How Murata's Thermistors Enhance Automotive Safety and Performance

sales@keepboomingtech.com

·April 24, 2025

·13 min read

How Murata'
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Murata's thermistors suitable for automotive applications deliver outstanding precision and reliability. These components excel in temperature sensing, overcurrent protection, and inrush current limiting due to their advanced material properties and designs. Their B-Constant values, such as 3982K (25/80℃) and 3998K (25/100℃), ensure accurate temperature readings across a wide range. With an operating temperature range of -55℃ to 125℃ and a typical dissipation constant of 1mW/℃, they maintain performance even in extreme conditions. These features make Murata's thermistors an ideal choice for enhancing automotive safety and efficiency.

Key Takeaways

Murata's thermistors measure temperature accurately to stop cars from overheating.
NTC thermistors check temperature, while PTC thermistors protect against too much current.
AEC-Q200 certification proves Murata's thermistors work well in tough car conditions.
Small designs of Murata's thermistors fit in electric and hybrid cars, saving space.
Special features like glass coating make them stronger and safer for electric cars.

Murata's Thermistor Technology for Automotive Applications

Overview of NTC and PTC Thermistors

Murata offers two primary types of thermistors for automotive applications: NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) and PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient). These temperature-sensitive resistors play a crucial role in modern vehicles by ensuring precise temperature monitoring and reliable current protection.

NTC thermistors exhibit a decrease in resistance as temperature rises, making them ideal for applications requiring fast response and accurate temperature sensing. They are commonly used in engine temperature monitoring, battery packs, and climate control systems. On the other hand, PTC thermistors increase resistance with rising temperatures, providing effective overcurrent protection and self-regulating heating. These are often found in heated mirrors, seat heaters, and inrush current limiting systems.

Feature	NTC Thermistors	PTC Thermistors
Temperature Coefficient	Resistance decreases with temperature rise	Resistance increases with temperature rise
Response Time	Quick response to temperature changes	Slower response but provides thermal protection
Applications	Ideal for temperature sensing and circuit protection	Suited for overcurrent protection and self-regulating heaters

Unique Features of Murata's Thermistors

Murata's thermistors stand out due to their innovative designs and advanced material properties. These components are engineered to meet the stringent demands of the automotive industry, ensuring reliability and precision in critical systems.

Product Versatility: Murata offers a wide range of thermistors, including surface-mount (SMD) and leaded types, to suit various automotive footprints.
Innovative Solutions: Their miniature thermistors, such as the 0603 PTC thermistors, are designed for compact electronic devices, enabling efficient use of space.
Global Reach: Murata's extensive distribution network ensures that their thermistors are accessible worldwide, supporting automotive manufacturers across the globe.

The NXF Series, for example, includes SMD NTC thermistors that are AEC-Q200 qualified and feature high accuracy and a wide temperature range. These are ideal for EV battery packs, inverters, and cooling systems. Similarly, the PRF Series of PTC thermistors provide self-regulating heating behavior, making them perfect for heated mirrors and seat heaters.

Benefits of Murata's Thermistor Materials and Designs

Murata's thermistors leverage advanced materials and designs to deliver exceptional performance in automotive environments. Their high-precision temperature measurement capabilities and robust construction ensure reliability under extreme conditions.

Feature	Description
Product Type	SMD type NTC thermistor
Precision	High-precision temperature measurement at high temperatures
Compliance	AEC-Q200 compliant
Application	Suitable for automotive applications, especially in electric and self-driving vehicles
Importance	Addresses heat generation issues in modern electronic components
Production Status	Mass production has begun, samples available

The NCP Series, for instance, includes leaded NTC thermistors with high heat resistance and stable characteristics. These are coated with epoxy resin for added durability, making them suitable for HVAC systems and engine temperature sensing. Additionally, the PRG Series of PTC thermistors are designed for inrush current suppression, ensuring the safety and longevity of power systems in electric vehicles.

Murata's thermistors also feature a fast response time, enabling real-time temperature monitoring and protection. Their compact size and lightweight design further enhance their suitability for modern automotive systems, where space and weight are critical factors.

Key Automotive Applications of Murata's Thermistors

Temperature sensing in engines and batteries

Murata's thermistors play a critical role in temperature sensing for automotive engines and battery systems. Their high sensitivity allows them to detect even the smallest temperature changes with precision. This capability ensures accurate monitoring of engine components and battery packs, which is essential for maintaining optimal performance and preventing overheating. The fast response time of these thermistors enables real-time adjustments to temperature fluctuations, enhancing system control and efficiency.

For example, the NXF Series of SMD NTC thermistors, such as the NXF15WF104F, is ideal for electric vehicle (EV) battery monitoring. These thermistors are AEC-Q200 qualified, offering high accuracy and a wide temperature range. Similarly, the NCP Series of leaded NTC thermistors provides stable characteristics and high heat resistance, making them suitable for engine cooling systems and HVAC applications. Their durable epoxy resin coating ensures reliable performance in harsh environments, such as those found in automotive engines and exhaust systems.

