Toshiba Introduces Advanced Lithium Batteries for Sleeker, More Compact Designs in Wireless Communications Devices.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 2001

Hybrid Lithium Polymer Technology Meets the Requirements for Slim,

Rugged, High Capacity Battery Solutions

To meet the growing demand for smaller, lighter and high capacity rechargeable battery solutions, Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc. (TAEC) announced the addition of Advanced Lithium Batteries (ALB) to its lineup of rechargeable batteries.

Traditionally, conventional battery structure has mandated that batteries maintain a thickness of no less than five to six millimeters (mm). Combining the flexibility of Lithium polymer technology (PLB) with the high energy density of traditional Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, Toshiba's ALBs reduces the cell thickness to as low as 1mm.

In addition, Toshiba's ALB technology decreases battery swelling to less than 0.1mm under even the most extreme conditions and provides safety advantages over standard Li-ion as well as PLBs including safe charging and discharging. The reduction in swelling enables designers to design-in a slimmer, more compact battery.

"As wireless and portable communications devices continue to decrease in size, the demand for batteries to meet small, reliable, high-performance solution requirements will increase," said Ritch Russ, director, business development for TAEC's Battery Division. "Toshiba has been manufacturing rechargeable batteries for a decade and we are committed to providing the market with the most advanced battery technology available."

Production of Toshiba's ALBs is expected to reach 3 million cells per month by the end of this year.

The ruggedness and flexibility of the ALB's aluminum laminated film casing makes it one of the most advanced battery solutions currently available. With the laminated film enclosures, sophisticated wound electrode structures and specially designed electrolytes, the ALB increases safety while meeting the market demand for smaller, lighter solutions.

In addition, ALBs do not use metallic lithium, allowing for extremely safe charging and discharging even under the most extreme conditions. Toshiba's ALBs meet overcharge safety testing up to 12V under 3CmA rate, and oven testing up to 170 degrees Celsius at 4.4 volt (V) charge.

Toshiba's ALBs have a high volumetric energy density of greater than 366 watt hour per liter (Wh/L) and a gravimetric energy greater than 172 watt hour per kilogram (Wh/Kg). The operating temperature of the ALB ranges from -20 degrees to 60 degrees Celsius, with temperature storage up to 90 degrees Celsius. ALB cells also maintain up to 40 percent of their initial capacity at -20 degrees Celsius.

The thin profile and high discharge rate capability of Toshiba's ALBs make them ideal for cellular phones, global positioning systems (GPS), personal digital assistants (PDA), sub-notebooks, scanners, two-way pagers, wearable computers and all small portable applications.

The ALB technology provides excellent cycle life performance, maintaining 80 percent of initial capacity after 500 cycles, enabling OEMs to provide their customers with a longer-lasting battery solution. In addition, Toshiba's ALBs do not accumulate memory, providing a full charge every time.

Technical Specifications

Toshiba's family of 3.7V ALBs complements its existing line of Li-ion batteries, which are also currently in high-volume production, providing designers with more flexibility in developing their unique portable applications.

Part Number   Voltage   Length    Width    Thickness    Capacity

LAB363562       3.7      62mm      35mm      3.6mm      680 - 750 mAh

LAB363456       3.7      56mm      34mm      3.6mm      580 - 640 mAh

LAB423456       3.7      56mm      34mm      4.2mm      700 - 770 mAh

LAB463051       3.7      51mm      30mm      4.6mm      630 - 690 mAh

LAB483759       3.7      59mm      37mm      4.8mm      1070 mAh

Pricing and Availability

Production quantities are currently available. Pricing ranges from $5 to $7 in volume quantities.

About TAEC

TAEC, recognized as one of the largest suppliers of semiconductor, electronic component, and storage solutions, is the North American engineering, manufacturing, marketing and sales arm of Japan's Toshiba Semiconductor Co. and Toshiba Display Devices and Components Co.

The Toshiba Semiconductor Co. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of semiconductor products including LSIs, microprocessors and controllers, and advanced memory products, in addition to discrete and analog peripheral components.

TAEC is also responsible for sales and marketing of other major electronic components including liquid crystal displays, color display and picture tubes, lithium-ion and other secondary batteries. For additional information, visit TAEC's web site at chips.toshiba.com.

Note to Editors: Photo available upon request. Contact Jennifer Apuron at 949/260-1300.