Accuracy of the PEM2

PEM2When creating our own temperature and relative humidity data logger, the PEM2, our priorities were ease of use, accuracy and long-term stability. The design of the PEM2 was informed by our fifteen years of experience with environmental monitoring in libraries, archives and museums. 

Technology and Accuracy
The technology and the calibration of the PEM2 make it a highly accurate monitoring device. The PEM2 measures temperature with a digital sensor that demonstrates consistent linearity across our specified operating range and we guarantee its accuracy to ± 0.5oC. The PEM2 measures relative humidity with a thin-film polymer capacitance sensor and we guarantee accuracy within ±2% RH in the 10%-90% RH range and ±3.5% RH at extremities. These technologies surpass the requirements for recommended environmental monitoring conditions in storage and display areas. 

NIST- Traceable Calibration Source
We can guarantee the PEM2's measurements because we individually calibrate each PEM2, checking the performance of the temperature and humidity sensors with a five-point calibration routine. The machine we use for calibration is NIST-traceable, which means it is calibrated to a NIST standard (the equivalent of an “official” source of time). We also chose a calibration machine that uses one of the most accurate methods of calibration, a Thunder Scientific two-temperature two-pressure humidity generator.

Hysteresis
By calibrating each PEM2 to five different humidity values and a varying pattern of low and high RH conditions, we are able to check for hysteresis behavior in each humidity sensor; if a sensor demonstrates hysteresis and it can not be corrected, we do not use that sensor.  

Humidity Compensation at Extreme Temperatures
Electronic humidity sensors respond differently when they are exposed to extremely low or extremely high temperatures. This is why not all electronic data loggers are suitable for use in cold vaults or freezer storage. The effect of low temperature will be to cause inaccurate humidity readings well beyond the stated accuracy range. However, it is possible to program an offset into the firmware of the data logger to compensate for the sensor behavior at extreme temperatures. The PEM2 includes this humidity correction firmware and can therefore give reliable humidity readings even when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Summary specifications of IPI's PEM2

Accuracy

±2% RH from 10%-90% RH
±3.5% RH (at extremities)

Stability

Recommended for recalibration every 3 years under normal operating conditions

How we handle the common errors for electronic data loggers
  • Hysteresis – Each PEM2 is individually calibrated. If a sensor demonstrates excessive hysteresis behavior, we will not use that sensor
  • Equilibration - We recommend leaving the PEM2 unattended in the environment for at least 30 minutes before checking the displayed RH reading.
  • Humidity Correction - The PEM2 includes correction for humidity readings at extreme temperatures. A humidity offset is programmed into the PEM2 firmware to compensate for the behavior of the humidity sensor at extreme temperatures.

Calibration

Each PEM2 is individually calibrated to five temperature points with a highly accurate NIST-traceable calibration device. Each PEM2 comes with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate.