SENSIRION SEN5 Series Handling Instructions

Handling Instructions
For SEN5x Environmental Sensor Node
Introduction
The Sensirion SEN5x environmental node is a combo sensor that is based on a PM2.5 sensor, containing one
or a combination of Sensirion SHTxx humidity and temperature sensor and a Sensirion SGPxx VOC sensor.
For taking advantage of the outstanding performance of the SEN5x, some precautions must be taken during
storage, assembly, and packaging. Therefore, please read the following instructions carefully - preferably
during design-in phase and before production release of the respective device. Special attention is required
regarding the exposure to volatile organic compounds, i.e. high concentration and long exposure time to
respective gases shall be avoided. Such conditions are known to occur in manufacturing environment and/or
during storage. Therefore, proper handling and choice of materials are crucial.
1 Handling
SEN5x sensors shall be handled with care. If the product is dropped on a hard surface from a height >1m the part must
be discarded and replaced by a new one.
The inherent design of this component causes it to be sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). To prevent ESD-induced
damage and/or degradation, take customary and statutory ESD precautions when handling this product.
2 Exposure to Chemicals
SHTxx Humidity and temperature sensors, as well as SGPxx VOC sensors are highly accurate environmental sensors
and as such they are not ordinary electronic components. The openings in the SEN5x housing exposes these
environmental sensors to the environment and make them susceptible to pollutants. While applying sensors in the field
in ambient environment is not critical, pollutants are known to occur in manufacturing environments and during storage.
Please carefully follow the guidelines in this application note to ensure that you can benefit of the outstanding
performance of the SEN5x.
The SEN5x shall not get in close contact with volatile chemicals such as solvents or other organic compounds.
Especially high concentration and long exposure must be avoided. Ketenes, Acetone, Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol,
Toluene, etc. are known to cause drift of the humidity and VOC reading – irreversibly in most of the cases. Please note
that such chemicals are integral part of epoxies, glues, adhesives, etc. and outgas during baking and curing. These
chemicals are also added as plasticisers into plastics, used for packaging materials, and do out-gas for some period.
Acids and bases may affect the sensor irreversibly and shall be avoided: HCl, H
high concentration or H O
2 2
represent no complete list of harmful substances.
The sensor shall not get in contact with cleaning agents. Applying cleaning agents to the sensor may lead to drift of the
humidity and VOC reading.
Ensure good ventilation (fresh air supply) to avoid high concentrations of volatile chemicals (solvents, e.g. ethanol,
isopropanol, methanol, acetone, cleaning solutions, detergents...).
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have the same effect and therefore shall be avoided. Please note, that above examples
Version 1.0 – June 2021
SO , HNO , NH etc. Also Ozone in
2 4 3 3
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