HCH-1000 Series
Capacitive Humidity
Sensors
DESCRIPTION
The HCH-1000 series humidity sensor is a capacitive polymer
sensor designed for relative humidity measurement. The
sensor converts humidity value into capacitance, which can be
measured electronically.
Polyimide is used as a humidity sensing material because of its
inherent IC (Integrated Circuit) processing compatibility,
reduced temperature dependence and enhanced resistance
against contamination. The HCH-1000-Series is manufactured
using semiconductor technology.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Polymer sensing offers enhanced resistance against
contamination
Reduced temperature dependence
Semiconductor fabrication technology
Uses glass wafer as substrate
Enhanced sensitivity and accuracy provides fast response
Low hysteresis and long-term stability
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
Industrial
Air compressors
Battery-powered systems
Drying equipment
HVAC (includes air conditioning, air movement,
thermostats, humidifiers, de-humidifiers, humidistats,
enthalpy sensing)
OEM assemblies
Office automation equipment
Process equipment
Refrigeration (includes bulk and transport systems)
Telecommunications cabinets
Weather stations and meteorology equipment
Medical
Hospital air compressors
Infant incubators
Microenvironments
Sleep apnea equipment
Treadmill stress monitoring equipment
A cased version, for dust protection, and an uncased version
are available.
The sensor consists of a grid top electrode, a polyimide layer,
and a bottom electrode. The grid top electrode on the bottom
electrode provides enhanced sensitivity when compared to that
of a standard structure.
HCH-1000 Series
Table 1. Specifications (T
A
= 25
ºC
[77
ºF],
Input Voltage = 1 V
RMS
,
Frequency = 20 kHz)
Characteristic
Condition
Min.
Typ.
Normal capacitance
at 55 %RH
310
330
Sensitivity
10 %RH to 95 %RH
0.55
0.60
Humidity hysteresis
–
–
±2
Linearity
–
–
±2
Response time
30 %RH to 90 %RH
–
15
Temperature coefficient
5 °C to 70 °C [41 °F to 158 °F]
0.15
0.16
Long-term stability (drift)
–
–
0.2
Operating temperature range
–
-40 [-40]
–
Operating humidity range
–
0%
–
Operating frequency range
–
1
–
Figure 1: Frequency Characteristics
Max.
350
0.65
–
–
–
0.17
–
120 [248]
100%
100
Unit
pF
pF/%RH
%RH
%RH
sec
pF/°C
%RH/year
°C [°F]
RH
kHz
Figure 2: Typical Humidity Response (Sensitivity = 0.6 pF/%RH.)
390
380
370
Capacitance (pF)
360
350
340
330
320
310
300
290
280
270
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Relative humidity (%RH)
Figure 3: Temperature Characteristics (At
1 V
RMS
and 20 kHz.)
2
www.honeywell.com/sensing
Capacitive Humidity Sensors
Figure 4: Mounting Dimensions (For reference only: mm [in].)
HCH-1000-001
HCH-1000-002
ENVIRONMENTAL TEST SYSTEM
Figure 5 depicts environmental testing. The devices are
characterized at 25 °C [77 °F] between 20 %RH and 95 %RH.
The meter is set to measure capacitance at 1 V and 20 kHz.
Figure 5: Environmental Test System Diagram
For a precise measurement, a hygrometer is compared with
the humidity of the temperature-humidity chamber.
The data output indicates the effect of sensor characterization
before/after environmental tests.
Honeywell Sensing and Control
3
Order Guide
Catalog Listing
HCH-1000-001
HCH-1000-002
Description
HCH Series capacitive polymer humidity sensor, 2,54 mm [0.100 in] lead pitch SIP
HCH Series capacitive polymer humidity sensor, 2,54 mm [0.100 in] lead pitch SIP, cased version
WARNING
PERSONAL INJURY
DO NOT USE these products as safety or emergency stop
devices or in any other application where failure of the
product could result in personal injury.
Failure to comply with these instructions could result in
death or serious injury.
WARRANTY/REMEDY
Honeywell warrants goods of its manufacture as being free of
defective materials and faulty workmanship. Honeywell’s
standard product warranty applies unless agreed to otherwise
by Honeywell in writing; please refer to your order
acknowledgement or consult your local sales office for specific
warranty details. If warranted goods are returned to Honeywell
during the period of coverage, Honeywell will repair or replace,
at its option, without charge those items it finds defective.
The
foregoing is buyer’s sole remedy and is in lieu of all other
warranties, expressed or implied, including those of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall Honeywell be liable for consequential, special,
or indirect damages.
While we provide application assistance personally, through
our literature and the Honeywell web site, it is up to the
customer to determine the suitability of the product in the
application.
Specifications may change without notice. The information we
supply is believed to be accurate and reliable as of this
printing. However, we assume no responsibility for its use.
WARNING
MISUSE OF DOCUMENTATION
The information presented in this product sheet is for
reference only. Do not use this document as a product
installation guide.
Complete installation, operation, and maintenance
information is provided in the instructions supplied with
each product.
Failure to comply with these instructions could result in
death or serious injury.
SALES AND SERVICE
Honeywell serves its customers through a worldwide network
of sales offices, representatives and distributors. For
application assistance, current specifications, pricing or name
of the nearest Authorized Distributor, contact your local sales
office or:
E-mail:
info.sc@honeywell.com
Internet:
www.honeywell.com/sensing
Phone and Fax:
Asia Pacific
+65 6355-2828
+65 6445-3033 Fax
Europe
+44 (0) 1698 481481
+44 (0) 1698 481676 Fax
Latin America
+1-305-805-8188
+1-305-883-8257 Fax
USA/Canada
+1-800-537-6945
+1-815-235-6847
+1-815-235-6545 Fax
Sensing and Control
Honeywell
1985 Douglas Drive North
Golden Valley, MN 55422
www.honeywell.com/sensing
000699-2-EN
November 2011
Copyright © 2011 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.