Semiconductor ceramic and positive temperature coefficient thermistor

Abstract

A semiconductor ceramic includes a BamTiO3-based composition, as a main component, having a perovskite structure represented by general formula AmBO3. The molar ratio m between the A site and the B site satisfies 1.001≦m≦1.01. Part of Ba constituting the A site is replaced with Bi, Ca, a rare-earth element, and Na. The molar content of the Ca when the total number of moles of the elements constituting the A site is 1 mole is 0.05 to 0.20 (preferably 0.125 to 0.175). A PTC thermistor includes a component body formed of the semiconductor ceramic. Accordingly, there is provided a lead-free semiconductor ceramic that substantially does not contain lead and that has desired PTC characteristics and high reliability.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.