Highly dynamic capacitive sensor chips
Capacitive MELA® sensor chip – for the full range of relative humidity measurements
MELA Sensortechnik GmbH manufactures thin film capacitive sensorchips in a high tech clean room environment. Multiple layers are applied to a ceramic plate. The layers consist of an electrode structure, MELA®’s proprietary hygroscopic polymer and a thin covering layer of gold that is permeable to water vapour.
The MELA® polymer absorbs/desorbs atmospheric water vapour which modifies its electrical conductivity and permittivity and thereby changes the capacitance of the MELA® sensorchip. This capacitance is a direct measure of relative humidity.
- Covering electrode made of porous gold
- Hygroscopic polymer
- Base electrodes
- Ceramic substrate
Advantages
- For the entire area of application of relative humidity
- Highly dynamic – short response times
- Small dimensions
- Excellent linearity
- Low hysteresis
Numerous types – numerous applications
Differing layer compositions and dimensions result in the manufacture of various humidity sensor element models, primarily varying in terms of their resistance to external influences and capacitance. The sensor elements are waterproof and have outstanding dynamic properties and long term stability. They can be used in various areas of application.
To maintain the measurement accuracy of the capacitive humidity sensors over an extended period, the curve can be checked regularly. MELA Sensortechnik offers humidity standards for sensor recalibration at the place of use.