Thermistors

The Thermistor is a special type of variable resistive element that changes its physical resistance when exposed to changes
in temperature.

The Thermistor is a solid state temperature sensing device which acts a bit like an electrical resistor but is temperature
sensitive. Thermistors can be used to produce an analogue output voltage with variations in ambient temperature and as such
can be referred to as a transducer. This is because it creates a change in its electrical properties due to an external and
physical change in heat.

The thermistor is basically a two-terminal solid state thermally sensitive transducer constructed using sensitive
semiconductor based metal oxides with metallised or sintered connecting leads formed into a ceramic disc or bead.

This allows the thermistor to change its resistive value in proportion to small changes in ambient temperature. In other
words, as its temperature changes, so too does its resistance and as such its name, “Thermistor” is a combination of the
words THERM-ally sensitive res-ISTOR.

While the change in resistance due to heat is generally undesirable in standard resistors, this effect can be put to good use in
many temperature detection circuits. Thus being a non-linear variable-resistive devices, thermistors are commonly used as
temperature sensors having many applications to measure the temperature of both liquids and ambient air.

Also, being a solid state device made from highly sensitive metal oxides, they operate at the molecular level with the
outermost (valence) electrons becoming more active producing a negative temperature coefficient, or less active producing a
positive temperature coefficient as the temperature of the thermistor is increased.

This means they have very good resistance verses temperature characteristics allowing them to operate at temperatures upto
o
200 C.

While the principle use of thermistors are as resistive temperature sensors, they can also be
connected in series with another component or device to control an electrical current flowing
through them. In other words, they can be used as a thermally sensitive current-limiting devices.

Thermistors are available in a whole range of types, materials and sizes characterised by their
response time and operating temperature. Also, hermetically sealed thermistors eliminate errors
in resistance readings due to moisture penetration while still offering high operating temperatures
and a compact size. The three most common types are: Bead thermistors, Disk thermistors, and
Glass encapsulated thermistors.
Typical Thermistor
These heat-dependent resistors can operate in one of two ways, either by increasing or
decreasing their resistive value with changes in temperature. Then there are two types of
thermistors available: negative temperature coefficient (NTC) of resistance and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of
resistance.
Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistors
Negative temperature coefficient of resistance thermistors, or NTC thermistors for short, reduce or decrease their resistive
value as the operating temperature around them increases. Generally, NTC thermistors are the most commonly used type of
temperature sensors as they can be used in virtually any type of equipment where temperature plays a role.

NTC temperature thermistors have a negative electrical resistance versus temperature (R/T) relationship. The relatively large
negative response of an NTC thermistor means that even small changes in temperature can cause significant changes in their
electrical resistance. This makes them ideal for accurate temperature measurement and control.

We said previously that a thermistor is an electronic component whose resistance is highly dependent on temperature so if
we send a constant current through the thermistor and then measure the voltage drop across it, we can thus determine its
resistance at a particular temperature.

An NTC thermistors reduces its resistance with an increase in temperature and are available in a variety of base resistances
and temperature curves. NTC thermistors are usually characterised by their base resistance at room temperature, that is
o o o o o
25 C, (77 F) as this provides a convenient reference point. So for example, 2k2Ω at 25 C, 10kΩ at 25 C or 47kΩ at 25 C,
etc.

Another important characteristic of a thermistor is its “B” value. The B value is a material constant which is determined by
the ceramic material from which it is made. it describes the gradient of the resistive (R/T) curve over a particular
temperature range between two temperature points. Each thermistor material will have a different material constant and
therefore a different resistance versus temperature curve.
o
Thus the B value will define the thermistors resistive value at a first temperature or base point, (which is usually 25 C),
o
called T1, and the thermistors resistive value at a second temperature point, for example 100 C, called T2.

Therefore the B value will define the thermistors material constant between the range of T1 and T2. That is BT1/T2 or B25/100
with typical NTC thermistor B values given anywhere between about 3000 and about 5000.
0
Note however, that both the temperature points of T1 and T2 are calculated in the temperature units of Kelvin where 0 C =
o o o o
273.15 Kelvin. Thus a value of 25 C is equal to 25 + 273.15 = 298.15K, and 100 C is equal to 100 + 273.15 = 373.15K,
etc.

