When it comes to replacing small batteries in everyday devices, it's not always easy to understand the various types available on the market, especially when it comes to button-cell batteries. For example, the CR1620, a popular type of lithium coin cell, is often used in devices such as watches, calculators, key fobs, and medical devices. However, you might be faced with a situation where you need to replace a CR1620, but the store only has similar-looking batteries such as the CR1616 or CR1632. So, which of these is the most suitable replacement? Let’s take a closer look at these batteries and find out.
Understanding Coin Cell Batteries
Coin cell batteries, or button cells, are small, round batteries that power small electronic devices. These batteries are commonly identified by a series of alphanumeric characters, which represent key specifications, including their size and chemical composition. The “CR” in CR1620, CR1632, and CR1616 indicates that the battery is a lithium-based coin cell.
Coin cells are widely used because they offer a compact and reliable power source for devices with low power consumption. They are also capable of maintaining their voltage over a long period of time, which is why they’re often found in devices like watches, hearing aids, digital thermometers, and small remotes.
Breaking Down the Numbers: CR1620, CR1632, CR1616
To understand which battery is equivalent to the CR1620, let’s first break down the naming conventions of the three different types of batteries:
1. CR1620: The "16" in this number represents the battery’s diameter, which is 16 millimeters. The "20" refers to the thickness of the battery, which is 2.0 millimeters.
2. CR1632: The "16" again refers to the 16-millimeter diameter, but the "32" refers to the thickness, which is 3.2 millimeters.
3. CR1616: Similar to the others, the "16" represents the diameter, but the "16" here refers to a thickness of 1.6 millimeters.
So, the main difference between these three types of batteries lies in their thickness. The CR1632 is the thickest, the CR1620 is in the middle, and the CR1616 is the thinnest.
Comparing CR1620, CR1632, and CR1616
Let’s look at the key features of each battery:
Key Differences Between CR1620, CR1632, and CR1616
1. Thickness: As mentioned earlier, the main difference between these batteries is their thickness. The CR1632 is the thickest, while the CR1616 is the thinnest. A thicker battery generally has a higher capacity, which means it can last longer in use. However, a thicker battery may not fit in a device that was designed for a thinner one.
2. Capacity: The CR1632 has the highest capacity of the three batteries, meaning it can last longer before needing replacement. The CR1620 is in the middle, and the CR1616 has the lowest capacity.
3. Physical Size: While all three batteries have the same diameter (16 mm), their differing thicknesses can affect their fit in a device. This means that even though they may have the same voltage and diameter, the thickness difference could make one incompatible with certain devices.
Which Battery is the Best Replacement for CR1620?
| Battery | Diameter | Thickness | Voltage | Capacity | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR1620 | 16 mm | 2.0 mm | 3.0 V | 80 mAh | Watches, key fobs, medical devices, calculators, etc. |
| CR1632 | 16 mm | 3.2 mm | 3.0 V | 130 mAh | Watches, fitness devices, toys, remote controls, etc. |
| CR1616 | 16 mm | 1.6 mm | 3.0 V | 60 mAh | Watches, remote controls, calculators, toys, etc. |
Now that we’ve looked at the specifications of the CR1620, CR1632, and CR1616, let’s determine which is the best replacement for a CR1620.
1. CR1632 as a Replacement for CR1620: The CR1632 is thicker than the CR1620, but it has the same diameter and voltage. The higher capacity of the CR1632 means it may last longer than the CR1620, but because of its increased thickness, it may not fit in all devices. If the device is designed to accommodate a slightly thicker battery, the CR1632 can serve as a suitable replacement.
2. CR1616 as a Replacement for CR1620: The CR1616 is thinner than the CR1620, which means it has a lower capacity. If the device requires a battery with a thickness of 2.0 mm, the CR1616 might not provide the same runtime as the CR1620 and could potentially cause issues if the battery is too loose in the compartment. However, if you can find a device that allows for a thinner battery, the CR1616 could work as a substitute, though with less battery life.
Can You Use a CR1632 Instead of a CR1620?
In many cases, you can use a CR1632 in place of a CR1620 as long as the device allows for the slightly thicker battery. The CR1632’s higher capacity means it will last longer, but it's important to check if the battery compartment in your device has enough space for the additional thickness. For instance, if the battery compartment is very tight or specifically designed for a 2.0 mm thick battery, you may encounter difficulty fitting the CR1632.
Can You Use a CR1616 Instead of a CR1620?
Using a CR1616 in place of a CR1620 is generally not recommended unless the device is designed to accommodate thinner batteries. The reduced capacity means that the CR1616 will not last as long, and there may be issues with the battery fitting properly, leading to unreliable performance.
While the CR1616 may work in some cases where there’s flexibility in the battery compartment, it’s essential to remember that you’re sacrificing battery life, and the device may not work optimally.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Replacement
When replacing a CR1620 battery, the best option largely depends on your device's specifications and the available space in the battery compartment.
1. If you need a direct replacement, stick with the CR1620, as it matches the voltage, diameter, and thickness precisely.
2. If you need a longer-lasting battery and can accommodate a thicker one, the CR1632 could be a great choice.
3. If the device is designed for a thinner battery or if space is tight, the CR1616 might work, but be aware of the reduced capacity and shorter runtime.
Always check the user manual of your device or consult the manufacturer to ensure that you’re selecting the right battery size for optimal performance.
Written by Icey Ye from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic component distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers. Whether you need assistance finding the right part or electronic components manufacturers for your design, you can contact us via phone, chat or e-mail. Our support team will answer your inquiries within 24 hours.
