7Semi SGP40 VOC Sensor Breakout for Indoor Air Quality 2.54mm Pitch
7Semi SGP40 VOC Sensor Breakout (2.54mm Pitch) Technical Information
Overview
The module is based on the Sensirion SGP40 VOC gas sensor IC, a digital air quality sensor designed to detect:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Indoor air quality changes
It provides a processed VOC index output, making it easier to interpret air quality conditions.
Working Principle
MOX (Metal-Oxide) Gas Sensing
Uses a metal-oxide sensing layer with micro-heater
Operates on CMOSens technology
Detection Process
Heater activates sensing surface
VOC gases interact with metal-oxide layer
Resistance changes
Internal ADC convertrong>broad VOC mixture, not specific gases.
VOC Index Algorithm
Raw signal is processed into a VOC Index
Index represents:
Relative air quality changes
Works like a digital indicator of air quality trends.
Measurement Characteristics
VOC Detection
Detects:
Alcohol vapors
Smoke
Household chemicals
Response Time
Fast response (<10 seconds typical)
Output Type
Raw signal (16-bit)
Processed VOC Index
Electrical Characteristics
Supply voltage: ~3.3V
Current consumption: low (mA range due to heater)
ring systems.
Communication Interface
Interface: I2C (digital communication)
Typical address: 0x59
2.54mm Pitch Advantage
Standard breadboard-compatible header spacing
Easy integration with embedded systems
Internal Features
On-Chip Humidity Compensation
Adjusts readings based on:
Temperature
Humidity
Improves accuracy
Micro-Hotplate Technology
Provides stable sensing environment
Ensures consistent performance
Long-Term Stability
Designed for continuous operation
Low drift over time
Low Power Operation
Suitable for IoT and embedded applications
Outputs VOC index (not absolute ppm)
Indicates:
Air quality improving or worsening
Warm-Up Time
Requires initial stabilization
Continuous Monitoring
Provides real-time air quality trends
Environmental Characteristics
Operating temperature: 10C to 50C
Humidity range: 090% RH
Limitations
Cannot identify specific gases
Provides relative index, not exact concentration
Sensitive to environmental changes
Typical Pin Configuration
VCC 3.3V
GND Ground
SDA /ul
Functional Role
The module acts as a:
VOC gas sensor
Indoor air quality monitor
Digital environmental sensing component
Summary
The 7Semi SGP40 (2.54mm pitch) breakout is a compact digital air quality sensor that:
Uses MOX gas sensing technology
Detects VOC levels via relative index
Provides I2C digital output
Includes humidity compensation and onboard processing
Is ideal for indoor air quality monitoring systems

