The new sensor technology boosts building energy efficiency by tailoring ventilation based on occupancy to cut carbon emissions and optimize indoor air quality.
To advance decarbonization, enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings is essential due to their impact on global energy consumption and carbon emissions. There is a need for solutions to optimize energy usage while maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Infineon Technologies AG is meeting this challenge by launching the new XENSIV PAS CO2 5V sensor. Using Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) technology, this sensor improves energy efficiency by tailoring ventilation to real-time occupancy, thus reducing buildings’ carbon footprint. The sensor is suitable for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, room controllers, and thermostat units in both commercial and residential settings. It also has applications in IoT and consumer devices such as smart lighting, air purifiers, conferencing systems, and smart speakers, and is used in areas like smart horticulture and smart refrigerators.
The 5V sensor delivers real-time, accurate air quality data. Its compact size of 14×13.8×7.5 mm³ matches that of the 12V sensor, facilitating integration into various applications and allowing for consistent design strategies across both sensor models. The 5V sensor operates with a 5V power supply, simplifying installation. It features a faster response time of 55 seconds, down from 90 seconds in the 12V model, enabling quicker data acquisition and more responsive performance in dynamic settings.
The sensor’s design is dust-proof in compliance with ISO 20653:2013-02, increasing durability in dusty environments and reducing maintenance needs. Its interfaces—UART, I²C, and PWM—support integration with microcontrollers and digital systems, streamlining design and development. The sensor’s performance aligns with the WELL TM Green Building Standard, promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing property value.
All key components of the 5V sensor are developed internally to meet Infineon’s quality standards. This includes a microcontroller that implements compensation algorithms for accurate CO2 ppm readings. The sensor offers configuration options such as Automatic Baseline Offset Calibration, pressure compensation, signal alarm, sample rate, and early measurement notification, making it adaptable for power consumption management. Its SMD package is designed for easy assembly in high-speed, high-volume production settings.
