Hi seekers! Welcome to another article discussing a sensor from the MQ gas sensor series. Today, we are discussing the MQ-9 gas sensor, which can detect gases like carbon monoxide, CH4, and LPG. It has a long life and a simple structure, and the heart of this gas sensor is the sensing element on the heating circuit. Usually, such sensors are part of large projects where they sense the target gas and send a signal for any alarming condition.
We’ll begin the discussion with the basic introduction of this sensor in which we’ll discuss the basic parts and their duties. After that, we’ll move towards the datasheet elements and study this sensor's features, specifications, and other details. You will also see its working principles and diagrams to understand the concept. In the end, there will be a glance at the applications in which the MQ-8 gas sensor plays a vital role. Let’s hover over today’s first topic:
The MQ-9 gas sensor belongs to the MQ series, which has multiple sensors specialised for a particular gas. In the case of the MQ-9 gas sensor, the target gases are methane, propane, and other combustible gases that may be life-threatening if leaked. As the ambient concentration of target gases rises, the sensor diligently absorbs them at a higher rate, conveying their presence through analogue values at its analogue pin.
Let's focus on the fundamental components of this sophisticated sensor, unravelling its intricacies for a comprehensive understanding:
A ceramic material is present on the core of the MQ-9 base. It is usually alumina (Al2O3) that is responsible for providing the mechanical strength to the sensing element. The reason to use alumina is its high thermal stability and electrical resistance so that it does not provide any interference in the sensor’s values.
The heart of this sensor is the sensing element that absorbs the target gas and senses its presence. It is a small, cylindrical-shaped structure made with tin oxide (SnO2). It is wrapped around the ceramic material in the form of a uniform layer.
As mentioned before, the small heating circuit is present under the sensing element. It is a coil made of nichrome wire embedded within the substrate of ceramic material. This can heat the sensing element to around 300°C. This heat starts the work of the whole sensor.
The ceramic substrate has metallic contacts on both sides that are responsible for the interface between the sensing element and the circuit. These electrodes also allow electrical current to pass through the sensing element to create a change in the electrical conductance, and this is the basic way to sense the presence of gas.
Prior to the utilization of any electrical component, it is important to peruse the datasheet that outlines the product's intricate details. Presented below are fundamental considerations essential for an informed deployment of the MQ-9 gas sensor.
One of the unique features of the MQ-9 that makes it different from other MQ series elements is its wide range of gas detection. It is not specialised for a single gas but can detect multiple gases, which makes it a versatile sensor. The list of detectable gases for this sensor is given below:
Methane (CH4)
Propane (C3H8)
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
It is a more versatile and cost-effective gas sensor and, therefore, is preferred in fields like industries and home safety.
It has a simple structure that consumes fewer resources.
It has a fast response time that allows prompt warnings and measures.
It has a compact and portable design that makes it suitable for different circuits.
The following table shows the basic specifications of this sensor:
Feature |
Specification |
Model No. |
MQ-9 |
Sensor Type |
Semiconductor |
Standard Encapsulation |
Bakelite |
Detection Gas |
CO and combustible gas |
Concentration |
10-1000ppm CO, 100-10000ppm combustible gas |
Loop Voltage Vc |
≤10V DC |
Heater Voltage VH |
5.0V±0.2V ACorDC (High), 1.5V±0.1V ACorDC (Low) |
Heater Time TL |
60±1S (High), 90±1S (Low) |
Circuit Load Resistance RL |
Adjustable |
Heater Resistance RH |
31Ω±3Ω (Room Temp.) |
Heater consumption PH |
≤350mW |
Sensing Resistance Rs |
2KΩ-20KΩ (in 100ppm CO) |
Sensitivity S |
Rs(in air)/Rs(100ppm CO)≥5 |
Character Slope α |
≤0.6(R300ppm/R100ppm CO) |
Tem. Humidity |
20℃±2℃; 65%±5%RH |
Standard test circuit Vc |
5.0V±0.1V; VH (High): 5.0V±0.1V; VH (Low): 1.5V±0.1V |
Condition Preheat time |
Over 48 hours |
As mentioned before, the MQ-9 can detect multiple gases, but it is important to understand that the response time and sensitivity of this sensor are different for all of these. These factors depend on the chemical reaction between the sensing element and the target gas, and here is a comparison of the performance of the MQ-9 gas sensor with different gases in the form of a graph:
The MQ-9 gas sensor has a simple and easy-to-understand circuit. Here is the diagram that shows the test loop of this device with the help of basic labels:
Here,
VH = Heater voltage
Vc = Test voltage
VRL = Voltage on load resistance
RL = Load resistance
If you want to know more about the datasheet or want to study it in detail, then you can visit the following link:
The MQ-9 gas sensor has four pins. The description and details of each of them are mentioned below:
Pin |
Name |
Description |
1 |
Vcc |
It is a power supply pin for the heater element. It usually requires 5V DC. |
2 |
GND |
It's the ground connection pin. |
3 |
Aout |
It is the analogue output pin. The voltage on this pin varies depending on the gas concentration detected by the sensor, which means a higher voltage indicates a higher gas concentration. |
4 |
Dout (optional) |
It is a digital output pin (present on some models). Provides a binary signal (high or low) based on a pre-set threshold for gas concentration. |
Here is a list of the alternative options that can be used in place of MQ-9. The performance of these sensors is not identical to that of the MQ-9 but experts may use them in some projects:
Figaro TGS series
Sensirion SGP series
Amphenol SGX series
GasSense IR series
PerkinElmer NDIR-1 series
The electrical components, such as MQ-9 have a sensitive structure; therefore, always choose the best product from the best platforms for quality results. The following are some popular choices for such elements:
eBay
AliExpress
Amazon
The working principle of this sensor is similar to that of other MQ series sensors. It works on the chemiresistor working principle, which means the change in the electrical resistance of the sensing element results in the output values of this sensor. Here are the steps that will explain the previous statement:
As soon as the sensor is powered on, the heating circuit starts increasing the substrate (alumina) temperature. The internal coil of the substrate heats it, and this change is uniformly distributed to the cylindrical shapes sensing element.
The heated substrate maintains a temperature of 300 °C, and it stimulates the tin oxide to absorb the oxygen from the surroundings. Soon, the hydrogen ions start accumulating on its surface, and as a result, a depletion region is formed around the sensing element that increases the electrical conductivity of tin oxide.
The depletion region remains on the surface of tin oxide in the air until there is no target gas mixed in it. If any of the target gases are leaked into the air, they start reacting with the depletion region around the sensing element. This reaction results in the absorption of the depletion region. As a result, the electrical conductivity of the tin oxide increases as the sensor indicates this change in resistance through the analogue pin. In other words, the values of the electrical resistance are always present on the analogue pin, but sudden changes in the resistance are alarming on the analogue pin. The higher the target gas concentration, the more sudden and large changes are seen on the analogue pin.
The digital values show the presence or absence of the target gas without indicating its concentration. The digital pin shows only two outputs as mentioned in the pin description.
The signals from the digital and analogue pins are sent to the output device that indicates the results.
The MQ-9 gas sensor does not have multiple packages. The size and dimension may vary from model to model, but usually, it is a compact product that can be used in different types of circuits. Here is the table that shows the general package dimensions of this sensor:
Dimension |
Value |
Units |
Diameter |
18 |
mm |
Height (excluding pins) |
17 |
mm |
Pin height |
6 |
mm |
Total height (including pins) |
23 |
mm |
Approximate pin spacing |
2.5 |
mm |
Weight |
5 |
grams |
The MQ-9 gas sensor finds extensive application in various projects, catering to significant domains. Below are key sectors where its utilization proves pivotal:
Home Safety
Industrial monitoring
Environmental monitoring
Portable gas detectors
DIY projects (Air quality monitoring systems, smart home gas leak alarms, educational experiments)
Today, we have seen detailed information about the MQ-9 gas sensor. It is a versatile sensor that provides the sensing of multiple gases at a time. We commenced our exploration with a comprehensive introduction to the MQ-9 gas sensor. Progressing further, we moved towards the datasheet, unravelling its distinctive features and specifications. An in-depth exploration of the sensor's operational principles ensued. Finally, we comprehended its physical dimensions and explored the diverse spectrum of applications it caters to. I hope it was an informative article for you, and if you want to know more, you can contact us.
Hey fellow! Welcome to the next article on the MQ series of sensors, and today our focus is on the MQ-8 which is used to sense the presence of hydrogen gas. We know that hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that humans can not sense easily. It is not toxic like carbon monoxide and other such examples but still, the excess presence of this gas can be life-threatening because it is highly flammable. The air is a mixture of different gases and hydrogen gas when combined with some specific gases, can be harmful to life. In the presence of a bare flame or other ignition material, hydrogen can start the ignition, and here, the duty of sensors like MQ-8 starts. We’ll examine the basic information about this sensor in detail.
