IEC 61960-4:2020

Overview

IEC 61960-4:2020 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the requirements for coin secondary lithium cells and batteries intended for portable applications. This standard focuses on secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes, specifically those made from lithium chemistry. IEC 61960-4:2020 covers performance tests, designations, markings, dimensions, and other crucial parameters to ensure consistent quality and reliability across manufacturers.

The primary objective of this standard is to provide purchasers and users with clear evaluation criteria for assessing coin secondary lithium cells and batteries. Through standardized testing methodologies and reporting, users can ascertain the viability of commercially available products and select the most suitable batteries for their intended applications. Additionally, the standard includes design guidelines for equipment developers using lithium coin cells and batteries.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  IEC 61960-4:2020 applies to coin secondary lithium cells and batteries used in portable devices and backup power supplies, such as memory backup systems. It addresses various lithium chemistries and defines performance metrics tailored to coin-shaped cells where height is less than the diameter.

• Performance Testing
  The standard mandates a series of tests including:

  • Charge and discharge performance
  • Capacity recovery after long-term storage
  • Endurance through cycling
  • Internal resistance measurement (AC resistance)

• Designations and Markings
  Uniform designation and marking rules ensure easy identification and classification of coin lithium cells and batteries. This includes specifying nominal voltages, end-of-discharge voltages, and physical dimension tolerances.

• Dimensional Requirements
  Detailed dimensional specifications, including height and diameter tolerances, allow for interchangeability and proper fitting in equipment.

• Standardized Reporting
  The document defines minimum performance levels and standard test procedures, facilitating transparent communication of battery capabilities from manufacturers to users.

• Guidelines for Designers
  Annex A in IEC 61960-4 offers practical design advice for integrating lithium coin cells into electronic devices to optimize safety, performance, and longevity.

Applications

The standard is vital for various sectors relying on compact, rechargeable lithium batteries with high reliability:

• Portable Consumer Electronics
  Devices such as watches, calculators, hearing aids, and fitness trackers extensively use coin secondary lithium cells where small size and dependable performance matter.

• Backup Power Supplies
  Memory backup systems in computers, data loggers, and communication equipment benefit from coin lithium batteries specified under this standard to retain data during power interruptions.

• Medical Devices
  Portable diagnostic and monitoring equipment ensures consistent operation using standard-compliant coin lithium cells.

• Wearable Technology
  Lightweight and high-capacity coin batteries support the growing wearable tech industry.

Compliance with IEC 61960-4 helps manufacturers produce batteries that fulfill strict performance and safety requirements while enabling end users to select optimal power sources with confidence.

Related Standards

IEC 61960-4:2020 references other key international standards to maintain comprehensive quality and safety:

• IEC 60050-482:2004 – Defines terminology related to primary and secondary cells and batteries, ensuring clarity and consistency in terms.

• IEC 62133-2:2017 – Specifies safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells and batteries containing lithium systems, complementing performance standards with essential safety protocols.

• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 – Governs the drafting and formatting of international standards including IEC 61960-4.

Following these related standards along with IEC 61960-4 ensures a holistic approach to lithium coin battery standardization, encompassing performance, safety, and terminology.

By adhering to IEC 61960-4:2020, manufacturers, purchasers, and designers achieve reliable, performance-defined secondary lithium coin cells and batteries tailored for a vast array of portable electronic and backup applications worldwide.