The document provides technical information about the TGS2620 volatile organic compound sensor, including:
1. Basic specifications of the sensor such as its structure, dimensions, operating conditions, and sensitivity to various gases.
2. Characteristics including temperature and humidity dependency, sensitivity curves for different gases, and effects of varying heater voltage.
3. Practical considerations for circuit design like sensitivity to organic compounds, inrush current of the heater, effect of air flow, and heater resistance durability.
The document provides technical information about the TGS2620 volatile organic compound sensor, including:
1. Basic specifications of the sensor such as its structure, dimensions, operating conditions, and sensitivity to various gases.
2. Characteristics including temperature and humidity dependency, sensitivity curves for different gases, and effects of varying heater voltage.
3. Practical considerations for circuit design like sensitivity to organic compounds, inrush current of the heater, effect of air flow, and heater resistance durability.
The document provides technical information about the TGS2620 volatile organic compound sensor, including:
1. Basic specifications of the sensor such as its structure, dimensions, operating conditions, and sensitivity to various gases.
2. Characteristics including temperature and humidity dependency, sensitivity curves for different gases, and effects of varying heater voltage.
3. Practical considerations for circuit design like sensitivity to organic compounds, inrush current of the heater, effect of air flow, and heater resistance durability.
The document provides technical information about the TGS2620 volatile organic compound sensor, including:
1. Basic specifications of the sensor such as its structure, dimensions, operating conditions, and sensitivity to various gases.
2. Characteristics including temperature and humidity dependency, sensitivity curves for different gases, and effects of varying heater voltage.
3. Practical considerations for circuit design like sensitivity to organic compounds, inrush current of the heater, effect of air flow, and heater resistance durability.
Technical Information for Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
Sensors The Figaro 2600 series is a new type thick film metal oxide semiconductor, screen printed gas sensor which offers miniaturization and lower power consumption. The TGS2620 displays high selectivity and sensitivity to volatile organic vapors such as ethanol, methanol, etc. Page Basic Information and Specifications Features..........................................................................2 Applications...................................................................2 Structure..........................................................................2
See also Technical Brochure Technical Information on Usage of TGS
Sensors for Toxic and Explosive Gas Leak Detectors. IMPORTANT NOTE: OPERATING CONDITIONS IN WHICH FIGARO SENSORS ARE USED WILL VARY WITH EACH CUSTOMERS SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS. FIGARO STRONGLY RECOMMENDS CONSULTING OUR TECHNICAL STAFF BEFORE DEPLOYING FIGARO SENSORS IN YOUR APPLICATION AND, IN PARTICULAR, WHEN CUSTOMERS TARGET GASES ARE NOT LISTED HEREIN. FIGARO CANNOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY USE OF ITS SENSORS IN A PRODUCT OR APPLICATION FOR WHICH SENSOR HAS NOT BEEN SPECIFICALLY TESTED BY FIGARO.
Revised 10/12
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
1. Basic Information and Specifications Stainless steel gauze
1-1 Features
Sensor element
* High selectivity to volatile organic vapors
* Low power consumption * Small size * Long life
1.5mm
1.5mm
1-2 Applications
* Alcohol testers * Organic vapor detectors/alarms * Solvent detectors for factories, dry cleaners, and semiconductor industries
Lead wire Substrate Sensing material
Electrodes
Metal cap
Lead wire Heater
Lead pin
(Reverse side)
1-3 Structure Figure 1 shows the structure of TGS2620. Using thick film techniques, the sensor material is printed on electrodes (noble metal) which have been printed onto an alumina substrate. One electrode is connected to pin No.2 and the other is connected to pin No.3. The sensor element is heated by RuO2 material printed onto the reverse side of the substrate and connected to pins No.1 and No.4.
Fig. 1 - Sensor structure
Lead wires are Pt-W alloy and are connected to sensor
pins which are made of Ni-plated Ni-Fe 50%. The sensor base is made of Ni-plated steel. The sensor cap is made of stainless steel. The upper opening in the cap is covered with a double layer of 100 mesh stainless steel gauze (SUS316). 1-4 Basic measuring circuit Figure 2 shows the basic measuring circuit. Circuit voltage (Vc) is applied across the sensor element which has a resistance (Rs) between the sensors two electrodes and the load resistor (RL) connected in series. When DC is used for Vc, the polarity shown in Figure 2 must be maintained. The Vc may be applied intermittently. The sensor signal (VRL) is measured indirectly as a change in voltage across the RL. The Rs is obtained from the formula shown at the right.
