How to Select an NTC Thermistor

Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistors are made of sintered metal oxide. They display large decreases in resistance in proportion to small increases in temperature.Their resistance is calculated by passing a small and measured direct current (DC) through the thermistor and measuring the voltage drop produced.

Applications
(√)Temperature Measurement
(√)Temperature Compensation
(√)Temperature Control

5 Essential Considerations When Selecting an NTC Thermistor

1) Temperature Range

     1.1 When choosing a temperature sensor, the first consideration should be the temperature range of the application.
     1.2 Since NTC thermistors perform well in an operating range between -50°C and 250°C, they are well suited for a wide range of applications in many different industries.

2) Accuracy

    2.1 Of the basic sensor types, an NTC thermistor’s ability to achieve the highest accuracy is within the -50°C to 150°C range, and up to 250°C for glass encapsulated thermistors.
    2.2 Accuracy ranges from 0.05°C to 1.00°C.

3) Stability

    3.1 Stability is important in applications where long-term operation is the goal. Temperature sensors can drift over time, depending upon their materials, construction, and packaging.
    3.2 An epoxy-coated NTC thermistor can change by 0.2°C per year while a hermetically sealed one changes by only 0.02°C per year.

4) Packaging

    4.1 Packaging requirements are dictated by the environment the sensor will be used in.
    4.2 NTC Thermistors can be customized and potted into various housings dependent on application requirements. They can also be epoxy coated or glass encapsulated for further protection.

5) Noise Immunity

    5.1 NTC Thermistors offer excellent immunity to electrical noise and lead resistance.