TDK Corporation has unveiled a groundbreaking solid-state battery technology with an impressive energy density of 1,000 watt-hours per liter, approximately 100 times greater than their conventional solid-state batteries[1][2]. This high-capacity, long-life battery is designed for IoT and AI devices, particularly wearables like wireless earphones, hearing aids, and smartwatches[2][4].
The new battery utilizes an all-ceramic material with oxide-based solid electrolytes and lithium alloy anodes, providing several key advantages[1]:
- Extremely safe due to the use of oxide-based solid electrolyte
- Smaller size and higher capacitance, enabling more compact devices with longer operating times
- Potential to replace coin cell batteries, complying with EU regulations on rechargeable batteries
TDK’s innovation, known as CeraCharge, is the first solid-state rechargeable battery in SMD (Surface-Mount Device) technology[3]. Its compact EIA 1812 package (4.5 x 3.2 x 1.1 mm) offers a capacity of 100 μAh at a rated voltage of 1.5V[3]. This technology allows for easy placement and processing using reflow soldering techniques, reducing production costs for end products[3].
The versatility of CeraCharge is notable, as multiple units can be connected in series and parallel to increase capacity and voltage[3]. This flexibility opens up a wide range of applications in IoT devices, including:
- Real-time clocks
- Bluetooth beacons
- Wearables
- Energy harvesting systems
While this breakthrough is currently focused on small devices, it represents a significant step forward in solid-state battery technology. As development continues, TDK aims to enhance battery capacity through multi-layer lamination technology and expand its operating temperature range[2].
The company plans to ship samples of the new battery prototype to clients next year, with mass production expected to follow shortly thereafter[1]. As a supplier to major tech companies like Apple, this innovation could potentially lead to significant improvements in consumer electronics and IoT devices in the near future[4].
Further Reading
1. TDK unveils prototype solid-state battery with 20 times the energy density of closest competitor | TechSpot Forums
2. TDK successfully developed a material for solid-state batteries with 100-times higher energy density | TDK
3. Solid-State Batteries | Products | TDK Product Center
4. Apple supplier TDK announces solid-state battery breakthrough
5. https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a61197028/solid-state-batteries-breakthrough-tdk-energy-density/