In the world of electronics and development boards, temperature and humidity sensors play a key role in projects related to weather stations, home automation, and much more. One of the most popular debates revolves around the comparison between the AHT20 and the DHT11, two low-cost sensors with quite different performances. If you've been wondering which one is worth using in your project, this article will help you understand the key differences and which one might be your best choice.
Historically, the DHT11 It has been one of the most widely used sensors due to its low cost and ease of use with platforms such as Arduino. However, with the arrival of more modern alternatives such as the AHT20, many developers are reconsidering whether it is worth continuing to use the DHT11 or whether it is better to migrate to these new sensors.
How do DHT11 and DHT22 sensors work?
El DHT11 and his 'older brother', the DHT22, until recently dominated the market for humidity and temperature sensors. Both sensors work by making a simultaneous measurement of humidity and temperature, providing a simple digital output for microcontrollers. The problem is that these sensors place a huge load on CPUs, with communication methods resulting in corrupt or incorrect readings.
El DHT11 has a more limited accuracy compared to the DHT22, making them suitable only for applications where a margin of error is acceptable.
More modern alternatives: The AHT20
Thanks to the evolution of electronic components, new sensors such as the AHT20 have emerged as more accurate and reliable alternatives. This sensor uses the interface I2C, which significantly reduces the communication problems present in the DHT11 y DHT22. In addition, it has much greater reliability in difficult environments and its precision is superior, with an accuracy of ±0.3°C in temperature and ±2% in humidity.
El AHT20 Not only does it address accuracy issues, but it also outperforms its competitors in terms of ease of integration, thanks to its compatibility with STEMMA QT and a wider voltage range making it a versatile sensor. Plus, cost is no excuse as the AHT20 remains very affordable.
What should I consider when choosing between these two sensors?
If you care about accuracy and performance, the AHT20 is your best option. However, if you simply need an inexpensive sensor for basic or educational projects, the DHT11 could still do its job. Ultimately, it depends on the requirements of your project: if accuracy is not essential, the DHT11 is still a valid choice.