Temperature Sensors - PTC Thermistors

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
B59098C1100B051

B59098C1100B051

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 6 OHM 17% DISC

0

B59901D140A40

B59901D140A40

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59100C70A70

B59100C70A70

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59550T1120A262

B59550T1120A262

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 50 OHM 15% 4SMD

0

B59100C150A70

B59100C150A70

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59556A0135A020

B59556A0135A020

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 15 OHM 20% DISC

0

B59100C145A70

B59100C145A70

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59100C90A54

B59100C90A54

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59604A85A62

B59604A85A62

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

0

B59901D130A40

B59901D130A40

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59083G1120A161

B59083G1120A161

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 16 OHM 20% SMD

0

B59601A75B62

B59601A75B62

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

0

B59901D0070A040

B59901D0070A040

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59107J0130A020

B59107J0130A020

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 56 OHM RADIAL

0

B59100C90A51

B59100C90A51

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59100C110A51

B59100C110A51

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59901D0090A040

B59901D0090A040

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59901D0110A040

B59901D0110A040

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

0

B59105J0130A020

B59105J0130A020

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 22 OHM RADIAL

0

B59100C60A70

B59100C60A70

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

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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