World’s Smallest Humidity and Temperature Sensor

At Electronica 2012 Sensirion (Switzerland) presents the world’s smallest humidity and temperature sensor, setting new standards for size, power consumption, production volume and price.

The tiny SHTC1 humidity and temperature sensor is specifically designed for mobile devices where size is a critical factor. Sensirion has rigorously followed the maxim "smaller is better” and developed the world’s smallest sensor in its class, measuring a mere 2 x 2 x 0.8 mm. The sensor is based on the proven CMOSens Technology, which allows the sensor and the signal processing electronics to be combined on a single silicon chip to achieve small device size. Production is targeted at high volume to allow low unit prices to be achieved by economy of scale. The supply voltage of 1.8 V is also fully in line with the needs of the target industry.

The specifications of the new sensor show that the size, power consumption and price reductions do not have any impact on performance. It measures relative humidity over a range of 0 to 100 %RH with a typical accuracy of ±3 %RH. The temperature measuring range is -30 to +100 °C with a typical accuracy of ±0.3 °C. The sensor is fully calibrated, has a digital I²C interface, and is suitable for re-flow soldering. This makes it compatible with standard industrial mass production processes for electronic modules. To ensure effective integration of the sensor in complex applications, Sensirion draws on its many years of experience with sensor products deployed in the millions and supports customers with corresponding application expertise. The new SHTC1 humidity and temperature sensor combines extreme miniaturisation with top performance, and with Sensirion’s implementation support they believe it is doubtlessly a decisive step ahead of the competition.

More information on the SHTC1: Website: www.sensiron.com/shtc1