SNAA427 October   2025 HDC1010 , HDC1080 , HDC2010 , HDC2021 , HDC2022 , HDC2080 , HDC3020 , HDC3020-Q1 , HDC3021 , HDC3021-Q1 , HDC3022 , HDC3022-Q1 , HDC3120 , HDC3120-Q1

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1Introduction: Why RH Sensors Appear Out-of-Spec
    1. 1.1 Where and When do RH Errors Occur?
    2. 1.2 What are the Root Causes of RH Errors?
    3. 1.3 Case Studies
  5. 2Definitions: Key Terms for RH Accuracy
  6. 3Initial Troubleshooting Steps
    1. 3.1 Initial Verification Steps
    2. 3.2 Diagnostic Questions
  7. 4Common Sources of RH Error - Prevention and Mitigation
    1. 4.1 PCB and Enclosure Design Considerations
      1. 4.1.1 PCB Thermal Transfer to RH Sensor
      2. 4.1.2 Power Supply Noise and Analog RH Sensors
      3. 4.1.3 Enclosure Design & Airflow Considerations
    2. 4.2 Assembly, Soldering, and Manufacturing Processes
      1. 4.2.1 Assembly Instructions: What to Avoid
      2. 4.2.2 Assembly Instructions: Best Practices
      3. 4.2.3 Sensor Cavity Protection During Assembly
    3. 4.3 Rehydration Post-Assembly
      1. 4.3.1 Recovering Sensor Accuracy Post-Soldering
      2. 4.3.2 Rehydration Procedure
    4. 4.4 Test Setup and Environment
      1. 4.4.1 RH References
      2. 4.4.2 Setup Uniformity: Controlled Environment
      3. 4.4.3 Setup Uniformity: Thermal Gradients
      4. 4.4.4 Settling Time
    5. 4.5 Storage and Handling
      1. 4.5.1 Storage Temperature and Humidity Conditions
      2. 4.5.2 Storage Materials
      3. 4.5.3 How Does MSL Level Relate to RH Sensors?
      4. 4.5.4 Handling Best Practices
    6. 4.6 Chemical Contamination
      1. 4.6.1 How Chemical Contamination Affects RH Accuracy
      2. 4.6.2 Where and How are Chemical Contaminants Introduced?
      3. 4.6.3 Mitigating Effects of Chemical Contamination: Bake
      4. 4.6.4 Mitigating Effects of Chemical Contamination: Cleaning
      5. 4.6.5 Mitigating Effects of Chemical Contamination: Enclosure Design
      6. 4.6.6 Mitigating Effects of Chemical Contamination: Device Selection
      7. 4.6.7 Mitigating Effects of Chemical Contamination: Assembly Considerations
    7. 4.7 Operating Conditions: Application Environment Conditions and Effects
      1. 4.7.1 Environmental Conditions That Contribute to RH Accuracy Errors
      2. 4.7.2 RH Offset Mitigation & System-Level Design
      3. 4.7.3 Using the Integrated Heater
    8. 4.8 RH Accuracy Debugging Flowchart
  8. 5Summary: Designing for and Debugging RH Accuracy
  9. 6References
  10. 7Appendix
    1. 7.1 Case Study 1: Humidity-Induced Positive RH Offset
    2. 7.2 Case Study 2: Gradual RH Accuracy Drift in 100%RH Environment
    3. 7.3 Case Study 3: Combined Factors from Assembly & Thermal Effects

RH Offset Mitigation & System-Level Design

For positive RH offset caused by extended high humidity exposure and condensation prevention/removal, baking is effective for removing RH offset. However it typically requires removing the sensor from the system, which is impractical for field applications. The integrated heater offers an alternative in-system method. However, prevention is the best method, especially if heating or baking is not suitable. Another strategy is to optimize enclosure design to minimize exposure to moisture and contamination. Design enclosures so that the RH sensor is not directly under any openings, reducing the risk of water droplets entering the cavity. Use sensors with IP67-rated filter membranes (such as the HDC2022 or HDC3022) to protect against water ingress and particulate contamination.

To recover from negative RH offset caused by prolonged exposure to low humidity and high temperatures, rehydrate the sensor per datasheet recommendations. Some RH sensors, like the HDC2x and HDC302x families, have programmable RH offset registers so that if the RH offset cannot be removed, it can be digitally corrected in the sensor.