Murata makes smallest temperature sensor
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has developed the world’s smallest 008004-inch size (0.25mm × 0.125mm) NTC thermistor, the NCU01 series. This new series reduces mounting area by approximately 60% compared to Murata’s previous smallest 01005-inch size (0.4mm × 0.2mm) product, while achieving equivalent temperature-sensing performance.
The NCU01 series has a resistance tolerance of ±1% and B-constant tolerance of ±1%, enabling accurate and responsive thermal monitoring in smartphones, wearable devices, and other densely integrated electronic devices. Its ultra-compact size allows temperature sensing to be positioned in restricted spaces and closer to heat-generating components.
As electronic devices continue to become smaller and more sophisticated, component density on circuit boards and inside modules increases, limiting mounting space for electronic components. If a thermistor must be placed farther from the heat source, the measured temperature can differ from the actual component temperature, while rapid temperature changes may also take longer to detect.
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Murata addressed these challenges through its proprietary ceramic materials technology, high-precision processing, and optimization of the component structure and manufacturing process. They developed the world’s smallest 008004-inch size NTC thermistor, which maintains the ±1% resistance and B-constant tolerances achieved by Murata’s previous 01005-inch size product.
Primary applications for the NCU01 series include temperature monitoring on circuit boards in smartphones and wearable devices, as well as in integrated circuit (IC) packages and system-in-package (SiP) modules. By reducing the mounting area, the NCU01 can be placed in locations that are difficult to accommodate with larger thermistors, contributing to the stable operation of electronic devices with high-density component layouts.
Murata plans to begin sample shipments in October 2026 and mass production during 2027, with the lineup expanded progressively, starting with 100kΩ and 10kΩ resistance values. The company will continue to expand its NTC thermistor lineup, contributing to further miniaturization and improved reliability of electronic devices.
