A thermistor is a
passive component.
This means it does not require an external power source to operate. Instead, it simply reacts to the temperature changes by changing its resistance. There are two main types of thermistors:
- NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient): Resistance decreases as the temperature increases.
- PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient): Resistance increases as the temperature increases.
Because a thermistor doesn't generate or amplify energy, it is classified as passive.