What is a battery?
The Battery category covers battery cells, battery holders, and battery management components for portable and backup power applications. Types include lithium-ion and lithium-polymer rechargeable cells, coin/button cells (CR2032, LR44), NiMH rechargeable batteries, battery holders and contacts, and battery protection/management ICs. LCSC Electronics stocks 5,000+ battery-related SKUs from 100+ manufacturers, supporting designs from small IoT sensors to power tool battery packs.
Battery — Definition and Sub-Categories
A battery is an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through oxidation-reduction reactions. In electronics, batteries serve as portable energy sources for untethered devices, backup power for RTC clocks and SRAM, and energy storage in renewable systems.
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Sub-Category |
Function |
Key Parameters |
|
Li-ion/LiPo Cells |
Rechargeable high-energy cells for portable devices |
Capacity (mAh), nominal voltage (3.7V), C-rate, size |
|
Coin/Button Cells |
Small primary cells for RTC, keys, medical devices |
Chemistry (CR=lithium, LR=alkaline), voltage, capacity |
|
NiMH Rechargeable |
Rechargeable for high-drain consumer devices |
Capacity, cell size (AA/AAA), cycle life |
|
Battery Holders |
PCB or panel mount holders for standard cell sizes |
Cell size, mounting type, contact material |
|
Battery Connectors |
Connectors for battery pack interfaces |
Pin count, pitch, current rating, locking |
|
BMS / Protection ICs |
Manage charging, balancing, and protection of battery packs |
Cell count, protection features, balance current |
How to Choose: Battery Selection Guide
Battery selection depends on your power requirements, physical constraints, and rechargeability needs. For high energy density in portables, Li-ion/LiPo cells are standard — choose by capacity (mAh), discharge rate (C-rating), and form factor. For RTC backup and low-drain applications, CR2032 coin cells last 5–10 years. For rechargeable consumer devices, NiMH cells offer good value with lower fire risk than lithium. Always pair lithium cells with appropriate protection and charging ICs (like TP4056) to ensure safety.
Battery Comparison
|
Battery Type |
Voltage |
Energy Density |
Rechargeable |
Best For |
|
Li-ion 18650 |
3.7V nom. |
High (250 Wh/kg) |
Yes (500+ cycles) |
Power banks, flashlights, EVs |
|
LiPo Pouch |
3.7V nom. |
High (flexible shape) |
Yes (300–500 cycles) |
Drones, wearables, thin devices |
|
CR2032 Coin |
3.0V |
Low (225 mAh) |
No (primary) |
RTC backup, key fobs, sensors |
|
NiMH AA |
1.2V |
Medium (2000–2800 mAh) |
Yes (500–1000 cycles) |
Remote controls, toys, consumer |
|
LiFePO4 |
3.2V nom. |
Medium (90–160 Wh/kg) |
Yes (2000+ cycles) |
Solar storage, EVs, safety-critical |
Why Source Battery from LCSC Electronics
LCSC stocks 5,000+ battery-related SKUs covering cells, holders, connectors, and management ICs. The catalog includes well-known cell manufacturers alongside a comprehensive selection of battery holders for every standard cell size. Battery management ICs from TI, SGMicro, and dedicated Asian BMS manufacturers are also stocked, enabling complete battery subsystem sourcing from a single vendor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Li-ion and LiPo batteries?
Li-ion cells use a liquid electrolyte in a rigid cylindrical or prismatic can. LiPo (lithium polymer) cells use a gel/polymer electrolyte in a flexible pouch, allowing thinner and custom-shaped form factors. Both have similar voltage (3.7V nominal) and energy density. LiPo cells are lighter and more shape-flexible; Li-ion cells in metal cans are more mechanically robust.
Q: How do I safely charge lithium batteries?
Always use a dedicated lithium battery charger IC (like TP4056) that implements CC-CV (constant current, constant voltage) charging with a 4.2V termination voltage per cell. Never charge lithium cells with an unregulated power supply. Include battery protection circuitry for over-discharge, over-charge, and short-circuit protection.
Q: What is a BMS and do I need one?
A BMS (Battery Management System) monitors and protects multi-cell battery packs. It balances cell voltages, prevents overcharge/overdischarge, monitors temperature, and manages charge/discharge currents. You need a BMS for any multi-cell lithium battery pack to ensure safety and longevity.
Q: How long does a CR2032 last in a real-time clock (RTC)?
A CR2032 coin cell (225 mAh capacity) powering a typical RTC (drawing 1–3 µA) lasts approximately 5–10 years. This makes it ideal for maintaining time/date in devices that lose main power. Replace the cell when the RTC starts losing time.
Q: Can I ship lithium batteries internationally?
Lithium battery shipping is regulated by IATA/ICAO. Small cells under specific Wh limits can ship by air with proper labeling and packaging. Larger cells may require ground shipping only. LCSC can advise on shipping restrictions for specific battery products. Check local regulations for your destination country.
Q: Does LCSC sell battery holders for CR2032?
Yes. LCSC stocks CR2032 battery holders in multiple mounting styles: through-hole vertical, through-hole horizontal, SMD, and panel-mount clip types. Vertical holders are most common for PCB designs, while horizontal holders save height in slim enclosures.