accutronics, we are experts in designing custom battery solutions for devices that are too expensive to redevelop if the initial battery becomes obsolete. So why not drop us an email on sales@accutronics.co.uk or give us a call on 01782 566688, and we’ll advise you on what would be the best solutions for your device.

Battery manufacturer gets Smart Award

~ Technology Strategy Board awards Accutronics £100,000 for medical battery ~

Midlands based battery manufacturer Accutronics has received a Smart Award from the UK’s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board. The company received a £100,000 grant to support ‘proof of concept’ work on a new high voltage, high capacity battery for the medical device market.

The Smart Scheme offers funding to small and medium-sized enterprises to engage in R&D projects in the strategically important areas of science, engineering and technology. The aim is to bring to market successful new products, processes and services. There are three types of grants available: Proof of Market, Proof of Concept and Development of Prototype.

Accutronics applied for and won the Proof of Concept grant for a new battery for medical devices. Named Chameleon, the new product range includes high voltage, high current smart batteries which are designed and certified with the needs of medical OEMs in mind.

"When you work in an SME, you are busy all the time and often feel like you can't take time off to apply for grants," said Rob Phillips, managing director at Accutronics. "However, it's crucial for manufacturers to invest in innovation and make sure they engage in programmes that support those R&D efforts.”

"The funding we received from the Technology Strategy Board and their ongoing support has fast tracked our product development strategy for Chameleon. We were able to design and bring a product to market much quicker," Phillips continued. "My advice to SMEs is to make the most of the opportunities available and take part in the innovation schemes – the support we’ve secured has been very worthwhile” he concluded.

Accutronics secured its first grant from the Technology Strategy Board in September 2009 when it was awarded a £3000 Innovation Voucher. With this award Accutronics was able to commission a consultant to design robust battery cases which were later introduced into the company's product offering as rugged battery designs.

In 2010 the battery manufacturer also undertook a successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Project with Aston University and as a result, Accutronics were able to recruit a senior member of staff into their research and development team.

All medical credit card batteries accepted

Over the past decade, developments in rechargeable lithium ion battery technology have permitted consumer electronic devices to become smaller and lighter whilst running for longer. This same technology has allowed medical devices to become portable, allowing both equipment and patients to roam freely around hospitals.  But did you know that a convergence of consumer and medical devices, utilising wireless sensors are poised to reinvent how we view both of these groups of devices. 

Convergence of medicine and electronics 

The reason engineers don’t make good surgeons is their tendency to shut things down when they go wrong - something you can’t do with the human body! Portable medical devices are already used extensively by some of us at home, including blood pressure monitors or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines to relieve muscular aches and pains. Chances are you’re more likely to be in the ‘senior’ age range if you are buying such machines, but they save a trip to the doctor or hospital.

Portable medical devices cover the application spectrum from wearable wireless products and chronic disease monitors to pulse oximeters. According to IMS Research, current wearable devices are concentrated around a few products mainly in the healthcare and medical, and fitness and wellness application areas.

In these areas, there is a greater use-case for wearable technology, to transmit data such as vital signs, and track user performance. In the case of pulse oximetry, this is a non-invasive method of allowing the monitoring of the saturation of a patient's haemoglobin. A sensor is placed on a thin part of the patient's body, usually a fingertip or earlobe, or in the case of an infant, across a foot.

The right battery 
Batteries used in such applications, have to be light and small, with enough capacity to do the job required and come with the right certification for a safety conscious world. They must be able to accurately report their state of charge and be furnished with internal protection devices. Lithium ion batteries are correctly aligned to this requirement which is why Accutronics developed the CC2300 and CC3800 credit card batteries.

Both models have a footprint identical to that of a credit card and they are available in two thicknesses, are approved to IEC and UL standards and can have their case colour, fuel gauge firmware, labelling and packaging customised to suit particular customer requirements.

So next time your doctor mentions ‘terminal malfunction’, don’t panic! He may just be referring to his computer. And when you ask medical staff to shut a window, make sure they don’t think you mean clicking on the ‘x’ at the top right of the computer screen. This is what happens when the worlds of medicine and electronics converge!

