Murata Launches 008004 NTC Thermistor with 60% Smaller Mounting Area

Murata has developed the NCU01 series, a 008004-inch NTC thermistor measuring 0.25 × 0.125 mm. The new device reduces mounting area by approximately 60% compared with Murata’s previous 01005-inch product while retaining ±1% resistance and B-constant tolerances.

Murata says the NCU01 is the world’s smallest NTC thermistor in this package size. The company plans to begin sample shipments in October 2026, with mass production scheduled during 2027. The first devices will be available in 100 kΩ and 10 kΩ resistance values.

The smaller package is aimed at temperature sensing in smartphones, wearable devices and other densely integrated electronics, where limited board space can make it difficult to position a thermistor close to the component being monitored.

Bringing the Sensor Closer to the Heat Source

As component density increases, the available space around processors, power devices and other heat-generating components becomes more restricted. If an NTC thermistor has to be placed farther away, the measured temperature can differ from the actual component temperature and rapid changes can take longer to detect.

The NCU01 reduces the package dimensions from 0.4 × 0.2 mm for Murata’s previous 01005-inch device to 0.25 × 0.125 mm. Murata says the 60% reduction in mounting area allows the thermistor to be placed in locations that are difficult to accommodate with larger devices, including closer to the heat source.

Alongside smartphones and wearables, Murata is targeting temperature monitoring inside IC packages and system-in-package modules, where available space is even more limited.

Maintaining ±1% Tolerances at 008004 Size

Reducing the package size makes it more difficult to maintain consistent sensing characteristics. For NTC thermistors, resistance and B-constant tolerances are both important to stable temperature measurement.

Despite the smaller footprint, the NCU01 maintains a resistance tolerance of ±1% and a B-constant tolerance of ±1%, matching Murata’s previous 01005-inch product.

Murata attributes the result to its ceramic materials technology, high-precision processing and optimization of the component structure and manufacturing process. The company says these changes made it possible to reduce the thermistor to 008004-inch size without relaxing its sensing tolerances.

The NCU01 series will initially be available in 100 kΩ and 10 kΩ versions. Samples are scheduled to begin shipping in October 2026, with mass production planned during 2027.

Learn more and read the original announcement at murata.com.

Technology Overview

Murata NCU01 is an 008004-inch NTC thermistor measuring 0.25 × 0.125 mm. It reduces mounting area by approximately 60% compared with Murata’s previous 01005-inch device while retaining ±1% resistance tolerance and ±1% B-constant tolerance. Initial versions will be available in 100 kΩ and 10 kΩ values for compact temperature sensing in smartphones, wearables, IC packages and SiP modules.

FAQs

How small is the Murata NCU01 NTC thermistor?

The NCU01 measures 0.25 × 0.125 mm, corresponding to an 008004-inch package size.

How does the NCU01 compare with Murata’s previous 01005-inch thermistor?

Murata says the NCU01 reduces mounting area by approximately 60% while maintaining the same ±1% resistance and B-constant tolerances.

When will the Murata NCU01 be available?

Sample shipments are planned from October 2026, with mass production scheduled during 2027. The first resistance values will be 100 kΩ and 10 kΩ.