So by knowing the B value of a particular thermistor (obtained from manufacturers datasheet), it is possible to produce a
table of temperature versus resistance to construct a suitable graph using the following normalised equation:

Thermistor Equation

Where:
T1 is the first temperature point in Kelvin
T2 is the second temperature point in Kelvin
R1 is the thermistors resistance at temperature T1 in Ohms
R2 is the thermistors resistance at temperature T2 in Ohms

Thermistors Example No1

o o
A 10kΩ NTC thermistor has a “B” value of 3455 between the temperature range of 25 C and 100 C. Calculate its resistive
o o
value at 25 C and again at 100 C.
o o
 o o
Data given: B = 3455, R1 = 10kΩ at 25 . In order to convert the temperature scale from degrees Celsius, C to degrees
Kelvin add the mathematical constant 273.15
o
The value of R1 is already given as 10kΩ base resistance, thus the value of R2 at 100 C is calculated as:

Giving the following two point characteristics graph of:

Note that in this simple example, only two points were found, but generally thermistors change their resistance
exponentially with changes in temperature so their characteristic curve is nonlinear, therefore the more temperature points
are calculated the more accurate will be the curve.

Temperature
o 10 20 25 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
( C)
Resistance (Ω) 18476 12185 10000 8260 5740 4080 2960 2188 1645 1257 973 765 608

and these points can be plotted as shown to give a more accurate characteristics curve for the 10kΩ NTC Thermistor which
has a B-value of 3455.

NTC Thermistor Characteristics Curve

Notice that it has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC), that is its resistance decreases with increasing temperatures.

Using Thermistors to Measure Temperature.

So how can we use a thermistor to measure temperature. Hopefully by now we realise that a thermistor is a resistive device
and therefore according to Ohms law, if we pass a current through it, a voltage drop will be produced across it. As a
thermistor is an passive type of a sensor, that is, it requires an excitation signal for its operation, any changes in its resistance
as a result of changes in temperature can be converted into a voltage change.

The simplest way of doing this is to use the thermistor as part of a potential divider
circuit as shown. A constant supply voltage is applied across the resistor and thermistor
series circuit with the output voltage measured from across the thermistor.

If for example we use a 10kΩ thermistor with a series resistor of 10kΩ, then the output
o
voltage at the base temperature of 25 C will be half the supply voltage as
10Ω/(10Ω+10Ω) = 0.5.

When the resistance of the thermistor changes due to changes in temperature, the
fraction of the supply voltage across the thermistor will also change producing an output
voltage which is proportional to the fraction of the total series resistance between the
output terminals.

Thus the potential divider circuit is an example of a simple resistance to voltage converter where the resistance of the
thermistor is controlled by temperature with the output voltage produced being proportional to the temperature. So the hotter
the thermistor gets, the lower the ouput voltage.

If we reversed the positions of the series resistor, RS and the thermistor, RTH, then the output voltage would change in the
opposite direction, that is the hotter the thermistor gets, the higher the output voltage.

We can use NTC thermistors as part of a basic temperature sensing configuration using a
bridge circuit as shown. The relationship between resistors R1 and R2 sets the reference
voltage, VREF to the value required. For example, if both R1 and R2 are of the same
resistive value, the reference voltage will be equal to half of the supply voltage as before.
That is Vs/2.

As the temperature and therefore the resistive value of the thermistor changes, the voltage
at VTH will also change, either higher or lower than that at VREF producing a positive or
negative output signal to the connected amplifier.

The amplifier circuit used for this basic temperature sensing bridge circuit could act as a
differential amplifier for high sensitivity and amplification, or a simple Schmitt-trigger
circuit for ON-OFF switching.

The problem with passing a current through a thermistor in this way, is that thermistors experience what is called a self-
2
heating effect, that is the I *R power loss could be high enough to create more heat than can be dissipated by the thermistor
affecting its resistive value producing false results.

Thus it is possible that if the current through the thermistor is too high it would result in increased power dissipation and as
the temperature increases, its resistance decreases causing more current to flow, which increases the temperature further
resulting in what is known as Thermal Runaway. In other words, we want the thermistor to be hot due to the external
temperature being measured and not by itself heating up.

The value for the series resistor, RS above should be chosen to provide a reasonably wide response over the expected range
of temperatures for which the thermistor is likely to be used while at the same time limiting the current to a safe value at the
highest temperature.

One way of improving on this and having a more accurate conversion of resistance against temperature (R/T) is by driving
the thermistor with a constant current source. The change in resistance can be measured by using a small and measured
direct current, or DC, passed through the thermistor in order to measure the output voltage drop produced.

Thermistor Used For Inrush Current Suppression

We have seen here that thermistors are used as resistive temperature sensitive transducers, but the resistance of a thermistor
can be changed either by external temperature changes or by changes in temperature caused by an electrical current flowing
through them, as after all, they are resistive devices.

Ohm’s Law tells us that when an electrical2 current passes through a resistance R, as a result of the applied voltage, power is
consumed in the form of heat due to the I *R heating effect. Because of the self-heating effect of current in a thermistor, a
thermistor can change its resistance with changes in current.

