thermistors

• Thermistor


  A type of resistor whose resistance decreases as temperature increases
• As temperature increases


  Resistance of a thermistor decreases
• Thermistor


  • Resistance is high at low temperatures
  • Resistance is low at high temperatures
• Applications of thermistors


  • Thermostats
  • Computers (to control fan speed based on temperature)
• How a thermistor works in a computer circuit

  1. At low temperatures, thermistor resistance is high so less current flows through it, and more voltage is available to the fan, making it run at low speed

  2. At high temperatures, thermistor resistance is low so more current flows through it, and less voltage is available to the fan, making it run at high speed to cool the computer
• Other applications of thermistors

  • Incubators for premature babies (to detect and maintain temperature)