Air Quality Sensing Made Easy

The intelligent air quality sensing module from SGX Sensortech (UK) makes the monitoring of air quality in the car, the home, the workplace or the environment hassle free.

There is an increasing interest in the quality of air that we breathe, whether in the home, at work, at school or outside. A significant contributor to poor air quality is a group of low boiling-point gases known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gases occur naturally, are produced by human metabolism or result from an industrial or combustion process. There is a growing level of evidence that VOCs contribute to the incidence of respiratory disease and associated healthcare costs. In the workplace, it is believed that they adversely impact absenteeism and can cause significant loss in productivity as a result of what is known as sick building syndrome. Even if harmless to humans, many VOCs are highly odorous and contribute to unpleasant smells.

The new VZ-87 air quality module from SGX Sensortech makes the process of detecting VOCs simple.  Using innovative metal oxide semiconductor chemistry supported by a micro-electromechanical structure (MEMS), the core sensing technology provides a swift response to changes in the levels of a wide range of VOCs and hence air quality. The technology which has been produced in high volumes and to rigorous quality control by SGX for more than 10 years is already well established in the automotive industry where it is linked with car HVAC systems to control air intakes. The low power module incorporates an advanced signal processing algorithm to produce a range of outputs including analog, digital and pulse-width modulated. In addition, the proprietary algorithm automatically compensates for small changes in sensor output over time and provides calibration free operation.

Not only does the sensor produce an effective means of monitoring the level of VOCs in the air, it also provides an equivalency signal for the concentration of carbon dioxide present; CO₂ is commonly used as a proxy for air quality.

The sensing module is ideal for the following applications:

• Occupancy detection to reduce energy costs by the intelligent control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems;
• Vehicle cabin air quality;
• Bathroom and kitchen fan control; and
• Air cleaners and purifiers.

The VZ-87 is just the first in a new series of air quality modules; future versions will be customised to specific applications or customer specification, signal processing requirements and volume demands and will include other air quality parameters such as temperature and humidity.

For further technical information about the product please visit the SGX Sensortech website or visit the link here. For samples and more detailed characterisation, please contact a member of the SGX sales team or group of worldwide channel partners.