Overcurrent protection in ECUs

Electronic Control Units (ECUs) in modern vehicles rely on thermistors for overcurrent protection. Murata's PTC thermistors, such as the PRF Series, are designed to increase resistance as the temperature rises, effectively limiting current flow during overcurrent events. This self-regulating behavior prevents damage to sensitive electronic components and ensures the longevity of the ECU.

In addition to overcurrent protection, these thermistors contribute to overheat sensing in critical systems. By detecting excessive heat, they help safeguard ECUs from thermal damage, ensuring reliable operation under demanding conditions. Their compact size and robust design make them an excellent choice for space-constrained automotive applications.

Inrush current limiting in power systems

Murata's thermistors also excel in inrush current limiting for automotive power systems. The PRG Series of PTC thermistors is specifically designed for this purpose, providing reliable protection against high initial currents when power systems are activated. These thermistors reduce the risk of component failure and improve the overall safety of the system.

Measurement Type	Details
Cyclic Endurance	Tested for 1000 cycles; performance may degrade if used more than a few cycles per day.
Power Dissipation	Initial power of 500W and 200W at the end of inrush; performance improves at higher ambient temperatures.
Operational Limits	Starting with a hot NTC can lead to early failure; intended current limiting may not be achieved.

The PRG Series thermistors are particularly effective in electric vehicle modules and power supply protection. Their ability to handle high power dissipation and maintain performance under varying conditions makes them indispensable for modern automotive systems.

Applications in electric and hybrid vehicles

Electric and hybrid vehicles rely heavily on advanced electronic systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and performance. Murata's thermistors play a pivotal role in these systems by providing precise temperature sensing and reliable current protection. Their compact design and robust performance make them ideal for vehicle on-board applications, where space and reliability are critical.

Murata's thermistors are increasingly adopted in electric and hybrid vehicles due to their innovative features. The introduction of the 0603M size PTC thermistors demonstrates this growing trend. These thermistors, the world's smallest PTC thermistors with a nominal resistance of 1 kΩ, offer an 80% volume reduction compared to earlier models. This compact size meets the demand for high-density components in modern automotive electronics. Additionally, their compliance with automotive standards ensures reliable performance in overheat sensing, even as electronic components become more compact and complex.

In electric vehicles, Murata's thermistors monitor battery packs, inverters, and motors. Their ability to detect temperature changes with high precision helps prevent overheating and ensures optimal performance. For hybrid vehicles, these thermistors enhance the efficiency of powertrain systems by maintaining stable operating temperatures. They also contribute to the safety of vehicle on-board applications by protecting sensitive electronics from thermal damage.

Murata's thermistors support the shift toward electrification by addressing the unique challenges of electric and hybrid vehicles. Their advanced designs, such as the 0603M PTC thermistors, enable manufacturers to create more compact and efficient systems. This innovation not only enhances vehicle performance but also aligns with the industry's push for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.

Compliance and Reliability of Murata's Thermistors

AEC-Q200 Certification and Its Importance

Murata's thermistors meet the stringent requirements of the AEC-Q200 certification, a globally recognized standard for passive components in automotive applications. This certification ensures that thermistors can withstand the harsh conditions of automotive environments, including extreme temperatures, vibrations, and humidity.

Aspect	Description
Certification Standard	AEC-Q200
Application	Passive components, including thermistors, in automotive applications
Testing Requirements	Components must pass tests under severe conditions before market release
Importance for Manufacturers	Automobile manufacturers avoid purchasing components that do not meet AEC-Q200 standards, ensuring reliability in vehicles.

The rigorous testing process includes thermal shock, high-temperature storage, and mechanical stress evaluations. These tests confirm the durability and reliability of Murata's thermistors, making them a trusted choice for automotive manufacturers worldwide. By adhering to AEC-Q200 standards, Murata ensures that its thermistors deliver consistent performance in critical automotive systems.

Murata's Focus on Quality and Innovation

Murata prioritizes quality and innovation in the design and production of its thermistors. The NCU series, specifically designed for automotive applications, exemplifies this commitment. These thermistors offer high reliability, even in demanding environments, due to their advanced material properties and precise manufacturing processes.

Murata employs cutting-edge technologies to enhance the durability of its thermistors. For instance, the epoxy resin coating on the NCP series provides additional protection against heat and mechanical stress. This focus on quality ensures that Murata's thermistors maintain their performance over extended periods, reducing the risk of component failure in automotive systems.

Advanced Designs for Automotive-Grade Thermistors

Murata's thermistors feature advanced designs that cater to the unique demands of automotive applications. These designs incorporate high resistance stability, improved tolerance distribution, and fine-grained electroceramic materials.

Feature	Description
Electrical Performance	Enhanced with high resistance stability.
Repeatability	Improved tolerance distribution.
Material Quality	Advanced electroceramic materials with fine-grained microstructure.
Densification Comparison	TE's NTC material achieves close to 100% density with no porosity, unlike competitors.
Stability Testing	High Temp Storage Conditions and Thermal Shock Testing demonstrate long-term reliability.
Size and Accuracy	Miniature size with excellent long-term stability and high accuracy.

