Meaning of Codes on Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are one of the most common components in our daily lives. They allow us to free ourselves from wires and use tools flexibly. Have you ever noticed the numbers printed on different batteries, like 18650 lithium-ion batteries or LP521540, 100AH, 3.2V, etc.? By understanding the meaning behind these codes, we can better utilize our batteries. This article will provide a detailed explanation of their significance.

Letter Codes on Batteries

You may often see letters like LFP, ICR, LP, etc., printed on batteries. These letters indicate the type of material used in the battery:

• LFP: Stands for lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), indicating that the battery is a lithium iron phosphate battery.
• ICR: Refers to lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) chemistry, used in some lithium-ion batteries.
• LP: Typically refers to lithium polymer batteries, indicating the flexible, soft-pouch design.
• IMR: Indicates lithium manganese oxide batteries (LiMn2O4), known for their high discharge rate and safety.
• IFR: Stands for lithium iron phosphate as well (another notation for LiFePO4).

These letters give you an idea of the battery’s chemistry, which affects its performance, safety, and applications.

Further reading:

What is a lithium polymer battery?

Number Codes on Batteries

The numbers on a lithium battery provide important information about the battery’s dimensions or capacity.

• For Cylindrical Batteries (e.g., 18650): The numbers refer to the battery’s physical size. In “18650″:
  • 18 = Diameter of the battery in millimeters (18mm).
  • 65 = Length of the battery in millimeters (65mm).
  • 0 = Cylindrical shape.
• For Lithium Polymer Batteries (e.g., LP521540): The numbers correspond to the battery’s dimensions:
  • 52 = Width in millimeters (5.2mm).
  • 15 = Height in millimeters (1.5mm).
  • 40 = Length in millimeters (40mm).

What Does “Ah” on a Lithium Battery Mean?

• Ah (Ampere-hour): This indicates the battery’s capacity, or how much charge it can store. For example, a battery marked as “100Ah” can theoretically supply 100 amps of current for one hour before it is fully discharged. Higher Ah values indicate longer battery life or more energy stored.

What Does “V” on a Lithium Battery Mean?

• V (Voltage): The voltage on a lithium battery indicates its nominal operating voltage. For example, a “3.2V” battery has a nominal voltage of 3.2 volts. The voltage determines the potential energy of the battery and affects the compatibility with certain devices. Common voltages for lithium batteries include 3.2V, 3.7V, and 12V.

What do the S and P on a lithium battery pack stand for?

In short, they represent the series and parallel connection of batteries. For example, a 3s2p lithium battery represents three batteries in series, which increases the voltage. Two such series-connected batteries are connected in parallel, which increases the total capacity. See more about the difference between S and P batteries.

By understanding these codes, you can make informed choices about the right battery for your needs and ensure better performance and longevity of your devices.