The difference between varistors and thermistors

Varistor is a nonlinear resistive device whose resistance value varies with voltage. When the voltage is below the threshold, the resistance value is high and almost non-conductive; But when the voltage is above the threshold, the resistance value will sharply decrease, becoming very small and conductive. Varistors and thermistors are common resistive components, but their working principles and application fields are vastly different. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the differences between varistors and thermistors.

1、 Working principle

1. Varistor: A varistor is a strain sensitive component whose resistance value changes with the action of external forces. When an external force acts on a varistor, its internal semiconductor devices will bend, affecting the movement of electrons and causing changes in resistance values.

2. Thermistor: A thermistor is a temperature sensitive component whose resistance value varies with temperature. When the temperature increases, the resistance value of the thermistor will decrease, and vice versa. This is because the resistance material of thermistors has the characteristic of negative temperature coefficient.

2、 Application field

1. Varistors: Varistors are widely used in fields such as electronics, communication, vehicles, diagnosis, and treatment. For example, it can be used for vehicle collision detection, medical device pressure detection, electronic device vibration detection, etc.

2. Thermistors: Thermistors are mainly used for temperature detection and control. For example, it can be used for temperature sensors, temperature compensation circuits, temperature controllers, etc.

3、 Multiple features

1. Sensitivity: Varistors are more sensitive than thermistors and can detect small strain or pressure changes.

2. Response time: Varistors have a faster response time than thermistors, enabling real-time monitoring.

3. Stability: Thermistors have better stability than varistors, and their resistance conversion is less affected by operating temperature.

4. Detection range: The measurement range of the varistor is greater than that of the thermistor, which can detect a larger range of strain or pressure changes.

5. Cost: The cost of thermistors is higher than that of varistors, but their reliability and accuracy are also high.

After reading the above content, you should have a good understanding of the difference between varistors and thermistors. Varistors are mainly used in the strain or pressure detection industry, with high sensitivity and fast response characteristics; Thermistors are mainly used in the field of temperature detection and control, with high reliability and accuracy. When selecting resistor components, appropriate resistor components should be selected based on actual business needs.