Inductive electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, ballast lighting, etc, suffer from excessive inrush currents when
they are first turned “ON”. But series connected thermistors can also obe used to effectively limit any high initial currents to a
safe value. NTC thermistors with low values of cold resistance (at 25 C) are generally used for such current regulation.

Inrush Current Limiting Thermistors

Inrush current suppressors and surge limiters are types of series connected thermistor whose resistance drops to a very low
value as it is heated by the load current passing through it. At the initial turn-on, the thermistors cold resistance value (its
base resistance) is fairly high controlling the initial inrush current to the load.

As a result of the load current, the thermistor heats up and reduces its resistance relatively slowly to the point were the
power dissipated across it is sufficient to maintain its low resistance value with most of the applied voltage developed across
the load.

Due to the thermal inertia of its mass, this heating effect takes a few seconds during which the load current increases
gradually rather than instantaneously, so any high inrush current is restricted and the power it draws reduces accordingly.
Because of this thermal action, inrush current suppression thermistors can therefore operate very hot in their low-resistive
state. As such require a cool-down or recovery period once power is removed thus allowing the resistance of the NTC
thermistor to recover sufficiently ready for the next time it is needed.

The speed of response of a current limiting thermistor is given by its time constant. That is, the time taken for its resistance
to change by by 63% (i.e. 1 to 1/ε) of the total change. For example, suppose the ambient temperature changes from 0 to
o o
100 C, then the 63% time constant would be the time taken for the thermistor to have a resistive value at 63 C.

NTC thermistors provide protection from undesirably high inrush currents, while their resistance remains negligibly low
during continuous operation supplying power to the load. The advantage here is that they able to effectively handle much
higher inrush currents than standard fixed current limiting resistors with the same power consumption.

Thermistor Summary
We have seen here in this tutorial about thermistors, that a thermistor is a two terminal resistive transducer which can change
its resistive value with changes in the surrounding ambient temperature, hence the name thermal-resistor, or simply
“thermistor”.

Thermistors are inexpensive, easily-obtainable temperature sensors constructed using semiconductor metal oxides. They are
available with either a negative temperature coefficient, (NTC) of resistance or a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of
resistance. The difference being that NTC thermistors reduce their resistance as the temperature increases, while PTC
thermistors increase their resistance as the temperature increases.

NTC thermistors are the most commonly used (especially the 10KΩ NTC thermistor) and along with an addition series
resistor, RS can be used as part of a simple potential divider circuit. Thus changes to its resistance due to changes in
temperature, produces a temperature-related output voltage.

However, the operating current of the thermistor must be kept as low as possible to reduce any self-heating effects. If their
operating current is too high, they can heat up quicker than they can be dissipate it, creating false results.

Thermistors are characterised by their base resistance as well as their

o
“B” value. The base resistance, for example, 10kΩ, is
the resistance of the thermistor at a given temperature, usually 25 C so is defined as: R25. The B value is a fixed material
constant that describes the shape of the slope of the resistive curve over temperature (R/T).
We have also seen that as well as being used to measure an external temperature, thermistors can also be used to control an
2
electrical current as a result of the I R heating effect caused by the current flowing through it. By connecting an NTC
thermistor in series with a load, it is possible to effectively limit any high inrush currents.

Read more Tutorials inInput/Output Devices

1. Sensors and Transducers

2. Position Sensors
3. Temperature Sensors
4. Light Sensors
5. Electrical Relay
6. Linear Solenoid Actuator
7. DC Motors
8. Sound Transducers
9. Transducers Summary
10. Input Interfacing Circuits
11. Output Interfacing Circuits
12. Thermistors
13. Linear Variable Differential Transformer

68 Comments
Join the conversation
Error! Please fill all fields.
Your Name
Email Address
Write your comment
here

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Submit

Murad

So if I want to trick my AC to think it’s 25c when it’s actually 50c I can use a thermistor with double the range of
existing one?

Posted on August 14th 2023 | 11:29 am

Reply
Sabiha

An exceptional post on “Thermistors”! Clear, informative, and engaging, it expertly covers the working principles,
types, and applications of these electronic components. A valuable resource for anyone seeking knowledge on
thermistors. Kudos to the writer for delivering such a well-crafted and insightful piece! Well done!