In this article, we’ll start reading about the basic introduction to the MQ-7 hydrogen gas sensor. We’ll see the basic data sheet, specifications, features, and core information about this product. After that, we’ll move on to this work in detail and understand its structure to analyze its output. We’ll end this chapter with the physical dimensions and the applications of this sensor in different domains of life. There are many things to learn here so let’s move towards the first topic:
The MQ-8 is a specialized sensor mainly designed to sense the surplus amount of hydrogen gas that can be harmful to people with sensitive lungs because excess inhalation of hydrogen can displace the oxygen atoms in the lungs. Moreover, it may be inflammable in the factories or industries using the particular material.
For some materials, the hydrogen gas can be the cause of brittleness and even cracks therefore, is a harmful gas for materials like storage tanks and pipelines. In such areas, the sensors like MQ-8 are used to detect the presence of any hydrogen gas leakage. The structure is designed in such a way that as soon as the surplus amount of hydrogen is sensed in the environment, it sends the signal through the analog and digital pins to the output devices for indication.
Here are the basic parts of the MQ-8 hydrogen sensor:
The heart of this sensor is the sensing element that lies on the base of a circuit that continuously heats it. This element is made of ceramic material that has a layer of tin dioxide (SnO2) on it. This layer is responsible for absorbing the high concentration of hydrogen gas in the surroundings as a result, the sensor can indicate its presence.
A heater circuit is present in the core of this sensor which is a heater coil that is wrapped around the sensing element and continuously heat it. This circuit is always on and this constant heating is crucial for the accuracy of the sensor performance.
Two electrodes are connected to the sensing element that is responsible for working according to changes in the circuit resistance. This resistance depends on the ion formation reaction on the sensitive element.
A stainless steel mesh network is present on the whole circuit that consists of two layers. These layers are responsible for the following tasks:
Protection of the internal element from the outward unwanted particles. It simply allows the gases to pass through it to filter the articles.
Helps the internal structure to retain its position.
Moreover, it has pins, voltage regulators, filtering capacitors, and pre-heat resistors that support the smooth performance of the MQ-8 hydrogen gas filter.
Let us discuss some important parts of the datasheet that will help you understand the product details. We’ll are making a start with its features:
It is a sensitive detector and its range is between 100 to 10,000 PPM where the PP means the parts per million.
It can sense the small leakage of hydrogen gas and, therefore, is considered a reliable sensor.
The structure is designed in such a way that it detects the hydrogen gas accurately even in the presence of other gases such as methane, ethanol, and carbon monoxide. As a result, the sensor does not provide the false alarms.
This sensor shows a fast response time that ranges between 30 seconds to 100 seconds after it is powered on.
It has a simple and small circuit that does not consume a lot of energy. Moreover, the easy circuit makes it less costly.
Another advantage of a simple circuit is its long life. Moreover, it is a lightweight device.
Here is a table of the specifications for the MQ-8 hydrogen gas sensor:
Parameter |
Value |
Units |
Model |
MQ-8 |
N/A |
Sensor Type |
Semiconductor |
N/A |
Standard Encapsulation |
Bakelite, Metal cap |
N/A |
Target Gas |
Hydrogen |
N/A |
Detection range |
100 – 1000 |
ppm |
Loop Voltage (Vc) |
≤ 24 |
VDC |
Heater Voltage (VH) |
5.0 ± 0.1 |
VDC or AC |
Load Resistance (RL) |
Adjustable |
N/A |
Heater Resistance (RH) |
29 ± 3 |
Ω |
Heater Consumption (PH) |
≤ 900 |
mW |
Sensitivity (SRs) |
≥ 5 |
N/A |
Output Voltage (Vs) |
2.5 – 4.0 |
VDC |
Concentration Slope (α) |
≤ 0.6 |
(R1000ppm/R400ppm H2) |
Temperature & Humidity |
20 ± 2°C; 55 ± 5% RH |
N/A |
Vc |
5.0 ± 0.1 |
VDC |
VH |
5.0 ± 0.1 |
VDC |
Preheat Time |
Over 48 |
hours |
The internal structure of this sensor is simple as discussed before in the previous section. Here is the diagram that will explain the internal circuit and its basic labeling:
This diagram will be understood by using the detail of each label as mentioned below:
Gas Sensing Layer (SnO2):
SnO2 material used for gas sensing.
Electrode (Au):
Electrode made of gold (Au).
Electrode Line (Pt):
Electrode line composed of platinum (Pt).
Heater Coil (Ni-Cr Alloy):
Heater coil material: Nickel-chromium alloy (Ni-Cr).
Tubular Ceramic (Al2O3):
Tubular ceramic material: Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3).
Anti-explosion Network:
Stainless steel gauze (SUS316 100-mesh) is used as an anti-explosion network.
Clamp Ring (Copper Plating Ni):
Clamp ring made of copper with nickel plating.
Resin Base (Bakelite):
Resin base material: Bakelite.
Tube Pin (Copper Plating Ni):
Tube pin made of copper with nickel plating.
If you want to know more about the datasheet then you can visit the link given below:
As with all members of the MQ series, the MQ-8 hydrogen gas sensor has four pins and in some models, an additional pin is also present. Here is the table that shows the pin number, its name, and a brief description:
Pin Name |
Function |
Description |
VCC |
Power Supply |
This pin provides power to the sensor, typically 5V DC. |
GND |
Ground |
It connects the sensor to the ground for proper circuit operation. |
DOUT (Digital Output) |
Digital Output |
This pin provides a digital signal indicating the presence or absence of hydrogen gas. |
- Clean Air |
HIGH (≈5V) |
This value on the digital pin shows no hydrogen gas detected. |
- Presence of H2 Gas |
LOW (≈0V) |
This value on the digital pin shows hydrogen gas detected. |
AOUT (Analog Output) |
Analog Output |
This pin provides an analog voltage signal that varies with hydrogen gas concentration. |
- Low Concentration |
Low voltage (specific value depends on sensor model) |
N/A |
- High Concentration |
High voltage (specific value depends on sensor model) |
N/A |
For the convenience of the user, manufacturers present different types of packages for the MQ sensors. Here is the table that explains the SMD and DIP package of the MQ-8 hydrogen gas sensor:
Feature |
SMD Package |
DIP Package |
Package Type |
Surface Mount Device |
Dual In-Line Package |
Dimensions |
It varies depending on the manufacturer, but common sizes include:
|
Typically 38mm x 20mm x 14mm |
Mounting |
It is designed for the soldering onto PCB pads |
It is designed to Insertion into sockets |
Terminals |
It usually 4 pins (VCC, GND, DOUT, AOUT), some models may have additional pins |
It typically 4 pins (VCC, GND, DOUT, AOUT) |
Material |
Ceramic or phenolic resin housing |
Ceramic or plastic housing |
Weight |
Approximately 2-3 grams |
Approximately 4-5 grams |
Operating Temperature |
-20°C to +70°C (typical) |
-20°C to +70°C (typical) |
Storage Temperature |
-40°C to +85°C (typical) |
-40°C to +85°C (typical) |
Humidity Range |
10% to 95% RH (non-condensing) |
10% to 95% RH (non-condensing) |
Cost |
Generally lower |
Generally slightly higher |
Assembly |
Requires soldering |
No soldering required |
Suitability |
Space-constrained designs, mass production |
Hobbyist projects, prototyping, easier handling |
there are multiple options to buy such products online but the most trusted ones are listed below:
eBay
AliExpress
Amazon
If you've followed the details about the sensor's structure in the previous section, understanding how the MQ-8 hydrogen sensor works should be straightforward. Here are the steps that show the working principle in this regard:
As soon as the sensor is powered on, the heating circuit starts its duty. In 20 to 100 seconds, it starts heating the sensing element.
The heating process stimulates the tin oxide to absorb the oxygen gas from the surroundings. This created a depletion region consisting of hydrogen ions around the tubular-shaped tin oxide.
Soon, the depletion region is strong enough to enhance the resistance of the circuit. At this point, the MQ-8 hydrogen sensor is ready to sense the pure hydrogen gas in the environment.
In the case when there is a leakage of the hydrogen gas, the sensing element starts reacting with it.
If there is a notable amount of hydrogen in the environment, the depletion region around the sensing element starts resting with it. As a result, the resistance of the circuit starts decreasing.
The values of the electrical current passing through the circuit increase and eventually, the analogue values are sent to the output device through the analogue pin.
By the same token, the digital pin is stimulated when a particular analogue value is crossed.
These signals are then sent to the output device. Usually, the projects are made using any microcontroller or other such devices.
