Circuit Note

CN-0346
Devices Connected/Referenced
Circuits from the Lab® reference designs are engineered and
24-Bit Capacitance-to-Digital Converter
tested for quick and easy system integration to help solve today’s AD7745
with Temperature Sensor
analog, mixed-signal, and RF design challenges. For more
information and/or support, visit [Link]/CN0346. Precision Rail-to-Rail Input/Output CMOS
AD8615
Op Amp

Relative Humidity Measurement System

EVALUATION AND DESIGN SUPPORT Moisture causes the dielectric constant of a capacitive sensor to
Circuit Evaluation Boards change with respect to the relative humidity of the surrounding
CN-0346 Circuit Evaluation Board (EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ) environment. For example, the Innovative Sensor Technology
SDP-I-PMOD Interposer Board (SDP-PMD-IB1Z) P14-W capacitive sensor used in this circuit is comprised of a
System Demonstration Platform, SDP-B (EVAL-SDP-CB1Z) top electrode, polyimide layer and a bottom electrode, and has a
Design and Integration Files sensitivity of (0.25 pF/% RH) and a linearity of 1.5% RH.
Schematics, Layout Files, Bill of Materials The humidity sensor output is digitized by the AD7745, 24-bit,
Σ-Δ capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC). A 2-wire, I2C-
CIRCUIT FUNCTION AND BENEFITS
compatible interface allows access to the internal configuration
The two-chip circuit shown in Figure 1 provides a contactless, registers as well as to the data conversions.
capacitive based, relative humidity (RH) measurement solution
The AD8615 rail-to-rail amplifier with very low offset voltage
with 2% relative humidity accuracy from 0% RH to 100% RH,
(65 µV) and wide signal bandwidth (>20 MHz) acts as a unity-
and replaces bulky hygrometer based methods. The circuit is
gain buffer and provides the appropriate drive signal to the
ideal for applications where accurate, temperature controlled,
sensor.
noncontact humidity measurements are critical, such as HVAC,
telecommunication cabinets, infant incubators, and other
industrial or medical applications.

U1 RDY
RANGE AD7745 SCL
EXTENSION 1 SCL SDA 16 SDA
VDD CIRCUIT VEXCA
R3 R4 HOST
2 RDY NC 15 10kΩ 10kΩ VDD SYSTEM
C1 R1
0.1µF VEXCS 100kΩ 3 EXCA VDD 14 VDD
5 3
1 C2
U2 4 EXCB GND 13 1µF GND
4 R2
2 118kΩ
CSENS 5 REFIN(+) VIN(–) 12
VEXCB
AD8615
6 REFIN(–) VIN(+) 11

7 CIN1(–) NC 10

8 CIN1(+) NC 9
11782-001

NOTES
1. NC = NO CONNECT.
2. VDD = 2.7V TO 3.6V, OR 4.75V TO 5.25V.

Figure 1. Capacitive Sensing Based Humidity Measurement System (Simplified Schematic: Decoupling and All Connections Not Shown)

