NTC Thermistors For Cooling Applications
Thermistors are expanding in their applications every day. This year, EVGA, an American computer hardware company, redesigned its leading cooler to better monitor and cool power components in addition to the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) component. In order to accomplish this, EVGA introduced Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistors to its Printed Circuit Board (PCB). These NTC thermistors express large decreases in resistance in response to small increases in detected temperature.
The thermistors measure GPU backside temperature, memory temperature, and power component temperature. In his informational article, Steve Burke, creator of GamersNexus, analyzed this new use of thermistors, relating that, “There are thermistors placed adjacent to 5 MOSFETs, 3 memory modules, and the GPU backside. The thermistors are not embedded in the package, but placed close enough to get an accurate reading for thermals in each potential hotspot. We previously validated these thermistors versus our own thermocouples, finding that EVGA’s readings were accurate to reality.”
The Benefit of Using Thermistors in Fan Coolers
This brand new usage of thermistors in GPU cooling applications is most beneficial in limiting noise output. The dual-fan ACX cooler was already able to do its job of keeping the GPU cool, but the addition of thermistors allows the VRM fan to spin slower. This allows the GPU and VRM fans to spin asynchronously, helping with the noise profile.
How the NTC Thermistors Work in This Application
The NTC thermistors are used to limit current at lower temperatures in order to control the VRM fan RPM. The fan would be slow or even idling at power on. As temperature increases, the thermistors allow more current to flow through the circuit, thus speeding up the fans and allowing for increased cooling.
How to Choose the Correct NTC Thermistor
To choose the correct thermistors, you must first know some basic information about the circuit, including voltage and the steady state/nominal current to the fan. The cold resistance, or lowest environmental temperature in which the circuit would run, and the maximum temperature would need to be established. Ametherm’s engineers would estimate a conservative range to be from 20°C to 70°C inside the game box. This would require a steep beta curve in this temperature range for optimum results. (For more information on beta, visit our page: The Secret to Successful Thermistor Beta Calculations.)
Check out Ametherm’s line of NTC Thermistors and How to Select an NTC Thermistor!
To learn more about NTC Thermistors, visit the following pages:
- What is an NTC Thermistor
Summary: Explains what an NTC thermistor is and expands on its capabilities as a temperature sensor. Ametherm’s NTC thermistors and probes are described and some industry terminology is explained. - NTC Thermistors – Temperature Measurement With Wheatstone Bridge
Summary: The Wheatstone Bridge is one of the easiest ways to measure temperature. This page explains how it is calculated, and a specific example is included. A chart of temperature versus volts is also provided. - NTC Thermistors – Steinhart and Hart Equation
Summary: This equation is arguably the best to use when determining the resistance temperature relationship of NTC thermistors and NTC probe assemblies, given that the equation uses three temperatures. This article tells you which equation to use in your particular application. - NTC Thermistor – Calculating the Temperature Coefficient of a Thermistor
Summary: This article provides you with an equation you can use to calculate a thermistor’s temperature coefficient. The temperature coefficient is the change that occurs in the resistance with a change in temperature. A useful and frequent customer example is provided.
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