SQ Hans

This week I learned about how a thermistor functions. It functions in the same way as a potentiometers and is used in various applications where temperatures are monitored. A potentiometer functions using a resistor and a contact moves along the resistor as a path for voltage to flow and as the contact moves it  makes the voltage flow through more or less of the resistor. When less of the resistor is used the voltage is higher and when more of it is used then the resistance is lower, A thermistor functions when temperature rises and lowers. A reference voltage is sent to the ECM and the thermistor, the reference voltage is goes through a resistor to drop the voltage to 5 volts. When the temperature in the thermistor starts to rise less of the resistor in the thermistor is used and the resistance in the circuit decrease. Since the resistance in the thermistor decreases the voltage drop of the reference voltage increases. Using the formula voltage =amps x ohms shows that if the current flow is the same and the resistance is lowered then the voltage will be less.

 

 

Potentiometer

 

Water temp sensor using a thermistor 

 

This week = 62