Rev. 0
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Devices engineers. Standard engineering practices have been employed in the design and
construction of each circuit, and their function and performance have been tested and verified in a lab
environment at room temperature. However, you are solely responsible for testing the circuit and
determining its suitability and applicability for your use and application. Accordingly, in no event shall One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A.
Analog Devices be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages due Tel: 781.329.4700 [Link]
toanycausewhatsoeverconnectedtotheuseofanyCircuitsfromtheLabcircuits. (Continuedonlastpage) Fax: 781.461.3113 ©2014 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.
CN-0346 Circuit Note
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION The linearity and hysteresis of the Innovative Sensor Technology
RH is the amount of water vapor in the air, expressed as a P14-W series are ±1.5% RH.
percentage of the maximum amount that the air can hold at a Calculating Relative Humidity
specific temperature. Relative humidity is an important metric Relative humidity is calculated from the capacitance, C, and
because it takes into consideration the effects of temperature temperature, T, readings as follows:
and pressure.
1. Subtract the bulk capacitance from the capacitance reading.
A hygrometer is the traditional device used to measure RH and 2. Divide by the sensitivity.
has taken many forms over time, including metal paper coil, 3. Add the reference humidity to the calculation.
human hair, and dual thermometer implementations. Modern day 4. Calculate the temperature dependence, TDEPEND.
electronic implementations use a capacitive element that is robust 5. Add TDEPEND to the result in Step 3.
against aging effects, condensation, and rapid temperature swings.
As an example, assume a capacitive sensor reading of C = 153 pF at
Capacitive sensors experience a change in their dielectric
a temperature of T = 23°C, with the following ideal characteristics:
constant when a polymer or metal oxide layer is subject to
varying amounts of moisture. Most capacitive sensors require • Bulk capacitance = 150 pF at 30% RH
several seconds to respond to a change in humidity. • TDEPEND = −0.0191% RH
• Sensitivity = 0.25 pF/% RH
Humidity Sensor Characteristics
• Reference point = 30% RH, 23°C
The circuit shown in Figure 1 uses the Innovative Sensor
Technology P14-W series of capacitive sensors. Bulk capacitance, Calculate the relative humidity according to the instructions
sensitivity, temperature, linearity, and hysteresis are the important given and the following equation:
specifications of the sensor.
 C − CBULK 
The typical bulk capacitance of the sensor is 150 pF ± 50 pF at RH = RH REF +   + TDEPEND

 Sensitivity 
30% RH. This common-mode capacitance does not influence
the relative humidity reading but requires a special circuit to  153 pF − 150 pF 
RH = 30% RH +   − 0.0191% RH
interface to the capacitance-to-digital converter.  
 0.25 pF / %RH 
The sensitivity of the capacitive element determines the relative
RH = 30% RH + 12% RH − 0.0191% RH
humidity reading. Sensitivity is the change in capacitance for a
1% change in relative humidity and is calculated by measuring RH = 41.809% RH
the capacitance at two unique relative humidity points and The method for calculating the temperature dependence of
dividing by the change in percent RH. the relative humidity measurement is dependent upon the
Sensitivity = ΔC/Δ% RH particular humidity sensor selected; therefore, the data sheet
must always be consulted to determine the correct formula.
The P14-W has a typical sensitivity of 0.25 pF/% RH.
Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (CDC)
C95% RH − C10% RH
Sensitivity = The 24-bit AD7745 CDC measures capacitance by using a switched
90% − 15%
capacitor charge balancing circuit, as shown in Figure 2. The
Calculate the temperature dependence of the sensor for a throughput rate is 10 Hz to 90 Hz.
particular relative humidity condition using the following
equation and coefficients (taken from the Innovative Sensor CAPACITANCE-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER
(CDC)
Technology P14-W data sheet): CLOCK
TDEPEND = (B1 × % RH + B2) × T [°C] + (B3 × % RH + B4) GENERATOR

where: DATA
CIN 24-BIT Σ-Δ DIGITAL
B1 = 0.0014/°C MODULATOR FILTER
% RH = 42% CSENS
B2 = 0.1325% RH/°C EXC EXCITATION
11782-002

