Time-Domain Transient Response Testing and Response Characteristic Analysis Method for Hydrogen Sensors

Abstract This study proposes a method for testing the response characteristics of hydrogen sensors based on time-domain transient response analysis, inspired by the research methodologies of time-domain transient response in automatic control systems. First, the theoretical framework of time-domain transient response is presented, including common input signal and output signal models. Based on this foundation, a step signal generation device for introducing hydrogen into the sensor was designed, and transient response tests of the hydrogen sensor were conducted. By fitting the output signal, the sensor’s model and response characteristics were identified, and key parameters such as lag time, time constant, and steady-state value were calculated. To validate the effectiveness of this method, the study used the water barrier film of the hydrogen sensor as a case example to quantitatively analyze the impact of peripheral encapsulation on the sensor’s response characteristics. Results demonstrated that the presence of the water barrier film significantly reduced the response speed and output signal intensity of the sensor. The proposed time-domain transient response analysis method effectively evaluates the response characteristics of hydrogen sensors and provides a theoretical foundation and experimental approach for their optimized design. This method has broad application prospects in the research and development of hydrogen sensors and contributes to advancing hydrogen sensor technology.