Sensor’s script:
Part1:
to begin my part, let's dive into the world of humidity sensing. A capacitive humidity sensor is a
widely-used electronic device that measures relative humidity (RH) in the environment. It operates
on the principle of capacitance, which is the ability of a system to store an electrical charge
part2:
The sensor usually has two metal or special plastic pieces, like little plates, sitting on a base. These
pieces, called electrodes, help the sensor work. In the space between these electrodes, there's a
special material that can sense moisture, like water in the air. This material can soak up or let out
water depending on how much moisture is around. When this happens, it changes how well
electricity can move between the metal or plastic pieces. This whole setup acts like a kind of battery,
and the amount of moisture affects how much charge it holds.
Part3:
Humidity sensors work in a simple way. They use special materials to feel how much moisture is in
the air. When there's more moisture, these materials absorb it, and this makes the sensor's ability to
hold electrical charge change. By connecting the sensor to a special circuit, we can measure this
change. Then, the sensor sends a signal showing how humid the air is. This helps us keep track of
humidity levels easily.
Absorption of Moisture: The sensor contains a moisture-sensitive material that absorbs or releases
water molecules from the surrounding environment based on changes in humidity.
Dielectric Constant Variation: As the moisture content changes, the dielectric constant of the
material between the sensor's capacitive plates also changes. This dielectric material can be a thin
layer with a high affinity for water absorption.
Capacitance Alteration: The variation in the dielectric constant alters the capacitance of the sensor.
Capacitance is a measure of the ability of the sensor to store electrical charge.
Electrical Measurement: The change in capacitance is measured electrically. This can be achieved by
connecting the sensor to an oscillator circuit.
Output Signal: The electrical signal generated by the sensor, which is proportional to the capacitance
change, can be processed to determine the relative humidity in the environment.
Part 4:
Capacitive Sensor
The capacitive sensor (organic polymer capacitive) is usually designed with parallel plates with porous
electrodes or with interdigitated fingers on a substrate. The dielectric material absorbs or desorbs
water vapour from the environment with changes in humidity. The resultant change in the dielectric
constant causes a capacitance variation which, in turn, provides an impedance that varies in relation
to humidity. A dielectric constant change of approximately 30% corresponds to a 0-100% variation in
RH.
The sensor material is made very thin to achieve a large signal change with humidity. This permits the
water to enter and leave easily and also allows for fast drying and easy calibration of the sensor.
The measurement is made from a large base capacitance; thus the 0% capacitance readings are made
at a finite and measurable RH capacitance level.
This sensor type is ideally suited for use in high temperature environments because the temperature
coefficient is low and the polymer dielectric can withstand high temperature. Capacitive sensors are
also suitable for applications requiring a high degree of sensitivity at low humidity levels, where they
will provide a relatively fast response. At RH values over 85% however, the sensor has a tendency to
saturate and become non-linear.
Typical applications for the polymer resistive and polymer capacitive sensors are: -
HVAC energy management.
Computer room / Clean room control.
Handheld devices.
Environmental and meteorological monitoring.
