cr1220 battery
cr1220 3v battery

CR1220 Button 3V Lithium Manganese Dioxide Battery

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Summary of CR1220 Battery Button 3V

The CR1220 is a compact primary lithium cell designed for long-term, low-current applications where stable voltage, predictable discharge behavior, and long shelf life are critical. From a manufacturing and engineering standpoint, this cell prioritizes electrochemical stability, leak resistance, and compliance over peak power output, making it suitable for memory backup, RTC modules, sensors, and miniature electronics operating across wide temperature ranges.

CR1220 Lithium Cell​ Parameters

  • Model: Lithium Coin Cell
  • Chemistry: Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li/MnO2)   
  • Voltage: 3V 
  • Diameter: 12mm
  • Height: 2.0mm 
  • Typical Capacity: 40mAh
  • Energy: 0.12Wh
  • Energy Density: 150Wh/kg
  • Standard Discharge Current: 0.1mA
  • Max Discharge Current: 1mA
  • Weight: 0.8g
  • Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F)
  • Self-Discharge Rate: <1% / year
  • Shelf Life: >10 years
  • Rechargeable: Non Rechargeable

Key Features – CR1220 3V Battery

⚡ Stable 3V Output

CR1220 maintains a stable nominal voltage close to 3.0V throughout most of its usable life.
This is critical for:

  • RTC and CMOS memory

  • Low-power MCUs

  • Devices without voltage regulation stages

Voltage stability minimizes timing drift and data corruption.

🪶 Compact and Lightweight

With its ultra-thin profile, CR1220 is designed for space-constrained PCB layouts, wearables and miniature electronics, and embedded modules requiring minimal mass. Its low weight also reduces mechanical stress in portable devices.

🕒 Long Shelf Life

Typical Li-MnO₂ button cells exhibit very low self-discharge, often suitable for multi-year storage under proper conditions. From a supply-chain perspective, this reduces inventory loss. FIFO pressure, and Long-term replacement costs.

🌡️ Wide Operating Temperature Range

CR1220 cells are engineered to operate across a broad temperature window, making them reliable in outdoor sensors, industrial control backups and consumer electronics exposed to seasonal variation. Performance remains predictable at low drain levels even in cold environments.

🧯 Leak-Resistant Design

Leak resistance is not accidental—it is a manufacturing priority:

  • Controlled internal pressure

  • Stable cathode material

  • Conservative electrolyte formulation

This protects both the device and surrounding components.

♻️ RoHS and REACH Compliant

From a regulatory standpoint, CR1220 batteries are manufactured to comply with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH chemical compliance requirements. This simplifies import, integration, and downstream certification for OEM customers.

🏭 Typical Applications

CR1220 is commonly used in:

  • ⏱️ Real-time clock (RTC) backup

  • 💾 CMOS and memory retention

  • 📟 Small medical and diagnostic devices

  • 📡 Wireless sensors and transmitters

  • 🎮 Compact consumer electronics

It is not intended for high-drain or pulse-load applications.

⚠️ Often Overlooked Points & Common Misconceptions

❌ “All 3V Button Cells Are Interchangeable”

Different lithium button cells vary significantly in:

  • Capacity

  • Internal resistance

  • Thickness

Substituting CR1220 with a thicker or alkaline cell can cause mechanical or electrical failure.

❌ “Higher Capacity Means Better for Any Use”

CR1220 is optimized for low continuous current, not peak discharge. Using it in pulse-heavy applications may result in voltage drop despite remaining capacity.

❌ “Shelf Life Equals Service Life”

Long shelf life does not mean infinite operating life. Actual service life depends on load current, ambient temperature, and cut-off voltage requirements

❌ “Rechargeable Alternatives Are Drop-In Replacements”

Rechargeable coin cells often have lower nominal voltage and different discharge curves. This can lead to malfunction in circuits designed specifically for 3.0V primary lithium cells.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does CR stand for in coin batteries?

A: In coin batteries, “CR” denotes lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO₂) chemistry, where “C” refers to the lithium system and “R” indicates a round (coin) cell format.

Q2: Can I use CR2032 instead of CR1220?

A: No. CR2032 and CR1220 both provide 3V, but they differ significantly in thickness, capacity, and internal resistance, so CR2032 will not physically fit or function correctly in devices designed for CR1220.

Q3: How long does a CR1220 battery last?

A: CR1220 battery can last several years in low-power applications such as RTC or memory backup, depending on the continuous current draw and operating temperature. In practical use, higher standby loads or elevated temperatures will shorten its service life even though the nominal voltage remains stable for most of the discharge period.

Q4: Are CR and LR batteries the same?

A: No. CR batteries are lithium manganese dioxide cells with a nominal voltage of 3V, while LR batteries are alkaline cells with a nominal voltage of 1.5V. They differ in chemistry, voltage, discharge behavior, and shelf life, so they are not interchangeable even if the size looks similar.

Q5: What is a CR1220 battery used for?

A: CR1220 battery is used in low-power electronic devices that require a stable 3V supply over long periods, such as RTC modules, CMOS memory backup, and small sensors. It is designed for continuous micro-current loads rather than high-drain or pulse-demand applications.

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