A thermistor is a temperature-sensing device manufactured using metal and metal oxide semiconductor substances. Thermistors are usually found with negative temperature coefficients, meaning the thermistor’s potential lowers as its temperature increases. At the same time, they acquired their name, thermal resistor.
Temperature Sensors - NTC Thermistors are a more affordable option for monitoring temperature than sensors while maintaining high levels of precision. They can be placed or attached to the system that needs monitoring and comes in a variety of shapes, including disc, bead, rod, and chip. They are typically covered in epoxy resin, paint, glass, or phenolic.
How Does a Thermometer Function?
A thermistor is not being used to detect and represent temperature manually as the other temperature-detecting devices do, as opposed to the potential of a thermistor varying with temperature. Since it resists, the changes that occur are based on the sensing material employed in the thermistor and the container being calculated. Solids, liquids, and gases must be measured to determine the optimal substance for the job.
Thermistor temperature is tracked by a temperature controller, which then sends a signal to a heater or cooler to manage the temperature of the sensor.
Thermistors primarily function as resistive temperature sensors, but they can also be used to control an electrical current flowing through another component or device by connecting them in series with it.
What are the Types of Thermistors?
As the temperature increases, NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) Thermistors lose resistance. A frequent application for an NTC is as a temperature sensor or as an inrush current limiter when connected in series with a circuit.
PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) Thermistors – As the temperature rises, PTC Thermistors become more resistant. PTC thermistors are frequently employed as resettable fuses to guard against overcurrent situations. They are connected in series with a circuit.
What are the Applications of Thermistors?
Thermistors are highly efficient, standard, and designed to be used in several temperature-detecting applications, including:
- Digital Thermometers
- Automobiles to assess oil and coolant
- Furnaces
- Refrigerators
- Heating system or Freezing protection circuits.
