Saft LS-14250-AX

Saft LS-14250-AX — Axial Lead 1/2 AA Li-SOCl2 Cell for Long-Life, Low-Drain Designs

The LS-14250-AX is a primary lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) cell with axial leads, optimized for PCB-mounted, low-average-current applications that need multi-year service life and a stable 3.6 V output. Its bobbin construction delivers high energy density and very low self-discharge, making it a dependable choice for meters, sensors, data loggers, and memory backup.

Key specifications

Form factor	1/2 AA (14.6 × 25.2 mm, cylindrical)
Chemistry	Lithium-Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl2)
Termination	Axial leads (tinned)
Nominal voltage	3.6 V (OCV ~3.67 V)
Typical capacity	~1.2 Ah at low drain to 2.0 V at 20 °C
Operating temperature	-60 to +85 °C (check load profile at extremes)
Self-discharge	~1% per year at 20 °C (typical)
Recommended load profile	Low continuous current (µA–mA range); short pulses with buffer capacitor
Weight	~10 g (approx.)
Rechargeable	No (primary cell)

Use this cell if

• You need multi-year power in low-average-current devices (e.g., meters, remote sensors, data loggers).
• You require a compact, board-mounted 3.6 V primary source with wide temperature tolerance.
• Stable voltage and long shelf life are more important than high pulse or high continuous current.

Avoid or reconsider if

• Your design draws sustained currents above a few tens of mA or frequent high-current pulses without energy buffering.
• You need rechargeability (consider Li-ion or LiFePO4 rechargeable systems).
• The device expects consumer 1.5 V AA/AAA or 3.0 V CR cells; this is a 3.6 V primary chemistry.

Typical applications

• Utility and sub-metering, AMR/AMI endpoints
• Industrial and environmental sensors, data loggers, IoT nodes
• Real-time clock and memory backup in embedded systems
• Security devices and asset tracking beacons (with pulse buffering)

Runtime planning (quick examples)

Estimate battery life by dividing usable capacity by average current. Actual results depend on temperature, load, and cutoff voltage.

• Example A (long life): 10 µA standby + 10 mA pulse for 0.1 s every 10 min → average ≈ 11.7 µA → 1.2 Ah / 11.7 µA ≈ 11.7 years (practically capped by self-discharge and environment).
• Example B (moderate): 50 µA standby + 20 mA pulse for 0.2 s every 5 min with a 100–220 µF capacitor → average ≈ 117 µA → 1.2 Ah / 117 µA ≈ 1.2 years.

Include design margin for temperature extremes and end-of-life voltage (commonly 2.0–2.5 V cutoff).

Integration notes

• Pulsed loads: Add a low-ESR capacitor near the load if pulses exceed ~20–30 mA or if cold-start performance is critical.
• Cutoff voltage: Set device cutoff at 2.0–2.5 V (per your minimum operating voltage and profile).
• Soldering: Hand-solder axial leads with short dwell; keep the cell body cool (use heat sinks or clamps). Do not reflow.
• Charging: This is a primary cell—never charge or connect to energy harvesting without a proper blocking element.
• Series/parallel: If using multiple cells, only combine matched cells and include protective elements (e.g., blocking diodes, fuses) to prevent reversal.
• Vibration: Provide mechanical strain relief for leads in high-vibration installations.

Storage and handling

• Store in original packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• First-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation maintains consistent performance.
• Do not short-circuit, crush, incinerate, or expose to water. Follow local regulations for transport and disposal of primary lithium cells.

Alternatives and related options

• Higher pulse demand: Consider Saft LSH series (spiral construction) or add a pulse buffer capacitor/supercap.
• Same chemistry, different termination: Saft LS-14250 with tabs or button top (non-axial) for other mounting methods.
• Rechargeable systems: If frequent pulses and charging are available, evaluate Li-ion or LiFePO4 with appropriate protection.

FAQ

What is the difference between LS-14250 and LS-14250-AX?

Electrical performance is similar; the -AX version adds axial leads for through-hole/PCB mounting and secure soldering.

Can it power devices with high pulse loads?

Yes, if average current is low and you add a suitable low-ESR capacitor near the load. For frequent or large pulses, consider a spiral-type Li-SOCl2 cell.

What end-of-life voltage should I plan for?

Plan for a cutoff between 2.0 and 2.5 V, depending on your device's minimum operating voltage and desired margin.

Is it safe to solder the leads directly?

Yes—hand-solder the axial leads with minimal heat exposure and avoid heating the cell body. Do not attempt reflow or spot-welding on the can.

How long will it last in storage?

With typical self-discharge around 1% per year at 20 °C, shelf life is commonly 10 years or more when stored properly.