Battery-operated wireless-communication apparatus and method

• US 7,433,655 B2
• Filed: 03/23/2001
• Issued: 10/07/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cymbet Corporation
• Original Assignee: Cymbet Corporation
• Inventors: Yan, Jenn-Feng, Klaassen, Jody Jon, Jenson, Mark Lynn, Jacobs, Harlan Theodore
• Primary Examiner(s): Jackson; Blane J
• Application Number:
  US09/815,884
• Publication Number:
  US 20020037756A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,755 Days
• Field of Search: 455/472, 455/576.1, 455/575.7, 455/90.1, 455/351, 455/575.1, 455/128, 455/129, 455/127.1, 455/269, 455/347, 455/41.2, 455/90.3, 455/556.1, 455/575.8, 320/107, 320/101, 429/162, 429/124, 429/127, 429/163, 429/185, 429/9, 136/244, 136/252, 136/291
• US Class Current: 455/90.3
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: C23C 14/0031 Bombardment of substrates by reactive ion beams
• CPC Class Codes: C23C 14/0676 Oxynitrides
• CPC Class Codes: C23C 14/08 Oxides C23C14/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C23C 16/047 using irradiation by energy or particles
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13306 Circuit arrangements or driving methods for the control of single liquid crystal cells G02F1/132, G02F1/133382 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13324 Circuits comprising solar cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 11/08 Structural combinations, e.g. assembly or connection, of hybrid or EDL capacitors with other electric components, at least one hybrid or EDL capacitor being the main component
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 11/26 characterised by their structure, e.g. multi-layered, porosity or surface features
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 11/56 Solid electrolytes, e.g. gels; Additives therein
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/16225 the item being non-metallic, e.g. insulating substrate with or without metallisation
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/48091 Arched
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/49109 outside the semiconductor or solid-state body
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/58 Structural electrical arrangements for semiconductor devices not otherwise provided for , e.g. in combination with batteries H01L23/49593, H01L23/49596 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00014 the subject-matter covered by the group, the symbol of which is combined with the symbol of this group, being disclosed without further technical details
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/09701 Low temperature co-fired ceramic [LTCC]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/10253 Silicon [Si]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/12044 OLED
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/073 comprising only AIIBVI compound semiconductors, e.g. CdS/CdTe solar cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/1828 : the active layers comprising only AIIBVI compounds, e.g. CdS, ZnS, CdTe
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0436 : Small-sized flat cells or batteries for portable equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0472 : Vertically superposed cells with vertically disposed plates
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/052 : Li-accumulators
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0525 : Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0562 : Solid materials
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/058 : Construction or manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0585 : of accumulators having only flat construction elements, i.e. flat positive electrodes, flat negative electrodes and flat separators
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/42 : Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells H01M10/60 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 : Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4257 : Smart batteries, e.g. electronic circuits inside the housing of the cells or batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4264 : with capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/44 : Methods for charging or discharging circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/46 : Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/465 : with solar battery as charging system
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 14/00 : Electrochemical current or voltage generators not provided for in groups H01M6/00 - H01M12/00; Manufacture thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 14/005 : Photoelectrochemical storage cells light sensitive devices H01G9/20, semiconductors sensitive to light H01L31/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2004/021 : Physical characteristics, e.g. porosity, surface area
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2008/1293 : Fuel cells with solid oxide electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/0421 : involving vapour deposition
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/0423 : Physical vapour deposition
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/0426 : Sputtering
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/1391 : of electrodes based on mixed oxides or hydroxides, or on mixtures of oxides or hydroxides, e.g. LiCoOx
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/1393 : of electrodes based on carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/1397 : of electrodes based on inorganic compounds other than oxides or hydroxides, e.g. sulfides, selenides, tellurides, halogenides or LiCoFy
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/382 : Lithium H01M4/405 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/405 : Alloys based on lithium
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/483 : for non-aqueous cells H01M4/485 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/581 : Chalcogenides or intercalation compounds thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/5825 : Oxygenated metallic salts or polyanionic structures, e.g. borates, phosphates, silicates, olivines
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/587 : for inserting or intercalating light metals
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/8885 : Sintering or firing
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/9016 : Oxides, hydroxides or oxygenated metallic salts
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/103 : prismatic or rectangular H01M50/109, H01M50/11 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/209 : adapted for prismatic or rectangular cells H01M50/216 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/403 : Manufacturing processes of separators, membranes or diaphragms
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/185 : with oxides, hydroxides or oxysalts as solid electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/186 : Only oxysalts-containing solid electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/188 : Processes of manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/40 : Printed batteries , e.g. thin film batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/42 : Grouping of primary cells into batteries H01M6/40 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/1007 : with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised H01M8/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/1286 : Fuel cells applied on a support, e.g. miniature fuel cells deposited on silica supports
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0262 : for a battery compartment
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/16 : incorporating printed electric components, e.g. printed resistor, capacitor, inductor
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/543 : Solar cells from Group II-VI materials
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/13 : Energy storage using capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 : Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 70/50 : Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 117/902 : Specified orientation, shape, crystallography, or size of seed or substrate
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49108 : Electric battery cell making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49114 : including adhesively bonding
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49115 : including coating or impregnating
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4913 : Assembling to base an electrical component, e.g., capacitor, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5313 : Means to assemble electrical device
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53135 : Storage cell or battery

