Capacitive Rain Sensor

RC-SPC1K is an thick film technology rain sensor. This device is realized in Allumina (AL2O3) substrate, this material is endowed a big reliability from an electrical thermal point of view. The sensor consists of three parts :

1) Capacitive sensor (Face A)

2) Heater generator (Face B)

3) Temperature Sensor (Face B)

Datasheet

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The Face A is the sensitivity area (capacitiver sensor) this area is exposted to natural agent (rain); In dry condition the value of the capacitor is nominal 100pF.

In presence of the rain the capacitance goes to high valued respect the dry contidion;

The ratio changing is over 420%, in the table N.1 you can verify the capacitance change characteristics.

On Face B is present the heating circuit the temperature sensor (NTC component) and the connection interface (six pads).

On the rear of the rain sensor there is a temperature sensor NTC with a nominal resistence value 1Kohm (25°C), it’s possible use this sensor to monitor the environment temperature. It’s possible to control the heater against particolar environment condition as frost and dump. With these 3 functions : - Measure the capacitance (Table 1) - Measure the environment temperature (Table 2) - Heater control (Table 3) It’s possible establish if it's raining or not.

Electrical Parameters