Smaller, Lighter, High-Capacity Batteries

Steve Emmett

Author: Steve Emmett

Published 20th May 2016

Smaller, Lighter, High-Capacity Batteries

Issue 113 - May 2016

The desire for longer run-times from smaller and lighter batteries, has always been keenly felt by users of high power consumption digital cinema style cameras. The new generation of cameras is smaller but the power consumption, in most cases, has increased. High-capacity Li-Ion batteries of 150Wh or more provide longer run-time, but with increased capacity comes increased size and weight.

PAG, who constantly seeks to develop new and innovative power solutions, introduced a system of intelligent linking batteries, almost 5 years ago, based on 96Wh battery units that could be linked to provide a high-capacity power source. These are still the industry’s most compact batteries, offering the highest energy density of any 96Wh Li-Ion option available. However, developments in Li-Ion cell-technology have seen the introduction of new high-capacity cells, which now make it possible to have smaller and lighter high-capacity batteries.

PAG launched its new PL150 Series of PAGlink intelligent linking batteries at NAB 2016. They offer an increased capacity of 150Wh - 50% more than PAG’s PL96 range - but with no increase in size, and minimal increase in weight (40g). Incorporating the latest high-capacity Li-Ion cells, the new 14.8V 10Ah 150Wh battery is housed in the same case as PAG’s established 96Wh model (133 x 84 x 50mm). This ensures that it has the highest energy density of any Li-Ion battery of equivalent capacity brought to market.
The PL150 series comprises two V-Mount options: the PL150e features PAG’s now familiar 5-light Run-Time & Capacity indicator, while the PL150T incorporates the long-established numeric Run-Time & Capacity display. The V-Mount models will ship in Q3 of 2016, and will be followed by a Gold Mount version planned for Q4. It will feature a numeric Run-Time & Capacity display and high current cells. Individual Gold Mount PAGlink batteries will supply a continuous current of 10 Amps; for V-Mount models it is 8A. The capability increases to 12A, for both formats, when batteries are linked

Every functional benefit of the PAGlink battery system is maintained with the new PL150 Series. Batteries can be linked to multiply capacity, from 150Wh to 300Wh with just two batteries. Up to 8 batteries can be linked for charge or discharge. Linking batteries for discharge and sharing the current demand also increases cycle life.

The new 150Wh batteries are designed for applications where power consumption is high and all-day power is required from fewer and lighter batteries. They are ideal for powering digital cinema type cameras and multiple accessories simultaneously. Having the power you need means fewer time-wasting camera reboots. The PAGlink feature allows hot-swapping of batteries for continuous power.
The new 150Wh batteries can be linked with the 96Wh PAGlink models for charge or discharge. Both functions are managed safely by the PAGlink intelligent technology. Batteries can be charged using any reputable Li-Ion charger. Linked charging was developed by PAG and is unique to the PAGlink battery system.

D-Tap, 4-Pin Hirose or 2.1mm DC interchangeable outputs are available when you add a PAGlink PowerHub. This lightweight, low-profile unit sits between two PAGlink batteries to allow hot-swapping, while maintaining power to your accessories.
In keeping with the latest PAG-developed technology, the new 150Wh batteries communicate automatically with multiple camera data systems and display remaining capacity in the camera viewfinder/LCD. The batteries can be programmed easily by the user to display capacity with the RED system.

Reliability, durability and the highest safety standard are integral to the battery design and consistent across PAG’s range of Li-Ion batteries.

All PAG Li-Ion batteries are tested by an independent authority to UN standards, in compliance with air transport safety regulations. A capacity above 100Wh but below 160Wh means that two units per person can be carried in cabin luggage, when you fly.

For more information visit paguk.com

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