The Fishbone Diagram in Figure 1-2 provides a root-cause perspective on the most common sources of RH accuracy errors. Reading the diagram from left to right, the error sources are arranged according to category of error, several of which can occur at multiple points in the production process. For example, thermal effects on the RH sensor can occur during testing stages if temperature is not uniform in the test chamber, but also can occur due to the PCB design.

Figure 1-2 Common Root Causes of RH Error

This document categorizes these error sources into different stages of the development, production and application as well, to help users understand where the errors can occur. Furthermore, this document provides a few case studies as examples to illustrate the RH accuracy debugging process, along with a flowchart in Figure 4-11 to help guide users to a root cause.

This document examines each of the seven primary error sources in three key ways:

1. The potential impact on RH accuracy.
2. Strategies to prevent occurrence.
3. Methods to mitigate effects when prevention is not feasible.