Academy for LoRaWAN®

When developing wireless devices for IoT applications, choosing a battery is both challenging and critical to success. When working with LoRaWAN sensors, consider the form factor, capacity, peak current, self-discharge, product life, and cost, all of which can affect which battery you choose.

When selecting a battery, identify the product uses and minimum requirements for the application. Usage and requirements have a direct impact on the battery’s parameters. For example:

• Physical dimensions – Available space in the product
• Electrical parameters – Supply voltage range and peak current consumption
• Operating profile – Frequency and duration of transmissions, receive windows, measurements, and sleep durations
• Life expectancy – Shelf life and service life
• Environmental – Storage and operating temperatures, moisture, and humidity
• Other considerations – Cost, rechargeability, and disposability

It is important to understand all critical battery parameters and apply them to product use and requirements. Some of the key factors for battery type selection are outlined below.

• Battery chemistry
• Battery types:
  • Primary/ Standard non-rechargeable
  • Rechargeable
  • Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
  • Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
  • Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
  • Lead-Acid
    
• Super-capacitors
• Battery capacity and discharge characteristics
• Peak load current
• Cell voltage
• Temperature
• Shelf life