IEEE launches revision to standard for rechargeable cellular batteries

PISCATAWAY, USA: The IEEE has approved work to begin on a revision to IEEE Std 1725, "Standard for Rechargeable Batteries for Cellular Telephones." The standard addresses the quality and reliability of rechargeable lithium ion and lithium ion polymer batteries for cellular telephone applications.

"The cellular industry has grown tremendously since IEEE Std 1725 was first approved in 2006, as have the patterns of people using cellular phones," said Jason Howard, chair of the Cell Phone Battery Working Group, which will be in charge of updating the standard.

"With today's consumers demanding more processing strength and better power management from their phones, it is time for us to review and revise the standard to make sure that it covers the latest developments in battery technology and industry knowledge."

In addition to setting criteria for design analysis for qualification, quality, and reliability of rechargeable lithium ion and lithium ion polymer batteries, the standard also addresses battery pack electrical and mechanical construction, packaging technologies, and pack and cell level charge and discharge controls and overall system considerations.

The revision effort, IEEE P1725, is being developed within the IEEE Standards Association Corporate Program in which each participating member entity (such as corporations or other institutions) has one vote.

This industry-oriented program often allows for standards creation in one to two years, depending on participant commitment and the use of IEEE support services. The program also provides a route to international acceptance for a standard based on the IEEE's broad ties to the international standards community.

The standard is sponsored by the Stationary Batteries Committee of the IEEE Power & Energy Society.

The Cell Phone Battery Working Group will hold its first meeting on 16-18 February 2010 in Washington, DC. The meeting will serve to review and refine the group's processes and procedures and to nominate and elect the group's officers. The existing standard will also be reviewed at this first meeting, and other dates and locations for future meetings will be established.