AW-PZ-2R7-505
Ultra-thin 5F prismatic cell for space-constrained IoT and wearable applications.
Product Overview
Description
The AW-PZ-2R7-505 is an ultra-thin 5 Farad prismatic supercapacitor designed for applications with severe space constraints such as wearables, smart cards, and compact IoT devices.
At just 2.5mm thick, this cell delivers exceptional power density in a footprint of only 20mm × 15mm, enabling integration into the thinnest device designs.
The aluminum laminate packaging provides excellent volumetric efficiency while maintaining the same 500,000+ cycle life and wide temperature range of larger supercapacitors.
Product Series
AW
Primary Application
Smart cards and RFID
Key Features
- Ultra-thin 2.5mm profile
- Lightweight 1.2g design
- Flexible mounting options
- Low self-discharge
- RoHS compliant
Specifications
| Capacitance | 5F ±20% |
|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 2.7V DC |
| ESR (DC) | ≤ 150mΩ |
| Leakage Current | ≤ 0.02mA (72hrs) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +65°C |
| Cycle Life | ≥ 500,000 cycles |
| Dimensions | 20 × 15 × 2.5mm |
| Weight | 1.2g |
Applications
Smart cards and RFID
Electronic system design
Wearable fitness devices
Electronic system design
Wireless sensors
Sensor signal conditioning
Portable medical devices
Medical electronics
IoT edge devices
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The AW-PZ-2R7-505 has become my standard recommendation for wearable and IoT applications where every millimeter counts. At 2.5mm thick, it fits where cylindrical cells simply cannot. I've used this cell in several smartwatch projects where it provides burst power for haptic feedback and wireless transmission without the bulk of a battery. The 150mΩ ESR is reasonable for the size - we've achieved 2A pulse currents without excessive voltage droop. One important consideration is the mounting - we typically use 3M thermal adhesive tape for secure attachment to the PCB or chassis. The cycle life is genuinely impressive; one customer has cycled prototypes over 200,000 times with negligible degradation. For any ultra-compact application, this cell delivers remarkable performance."
Ultra-thin profile enables integration in space-constrained wearable designs
— David Park, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum pulse current for the AW-PZ-2R7-505?
The AW-PZ-2R7-505 is rated for maximum pulse current of 2A for durations up to 1 second. This rating is limited by the cell's 150mΩ ESR and thermal constraints of the thin packaging. At 2A, the voltage drop across ESR is approximately 0.3V (2A × 0.15Ω), which should be considered in system design. For longer pulses, the current should be derated to prevent excessive heating. Continuous current is limited to 0.3A to maintain safe operating temperatures. The pulse capability makes this cell ideal for wireless transmission bursts, LED flash, and haptic feedback applications typical in wearables. For higher current requirements, consider parallel connection of multiple cells or selecting a higher capacitance model with lower ESR.
For pulse currents above 2A, parallel multiple cells or select the 10F model with lower ESR.
How do I charge the AW-PZ-2R7-505 safely?
The AW-PZ-2R7-505 should be charged using a current-limited power source or dedicated supercapacitor charger IC. Maximum recommended charge current is 0.5A (0.1C rate) for standard charging. Fast charging up to 2A is possible but will reduce cycle life slightly. The cell can be charged from any voltage source capable of providing 2.7V with current limiting. Simple charging can be implemented using a resistor in series with a voltage source, though this is inefficient. Better solutions use active current limiting circuits or dedicated charger ICs that provide constant current followed by constant voltage (CC-CV) charging profile. Charge time from 0V to 90% is approximately 5 × R × C when using resistor limiting, or about 120 seconds at 0.5A constant current. Always include overvoltage protection to prevent exceeding 2.7V.
Use a dedicated supercapacitor charger IC for optimal performance and safety. Contact our FAE team for recommended charger ICs and reference circuits.
What is the self-discharge characteristic of the AW-PZ-2R7-505?
The AW-PZ-2R7-505 exhibits typical EDLC self-discharge behavior with leakage current less than 0.02mA at 25°C after 72 hours. This corresponds to a voltage drop of approximately 15-20% in the first 24 hours after charging to 2.7V, followed by slower discharge. The self-discharge rate follows the logarithmic decay pattern common to all EDLC supercapacitors. At elevated temperatures, self-discharge increases significantly - approximately doubling for every 10°C rise. At 65°C, leakage current may reach 0.08mA. For applications requiring energy retention beyond 48 hours, periodic maintenance charging or alternative energy storage should be considered. The self-discharge characteristic is a fundamental property of the EDLC technology and must be accounted for in system power budgets.
If your application requires energy retention beyond 48 hours, consider implementing a maintenance charging circuit or contact us for alternative solutions.
Can the AW-PZ-2R7-505 be used in series for higher voltages?
Yes, the AW-PZ-2R7-505 can be connected in series for higher voltage applications, but active voltage balancing is essential for reliable operation. When series-connected, voltage imbalance occurs due to cell-to-cell variations in capacitance and leakage current. Without balancing, individual cells may exceed their 2.7V rating, causing accelerated degradation. For two cells in series (5.4V total), simple passive balancing using 1kΩ resistors may be sufficient for low-duty applications. For three or more cells, active balancing using dedicated ICs is strongly recommended. The balancing circuit should equalize both charge and discharge cycles. Cells should be from the same production batch to minimize parameter variation. The series configuration reduces total capacitance (C_total = C_cell / n) while multiplying voltage (V_total = V_cell × n).
For series applications of 3+ cells, use an active balancing IC. Contact our FAE team for balancing circuit recommendations.
What are the best practices for soldering connections to the AW-PZ-2R7-505?
The AW-PZ-2R7-505 features nickel-plated copper tabs for electrical connection. Soldering should be performed using a temperature-controlled iron set to 350°C maximum with soldering time limited to 3 seconds per tab. Use rosin-core solder (SN63/PB37 or lead-free SAC305) with RMA flux. Pre-tinning the tabs before final assembly is recommended. Avoid applying excessive heat or mechanical stress to the cell body during soldering. The aluminum laminate package is sensitive to heat - keep the iron tip away from the cell body. For high-volume production, resistance welding or laser welding of tabs is preferred over soldering. After soldering, allow the cell to cool to room temperature before applying power. Do not bend the tabs closer than 3mm to the cell body to prevent seal damage. Use appropriate ESD protection during handling and assembly.
For prototype quantities, hand soldering with temperature control is acceptable. For production volumes, consider welded connections or contact us for assembly recommendations.
How does the AW-PZ-2R7-505 compare to small lithium batteries for wearable applications?
The AW-PZ-2R7-505 offers distinct trade-offs compared to small lithium batteries for wearable applications. Advantages include: virtually unlimited cycle life (500,000+ vs 300-500 for small Li-ion), rapid charging (minutes vs hours), wide temperature operation (-40°C to +65°C), maintenance-free operation, and no safety concerns about fire or explosion. The thin form factor (2.5mm) is competitive with or thinner than equivalent capacity lithium polymer cells. Disadvantages include: lower energy density (0.005 Wh vs 0.1-0.2 Wh for similar-sized Li-ion), higher self-discharge (15-20% per day vs 1-2%), and voltage droop during discharge. For wearables with frequent charging opportunities (daily or more) and burst power requirements, supercapacitors excel. For devices requiring multi-day runtime between charges, batteries remain more suitable. Many wearable designs now use hybrid approaches combining both technologies.
Evaluate your device's charging frequency and runtime requirements. For daily-charged devices with burst power needs, the AW-PZ-2R7-505 is an excellent choice.