USM-VOC enables quicker detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air

The Unitronic Sensor Module VOC (USM-VOC) is based on the innovative, highly stable TGS 2201 semiconductor sensor from Figaro. With the USM-VOC it is not the ohmic resistance of the gas sensor that is analyzed, as is common practice, but the electrical charge shift in the sensor element. This method not only ensures a very quick response to changes, but also enables faster recovery times. In addition, the sensor, which reacts to different volatile substances such as carbon monoxide (CO), toluene and ethanol, features an almost twice as high resolution, especially at low concentration levels, compared to the conventional resistive measurement method.

Thanks to the Digital Sampling Process (DSP), specially developed by Unitronic for the USM-VOC, the module is able to use the very short response times and measurement cycles of the gas sensor without any limitations and at the same time achieve a high level of accuracy in the measurement. Not only does the USM-VOC react up to 20% quicker to the release of harmful gases compared with conventional resistive gas sensors, but also the true gas concentration in the air can be detected significantly earlier. For example, with the reference gas toluene 30 ppb (parts per billion) are already enough for an exact detection.

The module, measuring only 30 mm x 30 mm and designed for 5 V supply voltage, can be easily integrated into customers’ own circuits and applications thanks to an analog and a digital output (UART). In accordance with Association of German Engineers (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure - VDI) guideline VDI 6038, the USM-VOC comes already calibrated to the VOC reference gas toluene and is ready to use immediately.

Upon request, Unitronic also offers customer-specific versions of the module, whereby both hardware and software can be adapted to the respective customer application.