NXP Semiconductors NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ

Overview

NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ from NXP Semiconductors is a single-chip remote keyless entry (RKE) and transponder combo IC integrating a 16-bit RISC microcontroller, on-chip UHF transmitter (315/434/868/915 MHz), HT3/AES-128 calculation unit, 16 KB user EROM, and 2 KB ultra-low-power EEPROM. It enables Combo-Key systems combining vehicle immobilization and RKE in a 4 × 4 mm HVQFN24 package.

For engineers reviewing the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ datasheet, NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ pinout, NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ application, or NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ equivalent, key selection considerations include UHF band support, transponder protocol compatibility (HT3/HT-AES/HT-Pro2), single-cell lithium operation (2.1–3.6 V), fractional-N PLL for crystal tolerance compensation, and wettable-flank HVQFN24 package for optical solder inspection.

Technical Context

The NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ implements a third-generation Micro RISC Kernel (MRK III) with single-cycle instruction execution and Harvard architecture. Its integrated UHF transmitter uses a 27.6 MHz reference crystal and supports frequency hopping across 315/434/868/915 MHz bands via fractional-N PLL calibration.

Transponder emulation operates independently from the battery using LF field power, while the RKE function runs from the lithium cell. Security computation is handled by a hardwired calculation unit supporting 96-bit HT3 and 128-bit AES, with optional software-based algorithm execution in EROM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

HVQFN24 (4 × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with wettable flanks - optimized for compact automotive key fobs and optical solder inspection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar remote keyless entry and transponder combo applications.

Compared with NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ, the NCF29A1HN/T0B04AJ offers stronger cryptography and broader environmental tolerance but requires updated firmware and layout; the SLB9670 provides certified TPM 2.0 trust anchors but adds system-level complexity and component count for RKE integration.

Availability

NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive key fobs, immobilizer-RKE combo modules, and secure wireless access devices requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q200-aligned qualification.

Supply support for NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with leadership in contactless and embedded security technologies.

The NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ belongs to NXP's Combo-Key product line, designed specifically to integrate transponder, microcontroller, and UHF transmitter functions into a single die for space-constrained automotive key fobs requiring simultaneous immobilizer and RKE functionality.

FAQ

What transponder protocols does the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ support?

The NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ supports HT3 (96-bit), HT-AES (128-bit), and HT-Pro2 transponder protocols natively through its hardwired calculation unit. This ensures full interoperability with existing NXP-based immobilizer systems without requiring firmware updates or external co-processors. The device also allows custom transponder behavior via ROM library calls in the application code.

Does the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ require an external crystal?

Yes-the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ requires a 27.6 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected to XTAL_IN and XTAL_OUT pins. This crystal feeds the on-chip fractional-N PLL, which synthesizes stable UHF carrier frequencies across 315/434/868/915 MHz bands. No additional oscillator circuitry is needed.

Can the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ operate when the battery is fully depleted?

Yes-the transponder function of the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ operates independently from the battery using energy harvested from the 125 kHz LF reader field. This allows full immobilizer authentication even when the lithium cell is dead or removed, while RKE functionality remains active as long as VDD stays within 2.1–3.6 V.

What is the purpose of the wettable flanks on the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ package?

The wettable flanks on the HVQFN24 package of the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ enable automated optical inspection (AOI) of solder joints during SMT assembly. Unlike standard QFN packages, the exposed copper on the vertical side walls reflects light consistently, allowing vision systems to verify reflow quality without requiring X-ray equipment-critical for high-volume automotive key manufacturing.

How is security implemented in the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ for rolling code generation?

Security in the NCF2960EHN/T0B04AJ is implemented via a dedicated hardware calculation unit that executes HT3 or AES-128 algorithms deterministically. Rolling codes are generated using internal PRN and counter values stored in the 2 KB ultra-low-power EEPROM, ensuring tamper-resistant state retention across sleep cycles and battery replacements.