31
R-1750
R-1751
R-1752
R-1754
(1) Structure of Absolute Humidity Sensor
The absolute humidity sensor includes two thermistors
as shown in the illustration. One thermistor is housed in
the closed vessel filled with dry air while another in the
open vessel. Each sensor is provided with the protective
cover made of metal mesh to be protected from the
external airflow.
(2) Operational Principle of Absolute Humidity Sensor
The figure below shows the basic structure of an absolute
humidity sensor. A bridge circuit is formed by two
thermistors and two resistors (R1 and R2).
The output of the bridge circuit is to be amplified by the
operational amplifier.
Each thermistor is supplied with a current to keep it
heated at about 150˚C (302˚F), the resultant heat is
dissipated in the air and if the two thermistors are placed
in different humidity conditions they show different
degrees of heat conductivity leading to a potential
difference between them causing an output voltage from
the bridge circuit, the intensity of which is increased as
the absolute humidity of the air increases. Since the
output is very minute, it is amplified by the operational
amplifier.
(3) Detector Circuit of Absolute Humidity Sensor Circuit
This detector circuit is used to detect the output voltage
of the absolute humidity circuit to allow the LSI to control
sensor cooking of the unit. When the unit is set in the
sensor cooking mode, 32 seconds clearing cycle occurs
than the detector circuit starts to function and the LSI
observes the initial voltage available at its AN4 terminal.
With this voltage given, the switches SW1 to SW5 in the
LSI are turned on in such a way as to change the
resistance values in parallel with R47 ~ R52. Changing
the resistance values results in that there is the same
potential at both F-3 terminal of the absolute humidity
sensor and AN5 terminal of the LSI. The voltage of AN4
terminal will indicate about +2.5V. This initial balancing
is set up about 32 seconds after the unit is put in the
Sensor Cooking mode. As the sensor cooking proceeds,
the food is heated to generate moisture by which the
ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY SENSOR CIRCUIT
resistance balance of the bridge circuit is deviated to
increase the voltage available at AN4 terminal of the LSI.
Then the LSI observes that voltage at AN4 terminal and
compares it with its initial value, and when the comparison
rate reaches the preset value (fixed for each menu to be
cooked), the LSI causes the unit to stop sensor cooking;
thereafter, the unit goes in the next operation
automatically.
When the LSI starts to detect the initial voltage at AN4
terminal 32 seconds after the unit has been put in the
Sensor Cooking mode, if it is not possible to balance the
bridge circuit due to disconnection of the absolute humidity
sensor, ERROR will appear on the display and the
cooking is stopped.
1) Absolute humidity sensor circuit
ventilation opening for sensing
Sensing part
(Open vessel)
Sensing part
(Closed vessel)
Thermistors
S
C
R3
R1
R2
+
Operational
amplifier
Output
voltage
S : Thermistor
open vessel
C : Thermistor
closed vessel
2
Absolute humidity (g/m )
Output voltage
Absolute humidity vs,
output voltage characteristic
R43 1.8K
VA : +15V
VC : +5V
R42 3.57K
R41 3.32K
S
C
R47 47K
R48 620K
R49 300K
R50 150K
R51 75K
R52 37.4K
R44 360K
R45 10K
3
F2
8
4
1
2
IC3
+
-
R40 330
C40 0.1
µ
F
D40
R46 47K
84
PA4
PA3
PA2
PA1
PA0
AN5
SW1
SW2
SW3
SW4
SW5
AN4
LSI
(IC1)
85
95
96
97
98
99
C41 0.015
µ
F
C. Thermistor in
closed vessel
S. Thermistor in
open vessel
C42 0.01
µ
F
C43 0.01
µ
F
F3
F1