CO2 sensor meets green building standards

At Sensors Converge 2023, Infineon Technologies AG announced the XENSIV PAS CO2 sensor has passed the performance requirements defined by the internationally recognized WELL and LEED green building certifications. Qualification was confirmed by a strategic assessment, conducted by the GREENMAP organization, accredited for WELL performance testing and a LEED provider.

The XENSIV PAS CO2 sensor meets five WELL features (e.g., ventilation design, air quality monitoring and awareness), and six LEED credits (e.g., optimized energy performance and enhanced indoor air quality strategies). These qualifications enable buildings to earn a maximum of 28 points for LEED and up to six points for WELL certifications.

Environmental sensing is a pillar in Infineon’s software-driven sensor solutions. The XENSIV PAS CO2 is a CO₂ sensor based on photo-acoustic spectroscopy (PAS) technology.

XENSIV PAS CO2 sensor provides real-time measurements for indoor air quality. (Source: Infineon Technologies AG)

Infineon said non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) has been considered the state-of-the-art technology for CO₂ sensors. Now, the XENSIV PAS CO2, based on PAS technology, officially meets the sensor technology requirements approved by WELL and matches the performance of high-end NDIR solutions in a four times smaller size, said the company.

The XENSIV PAS CO2 sensor provides real-time measurements for indoor air quality to help maintain a healthy indoor environment. This real-time data output can be used to remove CO₂ pollutants and improve indoor air quality through demand-controlled ventilation, resulting in up to 30 percent energy savings as well as higher levels of comfort, well-being and productivity, said Infineon.

Housed in a small module, the sensor integrates a PAS transducer (MEMS acoustic detector, infrared source and optical filter), a microcontroller for signal processing and algorithms and a MOSFET chip to drive the infrared source. The integrated microcontroller performs ppm calculations, advanced compensation and self-calibration algorithms.

The small size of the XENSIV PAS CO2 reduces space requirements by more than 75 percent compared to other commercially available real CO₂ sensors, according to Infineon.

The XENSIV PAS CO2 sensor is available now. Watch the video for more information.