Thermistors are made from semiconductor materials, such as metal oxides or polymers. The resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases. This is because the semiconductor material becomes more conductive as the temperature increases.
The temperature dependence of the resistance of a thermistor can be described by the following equation:
$$R_T = R_0 \times e^{B \times (1/T - 1/T_0)}$$
where:
* $$R_T$$ is the resistance of the thermistor at temperature $$T$$
* $$R_0$$ is the resistance of the thermistor at a reference temperature $$T_0$$
* $$B$$ is a constant that depends on the material of the thermistor
The value of $$B$$ is typically negative for thermistors made from metal oxides and positive for thermistors made from polymers.
Thermistors are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be used in a variety of applications, including:
* Temperature measurement: Thermistors can be used to measure temperature by measuring the change in their resistance.
* Temperature control: Thermistors can be used to control temperature by using them to adjust the power supplied to a heating or cooling element.
* Temperature compensation: Thermistors can be used to compensate for the effects of temperature on other electronic components.
Thermistors are a versatile and inexpensive way to measure and control temperature. They are used in a wide variety of applications, including consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and medical devices.
