Thermistor Applications & Selection Guide
NTC and PTC chip thermistors are not interchangeable. Start from the circuit function, then fix temperature range, resistance, tolerance and package.
NTC vs PTC at a glance
| Chip NTC | Chip PTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviour | Resistance falls as temperature rises | Nearly constant up to the Curie point, then rises sharply |
| Function | Temperature measurement and compensation | Over-temperature detection at a set threshold |
| Range | R25 2.2 kΩ–560 kΩ, B25/50 3380–4500 K | R25 470 Ω, Curie point 50–130 °C |
| Key selection data | R25, B25/50, tolerances | Curie point, sensing threshold (4.7 kΩ / 47 kΩ), 32 V DC max. |
| Packages | 0201, 0402, 0603, 0805, 1206 (automotive-grade 0603 available) | 0603 |
| Operating range | −40 to +125 °C | −20 to +90…+160 °C by model |
↔ Swipe to see the full table
NTC applications
Batteries & chargers
Monitoring cell and charger temperature in handsets, power banks and electric vehicles.
LCD compensation
Correcting LCD drive voltage as panel temperature changes.
Microprocessors
Reading board and processor temperature for fan and throttling control.
IC & semiconductor protection
Detecting overheating of ICs and power semiconductors before damage occurs.
Lighting
Thermal derating of LED drivers and lamps.
Converters & HICs
Over-temperature sensing in DC/AC converters and hybrid ICs, plus general compensation circuits.
Solar, EV and energy storage
Chip NTC thermistors are commonly designed into temperature monitoring of inverters, DC–DC converters, battery-management systems and chargers. Suitability depends on the selected part’s ratings and your design and qualification requirements.
Solar inverters
NTC temperature sensing and compensation in inverter and power-conversion circuits.
EV battery, BMS & charging
NTC temperature measurement in BMS, on-board chargers and DC–DC converters.
Energy storage (ESS)
NTC temperature monitoring in BMS, PCS / inverter and control boards.
NTC selection checklist
- Package — 0201, 0402, 0603, 0805 or 1206 to fit your layout and power needs (rated power by size; see product specifications).
- R25 — 2.2 kΩ to 560 kΩ, matched to your divider and ADC range.
- B25/50 — 3350 to 4600 K; state the interval (B25/50 is not B25/85).
- Tolerances — R25 F/H/J/K (±1/3/5/10%) and B F/G/H (±1/2/3%).
- Self-heating — keep measuring current well below the permissible current in the model table.
PTC selection checklist
- Curie point — 50 to 130 °C in 10 °C steps.
- Sensing threshold — detection at 4.7 kΩ (Curie +15 ± 5 °C) or 47 kΩ (Curie +30 ± 7 °C).
- Voltage — maximum 32 V DC.
- Operating range — model-dependent, from −20 to +90 °C up to −20 to +160 °C.
- Mounting — ensure good thermal coupling and heat dissipation.
Not sure which part fits?
Send your circuit requirement and we will propose matching Chip NTC or Chip PTC models.