Thick-Film Negative-Temperature-Coefficient Thermistors with a Linear Resistance-Temperature Relation

The effect of the resistance R of Mn_1.85Co_0.3Ni_0.85O₄ (MCN) thick-film negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) thermistors on temperature T is studied carefully. Interestingly, the R–T relation is found to be decided simultaneously by the characteristic of the MCN oxide and the electrode structure of the NTC thermistor. For plane end electrodes, the R–T relation is nonlinear. However, for plane fork electrodes, the R–T relation can be linear. To clarify the intrinsic mechanism of the linear R–T relation, the electric field distribution in the MCN thick film is simulated. The obtained results suggest that the non-uniform electric field distribution between the electrodes is responsible for the R–T relation linearization.