Ultra-compact sensor module for smart air quality monitoring

Renesas Electronics Corporation has introduced an advanced all-in-one sensor module for indoor air quality monitoring. The RRH62000, the company's first multi-sensor air quality module, combines multiple sensor parameters in a compact design and accurately detects different particle sizes, volatile organic compounds and gasses harmful to human health. With a company MCU on board, the module supplies an intelligent sensor management solution for a growing market of air monitoring applications, including air purifiers, smoke detectors, HVAC systems, weather stations and smart home systems. Its robust firmware also allows customer products to comply with various air quality standards worldwide.

The device features one of the smallest footprints in its class of sensor modules, measuring only 46.6mm x 34.8mm x 12mm. It packs the company's RA Family MCU and seven sensor signals: the laser-based PM1/2.5/10 sensor, ZMOD4410 gas sensor, and the HS4003 humidity and temperature sensor. Together, these sensors can detect particulate matter, TVOC, and estimated CO2, temperature, and humidity in one system. All key components have been pre-integrated and fully calibrated at the factory, enabling developers to start their sensor system designs immediately.

"Our RRH62000 module represents the next step in sensor fusion technology, which combines data from multiple sensors and turns it into comprehensive and actionable insights for environmental monitoring," said Uwe Guenther, senior director, Modules and Solutions Product Line at Renesas. "We are dedicated to providing integrated sensing solutions that simplify development for customers and will continue to drive innovation in sustainable products that reduce environmental impact and enhance safety and comfort in our lives."

This new sensor module is equipped to monitor a wide range of air quality conditions to meet new challenges. Using laser-based technology, which provides higher precision compared to conventional LED methods, it can monitor concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 particulates – particles with diameters of 0.3 to 10µm – and absolute or relative TVOC measurements in different power mode settings, providing the highest level of accuracy for these pollutants. The device delivers seven sensor outputs simultaneously, and its onboard MCU permits the system to detect surrounding air quality data in real-time.

This combo module comes with building standard firmware plus AI algorithms, which allows engineers to configure the sensors to conform to the requirements of various green air quality standards in public buildings, such as The Well Building Standard (WELL), Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) and RESET. With these features, for example, a school in China can use the same hardware as one in the U.S. or other location and update the AI-enabled firmware for its needs.

Intelligent sensor devices, such as the RRH62000 and recently announced RRH46410 gas sensor module, can support demand-controlled ventilation. These devices allow HVAC systems to adjust airflow based on carbon dioxide levels and occupancy information to maintain optimal air quality and energy efficiency. Similarly, these modules use AI algorithms to predict when HVAC filters must be replaced or detect an anomaly before system failure occurs, greatly saving cost and time for system maintenance.