Internal Resistance (IR) - The opposition exhibited by a circuit element to the flow of direct current (d.c.). In a cell, the internal resistance is the sum of the ionic and electronic resistances of the cell components.
Spiral Wound - An electrode structure of high surface area created by winding the electrodes and separator into a spiral-wound, jelly-roll configuration.
Battery or Pack - Two or more electrochemical cells electrically interconnected in an appropriate series/parallel arrangement to provide the required operating voltage and current levels. Under common usage, the term "battery" is often also applied to a single cell.
RS232C (Recommended standard RS232C) - Standard defining the communication circuits between devices for synchronous and asynchronous transmissions on the following types of lines - two-wire, four-wire, point-to-point, telephone lines and local links with short cables. Though the standard covers only transmissions over distances up to 15 meters, it is often possible to ensure correct transmission over greater distances using high-quality shielded cable in a reasonably satisfactory electrical environment. Most terminals and devices on the market can implement this transmission standard.
Primary Battery - A battery which is not intended to be recharged and is discarded when the battery has delivered all of its electrical energy.
Shelf Life - The duration of storage under specified conditions at the end of which the battery still retains the ability to give a specified performance.
C-Rate (also see Hourly Rate) - Discharge or charge current, in amperes, expressed in multiples of the rated capacity. For example, C/10 discharge current for a battery rated at 1.5 Ah is: