Temperature Sensors - PTC Thermistors

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
B59830C0160A070

B59830C0160A070

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 3.7 OHM 25% DISC

210

B59102R0070A010

B59102R0070A010

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 700 OHM 50% RECT

80

B59601A0095A062

B59601A0095A062

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

9681

B59010D1135B040

B59010D1135B040

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 150 OHM 30% CYLIN

3642

B59650T1120A062

B59650T1120A062

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 50 OHM 15%

0

B59041R0220A010

B59041R0220A010

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 6.4 OHM 50% RECT

994

B59300M1110A070

B59300M1110A070

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 300 OHM RADIAL

198

B59421A0125A062

B59421A0125A062

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0402

21438

B59406B0060A040

B59406B0060A040

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 5.5K OHM 28% RAD

885

B59641A0105A062

B59641A0105A062

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

35388

B59100C0130A070

B59100C0130A070

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 100 OHM RADIAL

3859

B59604A90A62

B59604A90A62

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 470 OHM 50% 0603

0

B59721A0110A062

B59721A0110A062

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 680 OHM 50% 0805

6552

B59300M1160A070

B59300M1160A070

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 300 OHM RADIAL

175

B59102R0050A010

B59102R0050A010

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 700 OHM 50% RECT

0

B59811C0135A070

B59811C0135A070

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 2.6 OHM 25% DISC

896

B59053A0180A010

B59053A0180A010

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 4.2K OHM 35% COIN

0

B59053A0130A010

B59053A0130A010

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 4.2K OHM 35% DISC

0

B59339A1202P020

B59339A1202P020

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 2K OHM 25% DISC

980

B59772C0120A070

B59772C0120A070

TDK EPCOS

THERMISTOR PTC 150 OHM 25% DISC

690

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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