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PT100 vs. PTC: The right temperature sensor for your application

PT100- sensors and PTC thermistors are two different types of temperature sensors based on different physical principles. basieren.

PT100 sensors

How they work:

  • PT100 sensors are resistance thermometers consisting og a platinum wire. The resistance of this wire changes linearly with the temperaure.
  • They have a resistance of 100 Ohm at 0 °C and around 138.5 Ohm at 100 °C.
  • PT100 sensor use the linear relationship between temperature and resistance to enable precise temperature measurements. This is achieved by applying a known current and measuring the voltage drop. 

Applications:

  • PT100 sensors are used in many industrial and scientific applications as they offer high accuracy and stability. 
  • They are particularly useful in environments that require accurate and repeatable temperature measurement, such as process control and laboratory environments. 

PTC thermistors

How they work:

  • PTC stands for *Positive Temperature Coefficient*. The resistance of PTC thermistors increases as the temperature rises.
  • There are two main types of PTC thermistors: Silistors, which have a linear resistace-temperature characteristic, and switching PTC thermistors, which have a non-linear characteristic. The latter show a dramatic increase in resistance above a certain temperature. 

Applications:

  • PTC thermistors are often used as overcurrent protection or self-regulating heating elements.
  • They can also be used in heaters or as temperature sensors, where their ability to self-regulate is particularly advantageous. 

PT100-Sensoren

Funktionsweise:

  • PT100-Sensoren sind Widerstandsthermometer, die aus einem Platin-Draht bestehen. Der Widerstand dieses Drahtes ändert sich linear mit der Temperatur.
  • Sie haben einen Widerstand von 100 Ohm bei 0 °C und etwa 138,5 Ohm bei 100 °C.
  • PT100-Sensoren nutzen die lineare Beziehung zwischen Temperatur und Widerstand, um präzise Temperaturmessungen zu ermöglichen. Dies wird durch Anlegen eines bekannten Stroms und Messen des Spannungsabfalls erreicht.

Anwendungen:

  • PT100-Sensoren werden in vielen industriellen und wissenschaftlichen Anwendungen eingesetzt, da sie hohe Genauigkeit und Stabilität bieten.
  • Sie sind besonders nützlich in Umgebungen, die eine genaue und wiederholbare Temperaturmessung erfordern, wie z.B. in der Prozesssteuerung und in Laborumgebungen.

PTC-Thermistoren

Funktionsweise:

  • PTC steht für *Positive Temperature Coefficient*. Bei PTC-Thermistoren nimmt der Widerstand mit steigender Temperatur zu.
  • Es gibt zwei Haupttypen von PTC-Thermistoren: Silistoren, die eine lineare Widerstands-Temperatur-Kennlinie haben, und Schalt-PTC-Thermistoren, die eine nichtlineare Kennlinie aufweisen. Letztere zeigen einen dramatischen Anstieg des Widerstands ab einer bestimmten Temperatur.


Anwendungen:

  • PTC-Thermistoren werden häufig als Überstromschutz oder selbstregulierende Heizelemente verwendet.
  • Sie können auch in Heizgeräten oder als Temperatursensoren eingesetzt werden, wobei ihre Fähigkeit zur Selbstregulierung besonders vorteilhaft ist.

 

Comparison of functionality

Both sensor types have their specific applications and advantages, depending on the requirements of the respective application. PT100 sensors are ideal for precise measurements over a wide temperature range, while PTC thermistors are suitable for protection and heating functions.


Characteristics
PT100 sensors
PTC thermistors
PrincipleLinear resistance changes with temperature Resistance increases with temperature (not linear), switching point
Temperature range Wide range, from -200°C to +850°C Typically -55°C to+150°C
Application Precise temperature measurements in industry and science Overcurrent protection, heating elements, temperature sensors 



