Swiss sensor manufacturer Sensirion has announced the integration of humidity and temperature sensor into smartphones, setting a new standard for ambient sensing and opens up entirely new fields of application.
Sensirion’s previous sensor models already provided a complete sensor solution for mobile devices and have been successfully integrated into millions of mobile phones.
With the new SHTC1 humidity and temperature sensor, Sensirion has responded to calls from industry and developed the world’s smallest sensor in its class. It measures just 2mm x 2mm x 0.8mm and is based on proven CMOSens Technology, which combines the sensor and processing electronics on a single silicon chip to achieve the tiny device size.
The measurement of humidity and temperature, or ambient sensing, enables the phone to sense its environment, opening up a whole range of new applications that go far beyond a mere mobile weather station.
A comprehensive assessment of this data would allow the cosmetics industry, for example, to provide useful skin care tips and suggest products perfectly suited to a specific environment. The possibilities are even greater when the data from multiple users is evaluated.
The building control system in a smart building can be augmented with data from the smartphones located in the building. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning can then be better adapted to the needs of the people in the building, increasing their comfort while optimising energy consumption.
By collecting data from smartphone as part of an overarching system, a smart holistic system can be supported. Smart buildings and smart cosmetics are just two examples of a whole range of smart solutions.
The world's smallest humidity and temperature sensor measures relative humidity over a range of 0 to 100 % RH with a typical accuracy of ±3% RH. The temperature measuring range is -30 to 100 °C with a typical accuracy of ±0.3°C.
The sensor is fully calibrated, has a digital I²C interface, and is suitable for reflow soldering. This makes it compatible with standard industrial mass production processes for electronic modules.