Epson Unveils New Ultra-Low Power Crystal Unit for Wearable and IoT Devices
Los Alamitos, CA – November 11, 2025 – Epson, a global leader in high-performance components and technology, has announced the release of their latest product, the FC1610BN 32.768 kHz crystal unit. This crystal unit is specifically designed for next-generation wearable and IoT devices, offering a combination of ultra-low ESR, stability, and miniature size.
Measuring at just 1.6 × 1.0 × 0.5 mm, the FC1610BN crystal unit addresses a major challenge in modern electronics – providing accurate and stable timing in increasingly smaller devices without compromising power efficiency or reliability.
Crystals play a crucial role in generating precise clock signals in microcontrollers, wireless interfaces, and sensors. However, as devices become smaller and more advanced, traditional crystals struggle with higher ESR, increased power consumption, longer startup times, and unstable oscillation. This not only shortens battery life but also limits design options. The FC1610BN crystal unit breaks through these limitations by offering an exceptionally low equivalent series resistance (ESR) of ~45 kΩ at +25 °C (and ≤70 kΩ across –40 °C to +105 °C), along with a ±20 ppm frequency tolerance.
Some key features and benefits of the FC1610BN crystal unit include:
– Ultra-low power consumption: the lower ESR results in reduced drive levels, less current draw, and longer battery life.
– Faster, more reliable startup: the crystal unit provides stable oscillation for Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), wireless links, and real-time system synchronization.
– Smaller, smarter designs: with its compact size, the FC1610BN crystal unit allows for tighter board layouts, slimmer form factors, or larger batteries.
– Robust stability: the crystal unit is qualified for a ±20 ppm frequency tolerance and ±3 ppm aging (first year), ensuring dependable performance.
These unique features make the FC1610BN crystal unit ideal for wearables such as rings, bracelets, and smart glasses, as well as portable medical devices like heart rate and blood pressure monitors. It is also suitable for compact IoT equipment, where space, stability, and ultra-low power consumption are crucial.
According to Jonny Lee, Product Marketing Manager at Epson Microdevices, “With the FC1610BN, Epson is enabling the next wave of IoT and wearable innovation. Designers can now deliver devices that are smaller, smarter, and more responsive – without sacrificing reliability or battery life. By pushing the boundaries of ESR and power efficiency, we’re giving engineers new freedom to reimagine what’s possible in ultra-compact electronics.”
The FC1610BN crystal unit is currently available in multiple load capacitance options (7 pF, 9 pF, 12.5 pF) to support various design requirements. Epson also offers 3D CAD models, footprints, IBIS data, and evaluation services to help developers speed up their time-to-market.
Epson’s unique vertical integration, from manufacturing synthetic quartz crystals to advanced packaging, combined with their proprietary manufacturing innovations, enables the crystal’s exceptionally low ESR and stability across extended temperatures. This is what sets the FC1610BN crystal unit apart from others in the market.
By reducing ESR, improving efficiency and reliability, and prolonging battery life, Epson’s new crystal unit empowers engineers to create smaller, more capable products that will impress end-users and withstand the test of time.
About Epson Microdevices – Precision. Performance. Proven.
Epson Microdevices is a leading global supplier of high-performance components, including semiconductors and quartz crystal-based inertial sensors and timing devices like crystal units and oscillators. The company combines Japanese manufacturing excellence with marketing, sales, and engineering expertise to deliver top-notch products and services. As a pioneer in the crystal device market since the 1960s, Epson’s in-house production of raw quartz and semiconductors drives innovation in quality, power savings, miniaturization, and performance. For more information, visit https://epson.com/microdevices.
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader with a focus on creating efficient, compact, and precise innovations that enrich lives and contribute to a better world. The company is committed to solving societal issues through their innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle industries. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate the use of exhaustible underground resources like oil and metal by 2050.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/.
Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., serves as Epson’s regional headquarters for
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.