termistorns

A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance is strongly dependent on temperature, more so than in standard resistors. The word "thermistor" is a portmanteau of "thermal" and "resistor". Thermistors are widely used as temperature sensors. They are also used as resistive heating elements in some applications. The relationship between the resistance of a thermistor and its temperature is non-linear. There are two types of thermistors: Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistors, where resistance decreases with increasing temperature, and Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermistors, where resistance increases with increasing temperature. NTC thermistors are more common.

Thermistors are made from semiconductor materials, typically metal oxides. Their resistance can change by a large amount with a small change in temperature. This sensitivity makes them useful for precise temperature measurements. They are commonly found in appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and thermostats, as well as in medical devices, automotive systems, and electronic circuits for temperature monitoring and compensation. The operating range and accuracy of a thermistor depend on its specific material composition and construction.