Revised 10/12
Fig. 2 - Basic measuring circuit
NOTE: In the case of VH, there is no polarity, so pins 1 and 4 can be considered interchangable. However, in the case of VC, when used with DC power, pins 2 and 3 must be used as shown in the Figure above.
Rs =
Vc - VRL x RL VRL
Formula to determine Rs
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
1-5 Circuit & operating conditions
1-7 Dimensions
The ratings shown below should be maintained at all
times to insure stable sensor performance: Top view Item
Specification
Circuit voltage (VC)
5.0V 0.2V AC/DC
Heater voltage (VH)
5.0V 0.2V AC/DC
Heater resistance (room temp)
Load resistance (RL) Sensor power dissipation (PS)
9.20.2 8.10.2
Sensing element
83 (typical) variable (0.45k min.) 15mW
Operating & storage temperature
-40C ~ +70C
Optimal detection concentration
50 ~ 5,000ppm
7.80.5
Side view
10.01.0
1-6 Specifications NOTE 1
Item Sensor resistance (300ppm ethanol) Sensor resistance ratio ()
Specification
0.550.05
1k ~ 5k
3.60.1
0.3 ~ 0.5
Bottom view
= Rs(300ppm ethanol)/Rs(50ppm ethanol)
Heater current (RH) Heater power consumption (PH)
42 4mA
4 3
1 2
3.60.1
approx. 210mW
NOTE 1: Sensitivity characteristics are obtained
under the following standard test conditions: (Standard test conditions) Temperature and humidity: 20 2C, 65 5% RH Circuit conditions: Vc = 5.00.01V DC
VH = 5.00.05V DC
RL = 10.0k 1% Preheating period: 7 days or more under standard circuit conditions All sensor characteristics shown in this brochure represent typical characteristics. Actual characteristics vary from sensor to sensor and from production lot to production lot. The only characteristics warranted are those shown in the Specification table above. Revised 10/12
Mechanical Strength: The sensor shall have no abnormal findings in its structure and shall satisfy the above electrical specifications after the following performance tests: Withdrawal Force - withstand force of 5kg in each (pin from base) direction Vibration - frequency-1000c/min., total amplitude-4mm, duration-one hour, direction-vertical Shock - acceleration-100G, repeated 5 times 3
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
2. Typical Sensitivity Characteristics
100
2-1 Sensitivity to various gases
Air
Figure 4 shows the relative sensitivity of TGS2620
to various gases. The Y-axis shows the ratio of the sensor resistance in various gases (Rs) to the sensor resistance in 300ppm of ethanol (Ro).
10
Methane
Rs/Ro 1
Using the basic measuring circuit illustrated in Fig.
2 and with a matched RL value equivalent to the Rs value in 300ppm of ethanol, will provide the sensor output voltage (VRL) change as shown in Figure 5.
CO Iso-butane Hydrogen Ethanol
0 10
100 1000 Gas concentration (ppm)
10000
Fig. 4 - Sensitivity to various gases (Rs/Ro)
NOTE: All sensor characteristics in this technical brochure represent typical sensor characteristics. Since the Rs or output voltage curve varies from sensor to sensor, calibration is required for each sensor (for additional information on calibration, please refer to the Technical Advisory Technical Information on Usage of TGS Sensors for Toxic and Explosive Gas Leak Detectors).
