Temperature Sensors - PTC Thermistors

PTC thermistors are a type of temperature sensor which use a positive temperature coefficient to detect and measure temperatures. They are specifically useful when high accuracy is paramount and when temperatures may vary significantly from ambient. With the KTY81/220,112 temperature sensor, a thermistor is being used in order to detect temperature through resistance.

Application Field

The KTY81/220,112 temperature sensor is used across many applications, the most common of which are household appliances and automotive systems. From washing machines to air conditioning units and from vehicle engines to environmentally monitored systems, the KTY81/220,112 is an effective and reliable sensor when high accuracy and stability is important.

Working Principle

In the KTY81/220,112 temperature sensor, the PTC thermistor works by varying its resistance as temperature changes. It is a two terminal resistance element, measuring the current passing between two points, and depending on the temperature it will either increase or decrease in resistance. When the temperature changes, the resistance changes and this information is then passed to the control unit.

At room temperature, the resistance of the thermistor in the KTY81/220,112 is approximately 2.2 kilo-ohms. When temperatures drop below this, the resistance increases, while when the temperature rises above this, it decreases. A common example of this is heating up a soldering iron, where the thermistor’s resistance will decrease as it gets hotter, and increase as it cools down.

The KTY81/220,112 temperature sensor takes this information and converts it into a digital signal which can be read by electronic systems. The resistance signal is converted to digital values, from a 0V-5V range, with 1V representing a specific temperature. This allows systems to sense the temperatures of their environment and make decisions accordingly. The sensor is accurate to within 0.1° C at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 150°C, making it ideal for environmental monitoring.

Conclusion

The KTY81/220,112 temperature sensor is a reliable and accurate device, among the most well-known of its kind. Its operational range from -40°C to 150°C makes it ideal for many applications such as household appliances and automotive systems. Furthermore, its two terminal resistance element and 0.1°C accuracy make it the preferred temperature sensor when precision is paramount. In conclusion, the KTY81/220,112 temperature sensor is a robust device, offering reliable and accurate temperature measurements.