Cellular Phones
Batteries are blamed for most cell phone problems. To satisfy the customer, the pack is being replaced, only to have the fault recur. The QuickSort program of the Cadex C7000 Series battery tester solves the problem by evaluating the pack on site. Assessing battery performance helps in troubleshooting and only packs with a genuine fault need replacing.
Frivolous replacement of warranty batteries costs cell phone providers an estimated $10 million annually. A closer look reveals that 90% of these packs have no problem. QuickSort™ checks battery performance in 30 seconds and classifies them into:
The QuickSort™ matrix for the Cadex C7000 Series accommodates 3.6V (3.7V) lithium-ion batteries with capacities of 500-1500mAh. Select the battery capacity rating on the tester, connect the battery and press the Test key to start.
The Cadex C7000 Series tests a battery while the customer waits. Non-performers are replaced with a previously serviced pack. On-site service reduces handling costs, lessens disposal and improves customer satisfaction.
How can the Cadex C7000 Series reduce operation cost and improve service?
QuickSort™ measures battery state-of-health with electrochemical dynamic response. QuickSort™ does not rely on resistance, as most rapid-testers do. This would provide unreliable readings because the resistance of modern lithium-ion remains steady as batteries age. (See chart on right)
The Cadex C7000 Series tests partially charged batteries. If below 40% state-of-charge, the tester prompts charge and retest.
QuickSort™ provides a correct prediction 90% of the time. The program uses a generic matrix that works with all designated batteries, including cobalt and manganese systems. QuickSort™ also tests Li-ion polymer.
A high number of batteries fail due to over-discharge. The Boost program activates the battery's safety circuit and brings the pack back to life. Over-discharge represents 30% of all battery failures. After the two-minute Boost, the battery can be charged with any charger. Cadex recommends a full charge after Boost to prevent the pack from failing again.
Field Reports
Recovery yield with Boost
To demonstrate the effectiveness of Boost, Cadex tested a large number of supposedly dead lithium-ion batteries that arrived at the Cadex test labs from various stores. The batteries had no voltage and appeared dead. After Boost and full charge, most batteries attained capacities of 80% and higher. All restored packs performed flawlessly, and when returned to service, none failed.
Recovery yield of returned batteries
Cadex tested 294 cell phone batteries that had been returned to dealers under warranty. The Cadex analyzer restored 91% of these packs to a capacity of 80% and higher. Nearly 30% were over-discharged and needed Boost to bring them back to life. Only 9% of the packs were non-serviceable. These failed batteries had either low capacities (70% range) or exhibited electrical faults.
Pilot Study with 10 Cellular Stores
Cellular stores in the USA get an average of ten returned batteries a day, and the handling cost is about $15US per pack. This amounts to a daily expense of $150 per store. Trying to cut costs, ten stores participated in a one-month experiment that involved servicing incoming batteries with Cadex battery analyzers at storefront. During this short study period, the stores saved 1981 batteries, resulting in a saving of about $30,000. The serviced batteries performed flawlessly.
Application Notes
Related Web Articles
For patent information, please visit Patents page.
Batteries are blamed for most cell phone problems. To satisfy the customer, the pack is being replaced, only to have the fault recur. The QuickSort program of the Cadex C7000 Series battery tester solves the problem by evaluating the pack on site. Assessing battery performance helps in troubleshooting and only packs with a genuine fault need replacing.
End needless battery replacement
Frivolous replacement of warranty batteries costs cell phone providers an estimated $10 million annually. A closer look reveals that 90% of these packs have no problem. QuickSort™ checks battery performance in 30 seconds and classifies them into:
- Good - can be reused
- Low - replacement recommended
- Poor - faulty; discard
What batteries does QuickSort™ test?
The QuickSort™ matrix for the Cadex C7000 Series accommodates 3.6V (3.7V) lithium-ion batteries with capacities of 500-1500mAh. Select the battery capacity rating on the tester, connect the battery and press the Test key to start.
Storefront Use
The Cadex C7000 Series tests a battery while the customer waits. Non-performers are replaced with a previously serviced pack. On-site service reduces handling costs, lessens disposal and improves customer satisfaction.
How can the Cadex C7000 Series reduce operation cost and improve service?
- Test and inform the customer when a battery replacement is needed.
- Boost over-discharged batteries and bring them back to live again
- Charge batteries on demand. Battery charges to 70% in one hour
- Build up a pool of tested batteries as replacement
How does QuickSort™ work?
QuickSort™ measures battery state-of-health with electrochemical dynamic response. QuickSort™ does not rely on resistance, as most rapid-testers do. This would provide unreliable readings because the resistance of modern lithium-ion remains steady as batteries age. (See chart on right)
Electrochemical dynamic response can be compared to a mechanical arm under load. A strong arm remains firm whereas a weak arm bends and becomes sluggish when activated. The strong arm resembles good battery state-of-health.
Does the battery need to be fully charged?
The Cadex C7000 Series tests partially charged batteries. If below 40% state-of-charge, the tester prompts charge and retest.
How accurate is QuickSort™?
QuickSort™ provides a correct prediction 90% of the time. The program uses a generic matrix that works with all designated batteries, including cobalt and manganese systems. QuickSort™ also tests Li-ion polymer.
Wake up seemingly dead batteries
A high number of batteries fail due to over-discharge. The Boost program activates the battery's safety circuit and brings the pack back to life. Over-discharge represents 30% of all battery failures. After the two-minute Boost, the battery can be charged with any charger. Cadex recommends a full charge after Boost to prevent the pack from failing again.
Field Reports
Recovery yield with Boost
To demonstrate the effectiveness of Boost, Cadex tested a large number of supposedly dead lithium-ion batteries that arrived at the Cadex test labs from various stores. The batteries had no voltage and appeared dead. After Boost and full charge, most batteries attained capacities of 80% and higher. All restored packs performed flawlessly, and when returned to service, none failed.
Recovery yield of returned batteries
Cadex tested 294 cell phone batteries that had been returned to dealers under warranty. The Cadex analyzer restored 91% of these packs to a capacity of 80% and higher. Nearly 30% were over-discharged and needed Boost to bring them back to life. Only 9% of the packs were non-serviceable. These failed batteries had either low capacities (70% range) or exhibited electrical faults.
Pilot Study with 10 Cellular Stores
Cellular stores in the USA get an average of ten returned batteries a day, and the handling cost is about $15US per pack. This amounts to a daily expense of $150 per store. Trying to cut costs, ten stores participated in a one-month experiment that involved servicing incoming batteries with Cadex battery analyzers at storefront. During this short study period, the stores saved 1981 batteries, resulting in a saving of about $30,000. The serviced batteries performed flawlessly.
Application Notes
Related Web Articles
- How to prolong lithium-based batteries (BU34)
- Choosing the right battery for wireless communications (BU37)
- How to increase the runtime of your wireless device (BU37A)
- How to service cell phone batteries (BU46)
- Do and don't battery table (BU22)
For patent information, please visit Patents page.
Restores weak batteries, prolongs battery life and improves system reliability; pays back in one year by lowering operating costs.
Find out more about how Cadex Battery Analyzers can help in these applications:
Find out more about how Cadex Battery Analyzers can help in these applications:
| See how a cellular chain realized cost savings and improved customer service with our battery analyzer |