5 Ethanol Hydrogen
Iso-butane Carbon monoxide
3 VRL (v) Methane
Air 0 0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Gas concentration (ppm)
Fig. 5 - Sensitivity to various gases (VRL)
Revised 10/12
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
2-2 Temperature and humidity dependency
10
Figure 6 shows the temperature and humidity
dependency of TGS2620. The Y-axis shows the ratio of sensor resistance in 300ppm of ethanol under various atmospheric conditions (Rs) to the sensor resistance in 300ppm of ethanol at 20C/65%RH (Ro). RH
(C)
35%RH
50%RH
65%RH
-10
35% 50% 65% 96%
RH%:
1 Rs/Ro
95%RH
Gas: 300ppm Ethanol
1.80
0 10
1.72
1.35
1.48
1.30
0.96
20
1.37
1.20
1.00
0.75
30
1.04
0.88
0.74
0.63
40
0.85
0.73
0.62
0.57
Table 1 - Temperature and humidity dependency
(typical values of Rs/Ro for Fig. 6)
0.1 -20
-10
10
20
30
50
Ambient temperature (C)
Fig. 6 - Temperature and humidity dependency (Rs/Ro)
10
-10C 20C/65%RH 40C/96%RH
Table 1 shows a table of values of the sensor s
resistance ratio (Rs/Ro) under the same conditions as those used to generate Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the sensitivity curve for TGS2620 to ethanol under several ambient conditions. While temperature may have a large influence on absolute Rs values, this chart illustrates the fact that the effect on the slope of the sensor resistance ratio (Rs/Ro) is not significant. As a result, the effects of temperature on the sensor can easily be compensated.
40
1 Rs/Ro
0.1 100
1000
Gas concentration (ppm)
For economical circuit design, a thermistor can be
incorporated to compensate for temperature (for additional information on temperature compensation in circuit designs, please refer to the Technical Advisory Technical Information on Usage of TGS Sensors for Toxic and Explosive Gas Leak Detectors). Revised 10/12
Fig. 7 - Resistance change ratio
under various ambient conditions
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
2-3 Heater voltage dependency Figure 8 shows the change in the sensor resistance ratio according to variations in the heater voltage (VH). Note that 5.0V as a heater voltage must be maintained because variance in applied heater voltage will cause the sensors characteristics to be changed from the typical characteristics shown in this brochure.
100
Air 10
Ethanol 50ppm Ethanol 300ppm
1 Rs/Rs(VH=5V, 300ppm Ethanol)
Vc=5V
0.1 4.4
4.6
4.8
5.0
5.2
5.4
5.6
5.8
6.0
Heater Voltage (VH)
Fig. 8 - Heater voltage dependency (Vc=5.0)
2-4 Circuit voltage dependency
Figure 9 shows the change in the sensor resistance ratio resulting from variation in circuit voltage (Vc). As shown here, using a Vc higher than the 5.0V specified in Section 1-5 may result in the sensor diverging from Ohmic behavior and thus altering its characteristics from those shown as typical in this brochure.
100
Air 10
Ethanol 50ppm 1
Ethanol 300ppm
Rs/Rs(VH=5V, 300ppm Ethanol)
0.1 0
10
15
20
25
Circuit Voltage (Vc)
Fig. 9 - Circuit voltage dependency (VH=5.0)
Revised 10/12
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
2-5 Gas response Figure 10 shows the change pattern of sensor resistance (Rs) when the sensor is inserted into and later removed from 300ppm of ethanol.
100
10
Sensor resistance (k )
As this chart displays, the sensors response speed
to the presence of gas is extremely quick, and when removed from gas, the sensor will recover back to its original value in a short period of time.
0.1
in air
10
Time (min.)
Figure 11 demonstrates the sensors repeatability
by showing multiple exposures to a 300ppm concentration of ethanol. Unlike the test done for Fig. 10, here the sensor is located in a single environment which is exchanged periodically. As a result, though the process of gas diffusion reduces sensor response speed, good repeatability can be seen.
in 300ppm ethanol
in air
Fig. 10 - Gas response to ethanol
100
10
Sensor resistance (k )
2-6 Initial action
Figure 12 shows the initial action of the sensor resistance (Rs) for a sensor which is stored unenergized in normal air for 30 days and later energized in clean air. The Rs drops sharply for the first seconds after energizing, regardless of the presence of gases, and then reaches a stable level according to the ambient atmosphere. Such behavior during the warm-up process is called Initial Action.
gas
gas
gas
gas
gas
Gas:300ppm ethanol
0.1
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Time (min.)
Fig. 11 - Repeatability
100
10 Since this initial action may cause a detector to Sensor resistance (k) alarm unnecessarily during the initial moments after powering on, it is recommended that an initial delay 1 circuit be incorporated into the detectors design (refer to Technical Advisory Technical Information on Usage of 0.1 0 TGS Sensors for Toxic and Explosive Gas Leak Detectors). This is especially recommended for intermittentoperating devices such as portable gas detectors.