The physical dimensions of such products vary from model to model. I‘ve created a general table that shows the dimensions of the MQ-8 hydrogen gas sensor mentioned here:
Dimension |
Value (mm) |
Range (mm) |
Length |
33 |
32 - 35 |
Width |
21 |
20 - 22 |
Height |
13 |
11 - 15 |
Weight |
7 |
N/A |
Shape |
Rectangular with rounded corners |
N/A |
Pin configuration |
4 or 5 (model dependent) |
N/A |
Mounting holes |
2 (sides) |
N/A |
Hydrogen gas is not toxic and it is less commonly used as compared to the other gases therefore, it is not widely used in household applications but it is used in the areas where large amount of hydrogen is used. Here is the list of examples of some applications:
Industrial hydrogen gas monitoring
Hydrogen gas leakage detection
Fuel cell applications
Hydrogen-powered vehicle safety
Chemical processing environments
Laboratory gas detection
Hydrogen storage facilities
Aerospace industry applications
Hydrogen fuel production and storage
Energy-related processes
Today, we learned a lot about the MQ-8 hydrogen gas sensor. We initiated the discussion through the introduction of this sensor where we discussed its basic parts. Following that, we moved into the datasheet, uncovering a trove of information encompassing features, specifications, and the sensor's internal architecture. Progressing further, we unveiled the intricacies of its working principle, concluding our exploration with a glimpse into the diverse applications harnessing the potential of this sensor. If you crave more knowledge, stick around for our forthcoming insights.
Hello peeps! I hope you are having a good day. We all know carbon monoxide is a dangerous and harmful gas that can even be fatal. It is a colorless and odorless gas so it is difficult to sense its presence therefore, different types of sensors and indicators are required to make the places safe especially those where there is a chance for carbon monoxide gas production as a byproduct. Here, one of the most promising detectors is the MQ-7 carbon monoxide sensor which instantly detects and indicates the presence so the users may save their lives. This is the most popular choice for this purpose because of its low cost, high performance, and instant response.
This article will commence by introducing the MQ-7 carbon monoxide sensor. Subsequently, we will delve into essential details from its datasheet, exploring its structure, pinout configuration, and performance-related graphs. Additionally, we will examine alternatives and package details, providing a comprehensive understanding. A detailed exploration of the working principle will follow. Towards the conclusion, notable examples highlighting the significant role of this sensor will be discussed. Let's embark on the exploration of the initial topic:
The sensitive material of the MQ-7 carbon monoxide gas sensor is tin dioxide (SnO2). This is a reactive material to carbon monoxide and the basic working of this sensor depends on the heating process of this sensing element. Carbon monoxide (CO) is not usually present in fresh air therefore, the sensor does not provide any signal until it senses any leakage or danger.
This sensor consists of the following parts:
Just like other MQ sensors, this one also has a sensitive element made of ceramic that has a layer outside it. This layer consists of tin dioxide (SnO2) and has the feature of absorbing the target gas. In the case of MQ7, the tin dioxide absorbs the carbon monoxide and indicates its presence as soon as it comes in contact.
The MQ-7 has electrodes that facilitate electrical contact with the sensitive material. Usually, it is made with the gold for the best performance. These allow the measurement of the electrical resistance.
There is a coil in the heart of this sensor. This is made of alloy like Ni-Cr and provides heat to the sensitive layer to enhance its reaction and sensitivity.
The censor has a tubular structure of ceramic material such as alumina (Al2O3) and it provides support and strength to other components so that they may be at their place.
There is a network of double stainless steel mesh that performs two functions:
To create the whole system of the gas sensor, there is a firm base made with bakelite or other materials that provide the strength and the pin structure that ensure the working of the whole sensor.
Moreover, there are tube pins and clamp rings that provide extra strength to the circuit of the MQ-7 monoxide gas sensor.
Before using any electrical component, it is important to understand the technical specifications. Here are some points to know before using the MQ-7 carbon monoxide sensor:
This sensor has an analog pin that shows the presence of carbon monoxide through the analog values
The digital pin is responsible for showing the presence or absence of the gas through a single value.
It has a simple structure therefore, it is a less power-consuming component.
It has a long life and is considered ideal to use in circuit-like IoT projects.
It is continuously in power so whenever it senses carbon monoxide in its surroundings, it shows a rapid response.
The typical detection range of this sensor is 10 ppm to 1000 ppm but it may vary depending on the model.
Feature |
Specification |
Remarks |
Target Gas |
Primarily CO, with some cross-sensitivity to other combustibles |
N/A |
Detection Range |
10 ppm - 1000 ppm (CO) |
May vary depending on model and operating conditions |
Sensitivity |
High for CO, resistance decreases with increasing CO concentration |
|
Response Time |
30 seconds - 1 minute |
To reach 90% of final value |
Recovery Time |
3-5 minutes |
After gas exposure |
Operating Voltage |
5V DC |
N/A |
Operating Temperature |
-20°C to 50°C (typical) |
May vary depending on model |
Operating Humidity |
< 95% RH |
N/A |
Power Consumption |
~350 mW |
N/A |
Output Signal |
Analog (voltage) and Digital (trigger) |
Analog proportional to CO concentration |
Heater Resistance |
33Ω ± 5% |
N/A |
Sensing Resistance |
10KΩ - 60KΩ (1000 ppm CO) |
Standard detecting conditions |
Life Expectancy |
Several years |
Under proper usage |
Dimensions |
Varies by model (e.g., 32mm x 20mm x 22mm) |
N/A |
Weight |
~7 grams |
N/A |
Just like structure and other features, the pinout configuration of the MQ-7 carbon monoxide sensor has four pins and a simple structure. Here is the table that shows the pin number, names, and a brief description:
Pin Number |
Pin Name |
Description |
1 |
Vcc |
This is the power pin that requires 5V |
2 |
Ground |
This pin is used to connect the module to the system’s common ground |
3 |
Digital Out |
It is a digital output pin that shows the presence or absence of the CO gas. The threshold value for this pin can be set by using the potentiometer |
4 |
Analog Out |
It is the analogue output pin. It provides the analogue voltage based on the concentration of the gas |
The details of each pin will be clear when we study the working of this sensor in the communing section.
For the convenience of the users, the MQ-7 carbon monoxide is available in different packages. Here is the detail of the most common packages:
This is the most common package that usually has four pins for connection to a PCB through the soldering process.
It's readily available for use and the advantage is, that it has easy integration into existing circuits.
The negative point is, that it requires manual soldering and has a larger footprint compared to other packages.
This package is relatively smaller and is designed for surface mounting on PCBs.
It offers easier integration into printed circuit boards and therefore is used by beginners as well.
The negative point is, that it requires specialised soldering equipment that is not always available for all the users and may be more sensitive to environmental factors.
It includes the sensor itself along with additional components for better working such as the voltage regulators and filtering capacitors.
It's easier to use as compared to the other options in the list and provides plug-and-play functionality.
The negative point is, that it has a larger footprint and can be more expensive compared to basic packages.
Some other fellows of the MQ family also can detect carbon monoxide to some extent but it is advisable to use the most sensitive and particular devices to detect such types of toxic gases. Here are noteworthy alternatives that can substitute for the MQ-7 carbon monoxide gas sensor:
MQ-9 is another sensor from the MQ series and it can detect multiple gases including carbon monoxide and methane.
MiCS-5524 is the sensor that can detect gases like Carbon Monoxide, Methane, and LPG Gas Sensor. It's a small sensor and is used in multiple projects in different domains.
An important alternative for this sensor is the Figaro TGS Series that have multiple gas sensors for gas detection.
The SGX Sensortech MICS-5524 is another sensor that can detect carbon monoxide, methane, and LPG gas and shows high sensitivity towards multiple gases.
Buying the electrical component is a big responsibility because every member of the circuit affects the overall accuracy. You must buy sensors like MQ-7 without facing technical issues:
eBay
AliExpress
Amazon
The basic working principle of this sensor is similar to the other MQ series compoeents. In the heart of this sensor, the tin oxide (SnO2) is present in a tubular shape. The circuit of this sensor is designed in such a way that as soon as the circuit is powered on, the tin oxide is heated to stimulate its absorption process at a high rate.
Once the tin oxide is stimulated, it absorbs the oxygen from its surroundings and the ions are created at a high rate. As a result, a depletion region forms around the sensing element that enhances the electrical resistance.
Now, the electric current passing through the sensor is very small and this indicates that there is no toxic carbon monoxide present in the surroundings.
As soon as there is an amount of CO in the air and it reaches the sensor, the depletion region starts reacting with it and as a result, the smaller number of ions contributes to less resistance.
In the end, the low resistance results in the high electrical conductance that is indicated in the sensor.
The output on the analog pin is directly proportional to the amount of carbon monoxide present in the air.
MQ-7 has a potentiometer in it through which the threshold values are set. Once the analogue values reach the threshold value, the sensor shows the signal through the digital pin. A comparator is used in the module that is responsible for comparing the values on these pins.
These pins are connected to the output devices which may be any buzzer, screen, or anything else based on the project.
Before using MQ-7 in the circuit, the physical dimensions will help you to understand its size and other specifications. This table will show the details of each parameter with the unit:
Dimension |
Value (mm) |
Range (mm) |
Length |
33 |
32 - 35 |
Width |
21 |
20 - 22 |
Height |
13 |
11 - 15 |
Weight |
7 |
N/A |
Shape |
Rectangular with rounded corners |
N/A |
Pin configuration |
4 or 5 (model dependent) |
N/A |
Mounting holes |
2 (sides) |
N/A |
Carbon monoxide is used in different industries in such places, so using the sensing system is a must. Here are some general examples where the MQ-7 carbon monoxide can be integrated for the detection:
Air quality monitoring
Industrial safety
Home and office safety systems
Environmental monitoring
Combustible gas detection
Automotive emissions monitoring
Gas leak detection systems
Portable gas detectors
Agricultural and greenhouse applications
HVAC systems
Hence, today we have read the details of a life-saving sensor that is MQ-7 carbon monoxide sensor. It is used in multiple projects and we started learning through its introductions and details of its internal components. After that, we saw the datasheet elements like its specifications, features, and some important information about its structure. just after that, we read about its working principle, physical dimensions and some important applications where this sensor can be used. I hope all the points are clear to you but if you want in-depth information then you can ask in the comment section.
