Thermistor

A thermistor is a resistor whose electrical resistance changes substantially with temperature. It is used for temperature sensing, circuit compensation, and current limiting.

Negative temperature coefficient: A material property in which electrical resistance decreases as temperature rises. NTC thermistors use this behavior to turn rising temperature into falling resistance.
Temperature sensor: A device that measures temperature or converts it into a usable signal. Thermistors are one electrical sensor type, valued for sensitivity and low cost.
Resistance temperature detector: A temperature sensor that measures the resistance of a metal element, commonly platinum. RTDs offer wider useful ranges and better linearity, while thermistors are often more sensitive over narrower ranges.
Electrical resistance: The opposition a material or component presents to electric current. A thermistor’s measurable output is a temperature-dependent change in resistance.
NTC thermistor: A thermistor whose resistance decreases as its temperature increases. NTC devices are the common choice for temperature measurement and inrush-current limiting.
Positive temperature coefficient: A material property in which electrical resistance increases as temperature rises. PTC thermistors use this behavior for switching and overcurrent protection.
Inrush current limiter: A component or circuit that reduces the brief surge of current when equipment is powered on. An NTC thermistor starts with high resistance and lowers it as current warms it.
Thermocouple: A temperature sensor that produces a voltage from the junction of two dissimilar conductors. Thermocouples measure very high temperatures and generate voltage, unlike resistance-based thermistors.
Ohm's law: The relationship among voltage, current, and resistance in an electric circuit. It determines how a thermistor’s changing resistance alters circuit voltage and current.
PTC thermistor: A thermistor whose resistance increases as its temperature increases. PTC devices are used for resettable protection and temperature-dependent switching.

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