Resistance thermometers and thermistors
J. R. Leigh · Institution of Engineering and Technology eBooks · 1988
The electrical resistance of almost every material varies with temperature. The resistance of metal conductors generally increases with temperature in a repeatable manner, but at a low sensitivity. Measuring sensors exploiting this phenomenon to measure temperature are called resistance thermometers. The resistance of semiconductor materials with temperature varies in a more complex manner usually, but not always, resistance falls with rising temperature. Certain semiconductor materials have a very high rate of change of resistance with temperature, making them very attractive for use as temperature sensors if problems such as stability and device-to-device variability can be overcome. Temperature sensors based on resistance changes in semiconductor materials are called thermistors. In general, resistance thermometers find application in situations demanding high accuracy. Thermistors are applied where high sensor output and low cost are required.