Does nPM2100 support CR123A 1S2P?

[Hsu]

Hi Sir,

As we know the nPM2100 support AA/AAA batteries, LiMnO2 coin cells (e.g., CR2032),  Alkaline coin cells (e.g., LR44).

But could nPM2100 support CR123A 1S2P?

Thank you.

BRs, Han

 

[Tharaka]

Hi Han,

Currently, the nPM2100 fuel gauge does not support the CR123A 1S2P configuration.
I assume this request is related to a high-current application , could you share the expected peak and average currents?

Anyway for experimental evaluation, the closest available model is the CR2032 (LiMnO2), as it shares similar voltage characteristics.

Thanks,

Tharaka

[Hsu]

Hi Tharaka,

Thank you for the update.

According your feedback, in other words, the nPM2100 doesn't support the high-current battery? e.g. CR123A (1550mAh), or E91 (2500mAh, Alkaline)

For AA/AAA batteries, the Energizer E91 (2500mAh, Alkaline) and L91 (3500mAh, Ultimate Lithium) are also call AAA batteries.

Do we support these AA/AAA batteries?

Thank you.

BRs, Han

[Tharaka]

Hi

To clarify, the nPM2100 does support high-capacity batteries such as the CR123A (1550 mAh), E91 (2500 mAh Alkaline – AA), and L91 (3500 mAh Lithium – AA), as well as other AA variants. The battery capacity itself is not a limitation.

From a PMIC perspective:

• The boost regulator can deliver up to 150 mA total.
• The LDO/load switch is supplied from the boost rail, so it shares this 150 mA current limit—not in addition to it.

So yes, the nPM2100 can work with CR123A or high-capacity AA/AAA batteries, as long as the system load remains within the 150 mA budget.

From a fuel gauge perspective:

• The fuel gauge currently supports Alkaline AA/AAA cells like the E91.
• For CR123A or similar Li/MnO₂ chemistry cells, the CR2032 model can be used as a reference for early evaluation.
• However, a custom model may be required for accurate state-of-charge estimation. Knowing the expected peak and average currents would help in assessing this further.

Hope this clarifies.

Thanks,
Tharaka

[Hsu]

Hi Tharaka,

Thank you for the clarify.

So, we do support CR123A, but doesn't support CR123A 1S2P.

But if the battery capacity itself is not a limitation and battery voltage doesn't over 3V. Why don't we support 1S2P configuration? it seems doesn't violate the spec.

could you share the expected peak and average currents?

The peak current is about 110~120mA, average current is about 10~15mA.

Thank you.

BRs, Han

[Tharaka]

Sorry if i misunderstood with the fuel gauge support

'' Currently, the nPM2100 fuel gauge does not support the CR123A 1S2P configuration.''

I meant it is just the fuel gauge SW  and the battery model which does not support this configuration. 

I can confirm you that nPM2100 PMIC support this CR123A 1S2P configuration as long as battery pack voltage is within the PMIC input voltage specification.


Regards 

Tharaka




 

[Hsu]

Hi Tharaka,

Thank you for the clarify.

As check the SDK (C:\work\ncs\v3.0.0\nrf\samples\pmic\native\npm2100_fuel_gauge\Kconfig)

It did list the models only that mention in the document.

config BATTERY_MODEL_ALKALINE_AA     bool "Alkaline AA"     help       Alkaline AA cylindrical battery. config BATTERY_MODEL_ALKALINE_AAA     bool "Alkaline AAA"     help       Alkaline AAA cylindrical battery. config BATTERY_MODEL_ALKALINE_2SAA     bool "Alkaline 2SAA"

If we need the fuel gauge to support the CR123A 1S2P/ L91 (3500 mAh Lithium – AA) configuration that support on fuel gauge software and NCS.

How do we apply the request to Nordic?

Thank you.

BRs, Han