Revised 10/12
gas
10
Time (min.)
Fig. 12 - Initial action
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
2-7 Long-term characteristics Figure 13 shows long-term stability of TGS2620 as measured for more than 700 days. The sensor is first energized in normal air. Measurement for confirming sensor characteristics is conducted under standard test conditions. The initial value of Rs was measured after two days energizing in normal air at the rated voltage. The Y-axis represents the sensor resistance in air, 1000ppm of hydrogen, 100ppm of carbon monoxide, and 300ppm of ethanol.
Air Hydrogen 1000ppm CO 100ppm Ethanol 300ppm
100
Rs (k) 10
The Rs in both ethanol and hydrogen is very stable
unenergized condition on the sensors resistance. The sensors were stored unenergized in air after 20 days energizing, then energized for one hour before a measurement was taken. As the charts presented in this section illustrate, the sensor shows stable long term characteristics. NOTE: The MTTF (Mean Time to Failure) can be estimated from this data. Please refer to the Technical Advisory MTTF Values of Figaro Gas Sensors.
Air Hydrogen 1000ppm CO 100ppm Ethanol 300ppm
100
Sensor unpowered
Rs (k) 10
0.51
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Elapsed time (days)
Fig. 14 - Influence of unenergizing
Revised 10/12
800
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
3. Practical Considerations for Circuit Design 3-1 Sensitivity to various organic compounds Figure 15 shows the sensitivity of TGS2620 to various kinds of gases at concentrations of 100ppm and 1000ppm. The x-axis shows the sensitivity ratio of sensor resistance in clean air (Rair) versus sensor resistance in the listed gas (Rgas). This data demonstrates that TGS2620 is an excellent general purpose sensor for VOCs as it shows good sensitivity to many kinds of organic compound vapors. NOTE: This data is shown only for demonstrating the high sensitivity of the sensor to VOCs--never use Rair as a reference for calibration.
Fig. 15 - Sensitivity to various organic compounds
90.0
3-2 Inrush current of heater
The heater material of the sensor has its own temperature dependency. Figure 16 shows both the inrush current and steady state of heater current under various ambient temperatures for the TGS2620. This chart illustrates that inrush current is approximately 40% higher than the steady state current. Since heater resistance shows a lower value at low temperatures, this would cause a larger than expected current at room temperature. As a result, when a device using the sensor is first powered on, an extremely high current may be generated during the first few moments of energizing. Therefore protection from inrush current should be considered for incorporation into circuit design.
100ppm
80.0 70.0
inrush current
60.0 50.0 Heater current (mA)
steady state current
40.0 30.0 -40
-20
20
40
60
80
Ambient temperature (C)
Fig. 16 - Temperature dependency of heater current 120
V H=5V, Ambient temperature=20 C
100
In actual application, it should be noted that the peHeater current - H
I (mA) 80 riod of inrush current would last less than 10 seconds, after which the heater current reaches to a constant 60 value as shown in Figure 17. 40
Power on
20 0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Time (sec.)
Fig. 17 - Change in heater current after powering on
Revised 10/12
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
3-3 Effect of air flow
0.7
Figure 18 shows how the sensor signal (VRL) is
0.6 affected by air flow. The test procedure involves 0.5 situating the sensor in an air stream of 3.1 meters VOUT (V) 0.4 per second, with the air flow vertical/horizontal to the flameproof stainless steel double gauze of the 0.3 sensors housing. The increase in sensor signal shown in Figure 18 resulted from the decrease in sensor element temperature caused by the air flow. As a result, direct air flow on the sensor should be avoided.
0.2
3.1 m/s air flow vertical
to double gauze
Rs with air flow of 3.1m/s
= 0.92 Rs without air flow
V C=V H=5V, RL=10k
Time (min.)
10
12
0.7 3.1 m/s air flow horizontal to double gauze
0.6 0.5
3-4 Heater resistance durability
VOUT (V)
0.4
Figure 19 illustrates the procedure for testing the effects of excess voltage applied to the heater. Heater resistance was measured while the heater was unpowered and at room temperature.
