Description
NTCs are sensors that are manufactured using semiconductors made from doped metal oxides. In the field of semiconductors, this means that small percentages of external atoms are added in order to change the electronic properties of the material.
In contrast to PTCs, with NTC thermistors the resistance decreases with increasing temperature.
The way in which the resistance of a thermistor decreases is related to a constant, known in the thermistor industry as beta (β). Beta is measured in degrees Kelvin and indicates the temperature range over which the tolerance is valid. Normally this range is from 25°C to 85°C and the resistance value that the sensor will have in relation to the two different temperatures will help determine the final beta value.
Another value that is crucial for identifying the curve of an NTC is the 'nominal resistance'. This is the resistance (expressed in ohms Ω, almost always in our case in KΩ) at T0, which is normally 25°C.
To learn more, click on the links in our articles:
NTC THERMISTORS
TEMPERATURE SENSORS
WHAT IF THE TANK IS HALF EMPTY?
MOCHAS AND THE EC REGULATION 1935/2004
