PTC and NTC Thermistors: A Comparative Analysis
Jay Kim
November 26, 2024
Introduction
Thermistors, short for thermal resistors, are temperature-sensitive resistors whose
resistance value changes significantly with temperature. They are widely used in
various applications, from temperature sensing and control to overcurrent protection
and self-regulating heating elements. Two primary types of thermistors are Positive
Temperature Coefficient (PTC) and Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC)
thermistors.
Positive Temperature Coefficient 1 (PTC) Thermistors
A PTC thermistor exhibits an increase in resistance as its temperature rises. This
characteristic makes them suitable for applications like temperature sensing, self-
resetting circuit breakers, and temperature-sensitive switches.
Working Principle:
PTC thermistors typically consist of a semiconductor material, such as barium titanate.
As the temperature increases, the lattice structure of the material undergoes a phase
transition, leading to a sharp increase in resistance. This phenomenon is known as the
Curie point.
Applications of PTC Thermistors:
Temperature Sensing: PTC thermistors can be used to measure temperature in
various applications, including industrial processes, automotive systems, and
medical devices.
Overcurrent Protection: PTC thermistors can be used as self-resetting fuses to
protect circuits from overcurrent conditions. When the current exceeds a certain
threshold, the thermistor's resistance increases, limiting the current flow and
preventing damage to the circuit.
Temperature-Sensitive Switches: PTC thermistors can be used to create
temperature-sensitive switches that activate or deactivate circuits at specific
temperature thresholds.
Self-Regulating Heating Elements: PTC thermistors can be used in self-
regulating heating elements, which automatically adjust their power output to
maintain a constant temperature.
Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) Thermistors
An NTC thermistor exhibits a decrease in resistance as its temperature rises. This
characteristic makes them suitable for applications like temperature sensing,
temperature compensation, and current limiting.
Working Principle:
NTC thermistors are typically made of metal oxides, such as manganese oxide or nickel
oxide. As the temperature increases, the increased thermal energy excites more
electrons, leading to a decrease in resistance.
Applications of NTC Thermistors:
Temperature Sensing: NTC thermistors are widely used for temperature
sensing in various applications, including industrial processes, automotive
systems, and medical devices.
Temperature Compensation: NTC thermistors can be used to compensate for
temperature-induced changes in the resistance of other components, such as
transistors and resistors.
Current Limiting: NTC thermistors can be used to limit the current flow in
circuits, particularly during startup or transient conditions.
Self-Regulating Heating Elements: NTC thermistors can be used in self-
regulating heating elements to maintain a constant temperature.
Conclusion
PTC and NTC thermistors are versatile components with a wide range of applications.
By understanding their characteristics and working principles, engineers can effectively
utilize these devices to design reliable and efficient electronic systems.
