In a report last year, we covered the SparkFun Air Quality PM1/PM2.5/PM10 Sensor, utilizing the Bosch BMV080 fanless sensor for about $65. Now, DFRobot has introduced a cheaper option, the Fermion: BMV080, which offers equivalent fanless and lab-grade PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 detection capabilities for only $29.90.
This sensor employs laser-based light-scattering with fanless optical counting to detect particles as small as 0.5 μm. It eliminates fan noise, dust build-up, and mechanical wear that fan-based sensors experience, boasting a lifespan of up to 10 years. It measures particulate levels in a 0–1000 μg/m³ range with 1 μg/m³ resolution and ±10 μg/m³ accuracy. The sensor is compatible with I2C and SPI interfaces and uses about 70 mA in continuous mode, with a 6 μA sleep current, making it great for battery-powered devices.
DFRobot’s Fermion: BMV080 specifications:
- Sensor IC – Bosch BMV080 particulate matter sensor
- Measured parameters – PM1, PM2.5, PM10 mass concentration
- Detection principle – Laser-based light scattering, fanless optical particle counting
- Minimum detectable particle size – 0.5 μm
- Measurement range – 0 to 1000 μg/m³
- Output resolution – 1 μg/m³
- Measurement accuracy
- ±10 μg/m³ (0–100 μg/m³)
- ±10% (101–1000 μg/m³)
- Measurement Modes – Continuous or duty cycling
- Maximum Output Data Rate (ODR)
- 0.97 Hz in Continuous Measurement Mode
- Lower ODR Rates configurable in duty cycling measurement mode
- Communication interfaces – I2C (default) or SPI
- Start-up time – 1.2s
- Supply Voltage – 1.2 to 3.3V DC
- Dimensions – 4.2 x 3.1 x 20 mm (Sensor IC with its flex cable)
- Weight – 0.092 grams
- Laser Class – Class 1, according to IEC 60825-1
- Temperature Range – Operating: -10 to +40°C; storage: -10 to +80°C
- Host connection – 13-pin 0.33mm FPC connector; I2C (default), or SPI, selectable by resistor
- Expansion – 7x through holes with I2C, SPI, IRQ, 3.3V and GND
- Input Voltage – 3.3V via through holes (3V3 and GND)
- Current Consumption @ 3.3V
- 0.97 Hz ODR (active measurement) – 70mA
- Sleep current – 6 µA
- Dimensions – 24 × 20 × 4.