Renesas Launches Industry’s First IP67 Waterproof Sensor For High-Humidity Environments

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, has expanded its popular ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) sensor platform with the industry’s first software-configurable IP67-qualified waterproof option for IAQ applications operating in wet or dirty environments. This includes for kitchens, bathrooms, and hospital rooms, or any area that’s frequently exposed to water, oils, and dust. 

The firmware-configurable waterproof ZMOD4410 sensor features a unique hermetically sealed package that protects the sensor from water and dust with a hydrophobic and oleophobic material that is permeable to humidity and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the same time.

“The increasing use of IAQ sensors in splash zone environments along with other areas with frequent exposure to water, oils, and dust drives higher demand for protection from those elements without sacrificing performance – a traditionally expensive process that requires additional hardware and firmware,” said Uwe Guenther, senior director, Sensing Solutions, IoT and Infrastructure Business Unit at Renesas.

By combining IP67-rated packaging with the industry-leading accuracy and reliability that the ZMOD4410 platform is known for, Renesas enables new, low-power IAQ applications that operate in splash zones, while maintaining the high precision and flexibility customers need to customize their systems and eliminating the need for expensive waterproofing systems.

“The new waterproof ZMOD4410 sensor combines the best of both worlds cost-effectively, enabling broader adoption of highly accurate smart sensing devices that can operate in high-humidity and harsh conditions for a wider range of market applications.” added Guenther.

Features:

• Measurement of total organic compounds (TVOC) concentrations and indoor air quality (IAQ)
• Module algorithm estimates carbon dioxide level (eCO2)
• Algorithm to set a control signal to trigger an external action based on IAQ and odor change
• Multiplexed input channel for the heater, resistance, and temperature measurements
• I2C interface: up to 400kHz
• Configurable alarm/interrupt output with static and adaptive levels
• Adjustable ADC resolution for optimal speed versus resolution: 16-bit maximum

The combination of waterproofing, reliability, programmability, best-in-class stability, and sensitivity in measuring VOCs makes the new waterproof sensor an ideal solution for IAQ devices, including smart HVAC systems, ventilator fans, bathroom lights and switches, and wearables, that operate in a wide range of high-humidity, splash zone, dirty, or submersible environments.