Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about ITEN

1. Technology

What are the main advantages of solid-state ceramic devices compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries?

SSC devices offer many key advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries including higher energy density, enhanced safety, faster charging and longer lifespan.

How do solid-state ceramic devices work, and what materials are used in their construction?

SSC devices operate similarly to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The main innovation lies in the use of a solid electrolyte, which replaces the liquid electrolyte and separator found in traditional lithium-ion batteries with a solid material such as ceramics or polymers.

What challenges are still preventing the large-scale commercialization of solid-state energy storage?

Solid-state energy storage technologies face a combination of technical and manufacturing challenges. ITEN is creating scalable technologies that assure complete compatibility with solid electrolyte, cathode, and anode materials, as well as significant in-house manufacturing expertise to produce a diverse variety of SSC devices.

What are the differentiators of ITEN’s solid-state ceramic technologies?

ITEN is leveraging a unique know-how in nanomaterial engineering and manufacturing to build, stack and package full-ceramic electrodes. ITEN’s SSC devices deliver unrivaled power and energy densities with a low environmental footprint.

What are the environmental impacts of producing and recycling ITEN’s solid-state ceramic devices?

ITEN minimizes the environmental impact of its manufacturing process by eliminating heavy solvents, rare metals and organic materials. ITEN’s SSC devices are RoHS compliant and easily recyclable as electronic passive devices.

2. Products

What makes ITEN’s solid-state ceramic devices unique?

ITEN’s solid-state ceramic (SSC) devices utilize nanomaterials and innovative electrode architecture and packaging, offering unparalleled Energy Density, High Power delivery, fast recharge, safety, lifespan, and sustainability.

What is the difference between the POWENCY & FLOWENCY product lines?

The POWENCY™ product line consists of SSC Power Devices that leverage high power density to deliver high peak currents when needed, albeit their versatility allows them to be used as a typical energy source to deliver steady currents between two recharges. The FLOWENCY™ product line includes high-capacity SSC Energy Devices that provide unprecedented energy density and unique power density to support long operation times and fast recharge.

Why did ITEN choose to deliver devices into SMD packaging in the first place?

The electronics industry has long aimed for greater integration and smaller form factors. ITEN packages its SSC devices in an SMD QFN format to deliver energy storage solutions with an optimized footprint that are compatible with pick-and-place equipment and low-temperature Solder & Reflow processes.

How does ITEN ensure the design of hazard-free energy strorage solutions?

ITEN's SSC devices do not use liquid electrolytes, eliminating concerns associated with traditional batteries - such as leakage, uncontrolled heating, and fires - while meeting the highest safety requirements.

How does the ITEN’s solid-state ceramic devices comply with UN38.3 (air transportation)?

The UN38.3 certification does not apply to ITEN's SSC devices, whether they are shipped completely uncharged (0V) or charged after being assembled into a final product, because unlike regular Li-ion batteries, ITEN's SSC devices are considered passive electronic devices.

3. Applications

What industries does ITEN serve with its solid-state technologies?

ITEN’s SSC devices serve a wide range of electronic industries, including IoT, Wearables, Healthcare, and Power Backup applications.

What are the most common circuit architectures to charge the ITEN's solid-state ceramic devices?

ITEN’s SSC device charging mechanism requires only a constant voltage (CV charging mechanism). This simple criterion simplifies the design and decreases the complexity of the charging circuit, resulting in a lower-cost Bill of Materials (BOM).

How can I interface ITEN' solutions with energy harvesting systems?

The ITEN eco-friendly SSC devices are designed to work with Energy Harvesting systems and only need a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) to control the energy flow. A PMIC allows you to properly harvest and manage energy from a variety of sources, ensuring peak power performance and longevity. This setup's simplicity reduces total system complexity and expense, making it a suitable alternative for long-term and energy-efficient applications.

How does the cycling of solid-state ceramic devices translate into IoT designs?

ITEN’s SCC devices are ideal for IoT applications, especially those built on low-power wireless communication protocols. They are designed to withstand high current peaks ranging of 100C, making them perfect for devices that require short bursts of power for wireless data transmission. ITEN’s SSC devices withstand hundreds of charge cycles with minimal influence on capacity, ensuring long-term durability and avoiding the need for frequent replacements. This endurance, paired with its high current capabilities, makes the ITEN SSC devices the ideal energy storage choice for highly demanding IoT applications.

How does ITEN's solid-state ceramic devices contribute to sustainability and eco-design?

ITEN specifically designs its SSC devices with sustainability and eco-design concepts in mind. ITEN employs eco-friendly materials and dedicated manufacturing processes to limit the environmental impact of its products throughout their lifespan. ITEN is actively fostering the deployment of Energy Harvesting and Ambient IoT solutions to create long-lasting, maintenance-free solutions. This dedication to sustainability makes ITEN SSC devices an excellent choice for businesses seeking to produce greener and more sustainable electronic products.