What is a key feature of a thermistor compared to other temperature sensors?

A thermistor is a type of temperature sensor that is characterized by its resistance changing significantly with temperature, specifically exhibiting a decrease in resistance as temperature increases in the case of negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors. This behavior is distinct from other temperature sensors like thermocouples and RTDs, which operate on different principles and typically have relatively stable resistance changes over their range.

The ability to exhibit a large change in resistance with temperature makes thermistors highly sensitive, allowing for precise temperature measurements particularly in narrow temperature ranges. This sensitivity and the specific response curve of a thermistor are what set it apart from other types of temperature sensors.

Other options do not capture this unique characteristic. For instance, thermistors do consume power, so the notion of being independently powered is not accurate as they typically require a circuit for operation. Additionally, while calibration can be necessary for many sensors, it is not a distinctive feature that separates thermistors from other temperature sensors. The ability to measure low pressures is unrelated to how a thermistor functions, as it is primarily designed to measure temperature rather than pressure.