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Renesas launches ultra compact sensor module for smart air quality monitoring

2 mins read

Renesas has introduced an advanced all-in-one sensor module designed for indoor air quality monitoring.

Credit: Renesas Electronics

The RRH62000 is the first multi-sensor air quality module from Renesas and integrates multiple sensor parameters in a compact design and accurately detects different particle sizes, volatile organic compounds and gasses harmful to human health.

The module offers 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 firmware also enables customer products to comply with various air quality standards around the world.

The RRH62000 features one of the smallest footprints in its class of sensor modules, measuring only 46.6 x 34.8 x 12 mm and includes Renesas’ 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. These sensors can detect particulate matter, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), estimated CO2, temperature and humidity all in one system. All key components have been pre-integrated and fully calibrated at the factory, allowing developers to start their sensor system designs right out of the box.

Public interest in air quality and its effects on health has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic but while people are aware of how air pollutants can affect respiratory health and overall well-being, less is known about the pollutants that are typically six to ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors. These include dust, paint fumes, smoke from cooking, pollen and particulates from HVAC filters, which can enter the respiratory system and cause lung damage, cancer and other health problems.

Renesas’ new sensor module is equipped to monitor a broad range of air quality conditions. Using laser-based technology, which offers higher precision compared to conventional LED methods, it can monitor concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, PM10 particulates -- particles with diameters of 0.3- to 10µm -- as well as absolute or relative TVOC measurements in different power mode settings, providing the highest level of accuracy for these pollutants.

The RRH62000 combo module comes with building standard firmware plus artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, which lets engineers 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.

Intelligent sensor devices, such as the Renesas RRH62000 and recently announced RRH46410 gas sensor module, can support demand-controlled ventilation, allowing HVAC systems to adjust air flow 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, significantly saving cost and time for system maintenance.

Key Features of the RRH62000 All-in-One Sensor Module

  • Up to 7 simultaneous sensor outputs
  • Laser-based technology for accurate detection of PM1, PM2.5, PM10
  • Metal oxide-based gas sensor
  • Precise temperature and humidity sensor
  • Absolute measurement of TVOC
  • Estimated CO2 for low-cost CO2 room indication
  • Ultra compact size: 46.6 x 34.8 x 12mm to fit in many applications
  • On-board MCU for smart sensor management
  • Robust & Siloxane resistant
  • Support I²C and UART communication