You may worry about your privacy since the online world has become widespread. You want to feel more authoritative and safer while surfing on social media platforms. Maybe, learning how to hide likes on YouTube can help you in the circumstances. You can change your settings with simple steps to make your Facebook page secure.
Continue and find out hiding your likes.
Hiding your likes on Facebook content might improve your privacy while also lessening the impact of social media.
For your desktop, here are the steps:
Go to the website of Facebook and log in.
In the top-right-hand corner, you’ll see your profile picture which you need to click on.
Later, the “Setting & privacy” section will appear.
Finally, you reach “Settings”.
Select “Privacy”, next, find “Reaction preferences”.
In this section, you can conceal the number of your post likes.
Android users can benefit from these steps;
Find the Facebook app on your phone.
Your profile image is in the top-right corner, click it.
Tap “Settings & Privacy”.
And go to “Settings”.
To hide your likes, you need to go to “Reaction preferences” and activate “On your posts”.
You prefer to use an iPad or iPhone, it doesn’t matter. The procedure is the same.
Go to the Facebook app and select Menu in the bottom-right corner.
Open “Settings & Privacy”.
Pick the “Settings”.
To alter the visibility of your likes, dab “Reaction preferences”.
After you learn how to hide likes on Facebook for your posts, you may wonder about concealing pages that you liked. Here are the steps:
Visit your page and find your profile pic.
Under your photo, you’ll see “More”.
After clicking it, pick “Likes”.
Utilize the triple-dot button to select “Edit the Privacy of Your Likes” or “Hide Section” for specific categories.
Then, modify them to “Only me”.
This visibility option is primarily applicable to personal pages. If you have a brand page, you can conceal all of the liked pages.
You may customize Facebook to suit your requirements with these simple steps. Depending on your preferences, you have the option to either make your likes public or hidden.
By following this route, we’re not just concealing likes but also altering our Facebook interactions with one another to suit our personal narratives. Now, we can ensure that our digital experience remains authentically us, filled with decisions that reflect our identity rather than becoming a means of obtaining online validation.
I want to share a few good reasons to think about disabling Facebook likes on your posts.
It can be surprising that a person can learn more about you from hobbies, preferences, and personal choices which Facebook likes reveal easily. By concealing your likes, you may give your page an additional degree of privacy by preventing those who are merely perusing your profile from monitoring these data right away.
You, as a content creator, and your viewers can concentrate more on the caliber of the shared posts than their popularity if the number of likes isn’t apparent. Without the effect of like counts, this change may promote deeper exchanges and conversations.
Although likes are a helpful indicator for determining audience preferences, hiding them directs attention toward content quality rather than popularity. Well-balanced tactics can increase participation while encouraging deep connections and talks about excellent material. Or you can just use Views4You to purchase likes!
Each like on Facebook helps build your digital footprint. It is possible to manage this by hiding your likes, which lets you publish just the information you’ve decided to make public.
Mental health may be impacted by ongoing exposure to social approval measurement. You could discover a happier, less hectic social media atmosphere where well-being is valued above metrics if likes are hidden.
The incentive to interact with information changes from obtaining likes to expressing real emotions and ideas when likes are concealed. By making this adjustment, a more genuine community may be created where interactions are motivated by shared interests and affinities rather than by the need to get more likes.
Yes, you may use your activity log to change how visible your previous likes are. This gives you control over who sees your likes, even on older postings.
Hiding your own likes doesn’t affect the likes on other posts. As usual, you can view the likes on other people’s posts, based on their privacy settings.
This engagement rate may be hidden to increase privacy, lessen social pressure, and manage your digital presence. By not disclosing every preference, it enables people to preserve a certain amount of privacy, making the digital realm feel less public and more intimate. This approach can give individuals the freedom to curate their online identities so that it is a true reflection of themselves rather than a compilation of endorsements from the public.
Yes, definitely. Facebook handles likes similarly in terms of privacy, concealing your likes also hides other emotions you’ve used on posts such as wow, sad, love, furious, and more.
No, algorithms and your interactions are used to filter the content that appears in your news feed. Hiding your likes has no bearing on what Facebook shows you; it’s just a privacy setting.
Hello seekers! I hope you all are doing great. Today, we are interested to learn about a basic and one of the most crucial topics in the field of electronics that is, the difference between active and passive components. Knowing the difference between these two is not only fruitful for beginners but also helps to understand the output and nature of electrical and electronic devices throughout the circuit design process.
While designing electrical or electronic circuits, it is crucial to get the best components. There are different features that affect the performance of these tiny components, including material, type, manufacturing techniques, etc. It's a good practice to get the components from a trusted source, and I suggest you buy them from PCBWay. This is one of the most trusted sources not only for buying the components, but it helps the customer from designing the PCB to prototyping as well. It is the one-stop for almost all the circuit manufacturing and assembly.
The buyer simply has to visit the website, where thousands of quality products, including active and passive components, are listed with all the details. The buyer can see and select the best match for the project. They can see the raw material, packaging, product number, description, and other details so that even a person with no technical knowledge can choose the best product. So, I recommend you visit PCBWay Fabrication House online, and you can order your components from anywhere.
These two categories are differentiated by different parameters, and we’ll discuss them in detail. We’ll start with a simple comparison between the active and passive components and after that, we’ll discuss each and every point in detail to gain a grip on the concept. We’ll study the introduction, features, and examples of these components and in the end, we’ll see where we can get the best components in the most convenient way. Let’s start with the difference:
A circuit is made of different types of components, and it is not completed unless all the necessary components are properly designed. It requires the components, the wires to create the connection between them, and the external source as well. Before designing any circuit, the most important step is to know the nature of its components. On a border scale, the electrical components are classified into two categories:
There are different ways to differentiate these two and we’ll discuss these in detail. The structure, features, material, and other basic features decide the category. At a higher level, the circuit is not complete until it uses both these types. The details of these components will be shared with you in just a bit but before this, have a look at this chart that summarizes the difference between these two types:
Feature |
Active Components |
Passive Components |
Power Source |
Require an external power source to work such as a battery, power supply, etc |
Do not require external power for their functioning the internal structure is enough for this |
Function |
|
|
Examples |
|
|
Gain |
Can provide power gain, which means they amplify signals |
Cannot provide power gain, therefore attenuating or weakening signals in the circuit |
Control |
Can actively control the flow of current and voltage |
Can passively influence the flow of current and voltage |
Complexity |
These are generally more complex because they are made from semiconductors |
Generally simpler because these are made from basic materials |
Applications |
|
|
Examples of use in a circuit |
Transistors amplify a weak signal in a microphone; ICs process data in a computer |
Resistors control the brightness of LEDs, and capacitors smooth out the voltage from a battery |
The details of this table are explained here in the form of a basic introduction of active and passive components. I’ve tried to show the introduction in such a way that you can compare it easily.
The active components provide an active influence when electricity is applied to the circuit. These are the semiconductor materials that possess features like an amplification of the output, electrical current flow, electrical signal generation, etc. In simple words, active components work with the external power source and actively contribute to signal manipulation. The following are the fundamental features that help to understand the basics of active components:
As mentioned before, these components always require an external power or electricity source to start working. Therefore, these are the semiconductor components that are useless when there is no external power source.
Active components can amplify, switch, or manipulate the electrical signals of the circuits. These are also referred to as master conductors because they direct the current with great precision.
The superpower of the active components for which these are recognized is the amplification of the signals. A weak or low-frequency signal can be amplified with these components, and these can crank into a more audible or usable form.
Another feature that is associated with the active components is the lighting speed of these components to switch the electrical signals on and off. These are considered the digital traffic signals that control the electrical flow in the circuit.
These are usually semiconductors, and the scope of these components is not just limited to simple electronic circuits; complex circuits, such as solar cells, have the implementation of active components.
Some important examples of the active components will help us understand them thoroughly.
The passive components are entitled to be the workhorses of the electric circuit world. These are the fundamental components that are essentially required in circuits. These are different from the active component because they generate their energy to work. The following features of these components will help you understand why they are called "passive" components:
The main feature of a passive component is its ability to interact with the circuit using the present electrical signal or the energy of the circuit.
The passive components have different ways in which they can affect the flow of electrical current, voltage, or the frequency of the circuit. Some of these ways are:
Controlling the electrical flow
Filter the energy
Store the power and electricity
Distribute electrical energy in the circuit
These features result in the shaping of the electrical circuit's performance according to the requirements.
