New VOC+NOx sensor for indoor air quality applications

Sensirion has launched the SGP41 VOC+NOx sensor for indoor air quality applications. The sensor is created as a digital smart switch and regulation unit for air treatment devices, including air purifiers.

Good air quality is a crucial component of a healthy indoor environment, as indoor air pollution may negatively impact our health. Many possible and common dangers are seen in indoor air, such as VOCs, which are often found in building materials, furniture and cleaning products and are emitted by humans, and NOx, a by-product of combustion. Exposure to these pollutants may be limited by making sure that enclosed spaces have adequate ventilation. Also, air treatment devices remove harmful gases in indoor environments and avoid unhealthy situations. Equipped with its new SGP41, air purifiers become smart by reliably monitoring VOCs and NOx at all times and removing these gas emissions automatically when suitable filters are installed.

The sensor provides a solution for two complete sensors on a single chip, facilitating design-in and cutting design costs. By relying on the company's MOXSens Technology, the sensor's unparalleled robustness against siloxane contamination results in excellent long-term stability in terms of sensitivity and response time. The two sensor signals processed by Sensirion's robust Gas Index Algorithm can be employed directly to automatically trigger the removal of indoor air gas pollutants by air treatment devices with no need for user-device interaction. Therefore, this sensor solution is ideal for constant monitoring of VOC and NOx levels, including potentially harmful events that are imperceptible to humans. Moreover, automatic control of air treatment devices based on the SGP41's signals assists in saving energy by turning them off once the VOC and NOx events have been taken care of.

"This sensor platform enables the simultaneous measurement of both volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, and therefore responds to the growing awareness of the importance of good indoor air quality and the stricter requirements for these applications. With the SGP41, Sensirion aims to improve indoor air quality further and help to protect our health and well-being," says Dr Oliver Martin, product manager for Gas Sensors at Sensirion.