SI7022-A10 Datasheet, PDF (15/25 Pages) Silicon Laboratories – Optional factory-installed cover

Si7022-A10
4.5. Protecting the Sensor
Because the sensor operates on the principal of measuring a change in capacitance, any changes to the dielectric
constant of the polymer film will be detected as a change in relative humidity. Therefore, it is important to minimize
the probability of contaminants coming into contact with the sensor. Dust and other particles as well as liquids can
affect the RH reading. It is recommended that a cover is employed in the end system that blocks contaminants but
allows water vapor to pass through. Depending on the needs of the application, this can be as simple as plastic or
metallic gauze for basic protection against particulates or something more sophisticated such as a hydrophobic
membrane providing up to IP67 compliant protection.
The Si7022 may be ordered with a factory-fitted, solder-resistant cover that can be left in place for the lifetime of
the product. It is very low-profile, hydrophobic and oleophobic. See section “7. Ordering Guide ” for a list of
ordering part numbers that include the cover. A dimensioned drawing of the IC with the cover is included in section
“8. Package Outline ” . Other characteristics of the cover are listed in Table 9.
Table 9. Specifications of Protective Cover
Parameter
Material
Operating Temperature
Maximum Reflow Temperature
IP Rating (per IEC 529)
Value
PTFE
–40 to 125 °C
260 °C
IP67
4.6. Bake/Hydrate Procedure
After exposure to extremes of temperature and/or humidity for prolonged periods, the polymer sensor film can
become either very dry or very wet, in each case the result is either high or low relative humidity readings. Under
normal operating conditions, the induced error will diminish over time. From a very dry condition, such as after
shipment and soldering, the error will diminish over a few days at typical controlled ambient conditions, e.g., 48
hours of 45 ≤ %RH ≤ 55. However, from a very wet condition, recovery may take significantly longer. To accelerate
recovery from a wet condition, a bake and hydrate cycle can be implemented. This operation consists of the
following steps:
Baking the sensor at 125 °C for ≥ 12 hours
Hydration at 30 °C in 75% RH for ≥ 10 hours
Following this cycle, the sensor will return to normal operation in typical ambient conditions after a few days.
4.7. Long Term Drift/Aging
Over long periods of time, the sensor readings may drift due to aging of the device. Standard accelerated life
testing of the Si7022 has resulted in the specifications for long-term drift shown in Table 4 and Table 5. This
contribution to the overall sensor accuracy accounts only for the long-term aging of the device in an otherwise
benign operating environment and does not include the effects of damage, contamination, or exposure to extreme
environmental conditions.
Rev. 1.1
15