NTC Thermistors and Their Applications

NTC thermistors are commonly used temperature sensors found in many consumer electronics. They are a type of temperature-sensitive semiconductor resistor, whose resistance decreases as temperature increases.

NTC thermistors are typically made from metal oxide materials such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper, which are manufactured using ceramic processing. These metal oxides have semiconductor properties, similar to germanium and silicon. At low temperatures, the number of charge carriers (electrons and holes) in these materials is low, resulting in higher resistance. As temperature increases, the number of charge carriers rises, and thus the resistance decreases.

NTC thermistors can be classified into the following types based on their intended use:

 

• Power NTC thermistors
• Compensation NTC thermistors
• Measurement NTC thermistors

There are also PTC thermistors, but they will not be discussed here.

Below are some common application scenarios of NTC thermistors.

Temperature Measurement and Control

NTC thermistors are widely used in temperature measurement and control systems. By measuring the change in resistance, they can accurately reflect the temperature of the environment or device. This property makes them ideal for devices like thermometers, thermostat controllers, and temperature alarms. In household appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and electric kettles, NTC thermistors are used for temperature control and protection to ensure the devices operate within safe temperature ranges.

Automotive Electronics

NTC thermistors have broad applications in automotive electronics. They can measure engine temperature, coolant temperature, and other parameters, aiding in fault diagnosis and protection of the vehicle. Additionally, they are used in automotive air conditioning systems, where they monitor the temperature inside the vehicle to automatically adjust the air conditioning settings and fan speed, ensuring a comfortable driving environment.

 

Power Electronics Devices

NTC thermistors are also widely used in power electronic devices such as power adapters, UPS systems, and battery management systems. They monitor internal temperatures and protect electronic components from overheating. Particularly in battery packs, NTC thermistors are used to measure battery temperature, preventing overheating or damage due to extreme temperatures.

Medical Equipment

NTC thermistors find numerous applications in medical devices. For instance, they are used in thermometers, blood glucose meters, blood pressure monitors, and other medical equipment to measure body temperature and other physiological parameters, helping healthcare professionals monitor patients' health.

Industrial and Automation

In the industrial field, NTC thermistors are used for temperature control, protection, and monitoring in automation systems. They help ensure stable operations and protect equipment from heat damage. In high-precision applications like precision machining and semiconductor manufacturing, NTC thermistors play a vital role in maintaining the necessary temperature conditions.

Environmental Monitoring and Agriculture

NTC thermistors can also be used in environmental monitoring and agriculture. For example, in greenhouse environments, NTC thermistors can monitor and control temperature and humidity levels to provide optimal growing conditions for plants. In meteorological stations, they are used to measure atmospheric temperature and humidity, providing data for weather forecasting.

Wearable Devices and Smart Devices

As technology continues to evolve, wearable devices and smart devices are becoming more prevalent. NTC thermistors have wide applications in these devices. For example, in smart wristbands, smartwatches, and other wearable devices, NTC thermistors are used to measure body temperature, heart rate, and other physiological parameters. In smartphones, they are used to monitor battery temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance.

 

Other Applications

In addition to the above main application areas, NTC thermistors are also used in:

• Induction heating control for cooktops (e.g., induction stoves): NTC thermistors help control heating temperature during cooking.
• Knock sensors in engines: NTC thermistors detect temperature changes in the engine and trigger circuits to reduce knocking or misfires.
• Temperature compensation circuits: NTC thermistors can counteract errors caused by temperature variations, improving the accuracy and stability of circuits.

NTC thermistors are simple, fast-responding, and cost-effective components that are indispensable in various industries, from consumer electronics to medical devices, automotive electronics, and industrial automation.

 

UF Capacitors is an ISO9001-certified manufacturer in China, founded in 1995. We hold military qualifications for tantalum capacitors, MLCC, Electrolytic capacitor, film capacitor, MOV and NTC and other products. Additionally, we have a UL-recognized test laboratory located at our factory site.

 

Our marketing position is to provide a superior alternative to first-tier brands such as TDK, Murata, AVX, EPCOS, Vishay, and Panasonic. We offer similar quality but at better prices, with faster lead times and excellent service. With extensive experience working with renowned international companies like GE, Philips, Jabil, and Flex, we have built a strong reputation.

UF Capacitors serves the consumer electronics, computing, communications, and industrial markets. As a professional Chinese electronic components manufacturer, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality electronic components, exceptional management, strict quality control systems, and excellent sales service. We strive to foster mutually beneficial partnerships and drive business growth.

 

UF Capacitors NTC Cross Reference

Photo	Description	UF Capacitors Series Code	TDK/EPCOS	Thinking-TVR
	MF72 Power NTC Thermistor	NTC Series	B57 Series B57153S Series	SCK*** Series

 

Check our MF72 NTC datasheet :

MF72 NTC Datasheet

More components please visit our website: www.ufcapacitors.com

Email: carey@ufcapacitors.com

 

China Professional NTC Thermistor manufacturer and suppliers – UF Capacitors

 

A Power Thermistor, also called Power NTC or inrush current limiter, is an electronical component which suppresses inrush currents of electric circuits. Switching power supplies, AC motors, and lighting ballasts can induce an inrush current of more than 100 times the nominal current when the circuit is switched on. The Power Thermistor heats up when an inrush current passes through it. The heat up causes a dramatic decrease in resistance and protects electric equipment from being damaged.

