Match the Battery to the Load
Start by recording the device’s nominal voltage, average current, peak current, pulse duration, cutoff voltage, and daily operating cycle. A cell with sufficient rated capacity may still fail when its pulse-current capability is too low.
For example, the HOLITH CR123A 3V 1700mAh lithium battery is rated at 1700mAh under a 20mA discharge to 1.5V. It supports up to 1500mA continuous current and 3000mA pulse current. These parameters make it suitable for equipment requiring long standby operation combined with short power bursts.
Capacity should be verified under the device’s actual load. Low temperature, high current, frequent pulses, and a high cutoff voltage can reduce usable capacity.
Check Size, Temperature, and Terminals
Confirm the battery diameter, height, weight, polarity, and compartment pressure before prototype approval. The terminal design must maintain stable contact without deforming the cell.
Operating temperature is also critical. The referenced CR123A model is specified from minus 40°C to 70°C, but application testing is still required at the project’s lowest and highest temperatures.
For OEM and ODM projects, HOLITH can evaluate:
- Cells, tabs, wires, and connectors
- Discharge and pulse-current profiles
- Labels and export packaging
- Installation direction and terminal structure
- Sample testing and mass-production specifications
Manufacturer or Trader
A primary lithium battery manufacturer directly controls material inspection, electrode preparation, winding, electrolyte filling, sealing, aging, voltage screening, internal resistance testing, and discharge verification. This provides better traceability when a batch issue requires investigation.
A trader may simplify purchasing, but normally has less control over production parameters, engineering changes, and corrective actions.
Bulk Supply Checklist
Before placing a project order, verify approved samples, capacity tolerances, pulse performance, leakage controls, lot coding, inspection criteria, packaging, lead time, and annual supply capacity.
Export projects should also review IEC 60086-4 safety requirements, UN 38.3 transport testing, safety data documentation, RoHS compliance, and destination-market labeling. HOLITH reports annual production above 40 million batteries, supporting consistent bulk supply and customized configurations.
The correct primary lithium battery is the one validated under the device’s real electrical, mechanical, and environmental conditions.