The PTC resistor with Cobra SMARTsense

Principle

A PTC resistor or PTC thermistor (positive temperature coefficient thermistor) is a temperature-dependent resistor that belongs to the group of thermistors. Its main characteristic is a positive temperature coefficient, therefore conducting electricity better at low temperatures than at high temperatures.

Tasks

1. Build a circuit with a PTC resistor.
2. Heat the resistor using their own heat and external heating.
3. Determine the resistance values at different currents and temperatures.

Learning objectives

The students understand that the resistance of a PTC resistor increases with increasing temperature. They learn the difference between self-heating and external heating and deepen their understanding of the temperature dependence of the PTC resistor.

Advantages

• No additional cable connections required between the components - clearer and faster assembly
• Contact reliability thanks to interlocking components
• Hard gold-plated, corrosion-resistant contacts
• Double learning success: electrical circuit diagram visible on the top side and real components on the bottom side