These components are present in different sizes and shapes, and they are the basic building blocks when complex circuits are designed. Collectively, these components can create the circuits that perform the variations in the tasks.
The most common example of a passive component is a resistor. These regulate the flow of electricity and are considered tiny dams in the circuit. There is a large variety of resistors therefore, these are usable in almost all types of circuits and are the most crucial part of these circuits.
The capacitors are also passive components of the circuit. These can store electrical energy in the form of electrical fields because of their internal structure. These are the tiny batteries that help in the voltage regulation of the circuits. The main use of capacitors is in circuits where the direct current (DC) of the current has to be blocked and the circuit only allows the alternative current (AC).
Inductors are the passive components that deal with the magnetic field around them. These act like mini electromagnets and oppose the change in the current. As a result, these smooth the electrical fluctuations and can be used to filter unwanted signals as well.
Hence, in this way, you know the difference between the active and passive components. These are the fundamental concepts of electrical circuits, and if these are clear, the user can design, learn, and understand the complex concept in no time. We started with a chart of the differences between these components and then explained each point in detail. We saw the definitions, features, and examples of both types in the end. Moreover, we also understood the best way to easily buy any type of electrical component from PCBWay. I hope I have discussed all the things in detail, but if you want to know more, you can ask in the comment section.
Hey pals! Welcome to the next article where we're studying a gas sensor from the MQ sensor series. Today, we’ll understand the MQ-6 LPG butane gas sensor and will know the basic information about this product. This sensor has sensitivity for gases like LPG, isobutane propane etc and it is widely used to check any leakage of these gases. These are the commonly used gases but any leakage or excessive use may be harmful and even life-threatening. In such cases, sensors like MQ-6 are proved one of the most important devices.
In this article, we’ll start the discussion with the introduction of the MQ-6 LPG butane gas sensor. After that, we’ll move towards the datasheet of this product in which we’ll study the specifications, features, and some graphs that will show its working. After that, we’ll work on the working principle and physical dimensions of this sensor and in the end, we’ll see some common examples of the applications in which this sensor is widely used.
Let’s move towards the first topic:
Butane gas is not only used in houses but has a major role in multiple industries where it is used as a fuel. It is a common source of energy for factories but using safety precautions is the most important point to keep in mind and here, the duty of the sensor like MQ-6 starts. The MQ-6 LPG butane sensor detects the presence of leakage in the gases and provides the information in the form of analog values so that the user may know the amount of the gas present in the surroundings.
At the core of this gas sensor, there is a small and sensitive structure of different components that allow it to detect the LPG butane gas from the surroundings with the help of a change in the electrical conductivity. The basic components of this sensor are:
Micro AL2O3 ceramic tube
Sno2 (tin dioxide) layer
Measuring electrode
Heater
plastic and stainless steel net
Base
These components collectively prepare a small sensor compatible with different types of circuits. The following are the gases that can be detected using the MQ-6 LPG butane gas sensor:
Butane (C4H10)
Propane (C3H8)
Methane (CH4)
Alcohol vapors
Benzene
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Hydrogen (H2)
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
The sensitivity of the MQ-6 sensor varies according to the type of the gas.
Before using any electrical component, always check the datasheet for detailed information on the product. In the case of the MQ-6 LPG butane gas sensor, here are the important points that one must know:
As mentioned before, this sensor has a high sensitivity to LPG, iso-butane, propane and other similar gases.
It has a small sensitivity to gases like alcohol, and smoke but is not suitable to be used as only a sensor for these gases.
This sensor shows a fast response so is a reliable choice.
It works continuously therefore providing stable results and having a long life.
This sensor runs on the simple drive circuit
As soon as it is turned on, it takes only 20 seconds to preheat and starts working.
It can be used as a Digital or analogue sensor because it has both pins
The user can vary the Sensitivity of the digital pin using the potentiometer in its structure
The following table is the evidence of its different specifications regarding different types of parameters:
Category |
Parameter |
Technical Condition |
Remarks |
Standard Work Condition |
Circuit voltage (Vc) |
5V ± 0.1 V (AC or DC) |
N/A |
Heating voltage (Vh) |
5V ± 0.1 V (AC or DC) |
||
Load resistance (PL) |
20 KΩ |
||
Heater resistance (RH) |
33 Ω ± 5% |
||
Heating consumption (PH) |
Less than 750 mW |
||
Environment Condition |
Operating temperature (Tao) |
-10°C to 50°C |
|
Storage temperature (Tas) |
-20°C to 70°C |
||
Relative humidity (RH) |
Less than 95% |
||
Oxygen concentration (O2) |
21% (standard condition) |
Minimum value is over 2% |
|
Sensitivity Characteristic |
Sensing resistance (Rs) |
10 KΩ - 60 KΩ (1000 ppm LPG) |
N/A |
Concentration slope rate (α) |
≤ 0.6 (1000 ppm / 4000 ppm LPG) |
Standard detecting condition: Temp: 20°C ± 2°C, Vc: 5V ± 0.1 V, Humidity: 65% ± 5%, Vh: 5V ± 0.1 V, Preheat time over 24 hours |
|
Detecting concentration scope |
200-10000 ppm |
LPG, iso-butane, propane, LNG |
The basic compoeents of the MQ-6 LPG butane sensor have been discussed before but now, let’s have a look at the internal structure of this sensor to understand its working. Here is the circuit diagram for this purpose:
The detail of each label and its description is written here in the table below:
Component |
Material |
Description |
1 |
SnO2 |
Gas sensing layer - responsible for detecting target gases through changes in resistance. |
2 |
Au |
Electrodes - facilitate electrical contact with the gas sensing layer. |
3 |
Pt |
Electrode line - connects the electrodes to the external circuitry. |
4 |
Ni-Cr alloy |
Heater coil - provides heat to activate the gas sensing layer and increase sensitivity. |
5 |
Al2O3 |
Tubular ceramic - housing and support for the gas sensor components. |
6 |
Stainless steel gauze (SUS316 100-mesh) |
Anti-explosion network - prevents flame propagation into the sensor body. |
7 |
Copper plating Ni |
Clamp ring - secures the sensor components within the tubular ceramic. |
8 |
Bakelite |
Resin base - provides mechanical support and electrical insulation for the sensor. |
9 |
Copper plating Ni |
Tube pin - electrical connection point for the sensor. |
The MQ-6 LPG butane gas can detect multiple gases but the sensitivity varies according to the type of the gas. With the help of continuous experimentation, the sensitivity of this detector can be examined using the graph given below:
Here, other parameters such as temperature and humidity are kept constant. The above image shows the sensitivity of the MQ-6 LPG butane gas sensor in the range of 100-1000 ppm. Here,
Rs:
It stands for sensing resistance.
It represents the actual resistance of the sensor in the presence of a specific gas concentration.
It changes based on the gas concentration which decreases as the concentration increases.
Ro:
It stands for Reference Resistance.
It represents the sensor's resistance in clean air (absence of target gases).
It is usually measured when the sensor is powered on and heated to operating temperature in a gas-free environment.
Rs/Ro:
It represents the ratio of sensing resistance (Rs) to reference resistance (Ro).
This ratio provides a normalized value to compare the sensor's response across different gas concentrations and environmental conditions.
The higher Rs/Ro values generally indicate the presence of higher gas concentrations.
If you want to have more detail about its datasheet you can visit the link below and get all the information:
The four-pin MQ-6 butane gas sensor is easy to install and has the simple pin configuration that is mentioned in the table below:
Pin Name |
Description |
Vcc |
This is the power Pin that requires an operating voltage of 5V. |
GND |
Ground pin connected to the ground terminal of the circuit |
DO |
It is a digital output pin that needs to set the threshold value using a Pot. |
AO |
Analog out the pin. It based the output of this pin on the intensity of the LPG or other gas. |
For the convenience of the users, the MQ-6 LPG butane gas sensor is present in different types of packages. Here is a brief introduction of these:
Package Type |
Description |
Size |
DIP (Dual In-Line Package) |
Standard through-hole package with pins for soldering to a PCB |
Varies between manufacturers (e.g., 20x20x30mm) |
SMD (Surface Mount Device) |
Smaller package designed for surface mounting on PCBs |
Varies between manufacturers (e.g., 10x10x5mm) |
Module Package |
Pre-assembled module with additional components like voltage regulators and filtering capacitors |
Varies between manufacturers |
The butane is a widely used gas, therefore, there are different alternatives present in the market that have the same good performance as the MQ-6 LPG butane. Some of these belong to the MQ family and others are from different classes. Here are some alternatives:
MQ-2
MQ-3
MQ-4
MQ-5
MQ-7
MQ-8
MQ-9
MQ135
MiCS-5525/5526
SGX Sensortech MiniMOS
CityTech SEN5X
Senseair NDIR sensors
SGX Sensortech IR sensors
The electrical components are delicate and the performance varies because of different parameters. Here are some platforms where you can have the best quality MQ-6 LPG butane gas sensors:
eBay
AliExpress
Amazon
The working of the MQ-6 LPG butane gas sensor is similar to the other MQ sensors. I have divided the working principle into different steps and will understand the basic flow:
When the sensor is turned on, the circuit starts heating the core of this sensor that has the sensitive element SnO2 layer. This process is done to maintain a temperature of around 300°C (572°F) which activates the sensing element and it starts absorbing the oxygen from the surrounding air.
