Temperature Sensors - PTC Thermistors

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PRF15BC102RB6RC

PRF15BC102RB6RC

TOKO / Murata

THERMISTOR PTC 1K OHM 50% 0402

383

TFPT1206L3301FM

TFPT1206L3301FM

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 3.3K OHM 1% 1206

0

PTCSL03T151DB1E

PTCSL03T151DB1E

Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric

THERMISTOR PTC RADIAL LEAD DISC

0

RL2006-100-100-30-PTE

RL2006-100-100-30-PTE

Thermometrics (Amphenol Advanced Sensors)

THERMISTOR PTC 150 OHM 5% TO220

0

TFPT0603L3300JM

TFPT0603L3300JM

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 330 OHM 5% 0603

0

TFPT0603L2200JV

TFPT0603L2200JV

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 220 OHM 5% 0603

0

TFPT0805L8200FM

TFPT0805L8200FM

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 820 OHM 1% 0805

0

PRF18BE471RB5RB

PRF18BE471RB5RB

TOKO / Murata

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

4000

B59100M1110A070

B59100M1110A070

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM

2660

TFPT0805L1201FM

TFPT0805L1201FM

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 1.2K OHM 1% 0805

0

P5005C090S500H

P5005C090S500H

TE Connectivity Measurement Specialties

THERMISTOR PTC 5 OHM COIN

40

TFPT1206L1001FV

TFPT1206L1001FV

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 1K OHM 1% 1206

0

B59601A0125B062

B59601A0125B062

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

0

PRF18BG471QS5RB

PRF18BG471QS5RB

TOKO / Murata

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

0

B59501A0135A020

B59501A0135A020

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 33 OHM 20% DISC

2232

B59052D1110A40

B59052D1110A40

TDK EPCOS

PTC THERMISTOR D 052-A 110-A 40

798

TFPT0603L2200FM

TFPT0603L2200FM

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 220 OHM 1% 0603

0

B59060A0160A010

B59060A0160A010

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 9 OHM 30% DISC

0

TFPT0805L8200JM

TFPT0805L8200JM

Vishay / Dale

THERMISTOR PTC 820 OHM 5% 0805

0

B59339A1501P020

B59339A1501P020

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 500 OHM 25% RAD

220

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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