Abstract

Abstract This paper deals with a new type of humidity sensor. Whereas conventional humidity sensors utilize the change of the specific resistivity or the dielectric properties here the humidity induced volume change of a polyimide layer leads to a deformation of a silicon membrane. The bending stresses will be transformed into an output voltage by a piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge. This principle offers many advantages: (i) a separation of electrical transducing elements (piezoresistors) from measured humidity value, (ii) an advanced electrical long-term stability owing to qualified passivation concepts for the piezoresistors, (iii) the well-known opportunities to miniaturize humidity sensors using semiconductor technologies and micromechanics, (iv) use of only conventional IC processes. The fabrication process of the developed humidity sensor is nearly like that of a common pressure sensor. The first fabricated and tested piezoresistive humidity sensors showed a comparable behaviour to capacitive thin-film humidity sensors, that means fast transient response (T90≈20–25 s) and high accuracy (down to 1% r.h.).

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.