The Si7005 is capable of relatively precise temperature and humidity measurements. The specified accuracy includes an allowance for the effects of solder reflow (solder reflow is an extreme thermal cycle that can shift the performance of RH sensors). Some manufacturers do not include this effect in their accuracy specs, meaning that the maximum accuracy can only be achieved if the device is socketed. Sockets add BOM cost and labor costs to install the sensor after the PCB has undergone solder reflow. The long-term drift in the RH reading due to aging is no more than 0.25% RH per year. Some common competitor’s devices are specified as having twice this amount of age-related drift (up to 0.5% RH/yr). Their devices may have impressive initial accuracy specs, but they degrade more rapidly over time. Battery-powered applications are a great fit for the Si7005. It consumes only 2 µA on average while performing one temperature and one RH conversion per minute. It is so low power (240 µA during conversions) that it can be powered by a GPIO on the host MCU, meaning that it can be totally shut down between conversions for true zero-power operation. The accuracy specifications are unaffected by the optional cover.