Microcontroller based gas sensor systems : Wireless capability Extension and Power Consumption optimisation

Abstract

Gas sensors can be used in a great number of situations [1], and, if the technology is applied correctly, can lead to better results than other types of sensors (for example in fire detection). Another aspect of gas sensors is that they are most of the time sensitive to more than 1 type of gas which makes them very versatile. The GASB gas sensor, one of the hundreds of types of gas sensors in existence, is the focus point of the project described in this document. Its primary function is that of a smoke and fire detector but other usages are possible. The GASB gas sensor contains integrated electronics that facilitate controlling. However, even in this advanced form it is far from being able to provide raw measurement data in a digital easy-to-use form (for example as data on the PC). It is because of this reason that, as any type of sensor for that matter, the GASB gas sensor needs to be used together with controlling electronics. Given the versatility of the sensor and the multitude of its uses the best way to control it is via attached microcontroller (because microcontrollers are relatively fast, have a lot of available peripherals and interfaces and can be reprogrammed at will). This is how the GASB Sensor Platform was born. It is a complete microcontroller based system that houses four GASB sensors and sends the measurement data to a PC.