The result of the reaction in the previous step creates the depletion region around the sensing element. As a result, the electrical conductivity of the circuit decreases because of the high resistance.
Once the MQ-6 LPG sensor comes into contact with the target gas, the oxygen ions from the depletion region start reacting with the gas molecules and as a result, the depletion region starts adsorbing. This causes the reduction in the number of oxygen ions and the overall conductivity increase.
The circuit of the sensor measures the change in the resistance and the electrical current as well. The change in the current is directly proportional to the amount of the target gas in the environment. In this way, the analog values are sent to the output device through the analog output pin.
The MQ-6 provides the feature of digital output as well. The analog values, when exceeding the threshold value set through the potentiometer, are converted into the digital output and the sensor sends the signal through the digital pin. This is useful because usually, this pin is connected to the alarm and in the systems like an automatic alarm that shows the signal of the LPT butane gas presence.
Dimension |
Value |
Units |
Length |
32 |
millimeters (mm) |
Width |
20 |
millimeters (mm) |
Height |
22 |
millimeters (mm) |
Weight |
7 |
grams (g) |
Package Type |
DIP (Dual In-Line) |
- |
Pin Count |
6 |
- |
Pin Spacing |
2.54 |
millimeters (mm) |
Here is a list of simple and basic examples that show the applications where the MQ-6 LPG butane gas sensor is extensively used:
Portable Gas Detection Devices
So, we have studied the MQ-6 LPG butane sensor in detail. We have started our discussion with the basic introduction of this sensor. We’ve seen the gases it can detect, the details of the datasheet, its pinout configuration, working graphs, its internal features, and the working principle in detail. After that, we saw the alternatives and package details along with the physical dimension of this sensor. In the end, we saw examples of different domains where this sensor is widely used. I hope I have covered all the points and you like the content.
The LCD technology is probably one of the ones with the longest-standing history. The LCD display managed to survive for so many years in the market because it’s versatile and flexible. And those are the main qualities a piece of technology should have. Today, consumers are constantly searching for the next gadget to provide them with a completely new experience. And color LCD screens definitely took that assignment seriously.
They’ve definitely come a long way since the initial models. It’s almost impossible to even make a comparison between the robust models of the past and the elegant displays we have now.
Initially, LCD technology started out with large and heavy monochrome screens. And don’t get us wrong, these black and white screens were very popular back then and are even now. But color LCDs brought something new to the scene. Monochrome screens started the long history of LCDs and they marked the first important milestone.
Back then, the black and white screens were the most modern LCD model you can find. And they provided their users with an enjoyable visual experience . Today, you can still see how widespread the use of monochrome displays is. You can still find them in calculators, digital wristwatches and devices used outdoors. They are even used in more complex applications such as industrial settings. So, there’s no denying their simplicity and quality.
But what do color screens have to offer? What kind of experience can they offer? To find out more, keep reading as we try to dig a bit deeper and see what makes these displays so special.
The fascinating technology behind color LCD screens includes several different components that all blend together. First of all, we have the liquid crystals that are at the very center of the display technology. They were first used back in 1970. And behind the liquid crystals, there is a layer of backlight that serves to illuminate the display. They contain different components and help produce images on the screen.
There are also color filters included. They are usually red, green and blue(RGB). They help create the desired color output you see on the screen. TFT or thin-film-transistors are another crucial component. They allow precise control over the liquid crystals. And finally, color LCDs also have polarizers that control light polarization.
As mentioned, color LCD screens are used across different industries thanks to their versatility. These vibrant displays have found their purpose in many different types of applications and are used to improve communication, productivity and user experience. Some of the industries where this technology has found its place are listed below.
Color LCD screens are widely used in consumer electronics. Anyone who owns a smartphone, laptop or a modern television system, knows what we’re talking about. These displays offer vibrant colors and high resolutions that give users a high-quality viewing experience. With color LCDs you can easily enjoy your favorite entertaining content.
The automotive industry is quickly changing and each new motor vehicle has new handy features. Most of the displays used in motor vehicles are in fact color LCD screens. They display all the important information to drivers and make sure the drivers have a safe driving experience.
Also, all the entertainment devices within a motor vehicle, especially the ones found in the latest car models, also use color LCDs to provide easy access to drivers.
Healthcare professionals need to be able to quickly read information on medical devices for a quick diagnostic process. That’s where color displays enter the stage. These displays allow medical staff to get detailed images on their X-ray machines and MRI scanners. They are also used in ultrasound machines and other medical imaging equipment.
A passionate gamer knows the importance of having a high-quality and sharp image. A high-quality color LCD can offer high refresh rates and low response times, everything a gamer needs to smoothly play their favorite games. Color LCDs are used in consoles and other handheld gaming devices .
Color LCDs are used in industrial control panels and in digital signage in industrial settings. They provide operators with exact data and give clear visual feedback for improved monitoring.
Color displays have also found their place in aircraft cockpits. They are used to display flight information, navigation data and engine performance metrics. They are highly-readable and are efficient in all lighting conditions. They are also a great option for applications in direct sunlight
Multimedia displays and interactive whiteboards also employ color screens to provide learners with an engaging learning experience. They make learning more engaging and allow access to interactive content.
Color LCDs are definitely a piece of technology that keeps improving and developing to satisfy the needs of modern consumers. As you can see, the vibrant screen is used across different industries to display sharp and high-resolution content. From automotive and aircraft industries to healthcare and gaming, color LCDs serve to show information in a clear way and allow users to quickly decipher the information displayed.
We have yet to see what these screens have in store for the future but we can safely assume that they’ll continue to surprise and keep providing an immersive viewing experience.
Industrial valves have been an integral part of various industries for centuries, enabling the control and regulation of fluid and gas flow. However, the environmental impact of these valves, particularly in relation to leakage and waste generation, has become a growing concern. Let’s explore the significance of addressing the environmental impact of industrial valves and discuss strategies to mitigate leakage and reduce waste. By adopting advanced technologies and implementing effective leak prevention measures, businesses can minimize their ecological footprint while also benefiting economically.
Over the years, valve designs have evolved significantly, adapting to the needs of various industries. From simple designs to complex mechanisms, manufacturers have focused on improving valve performance and efficiency. Technological advancements have played a crucial role in this evolution, allowing for more accurate control of fluid and gas flow. Modern valve technologies also feature enhanced sealing and leak prevention mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of leakage and waste generation. The integration of digital systems has further facilitated remote monitoring and control, enabling prompt detection and response to potential issues.
The adoption of modern valve technologies offers various benefits for businesses and the environment alike. One significant advantage is increased efficiency and accuracy in controlling fluid and gas flow. By ensuring precise regulation, industries can minimize energy consumption and reduce their environmental impact. Advanced sealing mechanisms significantly reduce the risk of valve leakage. The prevention of leaks not only preserves valuable resources, but also prevents environmental contamination caused by the release of harmful substances into soil, water, and air. The integration of digital systems also enables remote monitoring, which facilitates early detection of anomalies and prompt rectification, reducing the risk of extensive damage and waste generation.
Valve leakage can have substantial financial implications for businesses and industries. The costs associated with repair, replacement, and the resulting product loss can quickly accumulate. The loss of valuable resources due to leakage can also lead to increased operational expenses. However, by implementing effective leak prevention measures, such as proper maintenance and regular inspections, businesses can minimize these financial burdens. Investing in technologies and practices that prevent leakage and extend the lifespan of valves can result in significant cost savings in the long run.
Valve leakage can occur internally or externally, and both types have detrimental consequences for the environment. Internal leakage refers to leaks that occur within the valve, while external leakage involves leaks in the surrounding piping system. Valve leakage contributes to environmental contamination and resource wastage, thereby exacerbating the ecological impact. Addressing and preventing valve leakage is paramount for industries committed to sustainable practices.
Valve leakage poses a considerable threat to the environment, particularly in terms of soil, water, and air contamination. When valves leak, pollutants can seep into the soil, compromising its quality and potential for agricultural use. This contamination can also affect natural water sources, leading to water pollution and ecosystem disruption. Moreover, when gasses or vapors escape through valve leaks, they contribute to air pollution. Preventing valve leakage is crucial for safeguarding these vital environmental resources and minimizing the impact on both human and ecological health.
In addition to the environmental consequences, valve leakage also results in significant resource wastage. Every drop or unit of fluid that is leaked represents a loss of valuable resources. This wastage directly affects industries, as it translates into increased costs and reduced operational efficiency. By implementing effective strategies for leak prevention, industries can minimize resource wastage and optimize their operations.
