What is the primary function of a thermistor?

The primary function of a thermistor is to measure temperature. A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance varies significantly with temperature. There are two main types of thermistors: negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors, which decrease in resistance as the temperature rises, and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors, which increase in resistance with rising temperature. This property allows thermistors to provide precise measurements of temperature changes in various applications, making them particularly useful in electronic devices, HVAC systems, and various scientific instruments. Their ability to react quickly to temperature variations makes them more sensitive than some other temperature-sensing devices.