Image courtesy of stockimages, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Heart of the matter: The real role of the battery in medical and healthcare device design

The heart of the matter: medical

At Accutronics we appreciate that, when sourcing technology for medical device design applications, it’s easy to focus on the finer technical details and lose sight of the tangible value the technology delivers.

We see the real value in the inherent purpose of our professional battery applications as opposed to just the technical functionality, important as that is. To highlight this we are producing a series of blog posts that look beyond the technology at the end use of our products in various industry sectors; starting with batteries for medical and healthcare device design.

The battery is a key component of the medical equipment that allows healthcare delivery to be run in a much more flexible, reliable and efficient manner. Developments in battery technology enable an increasingly supportive and patient centric service. For example, portable back-up power packs can now be used to power home-use medical ventilators, giving patients with respiratory illnesses confidence and security in their own homes.

On X-ray machines, the development of powerful, lightweight batteries has enabled portable versions to be designed. This allows X-rays to be carried out more quickly and cheaper than ever before whilst retaining the same levels of quality. These kinds of devices help medical professionals rapidly and accurately assess the needs of casualty patients.

Our products also power innovation in disease detection. Battery powered Pillcam systems (also known as capsule endoscopy) identify gastro-intestinal disease without the need for surgical procedures, making savings of time, cost and well being.

Finally, our battery and charger systems enable critically ill patients to be transported whilst remaining connected to life-saving monitors and ventilators. Patients would, quite literally, not survive the journey without this essential piece of equipment.

We see Accutronics’ future in the medical design industry as contributing to continued progress and development of the device itself using the application of ever more advanced battery technology. One of the ways we believe we can achieve this is by continually re-focussing on the purpose of the end technology, allowing us to concentrate our technical understanding on helping our customers achieve their objective.

If you want to discuss the development of batteries for the medical sector, please contact our sales and customer service team on +44 (0) 1782 566688 to discuss your requirements.

Credit card sized rechargeable battery for medical applications launches at Compamed

Accutronics, the UK based designer and manufacturer of professional battery solutions, is set to launch a range of credit card sized batteries for medical applications at Compamed 2011. These new smart batteries are ideal for portable applications including tele-healthcare devices, data recorders and monitors. Compamed is taking place at the Dusseldorf Trade Fair Centre in Germany between November 16 and 18. 

The credit card batteries have been developed by Accutronics in response to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) demand for a short lead time, compact and rechargeable Lithium Ion battery solution for their portable devices. The products feature accurate impedance tracking fuel gauges, an active protection system, and a compact connector, all contained in a package with a footprint identical to that of a credit card. CE marked, IEC62133 and UN38.3 tested, the batteries are supplied with comprehensive technical back-up and a number of useful accessories which enable the OEM designer to easily integrate the battery into the device system.


“The demand for this kind of product might seem surprising, given the abundant availability of Lithium ion batteries in consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers,” explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics. “However, consumer-market batteries do not satisfy the requirements of OEMs in the quality-driven medical sector and other professional markets, so we’ve created these new credit card batteries to satisfy OEM demand.

Other products on show at Compamed include the range of Inspired Energy batteries for which Accutronics is the sole distributor. The range now includes the new 28.8V ‘PH2059’ Lithium Ion smart battery which opens up a whole new range of application possibilities where higher voltages are required. The PH2059 can be used in a device cavity but also features threaded inserts so it can also be bolted onto a chassis if required. The PH2059 includes a five bar visual state of charge indicator allowing the user to easily see how much energy is in the battery in 20% increments.

“The crux of all of our products is the technical support that goes hand in hand with them,” explained Oliver. “We believe that our credit card battery fills a gap in the compact battery market for a fully-supported, OEM oriented battery solution. Device design engineers need technical guidance and feedback when they specify battery products and Accutronics are one of the few companies who provide that support as standard. Add to this our excellent quality and delivery performance, and you have a valuable total package that will get the medical device OEM to market quickly and confidently.”