ZMOD4410 Datasheet

© 2021 Renesas Electronics Corporation

10

December 17, 2021

The following sections provide information on TVOC gases, concentrations, and thresholds given by the German Federal Environmental Agency

(UBA) * and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These standards provide reliable information on indoor air quality and

recommendations for air improvements if necessary.

8.1.1 Air Quality – IAQ Levels according to UBA

The algorithm provided by Renesas for the user’s microprocessor uses the output from the ZMOD4410 to determine the relative level of TVOC

gases present (see ZMOD4410 Programming Manual – Read Me; see also section 12). The algorithm features an automated baseline

correction function, ensuring that the module can learn from its environment and distinguish elevated levels of TVOC under all conditions. The

proprietary metal oxide (MOx) used in the sensor module allows it to respond effectively to changing TVOC levels during long-term operation.

Renesas has adopted the definition of TVOCs and their impact on user health and comfort proposed by the UBA (see Table 7). The ZMOD4410

can detect the presence of elevated TVOC levels as described in the UBA study.*

There are many sources of poor indoor air quality that can elevate TVOC levels in the typical home or office environments, and the types of

TVOC that might be present can vary widely. Additional information on this topic is available in Renesas’ ZMOD4410 White Paper – Overview

of TVOC and Indoor Air Quality.

The ZMOD4410 can respond reliably to all of the types of organic compounds that are typically found in indoor environments. To assess the

response of the gas sensor module to the levels described in the UBA study, the module has been tested using several TO-15/17 multi-

component TVOC standards defined by the EPA. The ZMOD4410 response to the EPA standard with the TVOC levels from UBA is shown in

Figure 3. A third-party report and certification from an independent research lab is available on the Renesas website that confirms the good

conformity for IAQ measurements with respect to the UBA study and EPA standard.

Table 7.

Level of Indoor Air Quality Based on TVOC Levels Described by UBA

Renesas IAQ Rating

Reference Level*

Air Information

Air Quality

≤ 1.99

Level 1

Clean Hygienic Air

(target value)

< 0.3

Very Good

2.00 to 2.99

Level 2

Good Air Quality

(if no threshold value is exceeded)

0.3 to 1.0

Good

3.00 to 3.99

Level 3

Noticeable Comfort Concerns

(not recommended for exposure > 12 months)

1.0 to 3.0

Medium

4.00 to 4.99

Level 4

Significant Comfort Issues

(not recommended for exposure > 1 month)

3.0 to 10.0

Poor

≥ 5.00

Level 5

Unacceptable Conditions

(not recommended)

> 10.0

Bad

[a]

from ppm to ppb is by the factor 1000 (e.g., 0.1ppm equals 100ppb).

Gesundheitsschutz, 2007).