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. Part of Ba constituting an A site is replaced with at least an alkali metal element, Bi, and a rare-earth element, and the molar ratio m between the A site and a B site is 0.990≦m≦0.999 (preferably 0.990≦m≦0.995). Preferably, part of the Ba is replaced with Ca, and the content of the Ca when the total number of moles of the elements constituting the A site is 1 mole is 0.042 to 0.20 (preferably 0.125 to 0.175) on a molar basis. A PTC thermistor includes a component body formed of the semiconductor ceramic. Accordingly, there are provided satisfactory rise characteristics even if an alkali metal element is present.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.