Flat batteries to power smartcards

A power source debuting the market this summer could hasten the adoption of powerful smartcards and smart labels.

The low-powered battery, produced by Israeli company Power Paper, is thin enough to be printed on paper and can be shaped and sized to fit a variety of functions.

The company claims the chemical compounds that make up the battery are non-toxic and non-corrosive, which also lends to its versatility.

The battery consists of three different layers. It has a chemical power source sandwiched between two layers of zinc manganese-dioxide. The chemical composition of the power source is a closely guarded secret.

Rolled out to a thickness of 0.5mm and printed, the battery produces 20 milliamp hours at a terminal voltage of 1.5 volts for every square centimetre.

The first products to be powered by the battery will be novelty cards which play their own jingles, but the company eventually hopes the battery will be used to power smartcards and smart labels so they are able store, display and transmit data on their own.

The battery could also be used to power integrated circuits.

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