Course title: MME-301L Effect of Temperature on Date: 28- 09- 2023

Thermistor Resistance

Submitted By:
Nouman Javed (2021-MM-02)
Zeeshan Ali (2021-MM-06)
Mohammad Waleed (2021-MM-12)

Submitted To:
Sir Amjad Ali

Department of Metallurgical and Material Sciences Engineering Department

Abstract:
This experiment focused on analyzing the temperature resistance characteristics of thermistors and
deriving the thermistor beta equation value. Through controlled temperature variations, the
relationship between resistance and temperature was investigated. The derived beta equation value
provides a valuable tool for precise temperature measurements and control in various applications.

Introduction:
This experiment aimed to investigate the temperature resistance characteristics of thermistors and
derive the thermistor beta equation value by using origin software. Thermistors, semiconductor
devices known for their sensitivity to temperature changes, play a important role in various
applications requiring precise temperature measurements.
The experiment involved subjecting thermistors to a controlled range of temperatures while
measuring their corresponding resistances. The obtained data allowed for the characterization of
the thermistor's behavior with respect to temperature variations.
Through the analysis of the collected data, the thermistor beta equation value, which establishes
the relationship between resistance and temperature, was derived. They exhibit a non-linear
relationship between resistance and temperature. The findings of this experiment play a role to an
understanding of thermistor behavior.

Relationship between thermistor’s resistance and temperature.

NTC Thermistors:
Negative Temperature Coefficient thermistors are semiconductor devices characterized by a
decrease in resistance as temperature rises. At lower temperatures the majority of electrons in the
semiconductor material are situated in the valence band, which represents the lower energy state.
With the increase in temperature thermal energy is introduced into the system. This thermal energy
enables some electrons to gain enough energy to move from the valence band to the conduction
band.
PTC Thermistors:
Positive Temperature Coefficient thermistors exhibit an increase in resistance as temperature rises.
This behavior arises from unique material properties. As temperature increases, the material
reaches a critical point known as the Curie temperature. At this point, there is a distinct change in
the material's conductivity, resulting in a sharp increase. Beyond the Curie temperature, the
resistance of the PTC thermistor increases with further temperature rise.
Types of Thermistors:
I. NTC (Negative temperature coefficient)
II. PTC (Positive temperature coefficient)

NTC
• NTC thermistors exhibit a decrease in resistance as temperature increases. In other words,
their resistance decreases nonlinearly with rising temperature.
• They are commonly used for temperature measurement and control applications, including
in thermostats, temperature sensors, and compensation circuits.
• NTC thermistors are characterized by their high sensitivity at lower temperatures.

PTC
• PTC thermistors, unlike NTC thermistors, have an increase in resistance as temperature
rises. This means their resistance increases nonlinearly with increasing temperature.
• They are often used for applications such as overcurrent protection and self-regulating
heaters.
• PTC thermistors are known for their ability to limit current flow as they heat up, which
makes them useful in preventing overheating in electronic circuits.

Calculating temperature coefficient of thermistor

The temperature coefficient of a thermistor is defined as the relative change in resistance referred
to the change in temperature.

Coefficient of Thermistor Resistance (Beta)

Procedure:
• Two different thermistors were selected.
• The ends of both thermistors were connected to a digital voltmeter and a
thermocouple.
• The thermistors were linked via wires to a power supply.
• The entire system was placed inside a glass beaker, and water was added to a
small extent.
• The beaker was positioned on top of magnetic stirrer.
• The magnetic stirrer was turned on and salt bath was used to stir in order to
homogenous temperature in the water.
• Power was supplied, and values of voltage and temperature were meticulously
recorded from the voltmeter and thermocouple after every 1-degree increment
in temperature.

Applications:
• Thermistors are extensively used for measuring and controlling temperature
in devices like thermostats, ovens, refrigerators, and climate control systems.
• They are used in medical equipment for applications such as body temperature
monitoring, incubators, and blood temperature measurement.
 • Thermistors are employed in automotive applications for measuring engine
coolant temperature, intake air temperature, and for climate control systems.
• They are used in devices like hair dryers, irons, coffee makers, and other
appliances that require temperature control.
• Thermistors play a crucial role in industrial processes where precise
temperature control is necessary, such as in furnaces, chemical reactors, and
semiconductor manufacturing.
• Thermistors are used in battery chargers and monitors to prevent overcharging
and ensure safe charging.
• They are employed to limit the inrush current when electronic devices are
powered on, preventing damage to components.
• Thermistors are used to measure temperature in weather stations and other
environmental monitoring systems.
• In applications like MRI machines, thermistors are used to monitor and
control the temperature of sensitive components.
• They are utilized in test equipment to maintain a stable temperature
environment for accurate testing and measurements.
• Thermistors are used in various aerospace applications, including missile
systems, aircraft instrumentation, and space exploration equipment.
• They find application in industrial ovens, freezers, and food processing
equipment where precise temperature control is crucial.
Results:

Temperature (°C) Temperature (K) Resistance R1(KΩ) Resistance R2 (KΩ)

