March 5, 2007 Maxell to Begin Shipments of Cylindrical Lithium Manganese Dioxide Primary Batteries with Enhanced Discharge Characteristics on Load — 40% Longer Life for Voice-Type Fire Alarms! *1 — Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. (Yoshito Tsunoda, President and Chief Executive Officer) will begin shipment from March of cylindrical lithium manganese dioxide (CR) primary batteries that achieve a 40% enhancement*1 of discharge characteristics on load by enlarging its electrode surface areas significantly. An amendment to the Fire Defense Law, which came into effect from June 2006, requires mandatory installation of fire alarms in newly built houses as well as their mandatory installation in existing houses by June 2011. There is a demand for long-life batteries with wide operating temperature range that can serve as power sources in household fire alarms, security devices, as well as meters for gas, water, electricity, and other applications. Recently, Maxell used its original winding structure to enlarge the electrode surface areas significantly and develop cylindrical lithium manganese dioxide (CR) batteries with discharge characteristics on load enhanced 40%. These batteries are compatible with “buzzer-type” fire alarms, the present mainstay for household use, and “voice-type” fire alarms, which are becoming increasingly common and require a strong electrical current. By using high-melting-point engineering plastic for the gasket, changing the composition of the electrolyte solution, we could restrain aging degradation through lessening of the degradation of batteries in storage. Further, we have been able to achieve the resistance to heat and long-term reliability characteristics needed for fire alarm applications—which require a ten-year life—and for such applications as meters for gas, water, electricity and other applications. For the present market mainstream CR17450 (diameter: 17.0 mm, height: 45.0 mm, capacity: 2600 mAh), we completed the changeover to this new-specification CR cylindrical battery in January. Also, we have recently upgraded the performance of the small-type CR17335 (diameter: 17.0 mm, height: 33.5 mm, capacity: 1750 mAh). Therefore, a complete lineup of new-specification CR cylindrical batteries will be all presented by the commencement of shipments in March. Maxell will continue exploiting its original technology to develop products that satisfy customers. *1 Figure based on a comparison with existing product with 300 mA constant current discharge capacity (20 degrees centigrade, cut off voltage 2.0 V) assuming usage with a voice-type fire alarm. ・Main Features 1. Achievement of an approximately 40%*1 enhancement of discharge characteristics on load through the enlargement of electrode surface area   We achieved an approximately 40%*1 performance enhancement in consecutive discharge tests assuming usage with a voice-type fire alarm through a significant, 50%, enlargement of the electrode surface area (compared with Maxell’s existing products)  by using our original winding structure (Fig.1).       *1 Figure based on comparison with existing product with 300 mA constant current discharge capacity (20 degrees centigrade, cut off voltage 2.0 V).     2. Reduction of storage degradation through electrolyte solution improvement   By changing the electrolyte solution composition, we were able to lower increases in internal resistance to one third*2 of the level for existing products (Fig.2).       *2 For 60-day storage at 70 degrees centigrade following the discharge of 70% of total battery capacity (2600 mAh) (acceleration of equivalent of approximately 5 years at room temperature).     3. Achievement of high capacity and high output through original winding structure   The batteries combine the conflicting characteristics of high capacity and high output thanks to Maxell’s original winding structure (Fig.1, Fig.3).     4. Achievement of outstanding long-term reliability through the use of high-melting-point engineering plastic gasket   The batteries realize outstanding long-term reliability by using high-melting-point engineering plastic for gasket, which restrains outside moisture penetration and prevents liquid leaking from inside the batteries (Fig.3). ・Product Information Model Nominal Voltage Nominal Capacity*3 Nominal Discharge Current Diameter Height Weight CR17335 3V 1750mAh 5mA 17.0mm 33.5mm 16g CR17450 3V 2600mAh 5mA 17.0mm 45.0mm 22g   *3 Nominal capacity indicates duration until the voltage drops down to 2.0V when discharged at a nominal discharge current at 20 deg. C. ・Fig.1 Discharge Characteristics   Test condition: 300 or 40mA constant current discharge at 20±2 degrees centigrade, cut off voltage 2.0 V ・Fig.2 Storage Characteristics (0 day-storage = 1)   Comparison of internal resistance at 70% depth of discharge for 60-day storage at 70 degrees centigrade ・Fig.3 Cross Section of [CR17450]