Basic Characteristics of Thick Film Magnetic Semiconductor and Application to Multipurpose Sensor

Thick film resistance and capacitance elements have recently come to be used in miniaturized and lightweight electronic instruments. The thick-film magnetic semiconductor (IMS), with a thickness of 80 μm, is a sintered substance based on ferrite powder and a ruthenium compound. The TMS has both the ferromagnetic and the semiconducting properties of the ferrite and the ruthenium compound. The TMS inductance is dependent on temperature, and its resistance responds to humidity and such gases as acetone, ethanol and ammonia. Further, a varistor characteristic appears at high voltages. Techniques for the preparation of TMS and its application to temperature/ humidity/gas sensors are discussed.