22.7 295.7 96.4 24.9
23.1 296.1 95.4 24.5
23.4 296.4 93.7 24.0
24.1 297.1 91.6 23.5
24.4 297.4 89.8 23.1
24.9 297.9 87.7 22.6
25.5 298.5 86.0 21.9
26.0 299 83.7 21.3
26.5 299.5 81.8 21.0
27.1 300.1 79.9 20.5
27.5 300.5 78.4 20.1
28.0 301 76.4 19.7
28.5 301.5 75.2 19.2
29 302 73.5 18.8
29.5 302.5 71.8 18.4
30.1 303.1 70.4 18.0
30.5 303.5 69.0 17.6
30.9 303.9 67.4 16.9
31.9 304.9 65.0 16.3
33.0 306 62.4 15.8
33.5 306.5 60.9 15.5
34.0 307 59.8 15
34.6 307.6 57.9 14.8
35.0 308 57.3 14.6
35.5 308.5 56.6 14.2
36.0 309 55.3 13.9
36.6 309.6 54.2 13.5
36.9 309.9 52.9 13.3
37.5 310.5 52.1 13.1
38.0 311 51.2 12.8
38.6 311.6 50.3 12.5
39.1 312.1 48.7 12.3
39.5 312.5 48.0 12.1
40 313 47.3 11.9
40.5 313.5 46.5 11.7
40.8 313.8 45.9 11.6
41 314 45.2 11.3
41.5 314.5 44.4 11.1
42 315 43.3 10.9
42.5 315.5 42.8 10.7
43 316 42.1 10.5
43.5 316.5 41.3 10.3
44 317 40.4 10
44.4 317.4 39.7 9.8
44.8 317.8 38.9 9.6
45.5 318.5 38 9.4
46.1 319.1 37.2 9.2
46.6 319.6 36.7 9.1
47 320 36.2 8.9
47.5 320.5 35.2 8.7
48 321 34.7 8.5
48.5 321.5 34 8.3
49.1 322.1 32.9 8.1
50.1 323.1 32.3 7.8
50.5 323.5 31.5 7.7
51.1 324.1 31.2 7.6
51.6 324.6 30.6 7.4
52.1 325.1 30 7.3
52.4 325.4 29.7 7.2
52.8 325.8 29.3 7.1
53.3 326.3 28.9 6.9
54 327 28.3 6.9
54.4 327.4 28 6.6
54.7 327.7 27.5 6.4
55.5 328.5 26.9 6.3
55.9 328.9 26.5 6.2
56.2 329.2 25.9 6.1
56.8 329.8 25.6 6
57.3 330.3 25.2 5.8
57.9 330.9 24.6 5.7
58.4 331.4 24.3 5.6
58.8 331.8 23.9 5.5
59.3 332.3 23.4 5.4
59.8 332.8 23 5.4
60.3 333.3 22.7 5.3
60.6 333.6 22.4 5.2
61.3 334.3 22.1 5.1
61.7 334.7 21.5 5
62.4 335.4 21.3 4.9
62.7 335.7 20.8 4.8
63.2 336.2 20.4 4.8
63.7 336.7 20.3 4.7
64.3 337.3 19.9 4.5
64.8 337.8 19.5 4.5
65.1 338.1 19.4 4.4
65.6 338.6 19.1 4.3
66 339 18.7 4.2
66.6 339.6 18.4 4.2
67.2 340.2 18.2 4.2
67.7 340.7 17.7 4.1
68.1 341.1 17.4 4
68.5 341.5 17.1 4
69.1 342.1 16.9 3.9
69.7 342.7 16.4 3.9
70 343 16.5 4
Thermistor 1:

Temperature Vs Resistance (R1)

120

100
Resistance (kΩ)

80

60

40

20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Temperature (K)

Resistance
Exponential Fit of Sheet 1 B

100 β= 3784.991361 K

80
Resistance (kΩ)

60

40

20

290 300 310 320 330 340 350

Temperature (K)

Curve Fitting of Temperature vs Resistance Graph

 Thermistor 2:

Temperature vs Resistance (R2)

30

25

20
Resistance(kΩ)

15

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Temperature (K)

Resistance
Exponential Fir for Sheet 2 B
25
β= 4121.802332 K

20
resistance (kΩ)

15

10

0
290 300 310 320 330 340 350
temperature (K)

Curve Fitting of Temperature vs Resistance Graph

Discussion:
With the increase in temperature, the resistance of thermistor decreased. Resistance decreases as
temperature rises is usually due to an increase in conduction electrons bumped up by thermal
agitation from the valence band. After collecting the data, we fitted the curve which was almost
same as our readings. Some deviations were due to the un uniform temperature in the water used
to maintain the thermal uniformity of thermistor. There were also some deviations in readings due
to student errors, in noting the values from thermocouple and multi meter.

Conclusion:
As experiment is performed from overall observations and calculation, we conclude that with more
electrons becoming free to move in the conduction band, there is an increase in the number of
charge carriers. This leads to a higher conductivity and, consequently, a decrease in resistance. And
at t higher temperatures there is an increase in the frequency of collisions between electrons. These
collisions can temporarily free more electrons, further enhancing conductivity.
The value of Beta for Thermistor 1 (β)= 3784.991361 K and
For Thermistor 2 (β)= 4121.802332 K.

Reference:
https://www.tdk-electronics.tdk.com/
https://www.digikey.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermistor