NTC MF5A-3 10K 3950 is a type of Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor — a temperature-sensitive resistor whose resistance decreases as temperature increases. It is commonly used for temperature sensing in electronics projects, thermostats, and industrial controls.
NTC:Negative Temperature Coefficient (resistance decreases as temp increases)
MF5A-3:Series/model of the thermistor (MF5A series, 3mm glass bead type)
10K:10,000 ohms resistance at 25°C (nominal resistance)
3950:B-value (or Beta coefficient): Indicates how resistance changes with temperature; 3950K is a common value for 10K thermistors
At 25°C, the thermistor has 10KΩ resistance.
As temperature rises, the resistance drops sharply.
This relationship is non-linear, but predictable with the Steinhart-Hart equation or Beta formula.
Temp (°C) Resistance (Ω)
0°C ~32,650 Ω
25°C 10,000 Ω
50°C ~3,300 Ω
75°C ~1,400 Ω
100°C ~700 Ω
At 25°C, the thermistor has 10KΩ resistance.
As temperature rises, the resistance drops sharply.
This relationship is non-linear, but predictable with the Steinhart-Hart equation or Beta formula.
One end of the thermistor to VCC
Other end to a resistor (typically 10K) and then to GND
The junction between thermistor and resistor goes to an analog input pin