Air quality sensor module offers 7 sensor parameters

Renesas Electronics Corp. has launched an advanced, all-in-one sensor module for indoor air quality monitoring in a compact footprint. The RRH62000 is the company’s first multi-sensor air quality module, integrating multi-sensor parameters that detect different particle sizes, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and gases harmful to human health.

Aimed at growing demand for environmental monitoring, particularly as public interest in air quality has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, the sensor module uses the data from multiple sensors to deliver actionable insights for better indoor air quality. It can monitor a broad range of air quality conditions and uses laser-based technology, which offers higher precision than conventional LED methods, Renesas said.

“The RRH62000 is Renesas’s first all-in-one environmental sensor module that has particulate matter [PM] technology inside it,” said Zikomo Smith, product manager for environmental and flow sensors at Renesas. “We have a sensor that monitors PM—PM1 to PM10—total VOCs, estimated CO_2, temperature, relative humidity and general indoor air quality measurements.”

“Since the Covid-19 pandemic, globally, there’s been a large uptick in knowledge and interest for air quality sensors and environmental sensors in various commercial spaces, public spaces, residential and industrial facilities,” Smith said. “And because of that, there’s been a strong push by various global governments to have national and regional regulations and standards that dictate and mandate which air quality measurements and metrics are monitored and taken care of.”

Renesas said pollutants are typically 6× to 10× more concentrated indoors than outdoors. These pollutants include dust, paint fumes, smoke from cooking, pollen and particulates from HVAC filters, which can cause lung damage, cancer and other health problems. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution kills 7 million people annually.

Renesas views the new sensor module as a technology that can be innovative as well as a game-changer for the company.

The RRH62000 sensor module has a wide range of sensor parameters, is fully digital and fully calibrated and offers a long sensor lifetime of seven-plus years expected in the field, which is one of the best in the marketplace, Smith said. “The technology behind it is a laser-based PM sensor for highly accurate PM levels—from small particulates all the way to larger ones.”

RRH62000 sensor module (Source: Renesas Electronics Corp.)

RRH62000 features

The RRH62000 integrates a Renesas RA family microcontroller (MCU) and embedded AI algorithms to offer an intelligent sensor management solution for a range of air monitoring applications, including air purifiers, smoke detectors, HVAC systems, weather stations and smart home systems.

Smart kitchens and appliances are key applications, wherein the sensor can detect various smells and turn on the fume hood to clean the air in the kitchen as well as communicate with other connected devices, such as an HVAC system, AC or thermostat to either turn on the AC or heat to further clean the air, Smith said.

In another example, the RRH62000 and RRH46410 gas sensor module can be used for applications such as demand-controlled ventilation, allowing HVAC systems to adjust air flow based on CO₂ levels and occupancy information for optimal air quality and energy efficiency. These modules can also use the AI algorithms to predict when HVAC filters must be replaced or detect an anomaly before system failure occurs, significantly saving cost and time for system maintenance.

“Our AI platform, Reality AI, runs machine-learning models on every sensor so that we can have actionable items for our end customers,” Smith said.

These action items can range from changing HVAC filters to opening/closing windows to getting inspections for mold and other contaminants and particulates that are in their home, he added.

The RRH62000 combo module includes building standard firmware, which, in combination with the AI algorithms, lets engineers configure the sensors to conform to the requirements of various green air quality standards in public buildings, such as the Well Building Standard, Home Ventilating Institute and RESET. This allows the same hardware to be used in different regions or locations by updating the AI-enabled firmware to meet their needs.

In addition, the RRH62000 is housed in one of the smallest footprints for its class of sensor modules, measuring 46.6 × 34.8 × 12 mm. The module integrates seven sensor signals: the laser-based PM1/2.5/10 sensor, ZMOD4410 gas sensor and the HS4003 humidity and temperature sensor. These sensors can detect particulate matter, TVOC, estimated CO₂, temperature and humidity in one system.

Laser-based detection accurately determines particle sizes and mass concentration. (Source: Renesas Electronics Corp.)

The RRH62000 can monitor concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 particulates—particles with diameters of 0.3 to 10 µm—as well as absolute or relative TVOC measurements in different power mode settings for the highest level of accuracy for these pollutants. The sensor module can provide up to seven sensor outputs simultaneously, and the on-board MCU allows the system to detect surrounding air quality data in real time. It is configurable with a selectable I²C or UART interface. The operating mode depends on the response time and accuracy needed.

Particulate matter ranges from sizes of PM1 to PM10, from fine particles that get into your blood to larger, coarse particles, such as human hair, pet dander and sand that get into your upper respiratory system, Smith said. These various particulate sizes can get into breathing pathways and negatively affect your breathing, respiratory system and general comfort levels, he added.

The RHH62000 is one of the best-performing for PM measurements as far as accuracy, Smith said. Some lower-cost competitors are LED-based, which provide good-enough accuracy, but laser-based detection provides fine-tuned accuracy that high-end air purifier manufacturers require, he added.

Smith also said the RHH62000 is one of the thinnest modules in the market and one of the few that has estimated CO₂, which is a huge factor for monitoring consumer goods applications. Other benefits include the abilities to add AI functionality and new drivers, as well as being a one-stop sensor solution provider, compared with the company’s main competitors, he added.

For ease of design and development, all key components in this plug-and-play module have been pre-integrated and fully calibrated at the factory. Both the RRH62000 sensor module and the RRH62000-EVK evaluation kit are available now. The RRH46410 and the RRH46410-EVK are also available.

Renesas offers several Winning Combinations, which are vetted system architectures, using the RRH62000 with compatible devices from its portfolio. These include the In-Home Air Quality Monitoring System and Air Quality Monitor (PM2.5) with Secure Cloud Connection.