Final answer:
A PTC thermistor is a type of thermistor that exhibits an increase in resistance with an increase in temperature. It is made of semiconductor materials and is commonly used for temperature compensation and protection in various applications. RTDs, on the other hand, are more accurate and stable over a wide temperature range and are commonly used for precise temperature measurements in industrial settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
A PTC thermistor is a Positive Temperature Coefficient thermistor, which is a type of thermistor that exhibits an increase in resistance with an increase in temperature. The resistance-temperature relationship of a PTC thermistor is non-linear and exponential.
Compared to a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD), which is a type of temperature sensor that uses the principle of the change in resistance with temperature, the main difference lies in their characteristics and materials. RTDs are typically made of pure metals or metal alloys, while PTC thermistors are made of semiconductor materials.
RTDs are more accurate and stable over a wide temperature range, making them suitable for precise temperature measurements in industrial applications. PTC thermistors, on the other hand, are often used for temperature compensation, overheat protection, and self-regulation in applications like motor temperature sensing and electronic circuit protection.