T = 23°C
B3 = −0.0317
Figure 2. Single-Ended Capacitive Sensor Implementation
B4 = −3.0876% RH
TDEPEND = −0.0191% RH. Charge is proportional to the product of voltage and capacitance,
Q = V × C, and the conversion result represents the ratio of the
A temperature of 23°C causes a change in a 42% RH calculation input sensor capacitance, CSENS, to the internal reference
of −0.0191% RH. Adding this value to the calculated % RH capacitance, CREF. The excitation voltage (EXC) and the internal
corrects for the temperature dependence of the sensor. reference voltage (VREF) have fixed known values.
Rev. 0 | Page 2 of 7
Circuit Note CN-0346
The CSENS to be measured connects between the excitation Calculate the sensor dynamic range as follows:
source and the Σ-Δ modulator input. A square-wave excitation CDYN = (0.25 pF/% RH) × 100% RH = 25 pF
signal of 32 kHz is applied to CSENS during the conversion, and
the modulator continuously samples the charge going through Calculate the range extension factor required for the dynamic
CSENS. The digital filter processes the modulator output, which is a range (FDYN) as follows:
stream of ones and zeros. The conversion value is contained in FDYN = 25 pF/8.192 pF = 3.05
the ones density of the bit stream. The data from the digital These calculations show that the bulk capacitance of the sensor
filter is scaled, calibration coefficients are applied, and the result is the parameter that determines the range extension factor;
is read through the serial interface. therefore, F = 11.76 is used for further calculations.
Input Range Scaling Choosing the Resistor Values
The AD7745 has two limitations in measuring input capacitance. Select values for R1 and R2 to implement the desired range
First, the dynamic range is ±4.096 pF, but many capacitive based extension factor. A value of 100 kΩ was chosen for R1. The resistor
humidity sensors have a larger dynamic range. Second, the value for R2 is calculated and rounded down to the next value
maximum common-mode capacitance of the CDC is 21 pF. in the standard E96 series.
Many humidity sensors have a larger bulk capacitance.
R1  (F  1)
The AD7745 has the ability to offset the input common-mode R2 
F 1
range by programming the internal, 7-bit, capacitor DAC
(CAPDAC) registers. The CAPDAC acts as a negative capacitance where:
connected internally to the CIN1± pin. This allows a common- R1 = 100 kΩ
mode capacitance of up to a typical value of 21 pF. F = 11.76
R2 = 118.58 kΩ.
The range extension circuit shown in Figure 1 is added to ensure
that the charge transfer within CSENS remains within the input Use resistors with tolerances of 1% or less. A small change in
range of the AD7745. To achieve this, the excitation voltage is the value of either resistor (R1 or R2) can significantly change
decreased by a factor of F, allowing the sensor capacitance to be the range extension factor. The resistor values of 100 kΩ for R1
increased by a factor of F. and 118 kΩ for R2 result in a range extension factor of

Calculating Range Extension Factor R1  R2 100  118

F   12.11
To calculate the range extension factor, the two independent R1  R2 100  118
excitation sources (EXCA and EXCB) of the AD7745 must be
Using the CAPDAC to Remove the Common-Mode
programmed such that EXCB is the inverse of EXCA. With Capacitance
Resistors R1 and R2 connected as shown in Figure 1, the
resulting range extension factor F is the ratio of the AD7745 The AD7745 capacitive input is factory calibrated so that the
differential excitation voltage between EXCA and EXCB input range is 0 pF to 4.096 pF in the single-ended mode, and
(VEXCA/VEXCB) and the attenuated excitation signal (VEXCS) at the ±4.096 pF in the differential mode. The AD7745 contains an
positive input of the AD8515 op amp. Calculate the range internal CAPDAC that allows adjustment of the input common-
extension factor as follows: mode capacitance.
The CAPDAC acts as a negative capacitance connected internally
VEXCA /VEXCB R1  R2
F  to the CIN1± pin. There are two independent CAPDACs, one
VEXCS R1  R2
connected to CIN1(+) and the second connected to CIN1(−).
The average voltage of the attenuated excitation voltage, VEXCS, The CAPDACs have 7-bit resolution and a full-scale value of
is VDD/2. The AD8515 op amp functions as a low impedance 21 pF ± 20%.
buffer to ensure that CSENS is fully charged when the AD7745
Calculate the required CAPDAC setting for the single-ended
starts sampling.
humidity sensing element example shown in Figure 1 by setting
The sensor bulk capacitance can be as high as 200 pF, and the the CAPDAC for a common-mode capacitance of 17 pF
minimum value of the AD7745 common-mode capacitance is corresponding to the decimal code value of
17 pF, resulting in a required range extension factor (FCM) of
17 pF
FCM = 200 pF/17 pF = 11.76 CAPDACCODE   127  103, or 0x67
21 pF

