What is a NTC 1MΩ sensor ?
The NTC 1 MΩ is a very high impedance thermistor that offers almost zero power consumption.
Its use is intended for autonomous measurement systems where even the slightest dissipation matters — for example, in long-term environmental sensors, IoT modules, or passive precision instruments.
Operating principle
Its resistance follows the typical exponential law of NTC:
R(T) = R₂₅ × e^{β (1/T - 1/T₂₅)}
where:
- R₂₅ = 1 000 000 Ω
- β ≈ 3950 K
- T in kelvins
The reading is done via numerical linearization (Steinhart–Hart equation) to ensure accuracy.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Typical value |
Nominal resistance (25 °C) |
1 000 000 Ω ±1 % |
| Constant β | 3950 K |
Sensitive material | Metallic oxide (Mn, Ni, Co) |
| Type of case | Epoxy / glass |
Maximum measurement current | 0,005 mA |
Response time | 0.3 to 1 s |
Linearity | Exponential (non-linear) |
Operating temperature | −50 → +150 °C |
Lifetime | 100,000 thermal cycles |
Wiring Configuration
The NTC 1 MΩ is configured as a voltage divider, connected to a high-impedance analog input (≥10 MΩ).
It is often used with 24-bit ADC converters to detect minute variations.
+Vcc │ [Rfixe] │────► ADC (µC) [NTC 1MΩ] │ GND
Self-warming
With a measurement current of less than 5 µA, the dissipation is negligible: no alteration of the actual measured temperature.
Application areas
🔋 Ultra-low power autonomous sensors (IoT, BLE, LoRa)
🌡️ Ambient and isolated object thermal monitoring
🩺 Sensitive medical instrumentation
🧠 Long-term measurement systems without recalibration
⚙️ Passive and calibrated electronic equipment