An
NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor is a type of
thermistor that has a resistance which
decreases as the
temperature increases.
What is a thermistor?
A
thermistor (short for "thermal resistor") is a type of resistor whose resistance changes with temperature. Thermistors are used to measure temperature or to control temperature-sensitive circuits.
How does an NTC thermistor work?
- At low temperatures, the resistance of the NTC thermistor is high.
- As the temperature rises, the resistance of the NTC thermistor drops.
Common Uses:
- Temperature sensors: NTC thermistors are used in devices like digital thermometers, temperature sensors in electronics, and home appliances.
- Overcurrent protection: NTC thermistors are sometimes used in power circuits to limit inrush current when devices like motors or capacitors are first powered on. The thermistor’s resistance starts high when the device is first turned on, limiting the current, and then decreases as the thermistor warms up.
Example:
In a circuit, if you use an NTC thermistor as a temperature sensor, the resistance will decrease as the temperature goes up. This change in resistance can be used to calculate the temperature.
So, in summary:
- NTC thermistors have resistance that decreases with increasing temperature.
- They are widely used for temperature sensing and overcurrent protection.