Rev. 0 | Page 3 of 7
CN-0346 Circuit Note
Test Setup
Gathering test data cannot begin until the CN-0346 system is
properly set up and calibrated. First, place the EVAL-CN0346-
PMDZ printed circuit board (PCB) into a humidity controlled
chamber with access to a precision inductance capacitance
resistance (LCR) meter (HP4284A). The LCR meter correlates
any capacitance calculation with the actual capacitance value of
the sensor. Two sets of wires protrude from the container for each
PCB. The first set of wires is specific to I2C digital communication.
The second set of wires allows direct measurement of the sensor
capacitance using the LCR meter, which can only occur when
there is no power connected to the EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ PCB.
Figure 3 shows the block diagram used for data collection in the
bench test setup.
HUMIDITY CONTROLLED CHAMBER

6V DC BOVEDA
POWER PACK
SUPPLY
CONNECT
J5 TO SENSOR
TERMINALS

11782-004
EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ

I2C WIRES Figure 4. Screenshot of the CN-0346 Evaluation Software, Calculations Tab

6V DC
WALL WART
SDP-PMD-IB1Z

LCR METER

328.24pF
EVAL-SDP-CB1Z
USB TO PC
11782-003

Figure 3. Bench Test Block Diagram

Second, for two specific humidity levels (5% RH and 95% RH),
measure the temperature of the enclosure using the AD7745 and
measure the capacitance of the sensor using the LCR meter.
Calculate the sensitivity of the sensor using these two
calibration points.
C95% RH − C10% RH
Sensitivity =
95% − 10%
Enter the sensitivity into the appropriate Relative Humidity
Calculation field under the Calculations tab (see Figure 4). Use
the 10% RH calibration point to fill in the C_BULK field and the
RH_REF (%) field.
11782-105

Lastly, calculate and input the desired CAPDAC common-

mode value into the CAPDAC field, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5. Screenshot of the CN-0346 Evaluation Software, Calibration Tab

The CN-0346 system is prepared and calculated. Click to

Sample displays the sensor capacitance as C_CALC in the
Capacitance Calculation window. Vary the humidity while
collecting samples and observe the change in the relative
humidity calculation.

Rev. 0 | Page 4 of 7
Circuit Note CN-0346
Test Results PCB Layout Considerations
All test data was collected by placing Boveda packs (Boveda, Inc.) In any circuit where accuracy is crucial, consider the power
into a sealed container with three EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ PCBs, supply and ground return layout on the board. The PCB isolates
as shown in Figure 6. Boveda packs contain a specially prepared the digital and analog sections as much as possible. The PCB for
solution of pure water and salt, designed to control the humidity this system is constructed in a 4-layer stack up with large area
inside of a sealed container to a specific, predetermined relative ground plane layers and power plane polygons. See the MT-031
humidity of ±2.5%. Tutorial for more information on layout and grounding, and see
the MT-101 Tutorial for information on decoupling techniques.
Decouple the power supply to all ICs with 1 µF and 0.1 µF
capacitors to properly suppress noise and reduce ripple. Place
the capacitors as close to the device as possible. Ceramic
capacitors are recommended for all high frequency decoupling.
Power supply lines must have as large a trace width as possible
to provide low impedance paths and to reduce glitch effects on
the supply line. Shield clocks and other fast switching digital
signals from other parts of the board by connecting them to the
11782-005
digital ground. The PCB is shown in Figure 8.
A complete design support package for this circuit note is
Figure 6. Data Collection Bench Test Setup
available at [Link]/CN0346-DesignSupport.
Figure 7 shows the relative humidity error over the full range of
relative humidity.
2.0

1.5

1.0
ERROR (% RH)

0.5

–0.5

–1.0

–1.5
11782-006

2 10 18 26 34 42 50 58 66 74 82 90 99
RELATIVE HUMIDITY (%)

Figure 7. Relative Humidity Measurement Error

11782-007

Figure 8. Photo of the EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ PCB

