70-0315 Thermistor temp project: Mini-light Project 18/10/10 11:53 Page 1

Thermistor temperature
sensor project
2,3&4

Basic circuit
A thermistor’s resistance changes with temperature. If an increase in temperature results in an increase in
resistance the thermistor has a Positive Temperature Coefficient and is called a PTC thermistor.
These are not common. If an increase in temperature results in a decrease in resistance the thermistor has a
Negative Temperature Coefficient and is called a NTC thermistor. These are the normal types.
Thermistors have their value +9V
given in ohms based on a
temperature of 25°C, the
NTC1 that is used in this
circuit is 20kW @ 25°C. LED
COM1 NC2 NO2
NTC1 VR1
The operational amplifier
–t
(op-amp) is used as a voltage 1 RL1
R4
D1
comparator. When the voltage 20K 470K 470
IN4004

on pin 3 is more positive than 2

DPDT
8
the voltage on pin 2 the U1

output will be high (9V). NO1 NC1 COM2

3 +
When the voltage on pin 3 is 1 R3
Q1
2 BC547
less positive than the voltage –
4K7

on pin 2 the output will be low

(0V). This op-amp can be used
to switch something on or off. 5 +
7
R2 R1
6
10K 100K
–

LM358
4

Class and teaching notes for:

Thermistor temperature sensor project 70-0315
70-0315 Thermistor temp project: Mini-light Project 18/10/10 11:53 Page 2

Circuit description
The voltage on pin 3 will increase with a rise in temperature. When this voltage is greater than the voltage on pin 2
the output voltage on pin 1 will quickly rise to 9V. With pin 1 at 9V base current to the transistor will flow and the
transistor will be switched on, The LED will be on and the relay energised. When pin 3 voltage falls below that of
pin 2 then the output of pin 1 will fall to 0V and the LED will be off and the relay de-energised. Changing the
voltage at pin 2 by changing VR1 or R1 will result in the circuit responding to different temperatures.

9V
+
+ -
NTC1

D2
VR1 COM1 NC1 NO1

R4

U1
D1

RL1
R1

R2

R3

COM2 NC2 NO2

Q1

Name:

Assembly. To assemble this circuit follow the procedure below.

Procedure
1. Identify all the components you will use.
2. Place and solder resistors R1, R2, R3 and R4.
3. Now place and solder VR1 and the IC socket.
4. Place and solder D1 and LED D2.
5. Place and solder the relay RL1. Connect the battery clip.
6. Place and solder the thermistor NTC1 and Q1.
7. Now insert the IC into the socket.
8. Check the circuit works by connecting the battery. Adjust VR1 until the LED just goes out. If the temperature
now increases the LED will come on. Warm the thermistor by touching it with your hand for a few seconds.
The LED should come on.

Note. You need warm hands to do this, if your hands are cold rub them together until they are warm.

Components list
Reference Description Order code
R1 100kΩ 0.25W 62-0418
R2 10kΩ 0.25W 62-0394
R3 4.7kΩ 0.25W 62-0386
R4 470Ω 0.25W 62-0362
U1 LM358 82-0258
IC socket 8-pin DIL 22-0150
D1 1N4004 47-3136
D2 Red LED 55-0117
NTC1 20kΩ disc thermistor 61-0415
VR1 470kΩ preset 47-0255
Q1 BC547 81-0468
RL1 5V 70Ω DPDT relay 60-4690
PCB Thermistor PCB 70-0240
Battery clip PP3 clip 18-0094

70-0315 Rev. 1 September 2010 2