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thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance changes with temperature. The word "thermistor" is a combination of the words "thermal" (related to heat) and "resistor" (a component that resists the flow of electric current).
There are two main types of thermistors:
- NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient): For these thermistors, the resistance decreases as the temperature increases. They are commonly used in temperature sensing and control systems.
- PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient): In these thermistors, the resistance increases as the temperature increases. PTC thermistors are often used for overcurrent protection or as self-regulating heating elements.
Thermistors are commonly used in temperature measurement devices, such as digital thermometers, and in circuits where temperature needs to be controlled or monitored. They are also useful in applications like motor protection and battery charging circuits.
Would you like to dive into a specific application or how a thermistor works in a circuit?