ultralife Batteries

Ultralife batteries: what they offer

Ultralife provides primary lithium cells, rechargeable lithium‑ion packs, and smart charging systems used in defense, medical, industrial, and commercial devices. The brand focuses on long service life, dependable operation across wide temperatures, and integration features such as protection electronics and fuel‑gauge communication.

When to choose Ultralife

• Use if you need multi‑year maintenance intervals (e.g., sensors, alarms, tracking beacons).
• Use in devices exposed to temperature extremes, vibration, or humidity (verify model‑specific ratings).
• Choose smart Li‑ion packs when you need state‑of‑charge reporting, protection, and matched chargers.
• Avoid primary lithium if your device requires recharging—use Li‑ion or NiMH instead.
• Avoid lithium primaries in devices that specify alkaline only or that cannot accept lithium’s different voltage curve/low‑battery thresholds.

Key product lines

Primary lithium (Li‑MnO₂)

Long‑life, low self‑discharge cells for low to moderate drains. Common formats include 9V, CR123A, CR2, 1/2AA, AA, and custom packs. Typical operating window is wide (often around −20°C to +60°C; check datasheet).

• Best for: smoke alarms, wireless security, metering, asset tracking, instrumentation.
• Pros: excellent shelf life, stable voltage; lighter than alkaline.
• Watch‑outs: non‑rechargeable; different low‑battery behavior vs. alkaline.

9V lithium

A signature Ultralife product offering long shelf life and longer runtime than alkaline in many low‑drain devices.

• Use cases: smoke and CO alarms, medical devices, wireless microphones, safety equipment.
• Typical operating range: about −20°C to +60°C (model dependent).
• Tip: confirm your device supports lithium 9V to avoid early low‑battery warnings.

Thin Cell primary batteries

Ultra‑slim primary lithium cells for space‑constrained designs such as RFID, smart cards, compact sensors, and wearables.

• Pros: very low profile, long life in ultra‑low‑drain loads.
• Watch‑outs: non‑rechargeable; limited peak current vs. cylindrical cells.

Large format lithium thionyl chloride (Li‑SOCl₂)

Very low self‑discharge and long service life for remote deployments where replacement is difficult.

• Best for: pipeline and infrastructure monitoring, AMI/AMR, long‑term asset trackers, defense sensors.
• Pros: excellent storage life; wide discharge temperature (many cells rated below −40°C; verify model).
• Watch‑outs: non‑rechargeable; limited pulse current without buffering (e.g., hybrid layer capacitor).

Rechargeable lithium‑ion packs and cells

Standard cylindrical cells (e.g., 18650/21700) and integrated packs with protection and SMBus/SMBus‑like fuel gauging.

• Best for: medical devices, communications, robotics, portable instruments needing repeated charge cycles.
• Pros: high energy density; smart features for state‑of‑charge and health monitoring.
• Watch‑outs: charge only within specified temperature ranges; use approved chargers.

Chargers and power accessories

Single and multi‑bay chargers, field chargers, and docking stations with intelligent charge termination and rugged construction. Some models support AC/DC and portable power inputs (verify model specifications).

Chemistry at a glance

Chemistry	Rechargeable	Strengths	Watch‑outs	Typical temp range	Common uses
Li‑MnO₂ (primary)	No	Long shelf life, stable voltage, light weight	Do not charge; lower peak current than Li‑ion	~−20°C to +60°C	Alarms, security, meters, trackers
Li‑SOCl₂ (primary)	No	Very low self‑discharge, long life, wide temp	Do not charge; may need pulse buffering	Often down to ~−55°C, up to ~+85°C	Remote sensors, utility, defense
Li‑ion (rechargeable)	Yes	High energy density, smart pack options	Requires protected charging; temp limits	Discharge ~−20°C to +60°C; charge 0°C to +45°C	Medical, comms, robotics, instruments
Thin Cell (primary)	No	Ultra‑low profile, long life in micro‑drain	Lower peak current; non‑rechargeable	Model dependent; check datasheet	RFID, smart cards, compact sensors

Always verify exact ratings in the product datasheet for your model and application.

Quick picks by use case

• Smoke/CO alarms: Ultralife 9V lithium (long shelf life; check alarm compatibility).
• Wireless security sensors: Li‑MnO₂ coin/cylindrical cells sized to the device’s current profile.
• Remote industrial sensors (multi‑year): Li‑SOCl₂ cell or pack; add a pulse buffer if peaks are high.
• Portable medical/communications: Smart Li‑ion pack with approved multi‑bay charger.
• Space‑constrained tags/cards: Thin Cell primary lithium.

Runtime planning (simple method)

1. Find the average current of your device (mA), including sleep and transmit peaks averaged over duty cycle.
2. Choose a cell with adequate continuous and peak current plus safety margin (20–30% typical).
3. Estimate runtime ≈ capacity (mAh) ÷ average current (mA). Adjust for temperature and cutoff voltage.

Example: A sensor averaging 0.2 mA on a 1500 mAh primary cell could run roughly 7500 hours (~10 months) before derating for temperature and cutoffs.

Safety and compliance notes

• Do not charge, crush, or short‑circuit primary lithium cells.
• Use only chargers specified for the exact Ultralife pack chemistry and connector.
• Shipping: Most lithium cells/packs must meet UN 38.3; follow IATA/ICAO and local packaging/labeling rules.
• Storage: cool, dry location; avoid prolonged heat exposure to preserve shelf life.
• Disposal/recycling: follow local e‑waste and battery recycling regulations.

Compatibility tips

• Some devices calibrated for alkaline may signal “low battery” early with lithium due to voltage curve differences—check device documentation.
• Confirm connector pinout, smart bus (e.g., SMBus) version, and mechanical fit before replacing a pack.
• For high pulse loads on Li‑SOCl₂, consider a hybrid layer capacitor or a pulse‑capable variant.

FAQ

Are Ultralife batteries safe for air transport?

Ultralife batteries are designed to meet UN 38.3 transport testing. Shippers must still comply with current IATA/ICAO packaging, labeling, and state‑of‑charge rules. Verify each model’s test status and follow carrier guidance.

How long do Ultralife 9V lithium batteries last in alarms?

Service life depends on the alarm’s current draw and temperature. Many users see multi‑year service in low‑drain alarms, with long shelf life in storage. Always follow the alarm manufacturer’s replacement interval.

Can Ultralife build a custom pack?

Yes. Ultralife offers OEM pack design with protection electronics, fuel gauging, and certification support. Provide your load profile, space constraints, and compliance needs to scope a design.

Do Ultralife batteries work in extreme cold?

Many models are rated for sub‑zero operation (some to −40°C or lower, depending on chemistry). Check the datasheet for discharge and charge limits and plan for reduced capacity in cold environments.

Can I mix old and new cells?

No. Mixing new and used cells or different brands/models can cause leakage, venting, or poor performance. Replace all cells in a device at the same time with identical type and date codes when possible.