Sensirion SEN68 Particulate Matter Sensors

Introduction

The Sensirion SEN68 is a compact all-in-one environmental sensor module designed to provide comprehensive indoor air quality measurements. By combining particulate, gas, temperature, and humidity sensing functions in one device, it can simplify the development of intelligent air-monitoring and air-treatment products.

Part Description

The SEN68 environmental sensor module measures several important indoor air quality parameters:

• PM1 particulate matter concentration
• PM2.5 particulate matter concentration
• PM4 particulate matter concentration
• PM10 particulate matter concentration
• Ambient temperature
• Relative humidity
• VOC Index for volatile organic compound conditions
• NOx Index for nitrogen oxide conditions
• Formaldehyde concentration

Its integrated design reduces the need to combine multiple separate sensors within a product. The module communicates through an I²C interface, making it suitable for integration with microcontrollers, embedded processors, and connected monitoring platforms.

The SEN68 is especially well suited to applications that need a broad view of indoor environmental conditions rather than particulate-only monitoring.

Applications

Potential applications for the SEN68 include:

• Indoor air quality monitors
• Smart air purifiers
• HVAC air-quality controllers
• Residential ventilation systems
• Commercial building automation systems
• Air conditioners with environmental sensing
• Smart thermostats
• Room occupancy and comfort monitoring devices
• Portable environmental monitoring equipment
• School and classroom air-quality monitors
• Workplace air monitoring stations
• Connected home-health devices

Industries

The SEN68 can support products and systems in a variety of industries:

• Smart home and consumer electronics
• HVAC and building automation
• Residential air treatment
• Commercial facilities management
• Healthcare and wellness
• Education facilities
• Hospitality
• Office and workplace management
• Industrial environmental monitoring
• IoT device development
• Appliance manufacturing

Usage Ideas

1. Smart Room Air Quality Display

Build a desktop or wall-mounted monitor using the SEN68, a microcontroller, and a display. Show PM2.5, temperature, humidity, VOC Index, NOx Index, and formaldehyde readings, along with simple ventilation recommendations.

2. Automated Air Purifier Controller

Connect the SEN68 to an air purifier controller that adjusts fan speed according to particulate levels, VOC conditions, and formaldehyde concentration. The system could also indicate when filters may require attention.

3. Connected HVAC Ventilation Node

Install the sensor in an HVAC return-air path or occupied room. Use I²C sensor data to control fresh-air dampers, ventilation fans, or air-conditioning modes based on measured air quality and comfort conditions.

Conclusion

The Sensirion SEN68 is a versatile environmental sensor module for indoor air quality applications. Its ability to measure multiple particle sizes, temperature, humidity, VOCs, NOx conditions, and formaldehyde makes it a practical choice for air purifiers, HVAC equipment, connected building systems, and dedicated air-quality monitoring devices.