And we come to the finale of ipXchange’s video interviews from Sensor+Test 2023: chat 4/4 with Rolf from ScioSense. This time, the discussion centres around ScioSense’s APC1 (Air Purification Combo ONE) module, which enables designers to obtain twenty air quality characterisation parameters, thanks to the wide range of inbuilt sensors. We managed to cover seven of these within our short interview at the show:
- PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 (Particulate Matter)
- TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds)
- eCO2 (effective carbon dioxide)
- Temperature
- Relative humidity
But before the alcohol and matches come out, let’s go over some of the key points regarding the APC1.
This matchbox-sized module (50 x 38 x 21 mm) boasts the smallest form factor when compared to similar combination sensor devices on the market, while still keeping the integrated fan for air intake. With this in mind, it’s definitely worth giving the APC1 a look if you’re using the slightly larger alternative device by Sensirion.
The fact that all these sensors are contained in one module from a single vendor also means that there is no longer the need to struggle while sourcing the right combination of parts from Infineon, Bosch, and other big-name sensor manufacturers. If you require comprehensive air quality monitoring that is compliant with international air quality standards, ScioSense’s solution will save you development time, component count, and time to market.
Should you choose to integrate the APC1, you can be sure that it will be reliable and maintenance free. Integrated temperature compensation algorithms also mean that your readings remain reliable throughout the deployment lifetime of the device, making it a great fit for long-term building automation and demand-controlled ventilation applications.
Now onto the action! As Rolf demonstrates, using a handheld vacuum cleaner and a burnt-out match, the inbuilt PM sensors can be easily stimulated for detection of dust and smoke, with accurate characterisation of the degradation in air quality thanks to the multiple PM ranges.
Next, Rolf demonstrates the eCO2 and TVOC sensing capabilities of the APC1 using some alcohol, before showing how the relative humidity and PM readings can be spiked when warm water is placed in the testing chamber.
With UART and I2C interfacing options, this module can be easily integrated with your favourite MCU or other control/monitoring setup, and ScioSense offers evaluation kits with dashboard interfaces for testing of this device in a similar fashion to what was seen in this interview.
You can learn more about the APC1 on our board page by following the link below, and if you’ve got a commercial application and want to put this device to the test, fill out the form, and ipXchange will get you connected with ScioSense, one of our official partners.
Keep designing!
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