0201-inch size PTC thermistor moves into production

10th April 2020

Mick Elliott

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Murata Manufacturing says it has succeeded in commercialising the world's smallest^*1 PTC thermistor^*2 (commonly known as a resettable fuse^*3) in the 0201 inch size (0.6×0.3×0.3mm) for mobile devices, and has recently begun mass production of this device under the part number PRG03BC181QB6RL.

As smartphones and mobile devices become increasingly multifunctional and more compact, demand is growing for smaller components that protect small electronic circuits and ensure device stability.

PTC thermistors exhibit a rapid increase in electrical resistance when their temperature rises beyond a certain point, allowing them to protect circuits and components from damage.

By identifying overcurrent in circuits that may occur during assembly or when a device is dropped or receives a sudden impact, PTC thermistors work to prevent abnormalities and failures in mobile devices.

Drawing on process technology originally developed by Murata based on its mainstay multilayer ceramic capacitors and multilayer devices, the PRG03BC181QB6RL has achieved an approximate 80% smaller volume and an approximate 70% smaller footprint than the company’s previous PTC thermistor (the 0402 inch size, 1.0×0.5×0.5mm).

Built using Murata's unique ceramic materials, the new product maintains its stable properties for a long time, thereby contributing to improving the safety of electronic devices. NTC thermistors^*4 have been used widely for controlling the temperature of electronic circuits in mobile devices.

The new PTC thermistor will help manufacturers to prevent short circuits and further improve the safety of their products.