What is NTC sensor?
John Thompson
Updated on January 08, 2026
An NTC thermistor is a temperature sensor that uses the resistance properties of ceramic/metal composites to measure the temperature. Our full spectrum NTC sensors offer many advantages in temperature sensing including miniature size, excellent long-term stability, high accuracy and precision.
What is the difference between PTC and NTC sensor?
There are two separate types of thermistors available on the market today: NTC and PTC. PTC stands for positive temperature coefficient and NTC is negative temperature coefficient. An NTC's resistance will decrease with temperature; where as, the resistance from PTCs will increase.What is NTC sensor in cars?
(NTC) Negative Temperature Coefficient sensors resist the flow of current/voltage when they're cold and allow it to flow more freely when heated. The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor in the illustration is an example of an NTC sensor.What does NTC mean in electronics?
As defined by IEC 60539, NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistors are thermally sen- sitive semiconductor resistors which show a decrease in resistance as temperature increases.What is NTC and RTD?
Whereas in RTDs there is a positive correlation between resistance and temperature (as temperature increases, resistance increases as well), in negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors, the inverse relationship holds (resistance decreases as temperature increases).Thermistors - NTC & PTC - Thermal Resistors - Temperature Sensors & Resettable Fuses
How does NTC sensor work?
NTC Sensors are a semiconductor ceramic made with various metal oxides. Their electrical resistance decreases with increasing temperature. This resistance is processed by an electronic circuit to provide temperature measurement.What is NTC temperature sensor?
An NTC thermistor is a temperature sensor that uses the resistance properties of ceramic/metal composites to measure the temperature. Our full spectrum NTC sensors offer many advantages in temperature sensing including miniature size, excellent long-term stability, high accuracy and precision.What is NTC used for?
NTC stands for "Negative Temperature Coefficient". NTC thermistors are resistors with a negative temperature coefficient, which means that the resistance decreases with increasing temperature. They are primarily used as resistive temperature sensors and current-limiting devices.What is NTC in circuit board?
Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) ThermistorsAn NTC Thermistor is a resistor in which the resistance drops as the temperature increases. This allows typical methods of measuring resistance in a circuit to calculate the temperature of the resistor.
How does PTC and NTC work?
An NTC is commonly used as a temperature sensor, or in series with a circuit as an inrush current limiter. With PTC thermistors, resistance increases as temperature rises; usually due to increased thermal lattice agitations particularly those of impurities and imperfections.Why NTC are preferred over PTC?
Both negative temperature coefficient (NTC) and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors' values change as a result of temperature but impact their use differently. For NTC thermistors, as temperature increases, the resistance drops from high to low and allows current to pass through.How is NTC calculated?
The actual resistance values of a particular NTC thermistor are obtained by multiplying the ratio RT/R25 (tabulated value) by the resistance value at 25 °C (specified in the data sheets).Where are NTC thermistors used in cars?
The car industryYou will now find them as components in fuelling systems, safety, engine monitoring and cooling. This has been especially key with changes to emissions regulations in modern cars.