The Temperature Coefficient indicates the rate at which a specific characteristic or physical property changes in response to variations in temperature.
In the context of electrical materials, the electrical resistance generally increases linearly as the temperature rises. The slope of this linear change is defined as the temperature coefficient. The unit is typically expressed in ppm/°C
Mechanism of Resistance Change
As the temperature of a conductive material increases, the vibrations of its constituent atoms intensify. These vibrations increase the probability of collisions with free electrons (charges) flowing through the material, thereby hindering current flow. Consequently, as the temperature rises, electrical resistance increases. This specific parameter is formally known as the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR).
Importance in Power Supplies
For precision power supplies and high-voltage units, it is critical that the output voltage or current remains stable, even if the ambient or internal temperature fluctuates. A lower temperature coefficient indicates higher stability and reliability.
In product specifications, the temperature coefficient quantifies the output fluctuation across the specified operating temperature range. While Matsusada Precision uses the standard term "Temperature Coefficient," other manufacturers may refer to this specification as "Temperature Drift," "Temperature Stability," or "Temperature Characteristics."