 

In the market, there are two types of NTC thermistors, one is temperature sensor, another one is Circuit Protection Power Thermistor. NTC Power Thermistor is a Inrush current limiter or Surge Current Limiter.

 

What is the advantage between a fixed resistor and NTC thermistor?

A fixed resistance or an NTC thermistor can be used to limit inrush currents. So which one is better?

 

NTC thermistors are temperature-dependent resistors that employ special semiconductor ceramics with a negative temperature coefficient (NTC). They have a high resistance at room temperature, and when they are energized, they generate heat by themselves and the resistance falls as their temperature rises. With this property, they are used as current protection devices for electrical and electronic devices which easily and effectively limit abnormal currents including an inrush current at the time of powering on. NTC thermistors used as current protection devices are also called power thermistors.

 

However, a fixed resistor always causes a power loss and a decrease in performance. An NTC thermistor limits an inrush current with its high initial resistance, and then its temperature rises because of energization and its resistance falls to a few percent of its level at room temperature, thus achieving a power loss that is lower than when a fixed resistor is used. In other words, the effect of limiting inrush currents obtained by using an NTC thermistor is greater than that obtained by using a fixed resistor with comparable initial power losses.

 

Application for NTC thermistors for inrush current limiting.

Power NTC Thermistors can be used in a switch-mode power supply (SMPS), AC-DC power. module, DC-DC converter, industrial inverter.

Adaptors, LED driver circuit, Communication, Peak surge current limiter, Transformer.

AC or DC power supply, Motors, Projector, Halogen Lamp, Enduring high current / power rating.

Power NTC Thermistors for rice cooker: MF72 NTC thermistor in sensors 3K 5K 10K 50K 100K 230K 500K ohm for rice cooker.

 

What features of NTC thermistors?

NTC disk diameters: D5, D7, D9 D11 D13D D15 D20.

Radial silicone type (green color epoxy), and Phenolic Resin (black) both type.
Resistance value: from 2.5 ohms ~ 400ohms.

Max. steady state current at R25: from 0.3Amp ~ 4Amp.

Max. Capacitance 240Vac: from 40㎌ ~ 160㎌.

Operating temperature: -40 ~ +200℃.

Leads meeting automation and high strength.

 

What is the difference between Radial silicone type NTC thermistor and Phenolic Resin (black) ?

Silicone epoxy coating have a high temperature reliability.

Phenolic resin is more economical model for consumer market

To choose which type, it will be decided by customers’ budget.

 

If you need to buy MF72 Series of Power NTC Thermistor, please do send inquiry to info@topdiode.com  

 

What is the operating temperature for Power NTC Thermistor?

 

Size	Operating Temperature
φ5mm	-40℃ ~ 155℃
φ7mm/φ9mm/φ11mm	-40℃ ~ 175℃
φ13mm/φ15mm/φ20mm	-40℃ ~ 200℃

 

 

ROHS ,REACH Compliance.
 

Most Common power NTC Thermistors offered by UF Capacitors:

MF72 5D-9    Cross to B57236S0509M0 / ICL 5 OHM 20% 4.5A 11.5MM

MF72 10D-9   Cross to ICL101D11MIB / ICL NTC 10 OHM 2800 BETA B1 11MM

MF72 15D-9   Cross to ICL151D11MIB / ICL NTC 15 OHM 2850 BETA B1 11MM

MF72 12D-11  Cross to ICL121D13MIC / ICL NTC 12 OHM 2850 BETA B1 13MM

MF72 5D-11   Cross to B57211P0509M30 / 1 ICL 5 OHM 20% 5A 13MM

MF72 5D-20   Cross to ICL500D20MIC / ICL NTC 5 OHM 3000 BETA B1 20MM

MF72 7D-13   Cross to B57234S0709M000 / THERMISTOR NTC 7OHM 3000K

MF72 10D-7   Cross to B57153S0100M0 / THERMISTOR 10 OHM 20% 2A 8.5MM

MF72 10D-11  Cross to B57211P0100M301/ ICL 10 OHM 20% 4A 13MM

MF72 10D-13  Cross to B57234S0100M000 / THERMISTOR NTC 10OHM 3060K

MF72 20D-7   Cross to B57153S0200M051 / THERMISTOR NTC 20OHM DISC

MF72 20D-11  Cross to B57211P0200M301 / ICL 20 OHM 20% 3A 13MM

MF72 22D-13  Cross to B57234S0220M000 / THERMISTOR NTC 22OHM

MF72 20D-15  Cross to ICL201D15MIC / ICL NTC 20 OHM 3150 BETA B1 15MM

MF72 15D-15  Cross to ICL151D15MIC / ICL NTC 15 OHM 3100 BETA B1 15MM

MF72 15D-20  Cross to ICL151D20MIC / ICL NTC 15 OHM 3200 BETA B1 20MM

MF72 20D-20  Cross to ICL201D20MIC / ICL NTC 20 OHM 3300 BETA B1 20MM