Murata Launches Ultra-Low Power AMR Sensors to Boost Battery Life in Healthcare and Wearables Devices

KYOTO, Japan–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr 26, 2026–

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 6981) (ISIN: JP3914400001) has commenced mass production of its MRMS166R and MRMS168R anisotropic magnetoresistance　(AMR) sensors for healthcare, wearable, and IoT devices. The MRMS166R is the first AMR sensor to combine an average current consumption of 20 nA with operation from a 1.2 V supply, enabling extended battery life in coin cell-powered systems.

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The devices are solid-state magnetic sensors used for switching applications. They detect the presence or absence of a magnetic field and generate an output signal that system logic uses to control functions such as transitions between active and sleep modes. This enables contactless switching without mechanical components, improving reliability, and supporting sealed, miniaturized designs.

Automatic switching between active and sleep modes is widely used in battery-powered devices to reduce standby power consumption and extend operating life. In healthcare, applications include capsule endoscopes and medical patches. Wearable devices, including AR glasses and wireless earbuds, as well as security-related IoT devices, such as door open/close detection systems and smart locks, also use this functionality.

These devices commonly use silver oxide coin batteries (typically 1.55 V), which impose constraints on both available capacity and operating voltage. AMR sensors used as magnetic switches must therefore minimize current consumption while maintaining stable operation at low voltage. Murata addressed these requirements through a redesign of the AMR sensor’s internal circuitry, enabling ultra-low current consumption and reliable operation down to 1.2 V. This significantly reduces battery consumption during standby operation, supporting device operation for more than two years in typical use.

Both devices are housed in a compact package measuring 1.0 × 1.0 × 0.4 mm (0.04 × 0.04 × 0.02 inches), making them suitable for space-constrained designs. The MRMS166R operates over a 1.2 to 3.6 V supply range (1.5 V typ.) with an average current consumption of 20 nA and a maximum current output of 1 mA. The MRMS168R operates over a 2.0 to 3.6 V supply range (3.0 V typ.), with an average current consumption of 80 nA and a maximum output current of 12 mA, providing higher output drive capability for devices requiring increased load current.

Murata will continue to expand its AMR sensor lineup and reduce power consumption to support longer operating times and enhanced functionality in medical, wearable, and IoT devices.

For more details on the AMR sensor lineup, including MRMS166R and MRMS168R, please visit the product page: [ MRMS166R, MRMS168R ]

For inquiries regarding these products, please Contact US.

About Murata

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of ceramic-based passive electronic components & solutions, communication modules and power supply modules. Murata is committed to the development of advanced electronic materials and leading edge, multi-functional, high-density modules. The company has employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the world.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — With runners on second and third, Lane Thomas delivered a three-run homer in the 10th inning to lift the Kansas City Royals over the Los Angeles Angels 11-9 and sweep the series.

It was Thomas’ first home run of the season and the first walk-off RBI of his career.

Joey Lucchesi (0-1) took the loss, facing four batters in the final frame. Lucas Erceg (2-1) earned the win.

The Angels held a 7-4 lead when the game was delayed in the bottom of the seventh for severe weather. The Royals had two on and no outs with Bobby Witt Jr. at bat. It resumed after one hour and 29 minutes, and the Royals tacked on one run with a sacrifice fly to center by Vinnie Pasquantino.

Salvador Perez pushed another run across in the top of the ninth, and Jac Caglianone, who entered the game as a reserve in the eighth inning, tied the score with a two-out, two-run homer that landed just inside the right-field foul pole.

Angels shortstop Zach Neto led off the game with a single and scored on a two-run homer by Mike Trout. The home run moved Trout into first place in franchise history with his 797th career extra-base hit.

Neto struck again in the second with an RBI double, and Adam Frazier added another in the four-run inning.

The Royals got on the board in the fifth with an RBI single from Isaac Collins and Witt’s two-run homer in the sixth. Angels starter Reid Detmers was replaced after walking the next batter. He allowed five hits and three runs in five-plus innings.

Royals starter Seth Lugo allowed 14 hits and seven runs in 6 1/3 innings.

The Angels head to Chicago, where RHP José Soriano (5-0, 0.24 ERA) will face RHP Davis Martin (3-1, 2.01) of the White Sox on Tuesday.

The Royals open a three-game series in Sacramento, where LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 4.08) will face RHP Aaron Civale (2-1, 3.86) on Tuesday.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb