Pengaruh Suhu Terhadap Resistensi Thermistor: Studi Eksperimental

Thermistors are semiconductor devices whose resistance changes significantly with temperature. This unique characteristic makes them invaluable in various applications, including temperature sensing, control, and measurement. Understanding the relationship between temperature and thermistor resistance is crucial for optimizing their performance in these applications. This article delves into the experimental study of the influence of temperature on thermistor resistance, exploring the underlying principles and practical implications.

The Fundamental Relationship Between Temperature and Thermistor Resistance

Thermistors are classified into two main types: negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors. NTC thermistors exhibit a decrease in resistance as temperature increases, while PTC thermistors show an increase in resistance with rising temperature. This behavior is rooted in the material properties of the thermistor. In NTC thermistors, the increased thermal energy at higher temperatures leads to a greater number of free charge carriers, resulting in lower resistance. Conversely, in PTC thermistors, the increased temperature causes a decrease in the number of free charge carriers, leading to higher resistance.

Experimental Setup and Procedure

To investigate the influence of temperature on thermistor resistance, a simple experimental setup was employed. A thermistor was connected in series with a known resistance and a voltage source. The voltage across the thermistor was measured using a digital multimeter. The thermistor was then immersed in a water bath, and the temperature of the water bath was gradually increased. At each temperature, the voltage across the thermistor was recorded. Using Ohm's law, the resistance of the thermistor was calculated at each temperature.

Data Analysis and Results

The experimental data revealed a clear relationship between temperature and thermistor resistance. For the NTC thermistor, the resistance decreased exponentially as the temperature increased. This exponential relationship can be described by the Steinhart-Hart equation, which provides a precise mathematical model for the temperature-resistance behavior of thermistors. The PTC thermistor, on the other hand, exhibited an increase in resistance with increasing temperature. The rate of change in resistance was less pronounced compared to the NTC thermistor.

Applications and Implications

The temperature-dependent resistance of thermistors has numerous practical applications. In temperature sensing, NTC thermistors are widely used due to their high sensitivity to temperature changes. They are employed in various devices, including thermostats, temperature controllers, and medical thermometers. PTC thermistors, with their positive temperature coefficient, find applications in overcurrent protection circuits, self-regulating heaters, and temperature-sensitive switches.

Conclusion

The experimental study demonstrated the significant influence of temperature on thermistor resistance. NTC thermistors exhibit a decrease in resistance with increasing temperature, while PTC thermistors show an increase in resistance. This temperature-dependent behavior is crucial for understanding and optimizing the performance of thermistors in various applications. The experimental data and analysis provide valuable insights into the relationship between temperature and thermistor resistance, highlighting the importance of this fundamental characteristic in the design and implementation of thermistor-based systems.