Lithium Polymer Batteries - Polymer cells do not exhibit a memory problem, meaning that they can be recharged at any state of charge without first having to be completely discharged.

Below are some specifications for current Lithium Polymer Battery Technology:

1. Voltage Range: 4.2 to 3.0
   
2. Average Voltage: 3.8
   
3. Operating Temperature: Charge: 0°C to +45°C, Discharge: -20°C to +60°C
   
4. Self Discharge: <10%/Month
   
5. Max. Discharge: 2C (Continuous) 5C (Pulse)
   
6. Terminals: Nickel Tab
   
7. Jacket: Laminated Foil

Lithium-ion prismatic (rectangular) cells offer high energy density, high capacity and long cycle life in the most common, lightweight sizes. These cells, which operate over a wide temperature range, are ideal for portable devices such as cellular and mobile phones, PDA's, notebook computers, MP3 players, military applications and any products requiring a reliable, high-energy power source. Below are some specifications:

1. System: Li-ion
   
2. Voltage Range: 4.2 to 3.0
   
3. Average Voltage: 3.7
   
4. Operating Temperature: Charge: 0°C to +45°C, Discharge: -20°C to +60°C
   
5. Self Discharge: <10%/Month

One company, Samsung, in Korea is working towards being the market leader in rechargeable battery production. At present, they are operating six production lines with a total production capacity of 5.5 million lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries per month, but this is projected to increase to 22 lines for 160 million per year in 2005.

At the current pace, the world will see the production of 680 million rechargeable batteries this year to a value of around 3.2 trillion won if the estimates of ITT of Japan are accurate. This could increase to 1.1 billion units in 2006, representing an annual increase of 12.9 percent.