Alcatel, MPower codevelop battery protection ICs

Alcatel and Scotland-based battery maker MPower Batteries Ltd have collaborated to develop battery protection mechanism ICs for Li-ion and lithium polymer batteries. The batteries will be used in applications such as cell phones, private mobile radios (PMRs), PDAs and digital cameras.

Alcatel will contribute its expertise in designing and manufacturing mixed-signal ICs, while MPower will produce the battery packs.

Managing director John Blinkhorne, commented, "This agreement puts MPower in a very strong position to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to customers in the rapidly-evolving Li-ion battery pack sector."