Abstract

A combined battery and wireless-communications apparatus and method. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a support, a first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support, a thin-film battery including a cathode layer, a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, an antenna mounted to the support structure, and an electronic communications circuit mounted to the support and electrically coupled to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications. Other embodiments include an energy-receiving device mounted to the support structure, and an electronic communications circuit mounted to the support structure and including a recharging circuit, the recharging circuit electrically coupled to the battery and the energy-receiving device to recharge the battery using energy received by the energy-receiving device.

Claims

1. An integrated combined rechargeable battery and wirelessly

recharging timepiece apparatus comprising:

a flexible support structure;

a first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure;

a thin-film battery deposited as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

a wireless energy-receiving device mounted to the support structure; and

an electronic timepiece circuit mounted to the support structure and including a recharging circuit, the recharging circuit electrically coupled to the battery and the energy-receiving device to recharge the battery using energy received by the energy-receiving device;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the apparatus further includes a protective coating located on the thin-film battery;

wherein the electronic timepiece circuit forms a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device; and

wherein the apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy-receiving device comprises a photovoltaic cell.

3. A combined battery and wireless-communications apparatus comprising:

a flexible support structure;

a first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure;

a thin-film battery deposited as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

an antenna mounted to the support structure; and

an electronic communications circuit mounted to the support structure and electrically coupled to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications;

wherein the flexible support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the apparatus further includes a protective coating located on the thin-film battery;

wherein the antenna and electronic communications circuit form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device; and

wherein the apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:

an insulating layer located between the battery and the substrate, the insulating layer having a portion extending over the substrate external to the battery; and

a conductive trace located on the substrate between the insulating layer and the substrate, the insulating layer having an opening located in the portion that extends external to the battery to receive the conductor and to allow electrical connection between the conductor and the conductive trace.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a bonding pad located external to the battery and onto which the external conductor is electrically coupled, the encapsulant further encapsulating the bonding pad.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the encapsulant further encapsulates at least a portion of the battery and substantially most of the external conductor.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the anode or the cathode or both include an intercalation material or a metal or both.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:

the cathode layer comprises lithium cobalt oxide deposited on the first conductive layer.

9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the support structure comprises a curved shape having a convex face and an opposing concave face, and the battery is curved and located on the concave face.

10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the antenna is a thin-film trace deposited on the battery.

11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the antenna is a thin-film trace deposited on the electronic communications circuit.

12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the antenna is a thin-film trace deposited on the support structure.

13. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the electronic circuit includes a recharging circuit that recharges the battery using energy received by the antenna.

14. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:

a photovoltaic cell, wherein the electronic circuit includes a recharging circuit that recharges the battery using energy received by the photovoltaic cell.

15. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the electrolyte layer has a thickness of less than 1000 Angstroms.

16. A combined battery and wireless-communications apparatus comprising:

a support structure;

a first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure;

a thin-film battery deposited as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

an antenna mounted to the support structure; and

an electronic communications circuit mounted to the support structure and electrically coupled to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications;

wherein the cathode layer comprises a lithium intercalation material deposited on the first conductive layer;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the apparatus further includes a protective coating located on the thin-film battery;

wherein the antenna and electronic communications circuit form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device; and

wherein the apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor.

17. A method for making an integrated combined battery and wireless-communications device comprising:

providing a flexible support structure;

depositing a first conductive layer on a first surface area of the support structure;

depositing a thin-film battery as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

mounting an antenna to the support structure;

mounting an electronic communications circuit to the support structure; and

electrically coupling the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on the first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the method further includes depositing a protective coating on the thin-film battery;

wherein mounting of the antenna, the mounting of the electronic communications circuit and the electrically coupling of the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device; and

wherein the method further includes depositing an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising:

mounting a photovoltaic cell to the support structure, wherein the electronic circuit includes a recharging circuit that recharges the battery using energy received by the photovoltaic cell.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the anode or the cathode or both include an intercalation material or a metal or both.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the depositing of the thin-film battery comprises:

depositing a lithium intercalation material on the first conductive layer as the cathode layer; and

depositing the electrolyte layer on the cathode layer.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein the depositing of the thin-film battery comprises:

depositing a lithium cobalt oxide material on the first conductive layer as the cathode layer; and

depositing the electrolyte layer on the cathode layer.

22. The method according to claim 17, wherein the depositing of the film battery comprises:

depositing the cathode layer on the first conductive layer;

depositing the electrolyte layer on the cathode layer; and

depositing the anode layer comprising a lithium intercalation material on the electrolyte layer.

