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Temperature sensing. From element to assembly.+33 (0)2 33 61 16 70

GUILCOR · NTC thermistors

30 kΩ NTC
Distinguish resolution from accuracy.

A 30 kΩ NTC needs an input with useful resolution over the working interval. Compare ideal ADC steps with the local voltage sensitivity.

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Illustrative NTC model supplied by GUILCOR. Nominal resistance does not identify the package; confirm construction for the selected reference.

Understand the reference

What defines a 30 kΩ NTC?

30 kΩNominal resistance at 25 °C
NegativeResistance decreases as temperature rises
Curve + packageBoth must match the application

The sensor curve and divider change the number of volts produced per degree. The same ADC can therefore have different temperature resolution at different points in the operating range.

A 30 kΩ NTC is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor with a nominal resistance of 30,000 Ω at 25 °C (R25). The value is a reference point, not a fixed resistance during use. Select the resistance–temperature characteristic together with tolerance, excitation and the completed probe construction.

SELECTION / YOUR APPLICATION

Is 30 kΩ NTC the right starting point?

COMPARE BEFORE CHANGING

Review 50 kΩ NTC alongside 30 kΩ NTC.

Compare the nominal resistance, reference temperature and full R/T characteristic. Matching at one temperature does not establish a compatible replacement over the operating interval.

Explore 50 kΩ NTC →
REPLACING AN EXISTING PART

Keep the complete specification together.

Keep the controller reference and the specified NTC curve together. Check tolerances, cable and probe construction rather than selecting by resistance or connector alone.

Prepare your enquiry →

These links support a specification review. They do not establish interchangeable parts or availability of a complete assembly.

Application check

Translate ADC resolution into a local temperature step.

25 °CTool input range: -20 to 100
Tool input range: 8 to 24

Use a 3.3 V ratiometric ADC and a fixed 30 kΩ pull-up. Change the ADC bit depth and temperature to estimate the local temperature equivalent of one ideal code step.

Divider voltageEnable JavaScript
Local sensitivityEnable JavaScript
Temperature per LSBEnable JavaScript
Half-LSB equivalentEnable JavaScript

Enable JavaScript to calculate.

This is ideal quantisation only. Effective resolution, noise, offset, nonlinearity, reference errors and sensor tolerances are not included. More displayed digits do not establish better accuracy.

Model equation
ΔT/LSB ≈ (Vref / 2ᴺ) / |dVout/dT|

Check the least favourable point across the operating interval. Include actual ADC noise and effective resolution when deciding whether the required small temperature changes can be resolved.

Operating principle

Read the characteristic, not just R25.

Illustrative resistance values

Example only: R25 = 30 kΩ, constant β = 3950 K
TemperatureResistance
-20 °C316,154.07 Ω
0 °C100,861.81 Ω
25 °C30,000.00 Ω
50 °C10,764.55 Ω
85 °C3,260.01 Ω
100 °C2,092.56 Ω

From resistance to temperature

The constant-β approximation uses R(T) = R25 × exp[β(1/T − 1/298.15)], with absolute temperature in kelvin. It is useful for comparing circuit assumptions; a real part may need its specified R/T table or Steinhart–Hart coefficients for the required interval.

For Steinhart–Hart, 1/T = A + B ln(R) + C[ln(R)]³. Use coefficients and resistance units supplied for the selected part. A coefficient labelled B here is not automatically the same as a thermistor’s β value.

The temperatures in this example are calculation points, not an operating-temperature rating. Confirm the element, cable, seals and assembled probe limits.

Increasing ADC bits cannot correct the wrong NTC curve, poor thermal contact or an unstable reference. Select each part of the measurement chain for its contribution.

Selection checklist

Specify the complete sensing assembly.

Electrical and thermal requirements

  • R25 tolerance and the exact R/T curve, β interval or coefficients.
  • Required temperature interval and complete measurement error budget.
  • Measuring current, allowable dissipation and self-heating under the actual mounting conditions.
  • Response time with its stated medium, flow and test method; no universal response time follows from R25.
  • Ageing, drift and environmental qualification documented for the selected part.

Mechanical and installation requirements

  • Element or assembled probe dimensions, sheath and contact arrangement.
  • Cable length, insulation, connector and total two-wire loop resistance.
  • Sealing, media compatibility, pressure and ingress requirements where applicable.
  • Controller curve support, supply, input range, loading and acquisition timing.
  • Calibration points and required documentation for the final assembly.

Wiring and measurement

Connect the sensor and account for the circuit.

Example two-wire divider

Supply → fixed pull-up Rs → measurement node
Measurement node → NTC → ground
ADC measures the node relative to ground

For an unloaded input, Vout = Vs × RNTC / (Rs + RNTC). In this arrangement, warming an NTC lowers the output voltage. The element has no polarity, although an assembled cable or connector can have a specified pin assignment.

Separate electrical and thermal errors

Lead resistance, leakage, finite input impedance and sampling transients can alter the measured signal. Measuring current also dissipates power in the element: P = I²R. The approximate steady-state self-heating rise is P/δ when the dissipation factor δ applies to the actual installation.

A robust coating or sheath can improve environmental protection while changing heat transfer. Validate the completed probe in its intended medium instead of carrying over the bare element’s response figure.

Application contexts

Where to evaluate a 30 kΩ NTC.

Precision control electronics

Relate the required control step to usable signal resolution.

Ambient monitoring

Compare quantisation with sensor tolerance and installation error.

Long-term loggers

Avoid reporting more significant digits than the measurement supports.

Application examples are selection contexts. Suitability and any required certification depend on the identified reference and completed assembly.

Probe construction

Choose the installation format.

Match the sensing point, medium and mounting to the probe construction. These links explore construction families; confirm the required NTC characteristic when requesting a reference.

Frequently asked questions

30 kΩ NTC questions.

Does a 24-bit ADC make the temperature reading 24-bit accurate?

No. Nominal bit depth describes digital codes. Noise, effective resolution, input settling, curve error and calibration limit the usable measurement.

Is every 30 kΩ NTC interchangeable?

No. Match R25, the complete curve and tolerances, then verify electrical excitation, construction, cable, environmental limits and controller configuration.

Can the example values replace a product datasheet?

No. The table and tool illustrate stated assumptions. Use the selected reference’s data, curve and test conditions for specification and validation.

What information should I send for a probe request?

Include the required R25 and curve, temperature range, allowable error, medium, mounting, dimensions, cable and connector, controller input and expected quantity.

Technical background: Manufacturer guidance on sensing and readout. Example calculations are educational models with the assumptions stated above.

GUILCOR / YOUR ENQUIRY

Define your 30 kΩ NTC enquiry.

Send the electrical reference and the installation details together. A nominal resistance alone does not define the right replacement or assembled probe.

Missing a reference or datasheet?

Send the component marking, equipment reference and any photographs or documents you have. These provide a starting point for identifying what must be confirmed.

Discuss your enquiry ↗

The outline helps prepare your enquiry. Copying it does not send a request.

FOUR DETAILS THAT MOVE THE DISCUSSION FORWARD

01

Sensor and controller

Part number, nominal resistance and reference temperature, R/T data or specified β interval, tolerance and controller input.

02

Measurement conditions

Operating and peak temperatures, required accuracy and response target, measured medium and exposure to moisture or cleaning.

03

Assembly and connection

Probe dimensions, mounting or insertion, cable length and insulation, connector or lead termination. Attach a drawing or photo.

04

Project and validation

Sample and production quantities, target delivery, calibration or documentation needs, and the checks required before approval.