Battery Swell

Maintaining Optimal Battery State of Charge in Mobile Device Labs With USBHub3c

Introduction

Mobile devices are built to maximize how long they can run between charges by topping off the battery when connected to power.  However, in mobile device and Continuous Integration (CI) labs, where hundreds of devices need continuous USB data connections, this presents a challenge. When these devices are USB-tethered for extended periods, the battery is held at a high state of charge (SoC). Long-term high SoC can cause battery swelling and ultimately lead to device failure.