Termistokanta

Termistokanta, also known as thermistor, is a type of resistor whose resistance varies significantly with temperature. This property makes thermistors useful in various applications, including temperature measurement, temperature compensation, and self-resetting overcurrent protection.

Thermistors are typically made from semiconducting oxides, such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, or copper oxides. They can be classified into two main types based on their resistance-temperature characteristics: negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors.

NTC thermistors have a resistance that decreases as temperature increases. This type is commonly used in temperature sensors, thermostats, and self-regulating heating elements. PTC thermistors, on the other hand, have a resistance that increases with temperature. They are often used in inrush current limiters, self-resetting overcurrent protectors, and temperature-compensated circuits.

The resistance of a thermistor can be described by the Steinhart-Hart equation, which relates the resistance to the temperature. This equation is typically derived from experimental data and is specific to the particular thermistor being used.

Thermistors are known for their high sensitivity to temperature changes, making them suitable for precise temperature measurement and control. However, they also have some limitations, such as a relatively narrow temperature range and potential drift in resistance over time. Despite these limitations, thermistors remain a popular choice in many temperature-sensitive applications due to their simplicity, low cost, and reliability.