• Home
  • Electronics Expo
  • Quality Articles
  • SCD40-D-R2 Technical Overview: Ultra-Compact CO₂ Environmental Sensor Based on Photoacoustic NDIR Technology

    1. Product Overview

    The SCD40-D-R2, developed by Sensirion, is a miniature carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensor leveraging photoacoustic NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) technology. It integrates temperature and humidity sensing within a compact MEMS-based architecture, offering a package size of just 10.1 × 10.1 × 6.5 mm. With high resistance to contamination and high integration density, this sensor is ideal for embedded systems where space and power constraints are critical. The SCD40-D-R2 provides long-term stability, compactness, and multi-parameter environmental monitoring.

    2. Key Technical Specifications

    Parameter

    Specification

    CO₂ Measurement Range

    400 – 2000 ppm (extendable to 5000 ppm in extended mode)

    Measurement Accuracy

    ±(50 ppm + 5% of reading)

    Temperature & Humidity

    Integrated sensing modules

    Interface

    I²C digital communication (up to 1 MHz clock rate)

    Supply Voltage

    2.4 – 3.6 V

    Average Power Consumption

    3.5 mA (typical, at 1 measurement/5 seconds)

    Package Dimensions

    10.1 × 10.1 × 6.5 mm

    Mounting Type

    Surface-Mount (SMD)

    Operating Temperature

    -10°C to +60°C

    Auto Calibration

    ASC (Automatic Self-Calibration)

    3. Measurement Principle

    The SCD40 series employs a photoacoustic infrared (NDIR) measurement method. An IR light source excites CO₂ molecules inside a sealed cavity, generating periodic pressure waves. These are detected by an integrated MEMS microphone and converted into electrical signals. This design eliminates the need for a traditional optical path, enabling a compact form factor and enhanced resistance to dust and light-source drift.

    4. Product Line Comparison

    Model

    CO₂ Range

    Outputs

    Accuracy

    Calibration

    Target Applications

    SCD40-D-R2

    400–2000 ppm (up to 5000 ppm)

    CO₂, Temp, RH

    ±(50 ppm + 5%)

    ASC

    General-purpose embedded air quality monitoring

    SCD41-D-R2

    400–5000 ppm

    CO₂, Temp, RH

    ±(40 ppm + 5%)

    ASC & ASC+

    Industrial/high-CO₂ environments

    SCD40-D-R1

    400–2000 ppm

    CO₂, Temp, RH

    ±(50 ppm + 5%)

    ASC

    Stable environments with minimal CO₂ fluctuation

    Note: All models share pin-compatible packages. Selection should be based on target range and calibration flexibility.

    5. Typical Application Scenarios

    Application Field

    Functional Role

    Smart Home & Consumer Devices

    Embedded in air purifiers, thermostats, or smart speakers for real-time environment sensing

    HVAC Systems

    Enables ventilation control based on CO₂ levels for energy-efficient air quality management

    Educational & Office Monitoring

    Supports indoor air health assessment by evaluating ventilation efficiency

    Medical / Elderly Care Equipment

    Enhances environmental control in chronic care and patient monitoring systems

    Wearable & Portable Devices

    Integrates into mobile AQI meters for local CO₂ awareness

    6. Integration Guidelines

    • Airflow Design: Ensure proper ventilation via PCB openings to avoid heat source interference.
    • Thermal Layout: Avoid placing heat-generating components beneath the sensor to maintain local temperature stability.
    • ASC Calibration: Suitable for typical indoor usage, minimizing maintenance via self-calibration without manual intervention.
    • Software Support: Sensirion provides C-based drivers, integration guides, and sample code, compatible with platforms such as STM32 and Arduino.

    7. Design Resources & Packaging Models

    SCD40-D-R2 supports full design integration through schematic symbols, PCB footprint files, and 3D CAD models. Resources are available in SnapMagic and Ultra Librarian formats, compatible with Altium Designer, OrCAD, KiCad, and other mainstream EDA tools. WIN SOURCE platform enables fast access and download of all design assets for streamlined development.

    The SCD40-D-R2 sensor integrates a compact form factor, low power consumption, and multi-parameter sensing for CO₂, temperature, and humidity. Its photoacoustic NDIR design and ASC auto-calibration make it ideal for space-constrained and power-sensitive embedded applications. With a solid understanding of the SCD4x series’ differences, developers can optimize component selection and system-level design strategies.

    To explore more component specifications, packaging models, and inventory availability, please visit the official WIN SOURCE website.

    © 2025 Win Source Electronics. All rights reserved. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Win Source Electronics.

    COMMENTS

    WORDPRESS: 0
    DISQUS: 0