KTY82/120,215

PTC Thermistors, which stands for positive temperature coefficient thermistors, are temperature-sensitive semiconductor materials with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance.The PTC thermistor is a type of temperature sensor composed of a sintered mixture of metal oxides. They are components designed for the purpose of detecting, monitoring and controlling temperatures in both active and passive modes. The KTY82/120,215 is a popular tactile PTC thermistor in a TO-220 housing used widely in many applications.

Applications

The KTY82/120,215 is an extremely versatile component and is used in a variety of applications where temperature control, monitoring or sensing is required. It\'s is widely used in heating system controls, including air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, burners, and ovens. It can also be used in motor controls such as electric motors or hydraulic valves, as well as in electronic systems such as computers or printers. Other applications include temperature detection for AC or DC controllers, motor control in transformers, emergency systems, and memory back-up applications.

Working Principle

The KTY82/120,215 utilizes the concept of self-heating to regulate temperature. It functions by measuring the temperature of the surrounding environment and generating a self-heating current against it. The resulting temperature gradient is then converted into a voltage signal which can be amplified and processed. The PTC thermistor’s resistance increases as the temperature increases, a characteristic known as a positive temperature coefficient (PTC). This enables the unit to act as a two-level temperature switch, allowing it to be used as a simple on/off controller.

In addition to controlling temperatures, PTC thermistors are often used in precision sensing applications. This is accomplished by connecting the PTC thermistor to a low-noise amplifier stage, which in turn outputs a voltage signal proportional to the sensed temperature. This amplified signal is then used to feed into a temperature controller to regulate temperatures within a system.

Conclusion

The KTY82/120,215 is a versatile PTC thermistor used in many different applications ranging from heating/cooling system controls to motor control in transformers. Its self-heating method allows it to function as a two-level temperature switch, and when connected to a low-noise amplifier stage, it can be used in precision sensing applications. It is a reliable and relatively inexpensive component, making it a great choice for temperature sensing and control applications.