To mitigate valve leakage and reduce waste generation, businesses should follow several key strategies. First, installation best practices should be adhered to, ensuring proper sealing, connection, and alignment of valves within the piping system. Regular maintenance and inspections play a crucial role in identifying early signs of valve degradation and potential leakage. Partnering with reputable valve manufacturers can ensure the use of high-quality valves that are less prone to leakage. The versatile Chaoda valves (cast carbon and stainless steel gate, globe, and swing check valves), known for their reliability and innovative designs, offer a range of products that prioritize leak prevention and durability. By choosing trusted manufacturers, businesses can enhance their leak-prevention efforts.
Maximizing the lifespan of valves not only contributes to leak prevention but also offers various benefits for businesses and the environment . Proper maintenance practices, such as regular lubrication and cleaning, can significantly extend the lifespan of valves. Additionally, providing adequate training to personnel involved in valve operation and maintenance ensures the correct handling and care of these critical components. By investing in the proper training and maintenance of valves, businesses can reduce the need for frequent replacements, minimize waste generation, and enhance their operational efficiency.
Industrial valves have been a critical component in various industries for centuries, enabling the control and regulation of fluid and gas flow. However, their environmental impact, particularly in terms of leakage and waste generation, has become a pressing concern. By adopting advanced technologies, implementing effective leak prevention measures, and partnering with reputable valve manufacturers, businesses can significantly reduce their ecological footprint while also benefiting economically.
Preventing valve leakage is not only essential for preserving the environment but also for minimizing resource wastage. Each drop or unit of fluid that escapes through leaks represents a loss of valuable resources. By implementing effective strategies for leak prevention, businesses can minimize this resource wastage and optimize their operations. Proper installation practices, regular maintenance, and thorough inspections play key roles in identifying and addressing potential leakage issues. By extending the lifespan of valves, businesses can reduce the need for frequent replacements, ultimately reducing waste generation and operational expenses.
Addressing the environmental impact of industrial valves requires a proactive approach. By embracing advanced valve technologies, businesses not only reduce their ecological footprint but also reap economic benefits through increased efficiency and cost savings. Preventing valve leakage preserves valuable resources and prevents environmental contamination. By following proper maintenance practices and partnering with reputable manufacturers, businesses can achieve sustainable practices and minimize waste generation, and contribute to a greener, more efficient industrial landscape, ensuring a sustainable and responsible future for all.
Hi readers! Welcome to another article where we are discussing the MQ family members. Today, our motto is to learn about the MQ-5 natural liquified petroleum gas (LPG) sensor. The gas sensing material used in this sensor is known as tin dioxide(SnO2). It detects the natural LPG in the surroundings as soon as the core material of this sensor comes in contact with the LPG. This will be explained in simple words in this article.
Today, we’ll start learning about the basic introduction of the MQ-5 natural LPG sensor. After that, we’ll move towards its datasheet element, where we are going to see the specifications and features of the sensor, along with the pinout configuration and internal structure. We’ll also see the working principle and applications of the MQ-5 natural LPG sensor, and all the information will be shown by using tables, descriptions, and images for the best concepts.
So, let’s dive into the first topic to move forward:
The MQ-5 natural LPG sensor belongs to the class of sensors that are used for the detection of different gases. The MQ-5 natural LPG sensor can detect multiple gases with the help of the semiconductor material tin dioxide (SnO2) present in its basic structure. This material has low conductance in pure gas (with no natural LPG), but as soon as it comes into contact with the natural LPG, the electrical conductance decreases, which is indicated through the output pin of this sensor. The simple circuit of this sensor converts this change in conductivity into a voltage change, and as a result, these sensors can send the signal to other components of the circuit to stimulate the system.
Here is a simple list of the detectable gases using an MQ-5 natural LPG sensor:
Before going into the details of its external structure, it is better to know about the internal features and specifications of this product. Here are some important features of the MQ-5 sensor that make it a good choice for natural LPG detection:
The first and most obvious feature of this sensor is, that it is highly sensitive to propane (C3H8); therefore, the primary goal of this sensor is to detect any liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
The internal structure is designed in such a way that it responds to the LPG as soon as the sensitive internal material comes into contact.
It requires simple additional circuitry to create the whole system, and its design is easy to integrate with other components.
It has low power consumption and, therefore, is a suitable component of projects like the Internet of Things (IoT). Here, it can work continuously, and the simple structure is the reason behind its long life.
It provides stable results and readings over time and, therefore, is a reliable component.
Parameter |
Value |
Units |
Sensor Type |
Semiconductor |
N/A |
Standard Encapsulation |
Bakelite, Metal cap |
N/A |
Target Gas |
LPG, CH4 |
N/A |
Detection Range |
300 - 10000 ppm (CH4, C3H8) |
ppm |
Loop Voltage (Vc) |
≤ 24 V |
DC |
Heater Voltage (VH) |
5.0 V ± 0.1 V |
AC or DC |
Load Resistance (RL) |
Adjustable |
N/A |
Heater Resistance (RH) |
26 Ω ± 3 Ω |
(room temp.) |
Heater Consumption (PH) |
≤ 950 mW |
N/A |
Sensitivity (S) |
Rs(in air) / Rs(in 2000 ppm C3H8) ≥ 5 |
N/A |
Output Voltage (Vs) |
2.5 V - 4.0 V |
(in 2000 ppm C3H8) |
Concentration Slope (α) |
≤ 0.6 (R3000ppm/R1000ppm C3H8) |
N/A |
Standard Test Conditions |
||
Temperature (Tem) |
20°C ± 2°C |
N/A |
Humidity |
55% ± 5% RH |
N/A |
Before going into the details of the external structure, let’s have a look at the internal structure of this sensor:
The image shown above displays the structure of the dimension from different angles of the sensor. The unit here is a millimeter, and all the readings have a tolerance:±0.1mm. We’ll learn the detailed dimensions soon in this article.
An important feature of this sensor is its simple circuit, which not only makes it less power-consuming but also allows the user to install it without any complications. Here is the basic structure of this LPG sensor:
The labeling of the image will be clarified in the next section when we study its structure in detail.
If you want to study the datasheet in more detail then I suggest you visit the following link:
Just like most of the gas sensors of this class, MQ-5 has four pins. In some models, the additional two pins are also present. It has a simple structure, and the detail of each pin is given in the table below:
Standard Configuration |
Alternative Configuration |
Function |
A |
AO (Analog Out) |
Analog Output |
H |
H (Heater) |
Heater Power |
GND |
GND (Ground) |
Ground |
VCC |
VCC (Power) |
Power Supply |
N/A |
DO (Digital Out) |
Digital Output (optional) |
N/A |
A (Analog Ground) |
Analog Ground (optional) |
A plus point of this series is, the gas sensors come in different packages so that the user may choose MQ-5 natural LPG sensor according to the type of circuit. Each package has its own pros and cons. Here are some important packages in which this sensor is available:
Package Type |
Description |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
DIP |
Through-hole mounted |
Simple and affordable |
Not suitable for space-constrained applications |
SMD |
Surface-mount |
Ideal for space-constrained applications |
Requires soldering expertise |
Custom Module |
Pre-assembled module |
Easy to use |
Most expensive |
Some other gas sensors from the MQ series can be used in place of the MQ-5 natural LPG sensor, but these may not be that efficient. Here are some popular gas sensors that can be used in place of MQ-5 natural LPG sensors:
The electronic components are sensitive, and the performance depends on the circuit and the manufacturing features. If you want to get the best MQ-5 natural LPG sensor, you must buy it from the following platforms:
eBay
AliExpress
Amazon
The MQ-5 sensor has a similar working as other gas sensors from the MQ series. The sensor detects LPG and methane gases through the semiconductor metal oxide sensing layer. Here is the breakdown of the work into different steps:
The MQ-5 has a heating element in its core that is constantly powered. Typically, it is done on the 5V and this heating enables the sensing layer to absorb more gas molecules from its surrounding air. Usually, the sensing element is tin dioxide (SnO2) because it is an excellent receptor of flammable gases.
The constant heating allows the reactive material to absorb oxygen and create oxygen ions on its surface. In this way, these ions are readily available for the flammable gases needed for the reaction. As a result, a depletion region is formed around the tin oxide so that the electrical resistance of the circuit increases.
As soon as the reactive gases (LPG) come into contact with the oxygen ions, these start reacting with the liquified petroleum gas. This results in a decreasing number of ions and a decrease in electrical resistance. We know that the electric current is inversely proportional to the resistance so the overall electrical conductivity of the circuit is affected, which causes the sensing of the gas.
The circuit is designed in such a way that the change in the current values stimulates the analog output that can be detected at the analog pin as an output.
Some models of MQ-5 have a digital output as well. The change in the electrical current causes a change in the voltage difference between the diodes of the circuit. This voltage change is detected on the digital pin of the MQ-5 natural LPG sensor. This happens because the circuit has an analog to a digital converter.
The voltage change typically ranges from 2.5V to 4.0V. As the concentration of the LPG and other reactive gases increases, it causes a change in the electrical conductance and as a result, less voltage change is seen.