These innovations enable Murata's thermistors to deliver precise temperature sensing and reliable current protection in compact automotive systems. The miniature size of components like the 0603M PTC thermistors allows manufacturers to optimize space without compromising performance. This combination of advanced design and robust materials ensures that Murata's thermistors meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.

Enhancing Automotive Safety and Performance with Murata's Thermistors

Enhancing Automotive Safety and Performance with Murata'
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Ensuring safety through precise temperature monitoring

Precise temperature monitoring is essential for maintaining the safety of modern vehicles. Murata's thermistors provide high-precision temperature sensing, enabling real-time detection of thermal changes in safety-critical systems. This capability helps prevent overheat conditions that could lead to component failure or safety hazards. For example, turbochargers in engines require accurate temperature sensing to avoid damage caused by excessive heat. Murata's thermistors ensure that these components operate within optimal temperature ranges, enhancing overall automotive safety.

The growing demand for advanced vehicle technologies and stricter emission regulations has increased the importance of temperature sensors. These sensors play a critical role in monitoring thermal conditions, ensuring that vehicles remain safe and efficient. By integrating Murata's thermistors into automotive systems, manufacturers can achieve reliable temperature control, reducing the risk of overheating and improving safety performance.

Boosting performance with reliable current protection

Reliable current protection is vital for the performance and longevity of automotive electronic systems. Murata's thermistors, particularly their PTC models, excel in overcurrent and overheat protection. These thermistors increase resistance as temperatures rise, effectively limiting current flow during high-load conditions. This self-regulating behavior safeguards sensitive components, such as ECUs, from thermal damage and ensures consistent performance.

In addition to protecting individual components, Murata's thermistors contribute to the overall efficiency of automotive systems. Their compact design allows for seamless integration into space-constrained environments, while their robust construction ensures durability under harsh conditions. By preventing overheat scenarios and maintaining stable current flow, these thermistors enhance the reliability and performance of critical automotive systems.

Supporting the shift to electric and hybrid vehicles

The transition to electric and hybrid vehicles has created new challenges for automotive manufacturers. These vehicles rely on advanced electronic systems that demand precise temperature sensing and effective current protection. Murata's thermistors address these challenges with innovative designs that support the unique requirements of electrified powertrains.

In electric vehicles, Murata's thermistors monitor the temperature of battery packs, inverters, and motors. Their high-precision temperature sensing capabilities help prevent overheating, ensuring optimal performance and safety. For hybrid vehicles, these thermistors enhance the efficiency of powertrain systems by maintaining stable operating temperatures. Their compact size and lightweight design make them ideal for modern automotive applications, where space and weight are critical factors.

Murata's commitment to innovation is evident in their development of miniature thermistors, such as the 0603M PTC thermistors. These components meet the demand for high-density electronics in electric and hybrid vehicles. By enabling manufacturers to create more compact and efficient systems, Murata's thermistors play a pivotal role in advancing the automotive industry's shift toward sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.

Murata's thermistors have become indispensable in modern automotive systems. Their precision and reliability address critical needs like temperature sensing and current protection. The automotive industry, as the largest consumer of glass-encapsulated NTC thermistors, highlights their importance in thermal management for electric vehicles. EV battery packs, requiring precise temperature control between 15°C and 35°C, depend on multiple thermistors to prevent thermal runaway. Glass encapsulation enhances durability against vibrations and chemical corrosion, ensuring system reliability. With EV production projected to reach 30 million units by 2030, the demand for thermistors will continue to grow. Murata's innovative designs position them as a cornerstone of automotive safety and efficiency.

What makes Murata's thermistors suitable for automotive applications?

Murata's thermistors offer high precision, reliability, and compliance with AEC-Q200 standards. Their advanced materials and compact designs ensure durability under extreme conditions, making them ideal for temperature sensing and current protection in modern vehicles.

How do Murata's thermistors improve electric vehicle performance?

Murata's thermistors monitor battery packs, inverters, and motors with high accuracy. Their precise temperature sensing prevents overheating, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Compact designs also support space-saving requirements in electric vehicle systems.

Are Murata's thermistors compatible with hybrid vehicles?

Yes, Murata's thermistors enhance hybrid vehicle powertrain efficiency by maintaining stable operating temperatures. Their robust construction ensures reliability in demanding environments, while their miniature size fits seamlessly into compact automotive systems.

Why is AEC-Q200 certification important for thermistors?

AEC-Q200 certification guarantees thermistors can withstand harsh automotive conditions like extreme temperatures and vibrations. This ensures reliability and safety, making certified components a preferred choice for automotive manufacturers.

Can Murata's thermistors handle inrush current limiting?

Murata's PTC thermistors, such as the PRG Series, excel in inrush current limiting. They protect power systems from high initial currents, reducing the risk of component failure and enhancing system safety.