28 April 2019

Difference between thermistor and thermocouple

Thermistor has used to measure the small temperature. It has lead whose resistance reduces their accuracy. It can detect even small variation in temperature while in thermocouple are used for measuring the temperature of large industries. It is less costly and more accurate. In this article, we can check it out thermistor vs thermocouple to know more about it. Let you first learn the definition of thermistor and thermocouple.

Definition of thermistor and thermocouple :
  • A thermistor is the type of thermal resistor whose resistance changes with the temperature. It is made of semiconductor materials. Thermistor uses the temperature coefficient shows between the variation in the value of resistance and the temperature. While uses thermistor has two types of temperature coefficient positive and negative.
  • The thermocouple is a temperature measuring device while using thermocouple the two wires of different metals are connected at one point. When the two dissimilar metals induce a voltage because of the variation in temperature of the metals. 
A main key difference between thermistor and thermocouple listed below:
  • A thermistor is a type of thermal resistor while thermocouple is the temperature measuring devices.
  • Thermistor has linear characteristics, while thermocouple nonlinear characteristics for negative temperature coefficient.
  • Thermistor has lead whose resistance reduces their accuracy but thermocouple has high accuracy as compared to the thermistor.
  • A thermistor is made by the semiconductor or by the oxide of magnesium. nickel or cobalt while thermocouple is made from metal or alloys of metals.
  • Thermocouple and thermistor both are used for controlling and measuring temperature.
  • A thermistor is used in home applications while thermistor is used in large industries.
  • Thermistor requires the external power source, the thermocouple is less expensive as compared to the thermistor.
  • Thermistor measuring range of -50-degree Celsius to 250 degree Celsius whereas that of the thermocouple is -200 degree Celsius to 1250 degree Celsius.
  • Thermistor gives a quick response as compared to the thermocouples.
  • In thermocouple the variation in temperature is determined by the voltage induces at their junction. While the resistance of the thermistor changes when their surrounding temperature must be varied.