The major difference between Resistance Thermometer Detectors (RTD)and thermistor is that the RTD is made of metal, whereas is made of a ceramic or polymer.

Differences between the Thermistor and RTD

Resistance temperature detector (RTS)

RTD is used for measuring the change in temperature.

• The materials used to make RTD include platinum, nickel and copper.
• RTD is less accurate.
• The response time of RTD is very slow.
• Its temperature range lies between -230°C to 660°C.
• The sensitivity is low, but the size of the RTD is large.
• The resistivity is high while the hysteresis effects are low.
• They have wide applications in industries for measuring large temperature.

Thermistor

A thermistor is a thermal resistor which resistance changes with the temperature.

• The thermistor is made from materials of ceramic or polymer.
• Thermistors have high accuracy compared to RTD. Due to the negative temperature coefficient, it can detect even small temperature changes.
• The response time of thermistor is high.
• Its temperature range lies between -60°C to 15°C.
• The sensitivity is high, but the size of a thermistor is small as compare to RTD.
• The resistivity is low while the hysteresis effects are high.
• They are widely used for measuring the temperature of home appliances.