Condensation, measurement and control
Sensor Drift
传感器漂移
Sensor drift is a continuous or incremental change in a sensor's indication over time caused by changes in the metrological properties of the measuring instrument.
- Aliases
- instrumental drift, humidity sensor drift
QUANTITY, SYMBOL AND UNIT
Quantity / objectInstrumental drift
UnitNot applicable
Definition
Sensor drift is a continuous or incremental change in a sensor's indication over time caused by changes in the metrological properties of the measuring instrument.
The metrological definition excludes a real change in the measured quantity and a change caused by a recognized influence quantity. In humidity service, contamination, ageing or material change may contribute, but the cause must be investigated rather than assumed from a trend alone.
Relations and distinctions
Drift and process change
A genuine change in room humidity is a change of the measurand, not sensor drift.
Drift and influence effect
A predictable response to temperature, pressure or another recognized influence quantity is an influence effect; drift concerns change in the instrument's metrological properties.
Engineering meaning
- Use scheduled comparisons, calibration checks or redundant measurements to detect material long-term changes.
- Review drift risk when a small sensor bias can move switching thresholds or conceal a condensation condition.
Common misconceptions
MisconceptionAny slow change in a humidity trend is proof that the sensor is drifting.
Accurate explanationFirst separate real process change, sensor location effects and recognized influence quantities from a change in the instrument itself.
Application boundaries
- A single comparison cannot establish a drift rate without suitable reference conditions and measurement uncertainty.
- Recalibration may quantify or correct indication change but does not automatically remove contamination or installation causes.
Supporting sources
-
Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology / SRC-JCGM-VIM-4-21
International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM3), Entry 4.21: Instrumental Drift ↗
VIM3 online edition / VIM3 entry 4.21: instrumental drift and note
Supports: Instrumental drift is a continuous or incremental change in indication over time; The change is caused by changes in metrological properties of the instrument; A real measurand change or recognized influence quantity is excluded from the definition
Maintenance record
Sensor Drift
- Maintained by
- Yakeclimate Engineering Team
- Authoritative sources verified
- August 3, 2026
- Terminology checked
- August 3, 2026
- Last updated
- August 3, 2026
- Term ID
- EKS-HUM-063