Particulate matter sensor revolutionises air quality measurement

A major component of this pollution is fine dust known as PM2.5 particulates, which are solid and liquid particles smaller than 2.5µm. These particulates are inhaled and enter the lungs, where they cause serious health problems.

The most common air quality measurement stations only provide outdoor data averaged over time, which fails to deliver real-time, localized information most relevant to our health. At CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bosch Sensortec is addressing this issue with its BMV080, PM2.5 air quality sensor, which provides accurate, actionable data.

“Indoor air quality is a problem: in poorly ventilated homes, PM2.5 concentration from domestic cooking can reach levels 100 times higher than acceptable limits,” said Dr. Lucas Ginzinger, Head of Product Area Optics at Bosch Sensortec. “With localised, actionable data from the new BMV080, it’s now possible to identify and respond to poor air quality.”

The BMV080 sensing element measures only 4.2 x 3.5 x 3mm³ (W x L x H), which is more than 450 times smaller in volume than any comparable device on the market. The miniscule size and fanless, non-intrusive design of the BMV080 are a game-changer, and its noiseless operation means it does not disturb residents who may be sleeping or working.

The sensor is maintenance-free with no fan-induced dust buildup, which means that it’s more reliable, and less prone to malfunction. It is a natural fit for compact wearable or IoT devices such as air quality monitors, smart thermostats, smart speakers, smart switches and smart air purifiers.

Comparable state-of-the-art PM2.5 sensors all rely on a fan to draw air across a laser beam, where a photodiode then detects and measures the particulates as they reflect or block the light from the laser. The BMV080 utilises an innovative design based on compact lasers with integrated photodiodes. It applies sophisticated algorithms to measure the PM2.5 concentration directly in free space, without requiring a fan.

The innovation brings awareness and choice to people who value healthy living. The new sensor is easily integrated into compact IoT-based smart home and smart building systems to deliver air quality notifications to residents when PM2.5 levels rise above a threshold level. To take action, the resident or home automation system can ventilate by switching on an exhaust fan or filter to clear the air.

"The BMV080 provides timely, accurate and actionable information about particulate concentration levels in the air, enabling the identification and handling of indoor and outdoor pollution to improve people's well-being and health,” said Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. "It is dramatically smaller than existing devices on the market and opens up an entirely new set of applications for design engineers to explore."