The KTY temperature sensor is a silicon-based positive temperature coefficient (PTC) linear temperature sensor, widely used in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics for reliable and stable temperature measurements. Unlike NTC thermistors (which have a negative temperature coefficient), KTY sensors exhibit a near-linear increase in resistance with temperature, making them easier to interface with analog or digital systems.

How Does a KTY Sensor Work?

Core Principle: Silicon’s Resistive Temperature Dependence

KTY sensors are made from doped silicon (typically P-type or N-type). Their resistance changes with temperature due to two key factors:

Carrier Mobility (μ) Reduction with Temperature

At low temperatures, silicon’s crystal lattice vibrations are weak, allowing electrons/holes to move freely (low resistance).

As temperature rises, lattice vibrations increase, scattering charge carriers and reducing mobility (resistance increases).

Minority Carrier Activation (at High Temperatures)

Above ~150°C, intrinsic carriers (electron-hole pairs) become significant, slightly counteracting the PTC effect.

KTY sensors are designed to operate primarily in the PTC-dominant linear range (-50°C to +150°C).

Resistance vs. Temperature (Linear Approximation)

The resistance R(T)R(T) follows an almost linear relationship:

R(T)=R25⋅[1+α(T−25)]R(T)=R25​⋅[1+α(T−25)]

R25R25​: Resistance at 25°C (e.g., 1kΩ, 2kΩ).

αα: Temperature coefficient (~+0.8%/°C or 0.008/°C).

Example: A 2kΩ KTY sensor at 50°C:

R(50)=2kΩ⋅[1+0.008⋅(50−25)]=2.4kΩR(50)=2kΩ⋅[1+0.008⋅(50−25)]=2.4kΩ

Key Features of KTY Sensors

ParameterTypical ValueNotes
Temperature Range-50°C to +150°C (175°C for some)Wider than many NTCs.
Accuracy±1°C to ±3°CBetter than NTCs with calibration.
LinearityHigh (near-linear)Simplifies ADC interfacing.
Response TimeSeconds (depends on package)TO-92: ~5s; SMD: Faster.
Long-Term StabilityExcellent (low drift)Critical for automotive/industrial.

3. KTY vs. NTC vs. PT100 Comparison

FeatureKTYNTC ThermistorPT100 (Platinum RTD)
MaterialDoped siliconMetal oxide ceramicPlatinum wire
Temp Coefficient+0.8%/°C (PTC, linear)Negative (NTC, nonlinear)+0.385%/°C (PTC, linear)
Accuracy±1°C to ±3°C±0.5°C to ±5°C (with calibration)±0.1°C to ±0.5°C
CostModerateLowHigh
Best ForAutomotive, industrialConsumer electronicsLab-grade precision

4. Typical Applications

Automotive Systems

Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensing.

Battery temperature monitoring (EVs/BMS).

Industrial Equipment

Motor/pump overheating protection.

Power inverter thermal management.

Consumer Electronics

Smart home devices (thermostats, HVAC).

TemperatureCoefficientKTY84-130
(℃)(℉)(%K)        Resistance (Ω)                            Tolerance  (K)
MIN.TYP.MAX.
-40-400.84340359379±6.48
-30-220.83370391411±6.36
-20-40.82403424446±6.26
-10140.80437460483±6.16
0320.79474498522±6.07
10500.77514538563±5.98
20680.75555581607±5.89
25770.74577603629±5.84
30860.73599626652±5.79
401040.71645672700±5.69
501220.70694722750±5.59
601400.68744773801±5.47
701580.66797826855±5.34
801760.64852882912±5.21
901940.63910940970±5.06
1002120.6197010001030±4.9
1102300.60102910621096±5.31
1202480.58108911271164±5.73
1302660.57115211941235±6.17
1402840.55121612621309±6.63
1503020.54128213341385±7.1
1603200.53135014071463±7.59
1703380.52142014821544±8.1
1803560.51149215601628±8.62
1903740.49156616401714±9.15
2003920.48164117221803±9.71
TemperatureKTY84-150
%/(K)CoefficientResistance(Ω) Tolerance(K)
MINTYPMAX
-40-400.84332359386±8.85
-30-220.83362391419±8.76
-20-40.82394424455±8.70
-10140.8428460492±8.65
0320.79464498532±8.61
10500.77503538574±8.58
20680.75544581618±8.55
25770.74565603641±8.54
30880.73587626665±8.53
401040.71632672713±8.50
501220.7679722764±8.46
601400.68729773817±8.42
701580.66781826872±8.37
801760.64835882929±8.31
901940.63891940989±8.25
1002120.6195010001050±8.17
1102300.6100710621117±8.66
1202480.58106711271187±9.17
1302660.57112811941259±9.69
1402840.55119112621334±10.24
1503020.54125613341412±10.80
1603200.53132214071492±11.37
1703380.52139114821574±11.96
1803560.51146115601659±12.58
1903740.49153316401747±13.20
2003920.48160717221837±13.85
2104100.47186318071931±14.51