Honeywell AWM42150VH Flow Sensor

RS Components Part # 621-1587

Manufactured by Honeywell - Part # AWM42150VH

Airflow Sensor, Signal Conditioning: Unamplified (mV); Flow/Pressure Range: ± 25.0 sccm; Port Style: Manifold

DESCRIPTION

The microbridge mass airflow sensor operates on the theory of heat transfer. Mass airflow is directed across the surface of the sensing elements. Output voltage varies in proportion to the mass air or other gas flow through the inlet and outlet ports of the package. The specially designed housing precisely directs and controls the airflow across the microstructure sensing element. Mechanical design of the package allows it to be easily mounted to printed circuit boards.

The microbridge mass airflow sensor has a unique silicon chip based on advanced microstructure technology. It consists of a thin-film, thermally isolated bridge structure containing heater and temperature sensing elements. The bridge structure provides a sensitive and fast response to the flow of air or other gas over the chip. Dual sensing elements positioned on both sides of a central heating element indicate flow direction as well as flow rate. Laser trimmed thick film and thin film resistors provide consistent interchangeability from one device to the next.

The microbridge mass airflow sensor uses temperature sensitive resistors deposited within a thin film of silicon nitride. They are suspended in the form of two bridges over an etched cavity in the silicon. The chip is located in a precisely dimensioned airflow channel to provide a repeatable flow response. Highly effective thermal isolation for the heater and sensing resistors is attained by etching the cavity space beneath the flow sensor bridges. The small size and thermal isolation of the microbridge mass airflow sensor are responsible for the extremely fast response and high sensitivity to flows.

Dual Wheatstone bridges control airflow measurement -- one provides closed loop heater control, the other contains the dual sensing elements. The heater circuit minimizes shift due to ambient temperature changes by providing an output proportional to mass flow. The circuit keeps the heater temperature at a constant differential (160 °C) above ambient air temperature which is sensed by a heat-sunk resistor on the chip. The ratiometric voltage output of the device corresponds to the differential voltage across the Wheatstone bridge circuit.

FEATURES

• Precision silicon micromachining
• Sensitive to low flows - 0.1 sccm to 20 SLPM
• Adaptable for use with higher flows
• Fast response time
• Analog output
• Low power consumption
• Repeatable response
• Laser trimmed interchangeability
• Accurate, cost effective flow sensing
• In-line printed circuit board terminals
• Standard 2.54 mm (0.100 in) mounting centers
• Accurate sensing of low pressure 0.001 in to 4.0 in H2O (0.003 to 10 mbar)

APPLICATIONS

Damper control for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Gas analyzers
Low vacuum control
Process control
Medical respirators and ventilators
Oxygen concentrators
Leak detection equipment
Vent hoods
Anesthesia control
Gas metering
Gas chromatography