Burn in Hours That Remove the Steepest Early Drift
Thermal burn-in under active electrical bias removes early non-linear drift, locking in long-term calibration stability before sensors reach the field.
Thermal Hysteresis Pin Strain
Terminal Displacement
Displacement of connector pins caused by the differential expansion of materials during temperature transitions. Sensors experience thermal hysteresis pin strain when the housing and the terminal pins expand at different rates. This movement can lead to permanent shifts in the electrical output of the device.
Thermal Expansion
Materials like plastic and copper have distinct coefficients that determine how much they grow when heated. The thermal hysteresis pin strain occurs because the plastic base often expands more than the metal pins. This mismatch creates a mechanical force that pulls or pushes on the internal sensing element.
Output Shift
Calibration accuracy is compromised when the internal structure of the sensor is under constant tension. The effect of thermal hysteresis pin strain is observed as a difference in the sensor reading when the temperature returns to a reference point. If the strain is excessive, the device may no longer meet the accuracy specifications defined in the data sheet.
Mitigation Geometry
Designers use compliant pin shapes or flexible lead frames to absorb the mechanical energy of the expansion. By reducing the stiffness of the connection, thermal hysteresis pin strain is minimized. The use of materials with closely matched expansion coefficients also helps to stabilize the sensor.
Ongoing testing in thermal chambers verifies that the mechanical design provides long-term stability across the full operating range.