I2C interface added to co2 sensor for easier implementation

A challenge for such systems in that the CO₂ sensors need mains power to operate incurring costs for cabling and, in the case of installing in existing buildings, redecoration.

Gas Sensing Solutions (GSS) has solved this problem with its low power, LED-based sensor technology. The sensor's power requirements are so low that wireless monitors can be built that measure CO₂ levels as well as temperature and humidity with a battery life of over ten years. Being wireless means that they can be placed wherever they are required with no need for cabling or disruption and simply relocated as building usages changes.

To make the design of these monitors even easier, GSS has added an I2C interface to its very low power CO₂ sensor, the CozIR-LP. Having the widely used I2C interface now makes the integration of the sensor into a design very easy. The CozIR-LP is the lowest power CO₂ sensor available requiring only 3mW that is up to 50 times lower than typical NDIR CO₂ sensors.

The GSS patented LED technology also means that the solid state sensor is very robust. This keeps maintenance costs to a minimum as the expected lifetime is greater than 15 years making them a suitable choice for fit and forget applications that measure low (ambient) levels of CO₂ from 0-1%.

"Although HVAC and IAQ are major application areas," explained Calum MacGregor, CEO at GSS, "the lightweight, miniature size of the CozIR-LP also opens up other new possibilities for CO₂ monitoring such as portable and wearable devices. The power requirements are so low that energy harvesting designs, such as solar, are now easily achievable. Here again, the new feature of an I2C interface will simplify the design process of integrating the sensor with other sensors and devices all on the I2C bus."   

GSS will be launching the new I2C-enabled CozIR-LP on booth C5366 at the AHR Expo in Atlanta, GA, US on the 14th-16th January 2019.