How to Use SHT1x-Breakout: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SHT1x-Breakout is a precision sensor module designed for environmental monitoring, which incorporates the Sensirion SHT1x sensor. This sensor is capable of measuring both temperature and relative humidity with high accuracy and provides a digital output for easy interfacing with microcontrollers and computers. Common applications include weather stations, HVAC control systems, and any application where environmental conditions need to be monitored.

• Voltage Supply: 2.4V to 5.5V
• Temperature Range: -40°C to +123.8°C
• Humidity Range: 0 to 100% RH
• Output: Digital (Two-wire serial interface)
• Accuracy (Temperature): ±0.5°C at 25°C
• Accuracy (Humidity): ±4.5% RH
• Resolution (Temperature): 0.01°C
• Resolution (Humidity): 0.05% RH

To use the SHT1x-Breakout in a circuit, connect the VDD pin to a power supply within the specified range, the GND pin to the system ground, the DATA pin to a digital I/O pin on your microcontroller, and the SCK pin to another digital I/O pin for the serial clock.

• Ensure that the power supply is stable and within the specified voltage range.
• Use pull-up resistors on the DATA and SCK lines as required by the microcontroller's specifications.
• Avoid placing the sensor in direct sunlight or near heat sources to prevent inaccurate readings.
• Allow the sensor to acclimatize to the environment for accurate readings.

#include <SHT1x.h>

// Specify data and clock connections and instantiate SHT1x object
#define dataPin  10
#define clockPin 11
SHT1x sht1x(dataPin, clockPin);

void setup()
{
   Serial.begin(9600); // Start serial communication at 9600 baud
}

void loop()
{
   float temp_c;
   float humidity;

   // Read values from the sensor
   temp_c = sht1x.readTemperatureC();
   humidity = sht1x.readHumidity();

   // Print the values to the serial port
   Serial.print("Temperature: ");
   Serial.print(temp_c, DEC);
   Serial.print("C / Humidity: ");
   Serial.print(humidity);
   Serial.println("%");

   delay(2000); // Wait 2 seconds between readings
}

Ensure that you have installed the SHT1x library in the Arduino IDE before uploading this code to your Arduino UNO.

• Inaccurate Readings: Ensure the sensor is not exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources. Allow time for the sensor to acclimatize to the environment.
• No Data on Serial: Check the wiring, especially the DATA and SCK connections to the Arduino. Ensure pull-up resistors are correctly installed if necessary.
• Sensor Not Responding: Verify that the power supply is within the specified range and connections are secure.

• If you encounter erratic readings, adding a small capacitor (e.g., 0.1 µF) between VDD and GND near the sensor may stabilize the power supply.
• For long cable runs, shielded cables can help reduce noise that may affect the readings.

Q: Can the SHT1x-Breakout be used outdoors? A: Yes, but it should be protected from direct exposure to water and sunlight.

Q: How long does the sensor need to acclimatize? A: Typically, a few minutes should be sufficient for the sensor to stabilize and provide accurate readings.

Q: Is calibration required for the SHT1x-Breakout? A: The sensor comes pre-calibrated from the factory. However, for critical applications, periodic calibration against a known reference may be necessary.

For further assistance, consult the Sensirion SHT1x datasheet or contact technical support.