The company claims to have developed the first 3V thin, prismatic supercapacitors. Initially, the technology will be deployed in thin prismatic form initially, targeting small, inexpensive, energy-efficient power for thin wearables, key fobs and other internet of things (IoT) devices. The second stage is to integrate the 3V technology into its larger prismatic supercapacitors, automotive modules and other products for high-energy, high-power applications.

The 3V supercapacitors eliminate the cost and inefficiencies of the low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator or buck converter, says the company. These are often required to step the voltage down to work with the industry’s existing 2.7V-rated thin, prismatic supercapacitors.

They are initially targeted at replacing 3V coin cell batteries, where popular batteries such as the CR2032 have reasonable energy (around 220mAh) but have trouble delivering the peak power (around 100mA) needed for data collection and transmission. The 3V supercapacitors can be placed directly across the battery without the intermediary LDO.

The 3V supercapacitors measure 0.9mm to 1.9mm thick. Model Z measures 20 x 15mm, model A is 20 x 18mm, W is 17.5 x 28.5mm and model S, 17.5 x 39.5mm.

Prototypes have been tested to 70°C, meeting the IEC 62391 requirement for endurance. Production trials are underway, with samples expected by the end of August 2018. Mass production will begin in the first half of 2019.