Panasonic have released the SN-GCJA5 Particulate Matter Laser Sensor to the market, this Laser Type Particulate Matter Sensor integrates an on-board microprocessor, Micro-fan, and Laser Diode in a compact package. The sensor has been developed to provide accurate air quality measurement whilst still being compact in size and easy to use.
The sensors integrated on-board microprocessor handles all the signal processing removing the need for a powerful processor in the host system greatly simplifying the design process, the sensor sends the converted mass density values via UART and I2C outputs allowing easy interfacing to the host system.
PM Sensor Block Diagram
The Panasonic PM sensor uses the light scattering principle for detecting and measuring particulates, a Laser diode is used as a light source allowing the Panasonic sensor to offer much higher performance and accuracy vs. competing LED based PM sensors.
The PM sensor has an on-board Micro Fan which draws air into the system for measurement, this method is much more efficient than other sensors which rely on the heating element to draw air into the system, whilst the Laser Diode enables much more highly accurate measurement of the particulates in the sensor than other LED based PM sensors. The sensor features an optimized air pathway design to minimize dust accumulation thus preventing blockages and ensuring the sensor performance remains consistent over its life time.
PM Sensor Measurement Principle
Panasonic have developed a proprietary algorithm which is pre-installed in the integrated Microprocessor to control the on-board Micro Fan and Laser Diode and is configured such that the Fan operates based on the amount of particle dust surrounding the Laser Diode, this helps to greatly extend the overall lifespan of the sensor compared to other commercially available equivalent PM sensors on the market.
The Panasonic PM Sensor operates from a 5VDC power supply and has low current consumption <100mA. The sensor is capable of detecting minimum 0.3µm size particles and has a fast response time of just 1 second, the sensor measures low to high concentrations ~ 1,000 µgm3 with ±10% accuracy. The sensor can detect PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 size particulates simultaneously.
The sensors feature a compact footprint measuring just W37 x D37 x H12 mm allowing them to be easily integrated into a wide range of equipment, the sensors have an operating temperature range of -10°C to +60°C at < 95% RH.
The Panasonic Laser Type Particulate Matter sensor can be used to detect a wide variety of Particulate Matter including but not limited to dust, ash, soot, smoke, aerosols, fumes, mists and condensing vapours, solid fuels, construction materials, cooking / smoking of plant matter, fireplaces and furnaces, house / forest fires, waste incineration and much more. Typical applications for the PM sensors include, Home Appliances, HVAC equipment, Air Purifiers, Air Quality Monitoring and Smart Building Control systems.
Anglia are offering customers FREE samples of the SN-GCJA5 Particulate Matter Laser Sensor from Panasonic, please fill in the form below to register your interest now.
Free samples are subject to availability.
The STM32WBA wireless microcontroller family from STMicroelectronics brings designers the performance, efficiency, and security required for Bluetooth® Low Energy enabled applications.
Looking for a reliable way to monitor liquid levels in your next design? The Sensata Cynergy3 RSF Series float switches provide dependable point-level detection for water, fuels, chemicals, oils and other liquids, helping engineers improve system safety while reducing maintenance and downtime.
The HIROSE BM54 series floating board‑to‑board connector is designed to absorb real‑world tolerances without sacrificing density.
As embedded systems continue to evolve, designers are increasingly challenged to deliver higher performance, stronger security, and longer battery life within increasingly compact products. Whether developing industrial sensors, smart building controls, healthcare devices, or connected IoT endpoints, selecting the right microcontroller is critical to achieving design goals. The latest STM32U3 microcontroller families from STMicroelectronics have been developed to address these challenges, combining modern processing capability with an energy-conscious architecture.
In today’s fast moving electronics world, robust circuit protection is essential for ensuring long-term reliability and safety. Taiwan Semiconductor’s latest snapback (Super Clamp) TVS technology incorporated into the LTD7S24CAH device marks a significant step forward in protecting sensitive circuits from transient voltage events.
STMicroelectronics have introduced the L6986I device, a high-performance synchronous buck converter that is designed for use in applications that require isolated power conversion.
HARTING has launched the new D-Sub PushPull housings. Designed to improve efficient and process-safe handling, the HARTING D-Sub PushPull transforms a well-known connector family into a simplified solution. The PushPull locking mechanism significantly improves the assembly process and reduces installation and maintenance time by up to 50%.