A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance is dependent on temperature, more so than

in standard resistors. The word is a portmanteau of thermal and resistor. Thermistors are widely
used as inrush current limiter, temperature sensors (Negative Temperature Coefficient or NTC
type typically), self-resetting overcurrent protectors, and self-regulating heating elements.
(Positive Temperature Coefficient or PTC type typically).
Thermistors are of two opposite fundamental types:
With NTC, resistance Decreases as temperature rises to protect against inrush overvoltage
conditions. Commonly installed series in a circuit.
With PTC, resistance Increases as temperature rises to protect against overcurrent conditions.
Commonly installed series in a circuit.
Thermistors differ from resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in that the material used in a
thermistor is generally a ceramic or polymer, while RTDs use pure metals. The temperature
response is also different; RTDs are useful over larger temperature ranges, while thermistors
typically achieve a greater precision within a limited temperature range, typically 90 C to 130
C.[1]
A thermistor is an element with an electrical resistance that changes in response to
temperature. This name is derived from the more descriptive term thermally sensitive
resistor, the original name for these devices. Thermistors were first discovered by Michael
Faraday in 1833, although commercially useful thermistors werent manufactured until 1930.
Theyre now widely used in a variety of electronic applications, most often as temperature
sensors. Additional uses of thermistors include current limiters, current protectors and heating
elements.
Thermistors are a type of semiconductor, meaning they have greater resistance than conducting
materials, but lower resistance than insulating materials. The relationship between a
thermistors temperature and its resistance is highly dependent upon the materials from which
its composed. The manufacturer typically determines this property with a high degree of
accuracy, as this is the primary characteristic of interest to thermistor buyers.
A thermistor's change in electrical resistance due to a corresponding temperature change is
evident whether the thermistor's body temperature is changed as a result of conduction or
radiation from the surrounding environment or due to "self heating" brought about by power
dissipation within the device.
When a thermistor is used in a circuit where the power dissipated within the device is not
sufficient to cause "self heating", the thermistor's body temperature will follow that of the
environment. Thermistors are not "self heated" for use in applications such as temperature
measurement, temperature control or temperature compensation.
When a thermistor is used in a circuit where the power dissipated within the device is sufficient
to cause "self heating", the thermistor's body temperature will be dependent upon the thermal
conductivity of its environment as well as its temperature. Thermistors are "self heated" for use
in application such as liquid level detection, air flow detection and thermal conductivity
measurement.