Temperature Sensors - PTC Thermistors

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
B59721A0090A062

B59721A0090A062

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 680 OHM 50% 0805

717

LT7339002A680RJTG

LT7339002A680RJTG

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

THERMISTOR PTC 680 OHM 5% 0805

0

PTFM04BD471Q2N34BS

PTFM04BD471Q2N34BS

TOKO / Murata

THERMISTOR PTC 16V 470 OHM 100C

0

B59100M1130A070

B59100M1130A070

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM

486

TFPT0805L1201FV

TFPT0805L1201FV

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 1.2K OHM 1% 0805

0

B59053A0220A010

B59053A0220A010

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 6K OHM 35% DISC

0

TFPT1206L8200JV

TFPT1206L8200JV

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 820 OHM 5% 1206

0

TFPT0805L1001DV

TFPT0805L1001DV

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 1K OHM 0.5% 0805

0

PTFL04BG222Q2N34B0

PTFL04BG222Q2N34B0

TOKO / Murata

THERMISTOR PTC 2.2K OHM DISC

0

TFPT0805L2701FV

TFPT0805L2701FV

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 2.7K OHM 1% 0805

0

PTCSL03T081DT1E

PTCSL03T081DT1E

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

THERMISTOR PTC RADIAL LEAD DISC

923

TFPT1206L6201JV

TFPT1206L6201JV

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 6.2K OHM 5% 1206

0

PRF18BB471QS5RB

PRF18BB471QS5RB

TOKO / Murata

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

0

TFPTL15L2201JL2B

TFPTL15L2201JL2B

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 2.2K OHM 5% RAD

0

LT7339002A1K5JTE

LT7339002A1K5JTE

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

THERMISTOR PTC 1K OHM 5% 0805

0

PTFL04BF222Q2N34B0

PTFL04BF222Q2N34B0

TOKO / Murata

THERMISTOR PTC 2.2K OHM DISC

0

TFPT0805L1501FM

TFPT0805L1501FM

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 1.5K OHM 1% 0805

0

PRF18BE471RS5RB

PRF18BE471RS5RB

TOKO / Murata

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

0

B59841C0135A070

B59841C0135A070

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 6 OHM 25% DISC

1992

TFPT0603L1500JV

TFPT0603L1500JV

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 150 OHM 5% 0603

0

Temperature Sensors - PTC Thermistors

1. Overview

Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermistors are resistors with a positive temperature coefficient, meaning their resistance increases significantly with temperature rise. Unlike NTC thermistors, PTC devices exhibit a sharp resistance transition at a critical temperature (Curie point). They are widely used in overtemperature protection, self-regulating heating elements, and temperature sensing applications. Their inherent safety features and reliability make them critical components in modern electronics, automotive systems, and industrial equipment.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
Ceramic PTC ThermistorsHigh Curie temperature, abrupt resistance change, durableOverheat protection in motors, heaters, and power supplies
Polymer PTC ThermistorsLower switching temperature, resettable fuse functionalityUSB port protection, battery management systems
Switching PTCDigital on/off behavior at threshold temperatureThermal cutoff for appliances, HVAC systems
Linear PTCProportional resistance-temperature responsePrecision temperature measurement in industrial controllers

3. Structure and Composition

PTC thermistors typically consist of polycrystalline ceramic semiconductor materials (e.g., BaTiO3 doped with rare earth elements) with embedded silver or platinum electrodes. The core structure includes: - Semiconductor ceramic body with tailored Curie temperature - Metal electrodes for electrical connection - Protective epoxy or glass coating - Lead wires (axial/radial) or SMD terminations The PTC effect arises from the material's phase transition at Curie temperature, causing resistance spikes due to crystal lattice changes.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
R25 (Resistance at 25 C)Baseline resistance valueDetermines circuit compatibility
Tswitch (Switching Temperature)Critical temperature for resistance jumpApplication-specific threshold setting
Rmin/Rmax RatioResistance range spanIndicates sensitivity and switching capability
Dissipation Factor (mW/ C)Power dissipation per temperature unitAffects thermal response speed
Response Time (ms)Time to reach 90% resistance changeCritical for real-time protection systems

5. Application Fields

Major application sectors include: - Consumer Electronics: Smartphones (battery protection), 3D printers (hotend monitoring) - Automotive: EV battery thermal management, seat heater control - Industrial: Motor overload protection, pipeline freeze detection - Renewable Energy: Solar charge controllers, wind turbine gear monitoring - Medical: Patient warming systems, diagnostic equipment thermal regulation

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerKey ProductsFeatures
Vishay BeyschlagK2500-FinderAutomotive-grade PTC with 50-150 C range
TE ConnectivityPS224-202UL-certified resettable fuse for power supplies
Murata ElectronicsPXU11S150R0Miniature SMD PTC for IoT devices
EPCOS (TDK)B59904C0150A070High-current PTC for industrial motor protection

7. Selection Guidelines

Key selection criteria: - Required switching temperature vs operating temperature range - Resistance tolerance and stability over lifespan - Package type (through-hole, SMD, bolt-on) - Voltage/current ratings with safety margin - Compliance with standards (UL, RoHS, AEC-Q200 for automotive) - Environmental resistance (humidity, vibration, chemical exposure)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include: - Development of nano-ceramic materials for faster response times (<10ms) - Integration with MEMS technology for IoT sensor nodes - Higher temperature stability beyond 200 C for e-mobility applications - Miniaturization to 0402 SMD package sizes - AI-based predictive thermal management systems using PTC arrays - Increased adoption in hydrogen fuel cell thermal monitoring systems

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