P14 202 :
World’s Smallest Capacitive Humidity Sensor from IST
October 25, 2010
Innovative Sensor Technology has added the World’s smallest capacitive humidity sensor to its line of thin-film sensors. Measuring just 1.85 mm x 1.85 mm, the P14 202 is capable of measuring from 0 to 100% relative humidity in a temperature range of -50°C to +150°C. The assembly of the sensor is fully automated, and the contacts are designed for soldering and bonding.
Linearity Error and Hysteresis Less Than ±1.5% RH
The employment of high quality materials and manufacturing techniques has allowed IST to produce a thin-film humidity sensor with miniature dimensions that features excellent linearity and hysteresis behavior. The P14 202 offers a linearity error of < ±1.5% RH (15 … 90% RH at 23°C, after one point calibration), and hysteresis of < ±1.5% RH in a three hour cycle between 20% and 80% RH.
Unique Sensor Applications
The extraordinarily small volume and surface area of IST’s P14 202 lends itself to unique solutions where space is limited or "smaller is better". Two such applications include white goods/appliances, and mobile devices such as cell phones.
P14 202 Data Sheet (.pdf)
Flow Sens - MFS02:
IST’s New Micro Flow Sensor for Ultra Low Gas-Flow Applications
July 12, 2010
Innovative Sensor Technology has developed a new MFS02 micro flow sensor that utilizes thin film technology to layer platinum micro heaters and temperature sensors on an ultra sensitive polymer membrane. The MFS02 is capable of measuring the thermal mass flow of gases in a range from 0.001 to 2m/s (up to 50m/s), and has a chip temperature range of -40 to +150°C.
Polymer Membrane Construction
Using the same thin-film construction philosophy as IST’s FS series flow sensors, the MFS02 employs a special glass substrate with an ultra thin polymer membrane to achieve extreme sensitivity. A high performance material, the polymer is characterized by outstanding thermal, mechanical and chemical behaviors. Reduced thermal conductivity of the polymer membrane leads to better thermal contrast and thus better sensitivity. Additionally, the sensor’s glass substrate allows for a much higher operating temperature, making the measurement of larger flow rates possible.
Custom Sensor Applications
IST’s development of the micro flow sensor allows customers to specify dimensions and resistor layouts to fit their own applications. The MFS02 features a rugged design that is well-suited for soldering, conductive gluing, or wire bonding. The sensor element can be mounted as an assembly on an electronic PCB or other carrier, and is ideal for mounting in a bypass flow assembly for differential pressure applications. An EVA Kit is available through IST for performance evaluation of the MFS02 micro flow sensor.
MFS02 Data Sheet (.pdf)
New Product:
New Conductivity Sensor from IST
June 18, 2010
IST has employed thin film technology to develop a conductivity sensor for measuring the concentration of ions in an electrolyte. By measuring the voltage drop between two current electrodes, the conductivity of a substance can be determined. The operating temperature range of the sensor is 0°C to +90°C, and its measurement range is ~5μS/cm to ~20mS/cm.
Temperature Compensation
The conductivity sensor developed by IST consists of two current electrodes, two measuring electrodes and a platinum temperature sensor for compensation. The sensor has an integrated class B 100Ω or 1000Ω temperature sensor. Since the conductivity of an electrolyte depends heavily on the temperature of the medium, it is important to have accurate temperature compensation. The platinum RTD is located on the sensor, directly at the point of measurement to assure accuracy.
Applications in Water Quality
Conductivity sensors have an important application in determining water quality, measuring the concentration of ions found in the water. IST’s conductivity sensor is ideal for this application as well as other applications to measure the conductivity of an electrolyte. The sensors are able to measure the conductivity of most electrolytes, excluding those that are volatile to platinum.
Conductivity Sensor Data Sheet (.pdf)
Archived Articles:
New RealProbe Temp Temperature Assembly by IST: April 28, 2010
Direct Wire Wound Replacement Through Thin-Film Technology: April 6, 2010
