Sensive PAS210, a photoacoustic spectroscopy-based sensor
| Using MEMS microphones as detectors
| Suitable for IoT devices measuring indoor air quality

A miniature sensor that measures carbon dioxide ( _CO2 ) concentration has been released.

Infineon Technologies announced on the 4th that it has launched the XENSIV PAS210, an ultra-small _CO2 sensor.

City dwellers spend a significant amount of time indoors, whether in offices, schools, or at home. Because urban spaces are well-insulated for energy efficiency, air can easily become trapped indoors, leading to poor air quality.

_CO2 concentration is one indicator of poor air quality. Solutions used today to detect this colorless and odorless gas are bulky, expensive or poorly performing.

To address this challenge, Infineon Technologies has developed an innovative _CO2 sensor technology based on photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS).

The Sensive PAS210 is an extremely miniaturized _CO2 sensor that uses a high-sensitivity MEMS microphone as a detector.

The new sensor is suitable for use in a variety of indoor air quality measurement IoT devices, such as ventilation control in smart home applications or building automation, air purifiers, thermostats, weather stations, and personal assistants.

This sensor can be used to improve indoor air quality in a quick and energy-efficient manner.

Based on numerous PAS-related technology patents, the PAS210 not only enables low-cost mass production of _CO2 sensing applications, but also opens the way to detecting other gases in the future.

The _CO2 sensor integrates a photoacoustic transducer, including a detector, an infrared source, and an optical filter, onto a single PCB. It also includes a microcontroller for signal processing and algorithms, and a MOSFET for driving the infrared source.

The Sensive PAS210 uses the Sensive IM69D130, a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) MEMS microphone, as a detector.

The PAS210 utilizes a unique PAS detection principle, enabling an unprecedentedly compact form factor. Compared to other _CO2 sensors on the market, it saves over 75 percent of the mounting space. Featuring direct ppm reading, surface mount, and a simple design, it allows for easy and fast integration in both low-volume and high-volume applications.

An internal microcontroller converts the MEMS microphone output to a ppm output value, which is available via a serial I2C, UART, or PWM interface.

The _CO2 measurement capability of the Sensive PAS210 is from 0 ppm to 10000 ppm with an accuracy of ±30 ppm or ±3 percent.

When operated in pulse mode, the Sensive PAS210 CO ₂ sensor has a lifespan of approximately 10 years.