Sensirion introduces a new digital formaldehyde sensor

     Formaldehyde is usually released slowly and consistently from furniture, building materials, paints and coatings. It is a harmful, carcinogenic gas that can cause "sick building syndrome." This "sick building syndrome," caused by inadequate indoor ventilation and chemical pollutants, can cause a variety of symptoms in building occupants, such as: acute discomfort, including headaches, eye, nose or throat irritation, dizziness and nausea, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and allergies to odors. Formaldehyde is a background gas known to cause harm at very low concentrations. According to the "Indoor Air Quality Guidelines" issued by the World Health Organization, the formaldehyde content per cubic meter of air should not exceed 0.096 mg under an average exposure of 30 minutes.

     As a new member of the Sensirion family of environmental sensors, the SFA30 formaldehyde sensor module works on the principle of electrochemistry. It has precise formaldehyde sensing properties and very low cross-sensitivity to other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). With Sensirion's experience in environmental sensing, as well as its patented dry-resistant electrochemical unit technology, the SFA30 offers superior long-term stability and a service life of up to six years.

     Its integrated temperature and humidity sensor provides accurate readings, fully compensates for temperature and humidity, and has a factory-calibrated formaldehyde concentration output of ppb (parts per billion). At the same time, with optional digital UART and I2C interface options, standard electrical connectors, and versatile mounting options, it is easy to integrate highly reliable sensors into relevant product applications, providing customers with the perfect solution.

     Mr. Niculin Saratz, Director of Product Management for Gas Sensors at Sensirion, said: "Our new formaldehyde sensor module solves existing technical challenges with improved performance, long-term stability and reliability, making formaldehyde detection simpler and more reliable."

     The new SFA30 sensor module is available now and can be purchased through Sensori's global distribution network. In addition, Sensirion offers the SEK-SFA30 evaluation kit for quick and easy prototyping. The SEK-SFA30 is equipped with a UART-USB cable for plug-and-play connection to a computer for evaluation with the easy to use SEK-ControlCenter viewer software. To connect the sensor to a prototype platform such as Arduino or RaspberryPi, a 7-pin jumper cable is included in the kit.