Thermistors – Types Uses And Features
A thermistor is an electrical component that is used to measure temperature. It is a passive electronic component that consists of a semiconductor material with a high resistance to electricity. Thermistors are essential components of any system that requires temperature sensing, and they can be found in a wide range of applications, from small household appliances to large industrial installations.
Types of Thermistors
There are many different types of thermistors, each designed for specific applications. The most common type is the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, which has a resistance that decreases as the temperature increases. This type of thermistor is commonly used to measure temperature in a wide range of applications, from air conditioning systems to automotive engines.
Another type of thermistor is the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, which has a resistance that increases as the temperature increases. This type of thermistor is commonly used in over-temperature protection circuits and as a current-limiting device.
In addition to NTC and PTC thermistors, there are also other types of thermistors, such as semi-conductive plastic thermistors and thermocouple thermistors. Each of these types has its own unique features and is designed for specific applications.
One of the key features of a thermistor is its temperature range, which is the range of temperatures that it is designed to measure. Thermistors are available in a wide range of temperature ranges, from a few degrees Celsius to several hundred degrees Celsius. The temperature range of a thermistor is chosen based on the specific application it is used in.
Features of a Thermistor
There are several key features of a thermistor that are important to consider when choosing one for a specific application:
Temperature range:
The temperature range is the range of temperatures that a thermistor is designed to measure. Thermistors are available in a wide range of temperature ranges, from a few degrees Celsius to several hundred degrees Celsius.
Sensitivity:
The sensitivity of a thermistor is a measure of how much its resistance changes with temperature. High sensitivity thermistors are more sensitive to temperature changes, while low sensitivity thermistors are less sensitive.
Response time:
The response time of a thermistor is the time it takes for the thermistor to reach a stable reading after it is exposed to a change in temperature. Fast response thermistors are able to reach a stable reading quickly, while slow response thermistors take longer.
Linearity:
The linearity of a thermistor is a measure of how closely its resistance follows a straight line as the temperature changes. Highly linear thermistors have a resistance that changes in a predictable and consistent manner, while non-linear thermistors have a resistance that changes in an unpredictable or inconsistent manner.
Temperature coefficient:
The temperature coefficient of a thermistor is a measure of how much its resistance changes with temperature. Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors have a resistance that decreases as the temperature increases, while positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors have a resistance that increases as the temperature increases.
Resistance:
The resistance of a thermistor is the measure of how much it resists the flow of electricity. Thermistors are available in a wide range of resistances, from a few ohms to several hundred ohms.
Tolerance:
The tolerance of a thermistor is a measure of how accurately it measures temperature. Thermistors are available with a range of tolerances, from a few percent to several percent.
Operating temperature:
The operating temperature of a thermistor is the range of temperatures that it is designed to operate within. Some thermistors are designed to operate within a narrow temperature range, while others are designed to operate over a wider temperature range.
Size:
The size of a thermistor is an important consideration, as it determines how easily it can be integrated into a circuit. Thermistors are available in a range of