Bild 1 TF101U2, Sensor Pt 100 Bauform U2
Pt100-Temperature-Sensors Type TF101U2
TF101 temperature sensors use EN 60751/IEC 60751 platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTD). For precise temperature measurement the Platinum Resistance Thermometer offers the best overall advantages in repeatability and stability over a long period. High accuracy allows replacement of a sensor without any need for re-adjust of the connected measuring devices or thermostats. TF101 temperature sensors are available in different designs.Platinum resistance temperature sensor on ceramic substrate intended for installation into any housing depending to user’s requirements. Very small and quick sensor, only suitable for further treatment. Notice: do not cut the sensor leads. Thermal response time refer to manufacturer data: T0,9 in the air 10 s, in water <1 s.Weight:PVC: 2m = 50g, 10m = 250, 30 mm = 15gPTFE: 2m = 20g
Bild 1 TF101K, Sensor Pt 100 Bauform K
Pt100-Temperature-Sensors Type TF101K
TF101 temperature sensors use EN 60751/IEC 60751 platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTD). For precise temperature measurement the Platinum Resistance Thermometer offers the best overall advantages in repeatability and stability over a long period. High accuracy allows replacement of a sensor without any need for re-adjust of the connected measuring devices or thermostats. TF101 temperature sensors are available in different designs.The TF1001/K design is suitable for installation in transformer and motor windings. When installing in windings, ensure that the measuring resistor is not subjected to pressure and that there is no tensile load on the cable.Cable length: 2000 mmWeight: approx. 10 g
Bild 1 TF101R, Sensor Pt 100, -20...+ 70 °C, Raumtemperatursensor 60x60x38 mm
Pt100-Temperature-Sensors Type TF101R
TF101 temperature sensors use EN 60751/IEC 60751 platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTD). For precise temperature measurement the Platinum Resistance Thermometer offers the best overall advantages in repeatability and stability over a long period. High accuracy allows replacement of a sensor without any need for re-adjust of the connected measuring devices or thermostats. TF101 temperature sensors are available in different designs.Sensor for measuring ambient temperatures inside or outside. Protection class IP 54. Cabling can be connected in 2- or 3- wire technique.
Bild 1 Einzelkaltleiter MINIKA K100, Single PTC
Single PTC-resistor Type MINIKA K
PTC-resistor temperature sensors (also called PTC-resistors or thermistors) are temperatur dependent semiconductor resistors whose main function is to alter their electrical resistance drastically when their body temperature reaches the nominal trip temperature NAT (TNF).PTC-resistors are used principally to protect windings in electromotors or transformers against excess temperature. They also find application in machines, tooling machines especially machine bearings and controlling the temperature of power semiconductors.PTC-resistor temperature sensors are particularly suited to this purpose due to their precise response range combined with small dimensions and minimal thermal inertia at low cost.
Bild 1 Drillingskaltleiter Typ MINIKA KD
Trible PTC-resistor Type MINIKA KD
PTC-resistor temperature sensors (also called PTC-resistors or thermistors) are temperatur dependent semiconductor resistors whose main function is to alter their electrical resistance drastically when their body temperature reaches the nominal trip temperature NAT (TNF).PTC-resistors are used principally to protect windings in electromotors or transformers against excess temperature. They also find application in machines, tooling machines especially machine bearings and controlling the temperature of power semiconductors.PTC-resistor temperature sensors are particularly suited to this purpose due to their precise response range combined with small dimensions and minimal thermal inertia at low cost.
Bild 1 Kaltleiter-Temperatursensoren MINIKA® KS
Single PTC-resistor type MINIKA® KS G2
PTC-resistor temperature sensors (also called PTC-resistors or thermistors) are temperatur dependent semiconductor resistors whose main function is to alter their electrical resistance drastically when their body temperature reaches the nominal trip temperature NAT (TNF).PTC-resistors are used principally to protect windings in electromotors or transformers against excess temperature. They also find application in machines, tooling machines especially machine bearings and controlling the temperature of power semiconductors.PTC-resistor temperature sensors are particularly suited to this purpose due to their precise response range combined with small dimensions and minimal thermal inertia at low cost. 
Bild 1 Kaltleiter-Temperatursensoren MINIKA® KS G3
Single PTC-resistor type MINIKA® KS G3
PTC-resistor temperature sensors (also called PTC-resistors or thermistors) are temperatur dependent semiconductor resistors whose main function is to alter their electrical resistance drastically when their body temperature reaches the nominal trip temperature NAT (TNF).PTC-resistors are used principally to protect windings in electromotors or transformers against excess temperature. They also find application in machines, tooling machines especially machine bearings and controlling the temperature of power semiconductors.PTC-resistor temperature sensors are particularly suited to this purpose due to their precise response range combined with small dimensions and minimal thermal inertia at low cost.