Renesas Electronics introduces the industry's first IP67 waterproof sensor for high humidity environments

Renesas Electronics has expanded its popular ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) sensor platform with the industry's first software-configurable IP67 certified waterproof option for IAQ applications that operate in wet or dirty environments such as kitchens, bathrooms and hospital rooms, where water, oil and dust are frequently exposed.

The firmware configurable waterproof ZMOD4410 sensor features a unique sealed package that protects the sensor from water and dust with a hydrophobic, oleopic material, while being permeable to humidity and volatile organic compounds (VCO). By combining IP67-rated packaging with the ZMOD4410's acclaimed high precision and reliability, Renesas enables new low-power IAQ applications that operate in splash zones, while maintaining the high precision and flexibility required for custom systems without the need for expensive waterproofing.

Uwe Guenther, Senior Director, Sensor Solutions, Renesas Electronics iot and Infrastructure Business Unit, said: "With the increasing use of IAQ sensors in splash areas and other environments where they are frequently exposed to water, oil and dust, the protection of these substances has become more demanding without sacrificing performance. This process is often costly and requires additional hardware and firmware. The new waterproof ZMOD4410 sensor combines the advantages of performance and protection at a low cost to make high-precision smart sensing devices more widely used. These devices can operate in high humidity and harsh conditions, making them suitable for a wider market."

Key features of the waterproof ZMOD4410 sensor

The IP67-rated ZMOD4410 sensor maintains excellent accuracy and high performance while eliminating the need for expensive waterproofing systems, making it ideal for waterproofing end applications. The sensor has been calibrated for hydrophobic and oil phobic encapsulation at the factory, allowing customers to apply a conformal coating to their circuits without adding an outer film to the module. Part of the ZMOD4410 product family, this waterproof sensor uses MMC-based AI firmware for improved sensing performance and strong siloxane resistance, resulting in excellent reliability for harsh environment applications.

Renesas' unique software-configurable ZMOD platform provides greater design flexibility for smart sensing systems and supports field firmware updates, enabling new application-specific features such as selective detection of VOCs. This includes IAQ monitoring that complies with international standards, enabling customers to measure total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the low concentration parts per million (ppm) range. Greater accuracy and consistency can improve carbon dioxide (eCO2) estimates. The new waterproof ZMOD4410 sensor module supports all firmware updates to date.

The new waterproof sensor combined with water resistance, reliability, programmable, high stability and high sensitivity VOC measurement makes it the ideal solution for IAQ devices such as smart HVAC systems, ventilation fans, bathroom lights and switches, and wearables in a variety of high humidity, splash areas, dirty or underwater environments.