Max output current of lithium batteries?

Components & Accessories Power
1

Hi, I have been looking at the datasheet for one of your lithium batteries, part #:

PRT-13856

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13856

In the datasheet it gives conflicting values for the max output current. On page 4 it says the max current is 6A, on page 7 it says 2.5-4.5A.

I am trying to build a power backup circuit for a single-board computer that will draw an average current of about 3.5A, with spikes up to 5A. It only needs to run for 2-3 minutes.

Another question: in the protection circuit info on page 7 it says the “release condition” is “cut load”. Does this mean it is impossible for the circuit to recover from an overcurrent condition? It seems like this type of protection circuit will simply brick any system you attach it to. I don’t understand why this isn’t implemented as a “hiccup” mode protection circuit (like every other current limiter I have ever seen).

2

Hi Colin.

We will need to look into the discrepancies in the data sheet, but I tested a battery and the protection circuit cuts out at 5 amps.

The only way to reset the protection circuit once it trips is to disconnect the battery from the load. This is done as a safety measure to prevent the battery from reengaging into an overload situation and possibly causing a fire. You can get batteries that don’t have a builtin protection circuit if you have one you can add on your own but SparkFun doesn’t carry a battery without a protection circuit on the battery. A RC car/truck/plane battery might be an option if you’re looking for something that doesn’t have a protection circuit and is easy to find.