0.3 0.2
Rs with air flow of 3.1m/s
= 0.91 Rs without air flow
10
12
Time (min.) Fig. 18 - Effect of air flow
The results of this test are shown in Figure 20 which
shows the change in resistance of the heater when various heater voltages (rather than the standard 5.0V) are applied in the absence of gases. As this section demonstrates, the heater shows good durability against increased heater voltage. However, since excessive heater voltage will cause the sensors heater resistance to drift upwards, excessive heater voltage should still be avoided.
V C=V H=5V, RL=10k
400 350 300 250
: RH is measured
5V
6V
7V
10V
9V
8V
11V
200 150 Heater resistance () 100 50
10min.
Test run
Fig. 19 - Test procedure for heater durability
Revised 10/12
0 1
4 5 6 Test run Fig. 20 - Short term effect of VH on RH
10
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
4. Cautions 4-1 Situations which must be avoided 1) Exposure to silicone vapors If silicone vapors adsorb onto the sensors surface, the sensing material will be coated, irreversibly inhibiting sensitivity. Avoid exposure where silicone adhesives, hair grooming materials, or silicone rubber/putty may be present. 2) Highly corrosive environment High density exposure to corrosive materials such as H2S, SOx, Cl2, HCl, etc. for extended periods may cause corrosion or breakage of the lead wires or heater material. 3) Contamination by alkaline metals Sensor drift may occur when the sensor is contaminated by alkaline metals, especially salt water spray. 4) Contact with water Sensor drift may occur due to soaking or splashing the sensor with water. 5) Freezing If water freezes on the sensing surface, the sensing material would crack, altering characteristics. 6) Application of excessive voltage If higher than specified voltage is applied to the sensor or the heater, lead wires and/or the heater may be damaged or sensor characteristics may drift, even if no physical damage or breakage occurs. 7) Operation in zero/low oxygen environment TGS sensors require the presence of around 21% (ambient) oxygen in their operating environment in order to function properly and to exhibit characteristics described in Figaros product literature. TGS sensors cannot properly operate in a zero or low oxygen content atmosphere. 8) Polarization These sensors have polarity. Incorrect Vc connection may cause significant deterioration of long term stability. Please connect Vc according to specifications. 4-2 Situations to be avoided whenever possible 1) Water condensation Light condensation under conditions of indoor usage should not pose a problem for sensor performance. However, if water condenses on the sensor s Revised 10/12
surface and remains for an extended period, sensor
characteristics may drift. 2) Usage in high density of gas Sensor performance may be affected if exposed to a high density of gas for a long period of time, regardless of the powering condition. 3) Storage for extended periods When stored without powering for a long period, the sensor may show a reversible drift in resistance according to the environment in which it was stored. The sensor should be stored in a sealed bag containing clean air; do not use silica gel. Note that as unpowered storage becomes longer, a longer preheating period is required to stabilize the sensor before usage. 4) Long term exposure in adverse environment Regardless of powering condition, if the sensor is exposed in extreme conditions such as very high humidity, extreme temperatures, or high contamination levels for a long period of time, sensor performance will be adversely affected. 5) Vibration Excessive vibration may cause the sensor or lead wires to resonate and break. Usage of compressed air drivers/ultrasonic welders on assembly lines may generate such vibration, so please check this matter. 6) Shock Breakage of lead wires may occur if the sensor is subjected to a strong shock. 7) Soldering Ideally, sensors should be soldered manually. However, wave soldering can be done under the following conditions: a) Suggested flux: rosin flux with minimal chlorine b) Speed: 1-2 meters/min. c) Preheating temperature: 10020C d) Solder temperature: 25010C e) Up to two passes through wave soldering machine allowed
Results of wave soldering cannot be guaranteed if
conducted outside the above guidelines since some flux vapors may cause drift in sensor performance similar to the effects of silicone vapors.
11
TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS2620
Figaro USA Inc. and the manufacturer, Figaro
Engineering Inc. (together referred to as Figaro) reserve the right to make changes without notice to any products herein to improve reliability, functioning or design. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable. However, Figaro does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit described herein; neither does it convey any license under its patent rights, nor the rights of others. Figaros products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support applications wherein a failure or malfunction of the products may result in
