Partner With Us - Current Themes
Recommended for:
- Companies facing challenges in temperature control and thermal analysis in batteries, medical devices, and production equipment
What is a film thermistor?
A film thermistor is a sheet-shaped NTC thermistor capable of temperature measurement. Murata has
succeeded in forming an ultra-thin thermistor on resin film.
The core of this technology is low-temperature ceramic sintering technology, and original Murata
technology developed over many years of ceramics R&D, as well as sheet-related technology for
board products, is also utilized. This film thermistor can be considered the crystallization of
Murata’s technology.
Here is a demonstration video introducing the film thermistor shape and response speed, as well as the transition of heat through multi-point detection. Please take a look.
Features of the film thermistor
Film-shaped with a thickness of 50 microns, which is thinner than copier paper
While conventional chip thermistors have a thickness of around 300 microns (assuming 0402 size), the film thermistor achieves a thickness of 50 microns, which is just 1/6 of that. Furthermore, the use of technology for sintering ceramics at low temperatures has made it possible to form an ultra-thin thermistor on resin film. The thinner shape gives the film thermistor features not available with conventional chip thermistors (for more details, see Feature 02 below).
or 1/6 that of conventional chip thermistors
Able to track slight or rapid temperature changes, and measure in real time
The film thermistor is extremely thin, which results in a smaller heat capacity compared to conventional chip thermistors, making it possible to detect extremely small temperature changes. It also features a fast response speed that enables swift tracking and accurate measurement of even sudden temperature changes in the measured object.
A flexible shape that enables temperature measurement even in difficult-to-measure locations
The film thermistor can be bent up to a radius of 1 cm. This characteristic enables to wrap it around objects such as pipes or plants, or attach it to complex curved surfaces to measure their surface temperatures. Because the film thermistor is thin and can be freely bent, it can accurately measure temperature in narrow gaps and other locations that were a challenge with conventional chip thermistors. In addition, the film thermistor also has high pressure resistance, enabling temperature measurement in locations subject to pressure.
Multi-point detection function that captures the flow of heat in a plane by connecting multiple film thermistors
Use of multiple film thermistors arranged in a planar configuration makes it possible to measure temperature distributions and visualize the flow of heat. This enables measurement of temperatures in hidden areas that cannot be captured by thermography.
Examples of film thermistor application
Accurately detect battery hot spots to improve power performance
Use is expected for temperature monitoring of batteries in smartphones, laptop PCs, electric vehicles, and so on. Detailed temperature control will enable early detection of degradation and signs of danger, and make it possible to enhance battery performance and to extend the operating time of devices and the driving range of electric vehicles.
Making use of the thin-film shape to support medical devices and diagnostics
Applications that make use of the thin-film shape are expected in the health and medical device field. For example, mounting film thermistors in masks, etc. to measure body temperature will help to understand health status, and may assist in diagnosis and disease prevention. Other applications include attachment to the tip of an endoscope to conduct real-time measurement of internal body temperature for diagnostic purposes, and use in the development of accurate thermometers that work in a shorter time.
Design and quality control of production equipment and electronic devices
Thermal design of factory production equipment and electronic devices faces many challenges such as the complexity of temperature control, heat generation countermeasures, and cost constraints. By leveraging the features of film thermistors such as a fast response speed and multi-point measurement, the flow of heat can be visualized in real time, greatly contributing to increasing the stability of production processes and improving quality.
Inquiries about the Film Thermistor
Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in our film thermistor ultra-thin and high sensitivity sheet-shaped temperature sensor, or if you want to learn more about this technology.
*This product is under development. Therefore, the specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Message from the developers
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Tatsuya Fukutani
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Advanced Technologies Research & Development Department, New Technologies Center, Corporate Technology & Business Development Unit - Miniaturization and higher performance of electronic devices have led to a rapid increase in heat-related challenges. We want to transcend industry boundaries and work together with companies facing challenges with conventional temperature measurement methods to create as many innovations as possible. Please feel free to contact us.
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Ayumi Shinagawa
Advanced Technologies Research & Development Department, New Technologies Center, Corporate Technology & Business Development Unit
- At an exhibition where we showed the film thermistor, the positive reactions from visitors reaffirmed that this is a technology that can contribute to society. We feel great potential in this technology that enables real-time monitoring of areas and temperature fluctuations that are a challenge to measure by conventional methods. Going forward, it would make us happy to be able to expand the range of objects that can be temperature-controlled and make contributions in various fields.
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Hiroaki Ide
Advanced Technologies Research & Development Department, New Technologies Center, Corporate Technology & Business Development Unit
- My career has been one with this technology ever since being assigned to research and development of film thermistors upon joining Murata. We take pride in the film thermistor, which was born from pursuing extreme thinness, as a technology overflowing with Murata’s unique style. Just as Murata has provided value to the world through pursuit of miniaturization, we believe this product can also offer new value through “thinness.”
Notices
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We have posted the film thermistor development theme for which we are looking for collaboration partners.
Inquiries
Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in our film thermistor ultra-thin and high
sensitivity sheet-shaped temperature sensor, or if you want to learn more about this technology.
*This product is under development. Therefore, the specifications are subject to change without
prior notice.
