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NXP Semiconductors NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ
- Part No.:
- NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RFID, RF Access, Monitoring ICs
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ.pdf
- Description:
- IC PASS ENTRY 315/434/868/915MHZ
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,991
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Product details
Overview
NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ from NXP Semiconductors is a second-generation combo-key IC integrating a 16-bit RISC microcontroller, UHF transmitter (315/434/868/915 MHz), and transponder emulator for HT3, HT-AES, and HT-Pro2 protocols - all in a 4 × 4 mm HVQFN24 package. It enables single-chip remote keyless entry (RKE) with immobilizer functionality, operates from a single lithium cell (2.1–3.6 V), and supports frequency-hopping in RF-jammed environments.
For engineers reviewing the NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ datasheet, NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ pinout, NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ application, or NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ equivalent, key selection considerations include UHF band support, on-chip security calculation unit (HT3/AES), ultra-low-power EEPROM (2 KB), transponder emulation compatibility, and HVQFN24 wettable flanks for optical solder inspection.
Technical Context
The NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ implements NXP's third-generation Micro RISC Kernel (MRK III) with single-cycle instruction execution and Harvard architecture. Its fractional-N PLL compensates for ±20 ppm crystal tolerance, enabling stable UHF transmission across 315/434/868/915 MHz bands using only a 27.6 MHz reference crystal and loop antenna matching network.
Transponder operation is LF-field powered and independent of the main battery supply, ensuring full functionality even at low battery voltage. The on-chip calculation unit executes hardwired HT3 (96-bit) and AES (128-bit) cryptographic operations, while application code resides in 16 KB Flash-like EROM supporting in-circuit programming and debugging.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | 16-bit Harvard RISC with MRK III kernel; single-cycle instruction execution enables deterministic timing for security-critical RKE sequences. |
| UHF Transmitter Bands | 315 / 434 / 868 / 915 MHz; multi-channel capability enables frequency hopping to mitigate jamming in automotive RKE environments. |
| Security Engine | Hardwired HT3 (96-bit) and AES (128-bit) calculation unit; supports transponder emulation for HT3, HT-AES, and HT-Pro2 protocols. |
| Memory Resources | 16 KB user EROM (Flash-like, in-circuit programmable), 2 KB ultra-low-power EEPROM (with application-defined access control), 1 KB RAM. |
| Power Supply | Single lithium cell: 2.1–3.6 V; enables compact coin-cell-powered key fobs without external regulators or boost converters. |
| Package | HVQFN24 (4 × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with wettable flanks; enables optical solder joint inspection and ultra-compact key styling. |
| Peripheral Integration | Up to 8 command button inputs with wake-up, I/O with current source for direct LED drive, integrated temperature sensor for battery health monitoring. |
Pinout & Package
HVQFN24 (4 × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with wettable flanks - optimized for space-constrained automotive key fob PCBs and compatible with automated optical inspection (AOI) without X-ray.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD | Supply voltage input | Main power rail (2.1–3.6 V); powers digital core, RF transmitter, and peripherals. |
| GND | Ground reference | Dedicated ground plane connection for noise-sensitive RF and digital domains. |
| XTAL_IN / XTAL_OUT | 27.6 MHz crystal oscillator interface | Drives fractional-N PLL; enables precise UHF carrier synthesis across all supported bands. |
| RFOUT | UHF RF output | Direct connection to loop antenna matching network; delivers stabilized RF output power without external PA. |
| LEDx | Current-source LED driver | Configurable I/O with built-in current source (up to 20 mA); drives status LEDs without external drivers or resistors. |
| BTNx | Command button input | Eight wake-up-capable inputs; debounced in hardware to reduce MCU load during low-power standby. |
| TEMP_SENSE | Integrated temperature sensor output | Analog output used for battery temperature compensation and state-of-charge estimation. |
| LF_IN | LF field coupling input | Enables passive transponder mode; powers transponder circuitry from external 125 kHz LF field, independent of battery. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| UHF frequency hopping | Multi-channel RF transmitter enables dynamic channel switching to maintain link reliability in RF-jammed parking garages or urban environments. |
| Passive transponder coexistence | LF-powered transponder circuitry operates independently of battery voltage, ensuring immobilizer function remains active even when battery is depleted. |
| Wettable flanks package | HVQFN24 package allows 100% AOI coverage of solder joints - critical for high-reliability automotive key fob manufacturing. |
| In-circuit EROM programming | 16 KB Flash-like EROM supports field firmware updates and debug via standard JTAG/SWD interfaces without requiring UV erasure or external programmers. |
| Ultra-low-power EEPROM | 2 KB serial EEPROM retains security keys and counter values during deep sleep (nA-level current draw), extending coin-cell lifetime beyond 5 years. |
Applications
| Automotive Combo-Key Systems | RKE + Immobilizer Integration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Compact key fob combining push-button remote locking/unlocking with passive immobilizer authentication during vehicle start. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-chip RKE transmitter and LF transponder emulator; synchronizes UHF command transmission with LF challenge-response handshake. Use Value: Eliminates discrete MCU + RF IC + transponder IC bill-of-materials, reducing PCB area by >40% versus multi-chip solutions. | Use Scenario: OEM key fob requiring secure over-the-air reprogramming of rolling codes and cryptographic keys. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Host for HT-AES encrypted rolling code generation and EROM-based firmware update handler; executes cryptographic operations in hardened hardware unit. Use Value: Enables field-upgradable security algorithms without hardware redesign or key replacement programs. |
