Thermistors are a type of sensor resistor whose resistance varies with temperature. They are characterized by their small size, high sensitivity, ease of processing, and low cost, making them suitable for various electronic products.
Based on their temperature coefficient, thermistors are divided into PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistors and NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistors. Because their temperature coefficients differ, they are used in different scenarios. Therefore, selecting the appropriate thermistor is crucial for ensuring the stability and performance of the circuit. So, how do you choose between PTC thermistors and NTC thermistors?
PTC Thermistors and NTC Thermistors:
PTC Thermistors (Positive Temperature Coefficient) increase their resistance as temperature rises. When the temperature reaches a critical point (Curie temperature), their resistance sharply increases, resulting in a step-like change. This characteristic makes PTC thermistors widely used in overcurrent protection, overtemperature protection, and other fields.
NTC Thermistors (Negative Temperature Coefficient), on the other hand, decrease their resistance as temperature rises, exhibiting negative temperature coefficient characteristics. This feature gives NTC thermistors significant advantages in temperature measurement and temperature control.
Applications of PTC Thermistors and NTC Thermistors:
Overcurrent Protection: PTC thermistors limit current by sharply increasing resistance when the current is too high.
Overtemperature Protection: PTC thermistors cut off circuits by sharply increasing resistance when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, protecting devices from heat damage.
Temperature Measurement: NTC thermistors’ resistance varies linearly with temperature, making them suitable for precise temperature measurement.
Temperature Control: In temperature control systems, NTC thermistors act as temperature sensors, continuously monitoring temperature changes and providing feedback to maintain precise temperature regulation.
Surge Protection: In electronic devices, NTC thermistors can protect against surge currents, preventing damage from sudden high-current impacts.
Now you know how to choose between PTC thermistors and NTC thermistors. For electronic products requiring temperature measurement and control, choose NTC thermistors. For products requiring overtemperature and overcurrent protection, choose PTC thermistors.
Post time: Sep-24-2024