Posted on July 31st 2023 | 10:18 am

Reply
Edgar kaunda

Examples of intergrated switches

Posted on June 20th 2023 | 8:28 pm

Reply
Wayne Storr

What is your interpretation of “integrated switches”

Posted on June 21st 2023 | 4:57 am

Reply
Brian

I have a 10k Thermistor in a dryer. As the temp increases the resistance goes down. Would a decrease in temp push the
Thermistor past its 10k rating? My dryer won’t stay on, comes up with a code for the Thermistor
With the outside air coming through the vent into the dryer I wonder if that would cause the dryer to shut off

Posted on March 04th 2023 | 7:12 pm

Reply
Wayne Storr

Basically, yes. As stated in the tutorial. Thermistors are thermally sensitive resistors that change their resistive
value to small changes in temperature with this change in resistance being non-linear. The 10k value is the
o
reference resistance of your thermistor at 25 C only. Since thermistors are able to operate at temperatures
o
between -50 to +150 C, it is possible for your NTC thermistor to have a resistive value of a few ohms at high
temperatures, and a resistive value of over 100k ohms at sub-zero temperatures.

Posted on March 05th 2023 | 8:53 am

Reply
khalid Babar

Goodd explaination.

Posted on February 16th 2023 | 3:54 pm

Reply
Rai Sachindra PRASAD

It is a good description of the basics of thermistor applications. however, I would like to know if thermistor can also
be used to measure the moisture content in grains given the fact that moisture gets reduced with rising temperature
during drying of grains. if possible, what are the circuits for it.

Posted on February 03rd 2023 | 10:33 am

Reply
Sourabh singh bhadouriya

I am b.teach student
And my brach is EEIOT

Posted on November 21st 2022 | 5:12 pm

Reply
sudhir Dhingra

It should be possible to read basic electronics even in off line. Please permitt us to copy the same with diagrams

Posted on August 17th 2022 | 6:11 pm

Reply
sudhir Dhingra
which chapters should be given priority to understand without wasting much time. your lessons are excellent.Please
suggest the how to understnd?

Posted on August 17th 2022 | 6:08 pm

Reply
sudhir Dhingra

Please suggest what should be read sequentially to understand the basic concept.

Posted on August 17th 2022 | 6:05 pm

Reply
Chemos Powel

But I think with a little adjustment the NTC can serve for inrush current protection.

Posted on January 08th 2022 | 7:05 am

Reply
Thompson Olorede

This is a well presented tutorial on thermistors, so easy to understand, thank you so much for the efforts

Posted on January 02nd 2022 | 3:58 pm

Reply
robert stengle

i have a home built alarm circuit i want to use a thermistor , possibly a ntc for the dc horn to open circuit after a short
time possibly 20 minutes or less to control horn after it is set off by alarm

Posted on August 14th 2021 | 7:49 pm

Reply
Joe Bottieri

I am curious about the installation when using a thermistor to measure (sense) room temperature remotely for an air
conditioner thermostat.

If the wiring attached to the thermistor is inside a high temperature cavity, whereby the wiring is heated to within half
an inch from the thermistor, wouldn’t the thermister pick up that heat and give a false room-temperature reading?

I believe that’s what is happening in my RV with the thermistors mounted in the headliner. The thermistor is on the
room side of the headliner, but within half and inch of it, the wiring is sitting in a cavity heated by the roof panel in the
sun.

Thank you for any and all comments.

Joe Bottieri

Posted on June 15th 2021 | 12:54 pm

Reply
Ian Cannell

i am interested in the nameing or thyristors eg: a 10K3A1 is 10K at 25°C? with a characteristic of 3A1 where can you
find out the characteristics/codes?

Posted on February 20th 2021 | 11:44 am

Reply
Charles Cai

In Samsung refrigerator, I found it over cooling in the fridge compartment so that the vegetable in drawer being iced, I
think this is because the ambient thermistor getting older and can not reach high resistance as expected (to say: 13k
ohms at 0 degree C. The second problem is its Defrost thermistor fails resulting evaporator being surrounded with ice
and clog the defrost water drain pipe and water leaks into the crisp area.
My question is does the thermistor characteristic changes with time?
Posted on January 07th 2021 | 8:58 pm
Reply
Serge

>Thermistor Example No1

> A 10kΩ NTC …. Calculate its resistive value at 25oC and again at 100oC.
…
>The value of R1 is already given as 10kΩ base resistance,

You promised to calculate its value, then please try! (Wondering the result)

Posted on December 15th 2020 | 2:50 am

Reply
Michal

For inrush protection You ‘ll need PTC not NTC.

Posted on November 30th 2020 | 4:03 pm

Reply
More
eric mwanzi

I have gained alot

Posted on November 10th 2020 | 3:39 pm

Reply
Universo Alberto Oquendo Carreras

Gracias.Muy explícito y educativo.

Posted on October 26th 2020 | 9:36 am

Reply