What is a Thermistor?
There are two types of thermistors, NTC Thermistor sensors and PTC Thermistor sensors. Read on to learn more!
NTC Thermistors
NTC thermistors (Negative Temperature Coefficient thermistors) exhibit a decrease in resistance as body temperature increases. NTC thermistors are produced using powdered metal oxides and the exact composition of those oxides as well as stabilizing agents determines the electrical characteristics of the thermistor. NTC thermistor sensors have a non-linear temperature vs resistance relationship and can with-stand temperatures ranging from -55°C to +300°C.
EI Sensor Technologies offers a wide range of NTC thermistors for temperature measurement, control and compensation applications. Thermistor elements include Glass Body, Epoxy Coated, End-Banded Surface Mount Chips and Surface Mount MELF style. We also offer Inrush Current Limiters, which are specially processed thermistors used for suppressing high inrush currents in switching mode power supplies.
To better allow thermistors to be used in harsh environments, EI Sensor offers a wide range of Thermistor Probe Assemblies. The sensor elements are mounted into a thermowell or housing made out of various materials (metal, plastic, etc) and there are many styles to choose from. An insulated lead wire will be selected based upon the application needs. Is moisture a concern in your application? We offer moisture resistant probe designs using
proprietary techniques to withstand this condition. You can learn more about thermistor probes on our What is a Thermistor Probe page. To view some of our many options, please visit our Thermistor Probes section.
PTC Thermistors
PTC thermistors (Positive Temperature Coefficient thermistors) experience an increase in resistance as body temperature increases. The two main types of PTC thermistors include the Ceramic Switching PTC, which is a non-linear device, and the Silicon PTC, which is highly linear. The transition temperature of switching PTCs is typically between 60°C and 120°C. Silicon PTC thermistors are typically rated up to 150°C, if used above this temperature they may exhibit a negative temperature coefficient. Silicon-based PTC thermistors have a much smaller drift than an NTC thermistor. They are inherently stable devices which are hermetically sealed in an axial leaded glass encapsulated package. The Silicon PTC thermistor is extremely reliable with a very long operational life. EI Sensor’s ED35S series is hermetically sealed in a glass package which results in excellent reliability and stability while maintaining a nearly linear positive temperature coefficient.
Our design engineers are available at sales@ei-sensor.com for assistance in selecting an appropriate NTC or PTC thermistor or thermistor probe assembly for testing in your unique application.