What Is a D47 Battery and Where Is It Used?

A D47 battery is a 3V lithium coin cell commonly powering small electronics like calculators, medical devices, and key fobs. Known for its stable voltage and long shelf life, it’s designed for low-drain applications. Its compact size (11.6mm diameter, 5.4mm height) makes it ideal for space-constrained devices requiring reliable, long-term power.

Lithium Battery Manufacturer

What Are the Technical Specifications of a D47 Battery?

The D47 battery operates at 3 volts with a typical capacity of 170mAh. Key features include:

• Chemistry: Lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO₂)
• Diameter: 11.6mm
• Height: 5.4mm
• Weight: 1.8 grams
• Temperature range: -30°C to 60°C

How Does the D47 Compare to Similar Coin Cell Batteries?

While the CR2032 offers higher capacity, the D47’s slimmer profile suits specialized devices where space optimization is critical. Unlike alkaline LR44 batteries, the D47’s lithium chemistry ensures better temperature resistance.

Design engineers often select the D47 for applications requiring both compactness and voltage stability. In hearing aids and precision timers, the battery’s 11.6mm diameter allows seamless integration with existing component layouts. Its lithium chemistry also prevents voltage sag during sudden current draws, a common issue with alkaline alternatives in cardiac monitors. The D47’s 170mAh capacity balances energy density with physical constraints, making it preferable over bulkier options in wearable medical devices where millimeter-level design adjustments matter.

Why Choose Lithium Chemistry for the D47 Battery?

Lithium manganese dioxide chemistry provides three key advantages:

• 10-year shelf life with minimal self-discharge (less than 1% annually)
• Stable voltage output until depletion
• Superior performance in extreme temperatures compared to alkaline alternatives

The lithium-based construction enables consistent performance in environments where temperature fluctuations occur. Industrial sensors deployed in arctic climates or desert solar installations rely on D47 batteries to maintain functionality between -30°C and 60°C. This chemistry also eliminates mercury and cadmium, aligning with RoHS compliance standards. In automotive keyless entry systems, the battery’s resistance to vibration-induced damage stems from lithium’s structural stability, reducing failure rates compared to zinc-air counterparts. Pharmaceutical companies utilize D47-powered temperature loggers during vaccine transport because the cells maintain accuracy despite rapid pressure changes during air freight.

When Should You Replace a D47 Battery?

Replace D47 batteries when devices show:

• Intermittent power loss
• Diminished display brightness
• Error messages in medical devices

Most devices using D47 cells require replacement every 3-5 years under normal use conditions.

Where Can You Safely Dispose of D47 Batteries?

Lithium batteries require special disposal through:

• EPA-approved recycling centers
• Retailer take-back programs (Best Buy, Home Depot)
• Municipal hazardous waste facilities

Never incinerate lithium cells due to explosion risks.

“The D47’s combination of compact dimensions and lithium stability makes it irreplaceable in medical implantables. We’ve observed less than 0.1% failure rates in pacemaker applications over a decade of monitoring.”

— Dr. Ellen Reyes, Power Systems Engineer at Medtronic

Conclusion

The D47 battery remains essential for precision electronics demanding reliable, long-term power in constrained spaces. Its lithium chemistry and standardized specifications ensure compatibility across industries while maintaining safety and environmental compliance.

FAQs

Can I use CR2032 instead of D47?

No – the CR2032’s larger diameter (20mm vs 11.6mm) prevents physical compatibility.

Are D47 batteries rechargeable?

No – attempting to recharge lithium coin cells creates explosion hazards.

Why do some D47s have gold plating?

Gold contacts prevent oxidation, ensuring stable conductivity in humid environments.