A feature of this sensor is its small and compatible size, which can fit in different circuits. Here are the dimensions of the MQ-5 natural gas sensor that will help you work with it in a circuit:
Dimension |
Value |
Units |
Diameter |
20 |
mm |
Height |
30 |
mm |
Pin length |
4-5 |
mm |
Weight |
~8 |
grams |
Mounting Hole Distance |
18 |
mm |
Pin Pitch |
2.54 |
mm |
There are different ways to use this sensor in applications. This is a common gas sensor in different domains of daily life. The basic and most common examples of its applications are given here:
Industrial flammable gas alarm
Portable gas detector
Domestic gas leakage alarm
Air quality monitor
Educational projects
Smart home devices
Robotics
Automotive
Agriculture
Healthcare
Hence, in this way, we have studied the mQ-5 natural LPG sensor in detail. We started this learning through the basic introduction of this sensor. We saw that it can detect multiple gases but it is most precise for the MQ-5 natural LPG. We studied the basic features and specifications through its datasheet and saw different graphs to understand its working. Just after that, we understood the pin configuration and working principle of this sensor. In the end, we saw the table for the physical dimension and the applications of this gas sensor. I hope I have covered all the topics but if you want to learn more, you can ask us.
Hello readers! I hope you are doing great. Today we are discussing the features and details of the MQ-4 methane gas sensor, which belongs to the popular gas sensor MQ family. We have been working on other gas sensors as well, but MQ-4 is particularly suitable for detecting the presence of methane gas. This sensor is more popular because methane gas and compressed natural gas (CNG) are widely used for cooking and other related purposes. MQ-4 methane gas sensor is an important part of the home safety system. Some other advantages of this sensor are, that it responds instantly and has a potentiometer that adds versatility to its functions.
In this article, we are going to study the MQ-4 methane sensor from scratch. We’ll go through its introduction and will study the basic components of its datasheet. We’ll see some performance graphs and study the internal structure of this sensor. After that, we’ll move towards the external circuit and its working features. In the end, there will be a study of its applications. This is going to be an easy and informative article, so let’s move on to the first point:
Methane gas is widely used everywhere, and we’ve seen multiple cases of gas leakage. Therefore, the MQ-4 methane gas sensor has a special place in different applications in almost every domain of life. The MQ-4 methane gas sensor is a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) that detects the presence of methane gases and then provides the result in the form of analog values. In this way, it provides information about the gas concentration, and its range is 300 ppm–10,000 ppm which is enough to detect leakage.
The basic structure of this gas sensor includes the following:
The sensitivity of this detector for different gases may vary but overall, it is a good choice for detecting any gas leakage. This sensor can detect gases like:
The ignition of these gases is extremely exothermal, so these produce a large amount of what. Therefore, the MQ-4 methane sensor is a life-saving element.
Till now, we have seen the basic features of this sensor but now, we are going to discuss the details of its functions. Here are some important points that will highlight the importance of this sensor:
There are multiple types of specifications, and I’ve divided them into different groups for clarification. Here is the table that shows the standard work condition parameters and their details:
Parameter |
Technical condition |
Circuit voltage (Vc) |
5V ± 0.1 |
Heating voltage (VH) |
5V ± 0.1 |
Load resistance (PL) |
20 kΩ |
Heater resistance (RH) |
33 Ω ± 5% |
Heating consumption (PH) |
Less than 750 mW |
Now, here are some important environmental parameters for the MQ-4 methane sensor:
Parameter |
Symbol |
Value |
Using Temperature |
Tao |
-10℃ - 50℃ |
Storage Temperature |
Tas |
-20℃ - 70℃ |
Related Humidity |
RH |
Less than 95%Rh |
Oxygen Concentration |
O2 |
21% (standard condition) |
The sensitivity characteristics of this sensor, along with important parameters, are given below:
Parameter |
Symbol |
Value |
Sensing Resistance |
Rs |
10KΩ - 60KΩ |
Concentration Slope Rate |
α |
≤ 0.6 |
Temperature |
- |
20℃ ± 2℃ |
Circuit Voltage |
Vc |
5V ± 0.1 |
Humidity |
- |
65% ± 5% |
Heating Voltage |
Vh |
5V ± 0.1 |
Preheat Time |
- |
Over 24 hours |
The internal structure of the MQ-4 methane sensor is similar to that of its other daily members. Here is the detailed internal structure diagram that will help you understand the information we’ll discuss in the next section:
As discussed before, the MQ-4 methane sensor has different sensitivity levels for different gases. Based on multiple experiments, here is the graph that describes the sensitivity results:
The temperature and humidity around the MQ-4 methane sensor play a crucial role in the performance scale. Here is the graph that shows the change in the sensor’s behavior with varying temperatures and humidity:
Here,
Rs = The sensing resistance that depends on the concentration of the target gas. In the case of MQ-4, the target gas is methane.
R0 = The resistance of the sensor in clean air. It is the baseline resistance of the sensor when there is no methane present in the air.
Rs/R0 = It is the ratio of sensing resistance to the resistance in clean air. It is calculated to understand the relative change in the resistance of the sensor, and it depends on the target gas concentration.
If you want to see the detailed datasheet of the MQ-4 methane gas sensor, then you can visit the link MQ-4 Methane Gas Sensor.
Now, it is time to discuss the external structure of this sensor. Just like most of the members of the MQ sensors, this sensor has four pins. The name of each pin and its function are given in the table below:
Pin Name |
Description |
VCC |
This pin powers the module and typically has an operating voltage of +5 volts. |
GND |
This pin is used to connect the module to the system's ground terminal |
Digital Out (DO) |
This pin is used to get digital output from the sensor. It is done by setting a threshold value using the potentiometer of the sensor. |
Analog Out (AO) |
This pin outputs 0-5V analog voltage, which is based on the intensity of the gas |
For the convenience of the user, the MQ-4 methane sensor comes in different packages. Here is the table that will show a brief introduction to the available packages:
Feature |
DIP |
SMD |
TO-220 |
Custom Module |
Package type |
Through-hole |
Surface mount |
Through-hole |
Encapsulated module |
Size |
Large |
Small |
Large |
Varies by module |
Ease of use |
Easy (breadboard compatible) |
Requires soldering & reflow oven |
Moderate (soldering) |
Easy (plug-and-play) |
Power requirements |
Low |
Lower than TO-220 |
Highest |
Varies by module |
Additional circuitry |
Requires external circuit |
Integrated circuit |
Integrated circuit |
Varies by module (may include voltage regulation, communication) |
Applications |
Hobby projects, prototyping |
Commercial electronics, space-constrained designs |
Industrial gas detection |
Beginner projects, quick integration |
Considerations |
Limited space for additional components |
Requires soldering expertise |
Larger size, higher power draw |
May lack specific features |
Here is a list of some other alternatives that are used in place of the MQ-4 methane gas sensor, along with the types of gases these can sense:
The MQ-4 methane gas sensor is a common instrument available on multiple platforms, but one must always choose reliable sources. These sensors are proven to be life saviors, so I would suggest you buy them from the options given below:
eBay
AliExpress
Amazon
The working principle of the MQ-4 methane gas sensor is similar to that of the other MQ sensors. Let's discuss each component of this sensor and its role in the final result:
The basic workings of the MQ-4 methane gas sensor depend on the electrical conductivity of the metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) material used in the structure of this sensor.
The MOS is also known as the chemiresistors, which means the electrical conductivity changes when these come into contact with the gas vapors.
The sensor has a heating element at its core, the duty of which is to maintain a constant heating temperature of around 300°C. This is a crucial process for the right response of the sensor.
As soon as the methane gas comes into contact with the metal oxide semiconductor (MOS), it is absorbed onto its surface. The surface already has oxygen ions, and when these ions contact the vapors, they start reacting with them.
The reaction between the oxygen ions and methane results in a decrease in the conductivity of the MOS layer. This change is directly proportional to the amount of methane present in the surrounding air of the MQ-4 methane gas sensor.
The change in conductivity resulting from the previous step is measured as the change in voltage across the sensor electrodes. The greater the resistivity change, the greater the voltage change across the electrodes.
Here is the table that shows the physical dimensions, their values, and additional notes of these parameters:
Dimension |
Value |
Units |
Notes |
Diameter |
20 |
mm |
N/A |
Height |
30 |
mm |
N/A |
Pin length |
4-5 |
mm |
Can vary slightly depending on manufacturer |
Weight |
~8 |
grams |
N/A |
Mounting Hole Distance |
18 |
mm |
Center-to-center distance between holes |
Pin Pitch |
2.54 |
mm |
Distance between pin centers |
Till now, we have been discussing the basic output of the MQ-4 methane gas sensor but now, we’ll understand how this small instrument can be used in different ways to get the required output. Here are some important examples of applications where an MQ-4 methane gas sensor is used as the heart of the circuit:
So, today we have seen the details of the MQ-4 methane gas sensor. We started with the basic introduction of this sensor and then saw the basic points of its datasheet. After that, we’ve seen the pin configuration and workings of this sensor. We understood every step of its operation and saw the physical dimensions of this methane gas sensor. In the end, we give some important examples where the MQ-4 methane gas sensor is used as the base. I hope you have understood each point, but if something is confusing, you can ask questions in the comment section.