Development of Capacitive-type Humidity Sensor for Air-Conditioning Systems by ALPS
Alps Electric has announced the development of production of HSHCA Series capacitive humidity sensor to be used in air-conditioning systems, air purifier as well as other electrical home appliances, featuring high level of linearity over a broad range of humidity levels. Presence of various sensors within today’s home appliances as well as mobile devices helps appliances and mobile devices to function normally and accurately. For example accurate detection of temperature and humidity in appliances like air-conditioning systems and air purifier is reason for allowing such devices to function and is essential for improving their usability. Among all the sensors placed with such devices, humidity sensors have proved to be the one with the most difficulties.
Many existing humidity sensors are resistive type sensors, but in dry conditions of around 20% RH or conditions close to dew point of around 80% RH output from such humidity sensors were inconsistent, where measurement tend to differ from the actual levels. As an alternative, capacitive sensors offer high-precision sensing capabilities but are costly to incorporate within an appliance. Based on this, ALPS has developed a HSHCA Series of humidity sensors, applying MEMS processing technology. The new sensor is industry’s smallest and thinnest achieved through MEMS process technology. The new sensor offers a low current consumption. The new sensor principal application includes, air-conditioning systems, air purifiers, refrigerators, printers, mobile phones, digital cameras, and health monitoring equipment just to name a few.
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