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- What is a Thermistor?
What is a Thermistor?
Thermistors are sensors that are very sensitive to heat and have their electric resistance changed. They are known as the “King of Temperature Sensors”.
Shibaura Electronics thermistor sensors support daily life in a number of areas.
Thermistors are temperature sensors that utilize changes in resistance values when they sense heat.
As they allow for inexpensive and stable temperature control, they are used across a wide range of fields.
Here, you can find out about the characteristics for thermistors and what they are used for.
What is a
Thermistor?
01
What are thermistors?
Thermistor: A semiconductor with a resistance value that changes greatly through changes in temperature.
(Thermistor =
Thermally sensitive resistor)
Thermistors are electronic components that change how difficult it is for electricity to flow (resistance) when the temperature changes.
When the temperature rises, it becomes easier for electricity to flow, and when the temperature drops, it becomes harder. *Following this, you can find out the temperature by looking at the flow of electricity through a thermistor.
Thermistors are small, strong against impact and vibrations, and sensitive to temperature, which is why they are used in many products that support our daily lives.
What is a
Thermistor?
02
Thermistor types
Thermistors are largely split into the NTC and PTC types.
(NTC: Negative Temperature Coefficient, PTC: Positive Temperature Coefficient)
Shibaura Electronics manufactures and sells NTC thermistors.
- NTC Thermistors ... Negative resistance change characteristics.
- PTC Thermistors ... Positive resistance change characteristics.
What is a
Thermistor?
03
Temperature Sensor Types
In addition to thermistors, there is a wide variety of temperature sensors.
When compared to other well-known temperature sensors, thermistors have been adopted for use in a wide variety of devices that support our daily lives as they can be made small and for a low cost.
Characteristics of Each Sensor
-
NTC Thermistors ... Inexpensive, as the electric circuits are simple.
A variety of designs that meet the user’s needs are possible, as they are easy to miniaturize. - Thermocouple ... Price is likely to rises, as the electric circuits are complex.
Easy to miniaturize, but there are limits on the shape. -
Resistance Temperature Detector (Platinum) ... Price is likely to rises, as the electric circuits are complex.
Difficult to miniaturize, as construction of the resistance element is complex.
What is a
Thermistor?
04
Example Usage
Thermistors are small, strong against impact and vibrations, and sensitive to temperature, which is why they are used in many products that support our daily lives.