HUMIDITY SENSOR

A humidity sensor is an electronic device that measures the humidity in its

environment and converts its findings into a corresponding electrical signal. Humidity sensors
vary widely in size and functionality; some humidity sensors can be found in handheld devices
(such as smartphones), while others are integrated into larger embedded systems (such as air
quality monitoring systems). Humidity sensors are commonly used in the meteorology, medical,
automobile, HVAC and manufacturing industries. 

Humidity sensors can be divided into two groups, as each category uses a different
method to calculate humidity: relative humidity (RH) sensors and absolute humidity (AH)
sensors. Relative humidity is calculated by comparing the live humidity reading at a given
temperature to the maximum amount of humidity for air at the same temperature. RH sensors
must therefore measure temperature in order to determine relative humidity. In contrast,
absolute humidity is measured without reference to temperature.

The two most common RH sensors are the capacitive and resistive humidity
sensors. Capacitive sensors use two electrodes to monitor the capacitance (i.e. the ability to
store an electric charge) of a thin metal strip placed between them. The metal’s capacitance
increases or decreases at a rate that is directly proportional to the change of humidity in the
sensor’s environment. The difference in charge (voltage) generated by an increase in humidity
is then amplified and sent to the embedded computer for processing. Resistive humidity sensors
operate on a different principle. These sensors utilize a small polymer comb that increases and
decreases in size as the humidity changes, which directly affects the system’s ability to store
charge.

Thermal humidity sensors are used

to measure absolute humidity. Unlike RH
sensors, thermal humidity sensors utilize
two probes, one to measure dry
nitrogen and one to measure the air of its
surrounding environment. When humidity is
collected on the exposed probe, the
difference in thermal conductivity is
perceived by the sensor, and AH is
calculated.

Calibration of Humidity Sensor

It is not usually necessary to perform a new calibration when using the Relative Humidity
Sensor (RH-BTA). You can simply connect the sensor to a Vernier data-collection interface,
start your Vernier data-collection program, and the stored calibration is used.
If you do want to calibrate the Relative Humidity Sensor, you can do so by comparing it to
another calibrated instrument that measures relative humidity (hygrometer or psychrometer).
You can then perform a one-point calibration following the calibration instructions for your data-
collection program from the links below.
A two-point calibration can be done by using two moist salts. In a sealed container of moist
salts, the air above the salts will reach a known relative humidity. The relative humidity above
the salt does depend slightly on the temperature. See the table below for a list of salts and their
known relative humidity at different temperatures.

Here is the procedure for doing a two-point calibration with moist salts:

1. Place a handful of salt in the bottom of a jar (quart or liter size is fine).
2. Add a little water to the jar so that the salt is wet. Note: The goal is to end up with wet
salt, not to totally dissolve the salt.
3. Place the Relative Humidity Sensor in the jar. Note: Do not get the salt or salt solution on
the sensor.
4. Seal the jar. Plastic wrap and rubber bands will do. Allow some time (2 to 6 hours) for
the air inside the sensor to reach the proper relative humidity level.
5. Connect the Relative Humidity Sensor to your interface and start the data-collection
program.
6. Following the calibration instructions for your data-collection program from the links
below, go through the procedure for the first calibration point in a two-point calibration.
Enter the relative humidity for the salt you used, as determined from the table below.
7. Repeat the procedure for the second calibration point using a different salt. Be sure to
allow enough time for the Relative Humidity Sensor to adjust for the change in humidity.

Note: Even though none of the salts listed here is especially dangerous, use normal precautions
with these chemicals.

How to install
DHT11 Temperature & Humidity Sensor features a temperature & humidity sensor complex with
a calibrated digital signal output. By using the exclusive digital-signal-acquisition technique and
temperature & humidity sensing technology, it ensures high reliability and excellent long-term
stability.

This sensor includes a resistive-type humidity measurement component and an NTC

temperature measurement component, and connects to a high performance 8-bit
microcontroller, offering excellent quality, fast response, anti-interference ability and cost-
effectiveness

Specifications:

Measurement Range: 20-90% RH, 0 - 50℃

Humidity Accuracy: ±5% RH
Temperature Accuracy: ± 2℃
Resolution: 1
Package: 3 pin single row
1. Material Preparation

For this tutorial, the items needed to run this project are:

1. Arduino Uno

2. Breadboard

3. Male to male jumper

4. DHT11 Humidity Sensor

2. Hardware Installation

 The hardware configuration is stated as below:

 +pin on the
DHT11
Humidity
sensor ->
5V port of
Arduino
UNO
  -pin on the DHT11 Humidity sensor -> Ground port
of Arduino UNO
 out pin on the DHT11 Humidity sensor -> A0
3. Source Code
4. After compile the code and upload to the Arduino UNO, open your serial monitor and

examine the humidity and temperature of your surrounding from now on. Have Fun!