23. A method for making an integrated combined battery and wireless-communications device comprising:

providing a flexible support structure;

depositing a first conductive layer on a first surface area of the support structure;

depositing a thin-film battery as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

mounting an antenna to the support structure;

mounting an electronic communications circuit to the support structure; and

electrically coupling the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on the first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the method further includes depositing a protective coating on the thin-film battery;

wherein mounting of the antenna, the mounting of the electronic communications circuit and the electrically coupling of the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device;

wherein the method further includes depositing an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor; and

wherein the support structure has a curved shape having a convex face and a concave face, and the battery is curved and located on the concave face.

24. A method for making an integrated combined battery and wireless-communications device comprising:

providing a flexible support structure;

depositing a first conductive layer on a first surface area of the support structure;

depositing a thin-film battery as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

mounting an antenna to the support structure;

mounting an electronic communications circuit to the support structure; and

electrically coupling the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on the first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the method further includes depositing a protective coating on the thin-film battery;

wherein mounting of the antenna, the mounting of the electronic communications circuit and the electrically coupling of the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device;

wherein the method further includes depositing an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor; and

wherein the mounting of the antenna comprises depositing a thin-film trace on the battery.

25. A method for making an integrated combined battery and wireless-communications device comprising:

providing a flexible support structure;

depositing a first conductive layer on a first surface area of the support structure;

depositing a thin-film battery as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

mounting an antenna to the support structure;

mounting an electronic communications circuit to the support structure; and

electrically coupling the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on the first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the method further includes depositing a protective coating on the thin-film battery;

wherein mounting of the antenna, the mounting of the electronic communications circuit and the electrically coupling of the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device;

wherein the method further includes depositing an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor; and

wherein the mounting of the antenna comprises depositing a thin-film trace on the electronic communications circuit.

26. A method for making an integrated combined battery and wireless-communications device comprising;

providing a flexible support structure;

depositing a first conductive layer on a first surface area of the support structure;

depositing a thin-film battery as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

mounting an antenna to the support structure;

mounting an electronic communications circuit to the support structure; and

electrically coupling the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on the first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the method further includes depositing a protective coating on the thin-film battery;

wherein mounting of the antenna, the mounting of the electronic communications circuit and the electrically coupling of the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device;

wherein the method further includes depositing an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor; and

wherein mounting of the antenna comprises depositing a thin-film trace on the support structure.

27. A method for making an integrated combined battery and wireless-communications device comprising;

providing a flexible support structure;

depositing a first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure;

depositing a thin-film battery deposited as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

mounting an antenna to the support structure;

mounting an electronic communications circuit to the support structure; and

electrically coupling the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on the first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the method further includes depositing a protective coating on the thin-film battery;

wherein mounting of the antenna, the mounting of the electronic communications circuit and the electrically coupling of the electronic communications circuit to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device;

wherein the method further includes depositing an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor; and

wherein the electronic circuit includes a recharging circuit that recharges the battery using energy received by the antenna.

28. An integrated combined battery and wireless-recharging apparatus comprising:

a flexible support structure;

a first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure;

a thin-film battery deposited as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

an energy-receiving device mounted to the support structure; and

an electronic communications circuit including an antenna mounted to the support structure and including a recharging circuit, the recharging circuit electrically coupled to the battery and the energy-receiving device to recharge the battery using energy received by the energy-receiving device;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the apparatus further includes a protective coating located on the thin-film battery;

wherein the antenna and electronic communications circuit form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device; and

wherein the apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the anode or the cathode or both include an intercalation material or a metal or both.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the cathode layer comprises lithium cobalt oxide deposited on the first conductive layer.

31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the energy-receiving device comprises a photovoltaic cell.

32. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the energy-receiving device comprises an antenna.

33. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the energy-receiving device comprises an electromechanical electric generator.

34. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the energy-receiving device comprises an acoustic transducer.

35. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a magnetic transducer.

36. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising an acoustic transducer.

37. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the apparatus operates as an implantable medical device.

38. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the anode comprises an intercalation material.

39. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the cathode comprises an intercalation material.

40. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein both the anode and the cathode comprise an intercalation material.

41. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the anode comprises a metal.

42. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the cathode comprises a metal.

43. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein both the anode and the cathode comprise a metal.

44. An integrated combined rechargeable battery and wirelessly recharging hearing aid apparatus comprising:

a support structure;

a first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure;

a thin-film battery deposited as successive thin-film depositions over at least a portion of the first conductive layer, the battery comprising a cathode layer;

a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer in contact with and completely separating the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer includes LiPON;

a wireless energy-receiving device mounted to the support structure; and

an electronic hearing-aid circuit mounted to the support structure and including a recharging circuit, the recharging circuit electrically coupled to the battery and the energy-receiving device to recharge the battery using energy received by the energy-receiving device;

wherein the support structure, and the first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support structure form a substrate and the successive thin-film depositions form the thin-film battery affixed to at least one surface of the substrate;

wherein the apparatus further includes a protective coating located on the thin-film battery;

wherein the antenna and electronic communications circuit form a device that is affixed to said thin-film battery via the protective coating, and electrically coupled to the thin-film battery through a conductor external to the thin-film battery and to the device; and

wherein the apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the device and external conductor.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the energy-receiving device comprises a photovoltaic cell.