The strategic importance of energy efficiency
Demand for autonomous devices continues to grow. In leasing, logistics and asset tracking, a device that can work for years without technical maintenance offers a critical advantage, not just convenience.
TelemaTek İM3L was designed for maximum energy efficiency from the outset. One of the most important decisions was the power source: CR123 lithium batteries.
We did more than select a battery that fits. We analysed the available options to choose a power source supporting up to 5 years of device operation.
What is CR123?
CR123, also known as CR123A, is a cylindrical lithium battery. Standard dimensions are 34.5 mm long and 17 mm in diameter. Its lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO₂) chemistry provides 3 V nominal voltage, high energy density and a low self-discharge rate.
Advantages of CR123:
- High energy density in a compact size, up to 1,500 mAh
- Very low self-discharge, as low as 1% per year
- Wide operating temperature range, from -40 to +85°C
- Long shelf life, up to 10 years
- Resistance to vibration and shock
Why not AA or lithium-ion?
AA batteries and rechargeable lithium-ion cells may seem practical and widely available, but have significant limitations for long-term professional devices.
| Parameter | CR123 (Li-MnO₂) | AA (alkaline) | Lithium-ion (rechargeable) |
| Energy density | High | Medium | High |
| Self-discharge | Less than 1% per year | 5–10% per year | 10–20% per month |
| Temperature range | -40…+85°C | 0…+50°C | -10…+60°C |
| Shelf life | Up to 10 years | Up to 3 years | Up to 2 years |
| Reliability in demanding conditions | Very high | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance required | No | Yes | Yes |
Why lithium manganese CR123 rather than other lithium chemistries?
Higher-capacity lithium thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl₂) cells are also available, but have several significant drawbacks:
- Sensitivity to high discharge currents
- More difficult and costly logistics
- Special controllers may be needed for safe operation
Lithium manganese CR123 batteries offer a balanced combination of reliability, performance, safety and availability. They are suitable for sudden current demands and straightforward to use in series production.
Hardware architecture and software logic
Our circuit board is designed to minimise energy consumption throughout operation.
- A microcontroller with deep sleep wakes only on a timer or event
- Peripherals such as GPS, GSM and sensors activate in sequence only when required
- Data transmission follows a send-and-sleep approach
- Our software keeps standby current at just a few microamps
This uses the battery efficiently so that every mA·s performs useful work.
Energy savings are about more than battery size
Choosing CR123 is more than a technical detail. It directly affects device life, maintenance costs and overall system reliability. Our engineering approach and combined hardware and software architecture support: Up to 5 years of TelemaTek İM3L operationwithout battery replacement, getting the most out of every component in the system.
Easy to use and highly reliable
Learn more about the TelemaTek İM3L device