Infineon — XENSIV™ PAS CO2 Sensor

Infineon XENSIV™ Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) CO2 Sensor

Measure what matters the most

The Infineon XENSIV™ Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) CO2 Sensor provides superior accuracy level in an exceptionally small form factor making it the ideal solution for indoor air-quality monitoring stations, HVAC systems and IoT applications. To track the environment you are in - for improved health, productivity and overall well-being, the PAS CO2 sensor provides real-time, accurate measurements, while being more affordable and compact, overcoming the challenges of size and performance in existing CO₂ sensor solutions.

Infineon's MEMS microphone, which is optimized for low-frequency operation, detects the pressure change generated by CO₂ molecules within the sensor cavity. CO₂ concentration is then delivered in the form of a direct ppm readout thanks to the integrated microcontroller. Highly accurate CO₂ readings are guaranteed since the absorption chamber is acoustically isolated from external noise.

The XENSIV™ PAS CO2 sensor is a real carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensor in an unprecedented small form factor. Designed on the basis of the photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) concept, the sensor saves more than 75 percent space compared to existing commercial real CO₂ sensors. Its direct ppm readings, tape & reel packing, SMD capability and simple design allow for a quicker and easier integration into customers’ systems in low and high-volume applications alike.

Successful Evaluation of the Sensor

XENSIV™ PAS CO2 Sensor2Go Evaluation Kit

To ensure efficient and quick evaluation, discover the Infineon XENSIVTM PAS CO2 Sensor2Go Evaluation kit. It enables communication to a PC GUI via its micro-USB as a power management unit ensuring stable 12 V for the light source.

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The Sensor2Go evaluation kit includes: XENSIV™ PAS CO2 evaluation motherboard XENSIV™ PAS CO2 mini-evaluation board micro-USB cable

XENSIV™ PAS CO2 Mini-Board

The XENSIV™ PAS CO2 mini-board enables easy connection to the application board with a standard 2.54 mm pin header, and without the need to go through a reflow process during the evaluation phase.

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The Mini-Board comes with the following features: Access to all signals and functions of the product Compatible with a combined PCB layout, supporting reflow assembly for later use Compatible with XENSIV™ PAS CO2 Sensor2Go kit for easy lab evaluation

How does the photoacoustic principle work?

Pulses of light from an infrared source pass through an optical filter tuned specifically to the CO₂ absorption wavelength (λ = 4.2 µm). The CO₂ molecules inside the measurement chamber absorb the filtered light, causing the molecules to shake and generate a pressure wave with each pulse. This is called the photoacoustic effect. The pressure change is then detected by a MEMS acoustic detector optimized for low frequency operation, and the microcontroller converts the output into a CO₂ concentration reading. In order to provide accurate CO₂ sensing information, the absorption chamber is acoustically isolated from external noise.

Block Diagram: Infineon XENSIV™ Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) CO2 Sensor