Introduction
The DHT11 sensor is a popular choice for beginners who want to add environmental monitoring to their electronics projects. It measures both temperature and humidity, making it ideal for DIY weather stations and smart home projects.
How the DHT11 Works
The sensor has a thermistor for temperature measurement and a capacitive humidity sensor.
It sends data through a single digital pin, which makes wiring super simple.
The microcontroller receives:
-
Temperature (°C)
-
Humidity (%)
-
Checksum (for error checking)
Even though it’s not extremely precise, it offers solid performance for basic applications.
Key Features
-
Temperature range: 0°C to 50°C
-
Humidity range: 20% to 90%
-
Sampling rate: 1 reading per second
-
Single-wire communication
-
Affordable and beginner-friendly
Applications
-
Mini weather stations
-
Smart home automation
-
Greenhouse monitoring
-
Food storage systems
-
IoT dashboards
Conclusion
The DHT11 is a perfect starting sensor for anyone entering the world of IoT or environmental monitoring. It’s low-cost, easy to use, and gives accurate enough readings for education and small projects.