
Applications
Residential and commercial CO detectors |
Fire detection |
CO monitors for industrial applications |
Ventilation control for indoor parking garages |
Portable CO monitor |
Features
Figaro Engineering Inc. is pleased to announce its latest offering—the TGS5000 series of battery operable electrochemical sensors. Figaro offers two models--
the long life sensor TGS5042, and the compact size sensor TGS5342.
The most notable feature of these sensors is their excellent stability derived by use of Figaro’s patented very low concentration of a mixed/prepared alkaline electrolyte that consists of KOH, KHCO3, and K2CO3. By using a weak alkaline electrolyte, no significant damage to the electrodes occurs in long term operation.
As a result, the sensor shows excellent stability in long term operation despite having only two electrodes.
In addition, by optimizing the sensor’s internal structure, the evaporation speed of the water reservoir has been minimized. As a result, expected sensor life has been extended to 7 years and 10 years* for TGS5342 and 5042, respectively.
(*: Based on the long term stability data over 7 years)
Although in general Electrochemical-type sensors are considered to be more expensive than metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) type sensors, due to Figaro’s unique electrolyte, the TGS5000 series has achieved a cost effective structure with two electrodes. As a result of production volumes of several million per year and Figaro’s intensive cost reduction efforts, the price of TGS5042 has reached a competitive level against MOS sensors.
In addition, the sensor has the following features which simplify sensor handling, reducing overall cost of using the sensor for end users:
* Direct soldering to pins is possible.
* Wave soldering can be done.
* By using the individual sensitivity data indicated on the sensor body, gas
calibration can be skipped.
* Since the sensor is a UL recognized component, end users do not need
to pay a factory inspection fee related to the CO sensor for detectors designed
to meet the UL standard.
- * Battery operable
- * High repeatability/selectivity to CO
- * Linear relationship between CO gas concentration and sensor output
- * Simple calibration
- * Expected sensor life
TGS5042: 10 years
TGS5342 : 7 years - * UL recognized component
- * Meets UL2034, EN50291, EN50545-1, ISO/FDIS7240-8, and RoHS requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What approvals does TGS5042 have?
- The sensor has received UL2034 component recognition.
- Does the sensor comply to RoHS restrictions?
- Yes.
- How long does it take to stabilize sensor output after storage
when the sensor electrodes are open-curcuited? - According to Figaro’s test results, short-circuiting the sensor for one hour should be sufficient to stabilize sensor output after as much as 6 months storage in fresh air. Nevertheless, the period to reset the sensor’s polarization depends on the type(s) of gases existing in ambient air, ambient conditions, storage period, and the customer’s circuit. For achieving the best results, Figaro recommends that users conduct tests at their production facility to determine the optimal stabilization period for sensor output in air.
- Are any special precautions needed to use TGS5042 for a simple CO analyzer?
- To obtain quick response, the gas inlet of sensor of the sensor should be located nearest to the detector slits or opening. For this application, TGS5042-B00 is recommended. Please cut the Nickel ribbon as short as possible and connect an insulated copper wire by soldering. In addition, it is recommended to make small compartment with slits at least in two sides around the sensor. Refer to Sec. 3-3 Housing Design for Quick Response.
- How can electric noise be prevented?
- Since sensor impedance is 10Ω or less, the sensor itself will not be a source of electric noise. However, the sensor is easily influenced by external electric noise since sensor output current is very small. Power-supply noise should be minimized, an anti-electrical noise circuit pattern should be made, and a CR circuit should be used to prevent influence of electrical noise.
Specifications
Item | TGS5342 | TGS5042-A00 (pin version) TGS5042-B00 (ribbon version) |
---|---|---|
Target gases | Carbon monoxide | |
Typical detection range | 0~10,000ppm | |
Output current in CO | 0.7~1.4nA/ppm | 1.2~1.4nA/ppm |
Baseline offset | <±10ppm equivalent | |
Operating temperature | 0℃~ +50℃ (continuous) | |
-5℃~ +55℃ (intermittent) | ||
Weight | approx. 7g | approx. 12g |
Standard test conditions | 20±2℃, 40±10%RH | |
Expected sensor life | 7 years | 10years |
* represents sensor output in air under operating conditions