Sensor provides real-world data for IoT applications

The integrated gas sensor can detect a broad range of gases in order to measure indoor air quality for personal wellbeing. These gases include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paints (such as formaldehyde), lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, furnishings, office equipment, glues, adhesives and alcohol. VOCs down to the ppm range can be detected by the sensor. 

The BME680 features four sensors, allowing it to provide the accurate, detailed real-world data required for many IoT applications. The sensor is particularly suitable for smart homes, smart offices and buildings, smart energy, smart transportation, HVAC, elderly care and sport/fitness applications.

The sensor’s pressure accuracy of ±0.12Pa provides precise altitude information to ±1m, making it suitable for applications such as indoor navigation with floor level tracking. Applications such as personalised weather information and air quality monitoring for wellbeing in the home are also enabled by the sensor’s response time for measurement of humidity and ambient temperature.

An offset temperature coefficient of only 1.5Pa/K enables altitude stability over temperature of 12.6cm/K, which is particularly important in applications requiring the user’s vertical position within a building over a wide range of ambient temperatures.

The BME680 features both I2C and SPI communication interfaces. Allowing designers to easily adapt to different applications, the sensor provides three power modes and oversampling rates for pressure and temperature measurements that can be configured separately. Short-term measurement fluctuations caused by environmental influences are eliminated by an integrated IIR filter. Settings are available for specific applications such as weather logging or indoor navigation.

The BME680, which is offered in a 3x3x0.93mm³ LGA metal lid package, will be available in sample quantities in Q1 2015.

“Our latest, integrated environmental sensor provides the opportunity to deliver differentiated mobile devices,” commented Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO, Bosch Sensortec. “With its high accuracy, low power consumption and tiny package, the BME680 enables developers to integrate new functionality within their products in an efficient and cost-saving manner.”