Dew-point sensors

Our sensor system works according to the condensation principle and measures dew-point temperature which is directly related to the absolute moisture content of a gas. The core component is a microtechnological silicon chip including a very thin membrane with outer dimensions of 600 x 600 µm². The membrane, which can be cooled with Peltier elements, contains a heating element and temperature sensors (thermocouples). At dew-point temperature moisture condenses on the membrane. This is detected by cyclic heating and analysing the resulting temperature distribution. The measurement of the respective temperature (dew-point temperature) is carried out by an absolute temperature sensor integrated in the silicon sensor chip. The sensor system which can also be used as humidity sensor has the following typical characteristics:

• Dew point distance:     £ 40 K
• Temperature range:     -40°C … +80°C
• Accuracy:                   < +/- 0,5 K
• Pressure resistance:    depending on the design up to16 bar
• Power consumption:     typ. 2 W
• Measurements up to 100% RH possible, insensitive to moisture penetration
• Easy integration in technical installations

The sensor systems can be customised to meet application specific requirements.

more Information:

• Application Report: Thermal dew point sensor (PDF)