What are the differences between THERMISTORS and RTDs?
Both RTD’s and thermistors offer good interchangeability over their respective temperature ranges. RTD’s have a much broader temperature range than thermistors. The platinum based thin film RTD elements can withstand temperatures in the range of 600°C. Thermistors are limited to a maximum operating temperature of 150°C. However, glass encapsulated thermistors can go as high as 300°C with a minimal shift in resistance. RTD’s follow a linear resistance versus temperature profile, whereas thermistors follow a curve. Thermistors offer a resolution about 10 times greater than RTD’s because of their high resistance values and steep slope of their R/T profile. RTD’s find their greatest usage in HVAC and industrial applications. Thermistors occupy a broader range of the temperature sensing field, including medical, automotive, HVAC, and industrial markets. • What kind of stability can I expect for thermistors and RTD’s? THERMISTORS It’s hard to put a number on it. Thermistors operated in exces
