Micro Power Builds IEEE 1725 Battery Pack for PDAs

Business Wire, May 13, 2008

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Micro Power, the global leader in portable power systems for mission-critical equipment, today announced it released two new battery packs that are compliant with IEEE 1725[TM] specification, "Standard for Rechargeable Batteries for Cellular Telephones." One custom battery pack is designed to power a rugged PDA for a leading OEM of data collection equipment, while the other is designed to power a PDA for a leading OEM of rugged notebook computers. Both PDAs utilize a cellular transceiver to transmit both voice and data.

IEEE 1725 adopts a systems approach by addressing the battery envelope from cells to the mobile devices they power, both alone and in concert. The new standard seeks to make cellular phone batteries more robust by setting uniform criteria for their design, production and evaluation. IEEE 1725 encompasses such areas as battery pack electrical and mechanical construction, cell chemistries, packaging, pack and cell controls, and overall system considerations. For a mobile device to comply with IEEE 1725, the device manufacturer, the battery pack manufacturer, and the cell manufacturer must all fulfill the requirements of the IEEE 1725 specification. Compliance with the IEEE 1725 specification is reviewed and audited by an independent, third party agency that specializes in the certification process. The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) recently created a compliance program for cell phone and PDA batteries based on IEEE 1725.

Micro Power builds several IEEE 1725 battery packs. These packs utilize lithium-ion cells that are certified to the IEEE 1725 specification, have the mandatory protection and safety features, utilize a fuel gauge for state-of-charge indication, and are enclosed in a custom plastic enclosure.

"IEEE 1725 Specification ensures safe operation of the entire portable power chain, not just the cell or battery pack," said Jeffrey VanZwol, marketing manager for Micro Power. "Our supply chain of cell manufacturers gives us ready access to cells that are certified to the IEEE 1725 standard. These cells, combined with our internal design and manufacturing guidelines, ensure that our battery packs perform to the highest safety standards."

Micro Power is an International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) registered, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registered, and ISO 9001:2000 certified supplier of custom battery systems for portable mission-critical equipment. The company serves the commercial military, portable medical equipment, and Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) markets.

About Micro Power Electronics, Inc.

Micro Power Electronics, Inc. is ISO 13485 and 9001:2000 certified, as well as ITAR and FDA registered. Micro Power supplies custom battery systems to the portable medical, handheld Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) and commercial military markets. As a pioneer in the development of Lithium battery systems, smart battery packs, chargers, power supplies and docking stations, Micro Power has more than 20 years of experience developing battery solutions. With a proven track record of technical excellence, quality solutions and award-winning service, Micro Power has become the fastest growing supplier of custom battery systems in North America. For more information, please visit www.micro-power.com or call 800-576-6177.