Sensirion Unveils Upgraded SCD4x CO2 Sensors with Game-Changing Features

Sensirion, a global supplier of next-generation sensor solutions, has unveiled an exciting upgrade to its SCD4x family. This latest release brings a host of new features and improvements that further enhance the capabilities of SCD4x products, a line of highly accurate and reliable carbon dioxide (CO2) and humidity sensor modules. With these upgrades, Sensirion aims to provide even more precise and compliant indoor air quality (IAQ) measurements while offering greater flexibility and ease of integration for design engineers.

Sensirion's SCD4x Product Family:

The SCD4x product family is a comprehensive line of miniature CO2 sensors that leverage Sensirion’s patented PASens® and CMOSens® technology. Based on the photoacoustic NDIR sensing principle, SCD4x sensor solutions deliver exceptional accuracy at an unparalleled price point within an incredibly compact form factor. SCD4x sensors can be easily integrated through SMD assembly to provide a cost-effective and space-efficient solution that allows maximum design flexibility

Sensirion’s SCD40 and SCD41

As members of the Sensirion’s SCD4x product family, the SCD40 and SCD41 are both gas sensors designed for environmental monitoring applications. The SCD40 offers precise CO2 measurements with an accuracy of ±(30 ppm + 3% of reading), whereas the SCD41 provides accuracy of ±(20 ppm + 5% of reading). Moreover, the SCD41 features an extended measurement range of up to 40,000 parts per million (ppm) of CO2, while the SCD40 has a range of up to 10,000 ppm.

Both the SCD40 and SCD41 feature:

• Photoacoustic NDIR sensor technology PASens®
• Smallest form factor: 10.1 x 10.1 x 6.5 mm3
• Reflow solderable for cost effective assembly
• Large output range: 0 ppm – 40,000 ppm
• Large supply voltage range: 2.4 – 5.5 V
• High accuracy: ±(40 ppm + 5 %)
• Digital I2C interface
• Integrated temperature and humidity sensor
• Low power operation down to < 0.4 mA avg. @ 5 V, 1 meas. / 5 minutes

New and Improved SCD40 Features

Sensirion's SCD40 has received several new feature upgrades to enhance its performance and convenience. The SCD40 features the following updates:

• The peak reflow soldering temperature has been increased from 235°C to 245°C, aligning it with the reflow soldering standards (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020). This change ensures closer adherence to industry standards without impacting the sensor's functionality. Existing reflow profiles can still be utilized with this increased temperature.
• Second source for the microphone. This addition aims to improve the resilience of the supply chain. The new source has undergone qualification to match the performance of the original source, enabling interchangeability between the two sources across all members of the SCD40 product family.
• A laser marking will contain a QR code with the product type (e.g., SCD40) and serial number. The addition of the laser marking will not affect the dimensions or function of the cap. It provides a convenient way to identify and track individual sensors, ensuring better traceability and ease of use.

New and Improved SCD41 Features

The added features to Sensirion’s SCD41 are similar to the new SCD40 benefits but with new accuracy specifications. The SCD41 features the following updates:

• The peak reflow soldering temperature has been increased from 235°C to 245°C
• Second source for the microphone
• Laser marking
• Specification revision (see below)

The SCD41’s accuracy specification has been upgraded to the following:

End-of-Life Notification for Sensirion’s SCD42

Developers who have been using Sensirion's SCD42 sensor now have an opportunity to upgrade to an improved SCD41 solution as the SCD42 is now obsolete. With the release of the SCD41’s updated feature set, developers can benefit from enhanced specifications and performance. The SCD41 is an accessible, convenient drop-in replacement for the SCD42. The SCD41 provides developers with comprehensive capabilities and reliability as it offers a wider accuracy range and RESET-compliance.