Ams MEMS VOC gas sensors help Withings indoor monitoring systems maintain air quality

     Ams has supplied Withings with AS-MLV-P2 MEMS gas sensor assemblies that detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The product will be used in Withings' innovative Home monitoring system. The AS-MLV-P2 sensor is accurate, small and energy efficient, and can precisely adjust the output impedance according to different levels of common pollutants in the indoor environment.

     AS-MLV-P2's compact size, high accuracy, high reliability and low power consumption are ideal for air quality monitoring applications in smart homes and iot devices. Withings' stylish and sophisticated Home range includes the AS-MLV-P2 and a 5-megapixel camera, dual microphones, temperature and humidity sensors and smart wireless communication modules such AS Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This means that users of the Home monitoring system can see, hear, touch and smell their home remotely through the app provided by Withings on their smartphone or tablet.

     The AS-MLV-P2 gas sensor is capable of measuring the concentration of a wide range of reducing gases in the environment, which are often associated with poor air quality, such AS alcohols, acetaldehydes, ketones, organic acids, amines, fats, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc. These gases in high concentrations can cause great harm to human and animal health. In the Home app, sensors convert measurements of these chemicals into air quality levels and VOC concentrations.

     When VOC levels exceed a preset threshold, the Home component sends a notification to the user's phone or tablet, allowing the user to take appropriate action, such as opening a window, turning on an air purifier, or increasing the fan speed of the ventilation system.

     The precise VOC detection capability of the AS-MLV-P2 sensor is derived from patented MEMS and metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) technologies developed by ams. The technology enables devices such as Home monitoring to provide reliable data to consumers concerned about air quality.

     The certified AS-MLV-P2 directly measures the concentration of pollutants, providing users with useful information on how to maintain and improve air quality. Using surface mount technology, the AS-MLV-P2 is capable of long-term stable operation in small Spaces with extremely low power consumption (34mW of continuous operation under standard conditions).

     Cedric Hutchings, CEO of Withings, said: "The main function of the Home indoor monitor is to give users a simple and reliable measurement of air quality. We believe that the accuracy of the Home air quality rating depends on the precise measurement of the main pollutant, VOC, which is why we chose AS-MLV-P2. In addition, ams has not only excellent sensor products, but also professional hardware and software design knowledge and excellent design team support, which allowed us to easily integrate AS-MLV-P2 into the design of our products."