In indoor air quality (IAQ) control, HVAC optimization, cleanroom monitoring, and air purification device development, real-time and accurate measurement of particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) has become critical for determining system response speed, energy efficiency, and user experience. System integrators, IoT solution providers, project contractors, and engineering firms need to embed high-repeatability, low-power dust sensor modules in main control boards, distributed nodes, or fixed monitoring stations to support automatic adjustment algorithms, filter life prediction, data reporting, and compliance recording.

The Nexisense ZH06-I laser dust sensor is designed for large-scale B2B integration. Based on the Mie scattering optical detection principle, it provides particulate mass concentration readings from 0.3μm upwards, with engineering validation and mass deployment in air purification, fresh air, and commercial environmental monitoring applications.

Mie Scattering Principle and Core Engineering Features

The ZH06-I uses a semiconductor laser to emit a monochromatic beam. Particles passing through the optical cavity produce forward and side scattering. The scattered light is captured by a high-sensitivity photodetector, amplified, filtered for noise, and processed by a concentration inversion algorithm to output PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 mass concentrations (μg/m³) and particle number concentrations.

Typical Project Applications

• Air Purifiers and Fresh Air Systems: Embedded in inlet/outlet channels or internal chambers to collect real-time PM2.5 concentrations. UART transmits complete data packets to the main MCU for multi-level auto adjustment, filter saturation detection, and operation log recording; PWM mode used for simple threshold triggers (e.g., >35 μg/m³ for high-speed operation).

• Building Automation and HVAC Control: Deployed in central fresh air units, terminal diffusers, or independent monitoring nodes. Outputs PM data to BMS or BACnet gateways, supporting dynamic ventilation, energy optimization, and IAQ compliance reporting, meeting LEED or WELL building standards.

• Portable/Handheld Air Quality Monitors: Low-power and compact size allows integration into multi-gas detectors or IoT terminals, combined with LoRa/Bluetooth modules for mobile inspection or indoor multi-point grid monitoring.

• Industrial Cleanrooms and Process Dust Monitoring: Installed at cleanroom return air or operation areas, monitoring PM10/PM2.5 levels, linked to exhaust systems or alarms, ensuring compliance with ISO 14644 cleanroom classifications or occupational exposure limits.

Selection Guide and System Integration Considerations

• Output Interface Matching: UART for high-resolution, multi-parameter intelligent systems; PWM for low-resource MCU or analog threshold applications.

• Sampling Strategy: Continuous sampling consumes more power; timed wake-up mode (every 30–60 s) recommended to balance accuracy and energy efficiency.

• Communication Details: UART frame standard (start 0x42 0x4D, checksum, includes PM1/2.5/10 μg/m³ and particle count), supports adaptive baud rates; PWM low = 0 μg/m³, high = 1000 μg/m³.

• Environmental Adaptation: Operating temperature -10℃–+50℃, relative humidity <95% (non-condensing). High humidity/oily/fibrous environments may require pre-filters or periodic optical cavity cleaning.

• Power and Noise Control: 5 V DC, ripple <50 mV recommended; PCB layout away from high-frequency lines, decoupling capacitors and ground shielding optimize EMC.

• Validation Cycle: Factory calibration valid; recommended cumulative runtime >5000 hours or annual onsite verification using standard particle generator (e.g., TSI DustTrak).

Integration Notes

• Avoid direct exposure of optical cavity to strong light or high-speed airflow.

• Maintain horizontal installation to reduce particle deposition errors.

• Implement sliding average filtering and anomaly removal logic in system software.

• Conduct batch reproducibility testing before mass production.

OEM Customization and Mass Supply Capabilities

• OEM Module Delivery: bare boards, custom housings, branded firmware, silk-screened logos, shortening customer time-to-market.

• Function Customization: AQI direct output, custom alarm thresholds, multi-channel particle expansion, PWM curve remapping, protocol adjustment.

• Mass Supply Assurance: scaled production line controls batch CV<5%, supports long-term framework agreements, buffer stock, and supply chain coordination.

• Engineering Services: complete protocol documentation, driver example code (C/Arduino), EMC guidance, joint prototype debugging.

FAQ

1. What are the main engineering differences between ZH06-I and electrical/infrared dust sensors?

   Uses laser Mie scattering, detects from 0.3μm, higher precision, less affected by color/humidity; IR/electrical sensors are cheaper but with limited resolution and stability, suitable for low-end applications.

2. How to control reading drift under high humidity or oily smoke conditions?

   Built-in temperature compensation algorithm; RH 90% interference <±10%; HEPA pre-filter recommended for oily environments, long-term drift <±15 μg/m³/year.

3. How to choose between UART and PWM outputs in projects?

   UART provides complete multi-channel data for intelligent algorithms; PWM offers simple linear output, compatible with legacy systems. Both TTL level; typical driver development within 1 week.

4. Does the response time support rapid fan-speed switching in air purifiers?

   <10 s real-time response effectively captures transient pollution such as cooking smoke or door dust, supporting second-level adjustment.

5. Sensor lifespan and maintenance requirements?

   Laser life >5 years, no consumable optical components; annual cleaning of inlet and cavity recommended, no on-site recalibration required.

6. Which OEM customizations are supported?

   Minimum order quantity for mass supply? Supports output format, measurement range, protocol, hardware appearance; mass supply flexible, starting from 1000 units negotiable for framework pricing and priority scheduling.

7. Module EMC performance and applicable certification scenarios?

   Passes basic CE/FCC testing; system-level may require shielding and filtering; suitable for home appliances, commercial equipment, and non-explosive industrial environments.

8. Recommended physical installation in fresh air units or portable devices?

   Fresh air: after air inlet + dust screen; portable: vertical + shock pad. UART connects directly to MCU; PWM connects to GPIO interrupt capture.

Conclusion

PM2.5/PM10 monitoring capability has become a core technological barrier for air quality-related hardware. Nexisense ZH06-I laser dust sensor provides high-precision Mie scattering, low-power compact design, dual-output flexibility, and strict batch consistency, offering system integrators a stable and reliable sensing foundation. It ensures data accuracy, shortens development cycles, reduces production risk, and enhances overall market competitiveness.

If you are advancing air purification, fresh air, clean environment monitoring, or industrial air quality projects to the next development stage, contact Nexisense for detailed datasheets, protocol examples, prototype evaluation kits, or custom solution discussions. We are committed to delivering scalable, validated sensor solutions to build smarter, healthier air management ecosystems with industry partners.