A removable protective cover is a thin polyimide tape that covers over the entire surface of the humidity sensing component. It is a shield for temporary protection of the sensing element from contaminants, and should be removed before being used. This cover can protect against pollution during the PCB cleaning and scrubbing process, hence allowing this component to go through a normal PCB wash process without damaging the sensor.

This protective cover also protects the sensor during a conformal coating or potting for such application as a humidity module where other components and PCB solder joints need to be shielded from long term harsh environmental exposure. The protective cover is robust and designed to withstand multiple reflow soldering cycles. It comes with an adhesive-free tab that is easily peeled off at the end of the assembly process, by either using tweezers or another piece of polyimide tape. Figure 1-4 depicts a humidity sensor with a removable protective cover, the HDC2021, which is pin- and software- compatible with the HDC2080.