Renesas Electronics Corporation has just released an all-in-one module for measuring air quality and environmental parameters, named the RRH62000.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have become more aware of air quality and its effect on health. During the pandemic when widespread lockdowns were implemented, AQI sensors worldwide recorded a noticeable drop in levels of common pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and carbon monoxide (CO). A report by the WEF used data from NASA’s Global Modeling to show how air quality improved across the world in countries such as China, South Korea, Italy, and India.
The RRH62000 is a first-of-its-kind multi-sensor air quality module from Renesas. It packs sensors for particulate matter (PM), Indoor Air Quality Index (IAQ), estimated carbon dioxide (eCO2), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), temperature, and relative humidity (RH).
The all-in-one integrated sensor module features a Renesas’ RA Family MCU and the following sensors:
- A laser-based PM1/ 2.5/ 10 sensor
- ZMOD4410 gas sensor
- HS4003 humidity and temperature sensor
The ZMOD4410 gas sensor can measure total organic compounds (TVOCs) concentrations, indoor air quality (IAQ) according to UBA, and estimated carbon dioxide level (eCO2). The HS4003 is an ultra-low power MEMS-based sensor that can measure relative humidity in the range of 0% to 100% and temperatures ranging from -40°C to +125°C
Also read: BME280 Arduino Environment Sensor Interfacing Guide
Particulate matter (PM) is a mix of tiny particles and droplets in the air that can vary in size, composition, and origin. Due to their small size, particles such as PM2.5(≤ 2.5 micrometers) can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This can cause or exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and strokes.
The sensors in the RRH6200 module are securely placed within a module housing to protect it from dust. A high-speed fan housed within the module helps to circulate air through the module.
Connectivity to the module is facilitated by a six-pin connector which makes it easy to plug and play. The pins support I2C and UART interfaces.
“Our RRH62000 module represents the next step in sensor fusion technology, which combines data from multiple sensors and turns it into comprehensive and actionable insights for environmental monitoring,” said Uwe Guenther, Sr. Director of Modules and Solutions Product Line at Renesas.
Key Features of RRH62000 module:
- Supply voltage: 5V ±10%
- Measure particulate matter, eCO2, TVOCs, IAQ, temperature and relative humidity
- Robust & Siloxane resistant
- I²C and UART communication with 3.3V logic level compatibility
- Detection of particle sizes from 0.3µm to 10.0µm
- Output mass concentration bins for PM1, PM2.5, and PM10
- Operating temperature ranges from -10°C to 60°C
- Operating humidity ranges up to 90% RH
- On-board MCU for smart sensor management
The RRH62000 has a small footprint and measures only 46.6 x 34.8 x 12 mm. All the main components in the module have been pre-integrated and calibrated at the factory which helps in quickly interfacing with the module.
The RRH62000 is available to order on its official site. An evaluation kit for the module called RRH62000-EVK is also available which comes with evaluation software, ESCom communication board, the RRH62000 Integrated Sensor Module, and a Quick Start Guide.
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