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by David Klein, Duracell
 Wireless telephone headsets are emerging as an important Bluetooth device category, in part due to regulations that ban or discourage the use of cellular phones while driving an automobile. But a potential stumbling block remains: finding a battery that works without frequent recharging.
Adding Bluetooth wireless technology to a portable device layers more power consumption demands onto an already finite power supply. Only careful planning in the design of hardware, software and battery life indicators can lead to improved performance and safety, longer run times and less dependence on wired AC sources.
As with many new portable telecommunications devices, the initial headsets that entered the market were powered by rechargeable batteries. Despite providing minimal runtime between charges, the rechargeables do meet the power demand of the wireless radio. Paradoxically, just when Bluetooth enables customers to "cut the cord," the charger requires the OEM to bring it back, along with a bevy of adapters, transformers and docking stations.
Duracell has re-engineered an alternative battery solution, known as zinc-air, to capitalize on the freedom offered by Bluetooth. Zinc-air batteries operate much like fuel cells, providing power using oxygen from the air. This enables a significant reduction in size, weight and cost compared to batteries that must store all of their power-generating ingredients. Ounce for ounce, zinc-air batteries provide the most energy of any commercial battery system, giving the customer many more hours of untethered operation compared to rechargeable batteries.
Specifically:
- Two coin-sized zinc-air batteries are about one-half the weight of one Lithium Ion battery and one-quarter the weight of a NiMH battery, yet they provide a 30% performance advantage.
- Two coin-sized zinc-air batteries are about one-third the size of either one Lithium Ion or one NiMH battery.
- Zinc-air provides the greatest "out of box" experience for users, since they no longer need to wait for the battery to charge. This directly supports the new strategic mantra of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group and reduces costs, because devices are no longer required to ship with charger(s), cables and docking stations.
- An after-market sales opportunity is created to address those consumers who still desire a rechargeable option and are willing to purchase those same chargers, cables and stations.
- The device can be completely wireless, which is the point of deploying Bluetooth in the first place.
Unfortunately, the mating of a portable device and battery is not a simple engineering effort. Design collaboration remains a key requirement for battery manufacturers and portable device OEMs hoping to achieve highly efficient devices. In return, efficient power consumption and less reliance on AC sources will improve consumer satisfaction - resulting in enhanced usability and acceptance of the device and the underlying technologies.
David Klein is director of technical marketing and device intelligence for Duracell Business Development and Strategy.
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