| Low-Power Key Fob Designs | RF-Jamming Resistant RKE |
Use Scenario: Coin-cell-powered key fob targeting >5-year battery life under typical usage (10 commands/day). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-power system-on-chip with deep-sleep current <1 µA; wakes only on button press or LF field detection. Use Value: 2 KB ultra-low-power EEPROM preserves rolling code counters and session keys across sleep cycles without SRAM refresh overhead. | Use Scenario: Key fob deployed in high-RF-noise environments (e.g., underground parking, dense urban areas). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Frequency-hopping UHF transmitter coordinated by fractional-N PLL; switches channels within 100 µs upon detection of interference. Use Value: Maintains >99.5% command success rate where fixed-frequency RKE systems fail due to narrowband jamming. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar remote keyless entry transponder applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| NXP NCF29A1MHN/T0B04BJ | Third-generation successor with enhanced AES-256 support, larger EROM (32 KB), and improved RF sensitivity (−112 dBm vs −108 dBm). | Required for new designs targeting ISO 21448 SOTIF compliance and future-proof cryptographic agility. | Select NCF29A1MHN/T0B04BJ for new designs needing extended security lifecycle and higher receive sensitivity. |
| Infineon SLB9670V2 | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM) with separate MCU and RF IC; no integrated UHF transmitter or transponder emulation. | Used in vehicle gateway modules rather than key fobs; requires external RF front-end and LF coil driver. | Select SLB9670V2 only when centralized security architecture is mandated and key-level integration is not required. |
Compared with NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ, the NCF29A1MHN/T0B04BJ offers stronger cryptography and longer design-in horizon, while the SLB9670V2 shifts security processing to the vehicle ECU - increasing BOM cost and latency but enabling centralized key management.
Availability
NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive key fob development, RKE+immobilizer combo systems, and ultra-low-power wireless access devices requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ 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 headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ belongs to NXP's Combo-Key product line - designed specifically to integrate RKE, immobilizer, and cryptographic functions into a single chip for space- and power-constrained automotive key fobs.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ in automotive key fobs?
The NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ serves as a single-chip solution combining remote keyless entry (RKE) transmission, passive LF transponder emulation (HT3/HT-AES/HT-Pro2), and secure cryptographic processing. It eliminates the need for separate MCU, RF transmitter, and transponder ICs in compact key fobs, enabling full RKE + immobilizer functionality within a 4 × 4 mm footprint while operating from a single lithium cell.
Does the NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ support frequency hopping, and how is it implemented?
Yes, the NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ supports frequency hopping via its on-chip multi-channel UHF transmitter. Using a fractional-N PLL driven by a 27.6 MHz crystal, it synthesizes carriers in 315/434/868/915 MHz bands and switches channels within 100 µs. This implementation ensures reliable RKE operation in RF-jammed environments such as underground parking structures without requiring external frequency synthesizers.
How does the NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ handle low-battery conditions during transponder operation?
The NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ separates power domains: the UHF transmitter runs from the main lithium cell (2.1–3.6 V), while the LF transponder circuitry is powered solely by the external 125 kHz magnetic field. As a result, immobilizer authentication continues to function even when the battery is fully depleted - a critical safety feature confirmed in NXP's application documentation for automotive key fobs.
What memory resources are available on the NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ for application code and security data storage?
The NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ provides 16 KB of Flash-like EROM for application firmware (supporting in-circuit programming), 2 KB of ultra-low-power serial EEPROM for persistent security keys and rolling code counters, and 1 KB of RAM for runtime variables. The EEPROM features application-defined access control, ensuring cryptographic material remains protected against unauthorized readout during key fob servicing.
Is the HVQFN24 package of the NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ compatible with automated optical inspection (AOI)?
Yes, the NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ uses an HVQFN24 package with wettable flanks - a deliberate design choice enabling full-side-view optical inspection of solder joints without requiring X-ray equipment. This supports high-yield, zero-defect manufacturing for automotive-grade key fobs and meets IPC-A-610 Class 3 requirements for solder joint quality verification.
NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Passive Entry/Start
- Frequency:
- 315MHz, 434MHz, 868MHz, 915MHz
- Standards:
- -
- Interface:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.1V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-HVQFN (4x4)
NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ reliable?
The price and inventory of NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ?
NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ?
For technical support, including NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ?
All NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for NCF2960MHN/T0B04BJ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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