Murata Develops World’s Smallest 008004-Inch NTC Thermistor

Murata Manufacturing has developed the NCU01 series, an 008004-inch negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor measuring just 0.25 × 0.125 mm. Compared with the company’s previous smallest 01005-inch product, the new component reduces mounting area by approximately 60% while maintaining equivalent temperature-sensing performance. Both resistance and B-constant tolerances are specified at ±1%.

The ultra-compact thermistor is designed for densely integrated electronic devices, including smartphones, wearable electronics, integrated circuit (IC) packages, and system-in-package (SiP) modules. Its reduced footprint lets designers place temperature sensors closer to heat-generating components, potentially improving measurement accuracy and response to temperature changes.

As electronic devices shrink and grow more sophisticated, higher component density reduces the space available for temperature sensors. When thermistors must be placed farther from heat sources, the difference between the measured temperature and the component’s actual temperature can increase. Remote placement can also delay the detection of rapid thermal changes, affecting the effectiveness of temperature monitoring.

Developing smaller thermistors presents manufacturing challenges, particularly when tight electrical tolerances must be maintained. Resistance and B-constant accuracy are critical for consistent NTC sensing, making precision control increasingly demanding as component dimensions shrink.

Murata developed the NCU01 series using its proprietary ceramic materials technology, high-precision processing, and optimized component structures and manufacturing processes. These techniques enable the 008004-inch form factor while preserving the ±1% resistance and B-constant tolerances of the company’s previous 01005-inch thermistor.

By reducing the mounting area by about 60%, the NCU01 series enables temperature sensing in locations that may not accommodate larger components. Positioning the thermistor closer to critical heat sources can help reduce measurement discrepancies and detection delays, supporting thermal monitoring in compact electronic assemblies.

The component is intended for applications where board space is limited, and temperature monitoring is important to reliable operation, particularly in smartphones, wearable devices, IC packages, and SiP modules.

Murata plans to begin sample shipments in October 2026, followed by mass production in 2027. The initial product lineup will include 100 kΩ and 10 kΩ resistance variants, with additional options introduced progressively. The company plans to continue expanding its NTC thermistor portfolio to support further miniaturization and reliability in electronic devices.

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