Murata has introduced a discrete timing solution that combines a high‑precision crystal unit with an external NTC thermistor to meet the tight timing accuracy requirements of automotive Ultra Wide Band (UWB) systems.
The concept is not just a new crystal or sensor, but a supported set proposal with circuit‑level temperature compensation guidance, aimed at helping designers reach ppm‑level stability over a wide temperature range typical of automotive environments.
Key features and benefits
- High timing accuracy for UWB – 55.2 MHz crystal with tight initial tolerance and compensated frequency‑temperature characteristics of approximately ±10 ppm from −40 to 115°C helps meet increasingly demanding UWB timing budgets in digital keys, CPD, wireless BMS and safety‑related sensors.
- Discrete crystal + thermistor approach – enables optimization of BOM cost and layout flexibility versus integrated temperature‑sensor crystals, while still offering guidance to realize accurate temperature compensation.
- Automotive‑grade reliability – crystal unit qualified for operation up to 115°C and designed with a particle‑less structure to reduce field failure risk in harsh automotive environments.
- Miniaturized footprint – compact 2016 crystal (2.0 × 1.6 mm) and 0201 thermistor (0.6 × 0.3 mm) help shrink RF and timing sections in space‑constrained ECUs, key fobs and sensor nodes.
- Fast thermal tracking – very small NTC thermistor volume improves thermal response, which is important for accurate compensation when the temperature of the board changes quickly.
- Design support included – Murata offers circuit design support and measurement of mounted boards, providing application‑specific compensation parameters to shorten development time and de‑risk discrete implementations.
- Lead‑free, stable supply – suitable for long‑term automotive programs where regulatory compliance and supply continuity are important.
Typical applications
Murata positions this set for automotive applications that already rely on or are migrating to UWB‑based communication and localization. In practice, the components fit into:
- Digital key systems (smart keys, smartphone‑as‑a‑key) where precise timing supports secure ranging and robust communication between vehicle and key device.
- Child Presence Detection (CPD) and in‑cabin sensing units using UWB for occupancy detection and safety monitoring.
- Wireless Battery Management Systems (Wireless BMS) that need accurate timing for wideband communication between battery modules and central controllers.
- Automotive sensor nodes and ECUs that integrate UWB radios and require small, accurate timing references in thermally challenging locations within the vehicle.
Beyond these target use cases, any automotive UWB transceiver or timing‑sensitive RF block designed for −40 to above 100°C operation can potentially benefit from the set, especially when PCB space and cost are tightly constrained.
Technical highlights
The crystal unit XRCGE55M200MZF1BR0 is a newly mass‑produced device (since March 2026) targeted at automotive timing for UWB.
Key characteristics
- Package size: 2016 (2.0 × 1.6 mm).
- Oscillation frequency: 55.2 MHz.
- Frequency tolerance at 25°C: ±10 ppm.
- Frequency‑temperature characteristic after compensation: ±10 ppm over −40 to 115°C (according to manufacturer data).
- Guaranteed operation temperature: up to 115°C.
- Particle‑less design to support low failure rates in automotive environments.
- Lead‑free construction.
In practical terms, the combination of tight room‑temperature tolerance and compensated temperature drift helps maintain the RF carrier and UWB timing windows within the limits required by modern transceivers, reducing the margin that firmware must reserve for clock error.
Crystal key data summary
| Parameter | Value (typical) |
|---|---|
| Package size | 2016, 2.0 × 1.6 mm |
| Nominal frequency | 55.2 MHz |
| Frequency tolerance at 25°C | ±10 ppm |
| Compensated frequency‑temperature | ±10 ppm from −40 to 115°C (after compensation) |
| Operating temperature (crystal) | Up to 115°C |
The NTC thermistor NCU03XH103F6SRL is intended as an external temperature sensor for the discrete compensation scheme.
Key characteristics
- Package size: 0201 inch (0.6 × 0.3 mm).
- Resistance at 25°C: 10 kΩ, tolerance ±1.0%.
- B constant (25/50°C): 3380 K, tolerance ±1.0%.
- Operating temperature range: −55 to +125°C.
A 10 kΩ NTC with this B constant is common in temperature sensing; it offers a relatively steep resistance change around room to mid‑temperature, supporting good resolution for compensation algorithms across the specified range.
Thermistor key data summary
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Package size | 0201 inch, 0.6 × 0.3 mm |
| Resistance at 25°C | 10 kΩ ±1.0% |
| B constant (25/50°C) | 3380 K ±1.0% |
| Operating temperature range | −55 to +125°C |
Source
This article is based on information published by Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in its official product and event news release and related product pages, complemented with general engineering commentary for design‑in and application context.
References
- Murata product & event news – Launch of set proposal and circuit design support for high precision crystal unit and thermistor for automotive UWB
- Murata crystal unit XRCGE55M200MZF1BR0 product page
- Murata NTC thermistor NCU03XH103F6SRL product page
- Murata discrete configuration timing device and circuit design support information
