SMD NTC Thermistors Enable Precise Temperature Measurement

TDK Corporation had added two new series of narrow-tolerance EPCOS NTC thermistors in EIA 0402 and 0603 SMD case sizes. The components feature a rated resistance of 10 kΩ in tolerance classes ±1%, ±3% and ±5%. These narrow tolerances were made possible as the result of a new production technology and a rugged glass passivation, which also ensures high reliability and degradation stability. The slope of the characteristic curve (B value: 3455 K) has a narrow tolerance of ±1% across the board. As a result of their short response time, the new NTC thermistors enable fast and precise temperature measurement across a wide range.

The new SMD NTC thermistors are offered in two series: the automotive series, which is qualified to AEC-Q200 and is suitable for applications up to +150 °C, and the standard series for applications up to +125 °C. The new NTC thermistors are used in automotive electronics, such as in electronic control units and air-conditioning systems, as well as for the temperature monitoring of batteries and charging systems.

The temperature management of high-performance LEDs, which are increasingly replacing conventional halogen and xenon headlights, is also a fast-growing application area. There are also diverse applications in communications equipment. These include the charge monitoring of batteries in mobile devices and the temperature monitoring of LCDs, amplifiers, hard disks and digital cameras.