Why batteries, rice cookers, and cars are inseparable from NTC temperature sensors

Many of the devices we use in our daily lives, from kitchen appliances to new energy vehicles, almost all have one thing in common: they are very sensitive to temperature. Whether it is the precise heat of the rice cooker when cooking, or the safe operation of the electric vehicle battery, temperature monitoring is a key factor to ensure performance and safety. But are you curious: How do these devices sense temperature? This refers to a small element hidden inside them-the NTC temperature sensors.

NTC is short for "Negative Temperature Coefficient," meaning Negative Temperature Coefficient. Simply put, its resistance decreases as the temperature rises. Its core is a special ceramic material, often made of metal oxides mixed and sintered. This small element looks inconspicuous, but it can respond quickly when the temperature changes and "tell" the control system what the current temperature is by means of an electrical signal.

How does the NTC temperature sensor measure temperature

The principle is actually not complicated:
Under constant voltage or current, the resistance value of the NTC sensor varies with temperature;
The control system calculates the current temperature by detecting the change of resistance;
Based on this temperature value, the system decides on the next operation, such as heating, cooling or turning off the power supply.

This is like a small probe that "reports body temperature" at any time, allowing the device to always know whether it is in an ideal state.

Where does the NTC temperature sensor work

You may not have noticed, but it is "hidden" in almost every device around us:
Rice cooker/electric kettle: NTC temperature sensor monitors the temperature inside the pot, controls the cooking program and heat preservation function, and avoids burning or overheating.

Refrigerator/air conditioner: The NTC temperature sensor senses the temperature of the environment and evaporator, adjusts the start and stop of the compressor, and ensures a constant temperature.

Smart toilet seat: NTC temperature sensor realizes constant temperature heating to prevent scalds caused by overheating.
Electric vehicle and new energy vehicle batteries: NTC temperature sensors are used in BMS (battery management system) to monitor battery cell temperature in real time to prevent overheating, thermal runaway and battery aging.

Mobile phones and laptops: Monitor the temperature of the processor to prevent long-term operation from causing the device to overheat and crash.
 

Why use an NTC temperature sensor, but not other sensors

While there are many types of temperature sensors (such as thermocouples, PT100, digital temperature sensors, etc.), NTC temperature sensors have several major advantages:

Quick response: Temperature changes can be detected within seconds;
Small size: easy to integrate into the device;
High precision: suitable for scenarios requiring precise temperature control;
Low cost: Ideal for mass production use.

Although the NTC temperature sensor is just an extremely small electronic component, it is like the "thermometer" of the device-working silently every day, avoiding many dangers: preventing the battery from catching fire; Ensure the safety of the elderly and children in using electrical appliances; Make sure the food is cooked just right; Prolong the life of the equipment and reduce the loss. In an increasingly intelligent world, NTC's "ability to sense temperature" is becoming more important than ever.

We often say that technology changes life. In fact, many technological changes start from the subtleties. The NTC temperature sensor is a typical example. It has no screen and does not emit light, but it guards our daily life where you can't see it.