DiscThermistors

Disc thermistors are a type of thermistor characterized by their disc-shaped construction. A thermistor is a resistor whose resistance is highly dependent on temperature. Disc thermistors are typically made from semiconductor materials, commonly metal oxides such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, and iron, which are mixed and then sintered at high temperatures. The resulting ceramic material possesses a specific temperature-dependent electrical resistance characteristic.

There are two primary types of disc thermistors: Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) and Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC). In NTC disc thermistors, the resistance decreases as the temperature increases. This is the more common type and is widely used for temperature sensing and measurement. In contrast, PTC disc thermistors exhibit an increase in resistance as the temperature rises, with a particularly sharp increase occurring at a specific Curie temperature. These are often used for overcurrent protection and self-regulating heating applications.

The manufacturing process for disc thermistors involves pressing the powdered ceramic material into a disc shape and then firing it in a kiln. Electrodes are then applied to the surfaces to allow for electrical connection. Their compact size, relatively low cost, and wide operating temperature range make them suitable for a variety of electronic applications, including temperature monitoring in appliances, automotive systems, and industrial equipment.