Feature: Test & Measurement
them suitable for outdoor applications and industries where conditions can be challenging. Termal conductivity sensors measure the change in thermal
conductivity of the air due to humidity. Tey typically have two thermistors — one exposed to the air and one isolated. Te difference in their readings is used to calculate humidity levels. Termal conductivity sensors are particularly useful in applications where high accuracy is required over a wide range of humidity levels. Tey are also less susceptible to contamination, which makes them ideal for environments where the air might contain dust or other particulates.
Taking action Tanks to the digitisation of sensing technology, it’s possible to use the data collected by humidity sensors to generate real-time insights into environmental conditions, so that appropriate changes can be made to control the moisture in the air and ensure conditions remain optimal. To unlock this insight, it’s essential to convert the analogue
values generated by the humidity sensors into a digital format. While this can be achieved using numerous off-the-shelf integrated circuits (ICs), for optimised sensor performance, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) is the better choice. ASICs are ICs that are tailored for specific applications, offering
numerous advantages over general-purpose integrated circuits (ICs). Tey are designed to meet specific performance criteria,
which ensures that the humidity sensor operates within the desired parameters, enhancing accuracy and reliability. One of the most attractive benefits of an ASIC is its improved
performance. Complete optimisation of the chip’s design means that additional redundant components are removed, allowing more power to be invested in areas where it matters. Freedom in design means that the ASIC can be designed to interface directly with the humidity sensor to provide sensor-specific conditioning. Tis optimised performance makes the sensor’s insights ultrareliable, which is particularly important for applications where a change in humidity could have huge consequences on operational efficiency. An ASIC also offers the significant advantage of obsolescence
protection. Standard ICs may be discontinued at any time, potentially leaving manufacturers with a limited stock that will ultimately need to be replaced, and may even require a redesign. Swindon Silicon offers a comprehensive non-obsolescence plan as part of its design and manufacturing process. If a product is designed to last 15 years in production, then Swindon will select a suitable silicon process with the required maturity and longevity. Humidity sensors are essential to keeping the environment
optimal – without them, there’s a risk to the performance of equipment, quality of products and the protection of sensitive materials. Designing a system with ASICs takes the reliability and accuracy of the data up a notch, to ensure environmental stability and better, faster insights if humidity does rise above the threshold.
www.electronicsworld.co.uk June 2025 13
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