Rev. 0 | Page 5 of 7
CN-0346 Circuit Note
COMMON VARIATIONS Getting Started
Capacitive sensing can also be used to implement a proximity Load the evaluation software by placing the CN-0346
sensor. A basic proximity sensor includes a receiver and a Evaluation Software CD into the PC. Using My Computer,
transmitter, each of which consists of metal traces formed on locate the drive that contains the evaluation software CD and
layers of a PCB. The AD7745 has an on-chip excitation source, open the Readme file. Follow the instructions contained in the
which connects to the transmitter trace of the sensor. An electric Readme file for installing and using the evaluation software.
field is generated between the receiver and the transmitter trace. Functional Block Diagram
Most of the field is concentrated between the two layers of the
See Figure 3 for the test setup block diagram, and the EVAL-
sensor PCB. However, a fringe electric field extends from the
[Link] file for the circuit schematics.
transmitter, out of the PCB, and terminates back at the receiver.
This file is contained in the CN-0346 Design Support Package.
The field strength at the receiver is measured by the on-chip, Σ-Δ
CDC. The electrical environment changes when a human hand Setup
invades the fringe field, and a portion of the electric field is Connect the 120-pin connector on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z to the
shunted to ground instead of terminating at the receiver. The SDP-PMD-IB1Z board. Use nylon hardware to firmly secure
resulting decrease in capacitance (on the order of femtofarads the two boards, using the holes provided at the ends of the
as compared to picofarads for the bulk of the electric field) is 120-pin connectors. Connect the EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ to
detected by the converter. Connector J2 on the SDP-PMD-IB1Z board.
CIRCUIT EVALUATION AND TEST With the power supply off, connect a 6.0 V dc barrel jack to
This circuit uses the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration Connector J1 on the SDP-PMD-IB1Z board. Connect the USB
platform (SDP) evaluation board and the EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ cable supplied with the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z to the USB port on
circuit board. The two boards have 120-pin mating connectors, the PC. With the power supply off, connect the 6 V power to
allowing the quick setup and evaluation of the performance of the J5 connector of the EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ evaluation board.
the circuit. Do not connect the USB cable to the mini USB connector on
the SDP board at this time.
The EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ contains the circuit to be evaluated,
as described in this circuit note. The EVAL-SDP-CB1Z is used Place the entire setup into a sealed chamber with humidity
with the CN-0346 Evaluation Software to capture the data from control. It is also possible to place only the sensing element
the EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ. The SDP/PMD interposer board into the environment of interest, if so desired. An external
(SDP-PMD-IB1Z) is used to connect the EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ hygrometer or other calibrated humidity sensor can be used as
board to the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z board, as shown in Figure 3. a reference point for calibrating or verifying the output data
from the CN-0346 Evaluation Software.
Equipment Needed
Test
The following equipment is needed:
Apply power to the dc barrel jack, Connector J1, of the SDP-
• The EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ evaluation board PMD-IB1Z board. Apply power to the J5 connector of the
• The EVAL-SDP-CB1Z evaluation board EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ board. Launch the CN-0346 Evaluation
• The SDP/PMD interposer board (SDP-PMD-IB1Z) Software and connect the USB cable from the PC to the mini-
• The CN-0346 Evaluation Software USB connector on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z.
• A PC with a USB port and Windows® XP, or Windows When USB communications are established, the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z
Vista® (32-bit), or Windows® 7 (32-bit) can be used to send, receive, and capture serial data from the
• A capacitive humidity sensor, Innovative Sensor EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ.
Technology P14-W (included on EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ
board) Information regarding the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z can be found in
the SDP User Guide. Information and details regarding test setup
• A 6 V at 100 mA power supply
and calibration, and how to use the evaluation software for data
• A 6 V wall wart
capture can be found in the CN-0346 Software User Guide.
• A humidity controlled chamber

Rev. 0 | Page 6 of 7
Circuit Note CN-0346
LEARN MORE Data Sheets and Evaluation Boards
CN0346 Design Support Package: CN-0346 Circuit Evaluation Board (EVAL-CN0346-PMDZ)
[Link] System Demonstration Platform (EVAL-SDP-CB1Z)
MT-031 Tutorial, Grounding Data Converters and Solving the AD7745 Data Sheet
Mystery of AGND and DGND, Analog Devices.
AD8615 Data Sheet
MT-101 Tutorial, Decoupling Techniques, Analog Devices.
REVISION HISTORY
9/14—Revision 0: Initial Version

I2C refers to a communications protocol originally developed by Philips Semiconductors (now NXP Semiconductors).

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registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CN11782-0-9/14(0)

Rev. 0 | Page 7 of 7