The development of mobile technologies dictates its own criteria for modern mobile devices. Smartphones, tablets, wireless headphones and smartwatches are the most popular items in the electronics market. Some devices are invaluable helpers at work, others are for entertainment.
Often, for the sake of compactness and style, the manufacturer reduces the volume of the battery (battery). This makes the device thinner and lighter. Considering the heavy use of the Internet, the touch screen, background programs, the battery runs out by the end of the day. To continue working, you must connect to a power source. The situation is complicated by the fact that there is not always an SDU and an outlet at hand.
An external battery for the device will help to fix the current state of affairs. Electronics manufacturers offer a variety of models of such devices at the request of any buyer.
What is an external battery
The outer element design has three main elements:
- Energy storage devices. They can contain from one to dozens of cylinders, outwardly similar to a regular battery.
- Pay. All the necessary elements that regulate the supply of electricity, a port for charging the device and connecting to the device battery are installed here.
- Housing. A rigid base that protects the insides from external influences.
Various manufacturers can complement the appearance with a display showing the remaining energy, a flashlight, a solar panel for autonomous recharging and other 'chips'.
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Principle of operation
The scheme of action is very simple. Built-in elements have a large energy reserve and can store it for a long time. They transfer it to the board, where standard USB ports are installed, to which the device that needs power is connected.
The work of all elements of the control board is especially important, because it is she who is responsible for the supply of normal and stable voltage, regulates the load and ensures safety. Most external batteries have a special sensor that detects when the connected device is fully charged and cuts off the power supply.
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Selecting an external battery
There are many options for external batteries on the market. To choose the right device for your device, you need to know the characteristics of both objects and the features of the offered product.
- Capacitance and output voltage. These are the main indicators of a portable charger. Before making the final choice, pay attention to the battery power of your smartphone or other gadget and the amperage on its native memory.
- The capacity of the external battery must be at least 1/3 higher than the battery capacity of the device being charged. This will allow you to fully charge, taking into account natural losses, and not completely discharge the storage. So, to charge a 3000 mAh battery, about 4000 units are needed. If an external battery is taken on the basis of two or more charging cycles, then the capacity should also increase in direct proportion.
- The output voltage in the outgoing ports should be as close as possible to the value indicated on the mains charger of the device. The difference in indicators may differ by 0.1-0.5 A. If you connect a device rated for voltage 1A to port 2A, it can lead to overloading the battery and reducing its performance or failure. If your device supports QC (QuickChange) fast charging, you can choose an external battery equipped with the same technology. Thus, part of the charge can be replenished in a short time. This is very convenient when you need to urgently make a call or finish work.
- Number of ports. High power external batteries are equipped with at least two ports. One is designed for 1-1.5A power supply to charge most smartphones and low-power gadgets, the second has an output of 2-2.5A and is intended for larger devices. The number of ports may be higher. It depends on how many power cords you may need to connect at the same time.
- Appearance and additional features. The case of a portable battery can be made of various materials (metal, plastic, polymer, or a combination of different types). This can affect the durability of the device, ease of handling, aesthetic appearance. In addition, the battery can be equipped with an LED flashlight, which can become an assistant if you need an additional light source, for example, during a night walk or outdoor recreation. Some manufacturers offer Powerbanks with a solar panel mounted on the case. Such a device makes it possible to replenish the storage capacity without being connected to the mains using the sun's rays.
- Weight and size. Various devices and a reinforced case can significantly increase the size of the external battery. For example, 5mm rubber shock pads will make it one centimeter wider and thicker, which can be inconvenient if you need to carry the device in your pocket or bag. A high-power battery will be a very tangible burden. For everyday use, it is recommended to take compact and light models, if the characteristics of the charged devices allow it. Larger options can be taken with you on a car trip or a long trip, where the extra 200 grams of weight does not play a special role.
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Usage tips
The use of an external portable battery does not cause any difficulties and greatly simplifies the life of users of modern electronics. However, he also needs to pay attention. A few simple rules and tips will significantly extend the service life and maintain performance indicators.
- Avoid moisture and dust.
As for any electronic device, water is contraindicated for an external battery. Dampness can cause oxidation of contacts, short-circuiting and destruction of the materials used. The external ports must be cleaned of accumulated dust. The buildup of particles leads to a loss of conductivity, unstable supply and reception of energy. Even if the battery is in a separate pocket, this does not save it from accumulating dirt. Cleaning can be done with a brush, cotton swab. Use a little rubbing alcohol to remove particles.
- Avoid full discharge.
For normal operation, energy must remain in the capacities of the battery, which will allow it to recharge the necessary resources and maintain performance. It has been noticed that with a complete depletion, the amount of replenishment of reserves does not occur completely, so they are consumed faster.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
To connect an external battery to a power source for charging, you need approximately the power recommended by the manufacturer. A high amperage can overload the microcircuit and drive, a lower one will significantly delay the process of restoring stocks.
- When using the USB battery for its intended purpose, it is better to stop the process before fully charging the device or immediately after it has finished.
Otherwise, there may be an increase in load, which harms the circuitry of the device and the battery itself. It should be borne in mind that some devices have a kind of bar, upon reaching which the overvoltage protection is triggered, but for some this is not provided.
- Do not use portable charger at temperatures below 5 degrees.
During cooling, the batteries of both devices undergo a natural constriction, which can become a negative factor during charging and lead to the destruction of the storage cells.
The correct selection of an external battery will allow the user to stay offline for a long time and not worry about a suddenly dead smartphone / tablet battery.
With the active use of any electronic devices, it should be borne in mind that the batteries gradually fail and lose the ability to receive and store enough energy. This can be solved by replacing the smartphone battery or battery cells.
It is also worth considering the likelihood of self-discharge. If the feeding element has been left without work for a long time, then it is likely that it will be impossible to use without additional recharging. Therefore, if you do not plan to use the external battery for a long time, then charge it before sending it for storage.