Is a cr1616 battery the same as an cr1620
In the realm of consumer electronics, button batteries are ubiquitous yet often overlooked components that power everything from car key fobs to medical devices. Among these, the CR1616 and CR1620 models frequently cause confusion due to their similar nomenclature. This article aims to demystify the differences between these two lithium manganese dioxide batteries, exploring their technical specifications, applications, and performance characteristics.
Understanding CR1616 Batteries
The CR1616 is a compact lithium coin cell battery with a diameter of 16mm and a thickness of 1.6mm. It operates at a nominal voltage of 3.0V and typically offers a capacity ranging from 55mAh to 60mAh, depending on the manufacturer. Its lightweight design (approximately 1.1g) and high energy density make it ideal for space-constrained applications.
Key features of CR1616 batteries include:
Stable Discharge Performance: These batteries maintain a consistent voltage output even during prolonged use, ensuring reliable operation of devices like electronic shelf labels and security sensors.
Leakage Resistance: Advanced electrolyte formulations and structural designs minimize the risk of leakage, extending the battery's shelf life to over 10 years under proper storage conditions.
Environmental Compliance:CR1616 batteries adhere to international standards such as the EU Battery Directive and RoHS, excluding harmful substances like mercury, cadmium, and lead.
Common applications include smart key fobs, IoT devices, medical thermometers, and backup power for memory circuits in electronics.
Exploring CR1620 Batteries
The CR1620 shares the same 16mm diameter as the CR1616 but is slightly thicker at 2.0mm. This increased thickness translates to a higher nominal capacity, typically ranging from 75mAh to 90mAh, while maintaining the same 3.0V operating voltage. Its weight increases marginally to around 1.8g due to the additional active material.
CR1620 batteries are distinguished by:
Enhanced Energy Density: The larger volume allows for greater energy storage, making them suitable for high-drain devices like car key remotes and electronic toys that require sustained power delivery.
Temperature Resilience: Certain brands, such as Delphi, optimize CR1620 batteries for extreme climates, ensuring stable performance in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C.
Quality Control: Leading manufacturers like Panasonic implement rigorous testing protocols to guarantee voltage stability and longevity, with some models lasting up to 10 years in low-drain applications.
These batteries are commonly found in automotive remotes, watches, calculators, and portable gaming devices.
CR1616 vs. CR1620: Key Differences
While both batteries share fundamental similarities—such as voltage, chemistry, and diameter—their differences are critical for application-specific selection:
1.Physical Dimensions: The CR1620’s 0.4mm additional thickness renders it incompatible with devices designed exclusively for CR1616 batteries. Conversely, a CR1616 may fit loosely in a CR1620 slot, risking poor contact and erratic performance.
2.Capacity and Runtime: The CR1620’s higher capacity provides longer runtime in high-drain scenarios. For instance, a car key remote using a CR1620 might last 18 months compared to 12 months with a CR1616.
3.Cost and Availability: CR1620 batteries are generally more expensive due to their larger size and higher material content. However, price differences vary by brand and region.
4.Manufacturer Variations: Brands like Sony and EVE may optimize their CR1620 models for specific traits, such as faster discharge rates or improved low-temperature performance, further differentiating them from CR1616 alternatives.
Conclusion
The CR1616 and CR1620 batteries are not interchangeable despite their shared voltage and diameter. The CR1616 excels in compact, low-power devices where space efficiency is paramount, while the CR1620 offers superior energy storage for high-drain applications. Consumers must prioritize physical compatibility and runtime requirements when selecting between these models.
As battery technology advances, innovations like solid-state electrolytes and graphite-free designs promise to enhance performance across all coin cell categories. However, until universal standards emerge, understanding the nuanced differences between models like the CR1616 and CR1620 remains essential for optimizing device functionality and longevity. Whether powering a smart thermostat or a vintage watch, the right battery choice ensures seamless operation and peace of mind.
