SGX Europe Sp. z o.o.

T: +48 (0) 32 438 4778

Building 11
Ligocka St. 103, E: [email protected]
40-568 Katowice, www.sgxsensortech.com
Poland

VQ548MP2-DA Datasheet
MEMS Catalytic Combustible Gas Sensor
(4-Series)

The VQ548MP-DA is a low power, hazardous area safe,

extremely robust and poison-resistant device in a certified
flameproof enclosure. The VQ548MP2-DA type sensor is
designed for low power operation in continuous mode providing
additionally ultra-low power consumption when used in pulse
mode operation, which makes this sensor a preferred choice
for battery operated devices.

The VQ548MP2-DA has been designed to provide the basic

sensor performance that will enable a suitable instrument to The compensator is made in the same way as a detector device
meet the various (Group 1) mining and industrial (Group 2) except that instead of incorporating a catalyst in the coating
performance standards. layer, the device is treated so that oxidation cannot take place.

Whilst being optimised for its methane response (up to 5% The two devices are then used in a circuit that detects the
volume in air), will also detect some other flammable gases and difference in their resistances. Since the two devices are
vapours. For further information, contact SGX Sensortech. generally a different colour, they have different emissivity and
hence different slope resistances. Therefore, to obtain the best
FEATURES temperature performance, it is necessary on occasion to
• Low power – designed for battery operation connect a fixed resistor in parallel with the compensator to
correct for its higher slope resistance.
• Small size (16 x 20 mm)
• Compatible with instruments using VQ500 type sensor
• High resistance to mechanical shocks TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
• Assessed as intrinsically safe
Mechanical
• Low orientation effect
Dimensions see outline, page 4
• ATEX Certified (II 1G Ex da IIC Ga, I M1 Ex da I Ma) Body material PEI
• IECEx certified (Ex da IIC Ga, Ex da I Ma) Weight 8g

Environmental
Ambient temperature range
for operation / storage: −20 to +60 °C
certified: −20 to +60 °C
Operational pressure range 70 to 130 kPa
OPERATING PRINCIPLE Humidity range for operation 0 to 95%
The silicon pellistor structure consists of a pair of accurately and storage (non-condensing)
micro machined diaphragms with two embedded planar heater Gases Detected Most flammable gases
meanders coated with a layer incorporating a noble metal and vapours
catalyst for the detector device and with inert layer for the
compensator device. Electrical
DC supply to detectors +2.9 to +3.1V;
The meander acts both as an electrical heater and as a
Typical power 37.0 to 41.0 mA
resistance thermometer. The device is mounted on a PCB with
(<96mA at power on)
wire bonding and is surrounded by a plastic can with the end
open to the atmosphere. If a flammable gas is present when Mode of Operation Continuous or pulsed(1)
the device is heated to about 400 – 500 °C, the gas will oxidise
and the resultant release of energy will heat the device still (1) Suggested minimum ON pulse time is 300ms.
further. This increase in temperature is detected as an increase
in resistance of the meander. The temperature of the meander
is also affected by ambient temperature and by variations in
thermal conductivity of the air caused by the possible presence
of inert gases such as carbon dioxide. To compensate for
temperature changes not caused by the oxidation of the
flammable gas a second, inert device is used.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
Whilst SGX has taken care to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein it accepts no responsibility for the consequences of any use thereof and also reserves
the right to change the specification of goods without notice. SGX accepts no liability beyond the set out in its standard conditions of sale in respect of infringement of third
party patents arising from the use of SGX products in accordance with information contained herein.
In case of modification of the product, SGX disclaims all liability.

SGX Europe sp .z o.o. Poland REGON: 362332227 DS-0301 VQ548MP2-DA, Issue 2, 04-Dec-2020, Page 1
 SGX Europe Sp. Z o.o. T: +48 (0) 32 438 4778
Building 11
Ligocka St. 103, E: [email protected]
40-568 Katowice, www.sgxsensortech.com
Poland

PERFORMANCE NOTES
Minimum sensitivity 1. The polarity of the supply voltage may be reversed
8 mV/% methane
(measured with 1% methane at 3.0 ± 0.1V) without harm. The only effect is to reverse the polarity
of the output signal.
Zero offset range in clean air -30mV ± 20 mV
2. Maximum (slowest) response time measured at 3.0 ±
Response Time (T90) 0.1 V using 1% methane in an SGX test
< 12 sec manifold. Faster response times will be achieved in
(See Note 2)
instruments/detectors with optimised gas delivery.
Maximum gas concentration 5% methane in air
(see note 3) 3. Exceeding these limits may degrade the stability of
sensitivity or zero offset. The calibration of the sensor
Long Term Zero drift < 1.0 mV / month
(see note 4)
should be checked if it has been exposed, whilst
operating, to gas concentrations greater than the Lower
Long Term Sensitivity drift < 0.6 mV / month Explosive Limit.
(see note 5)
4. Over 90 day period.
5. Measured at 3.0 ± 0.1V using 1% methane, over 90
MAXIMUM RATINGS (Absolute values) days period.

Input voltages between pins:

Pins 2 and 3 3.2 V

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
Read the following instructions carefully before using the
Pins 1 and 2 1.6 V VQ548MP2-DA to avoid erroneous readings and to prevent
the device from permanent damage.
Pins 1 and 3 1.6 V • Heater voltages above the specified maximum rating
can damage the MEMS Pellistor.
• Some compounds are known to affect the catalytic
OPERATION reaction of coating material used in pellistors.
It is recommended that the detector and compensator be run • Exposure to silicones (by far the most common &
in a Wheatstone bridge circuit. virulent poison), high levels of hydrogen sulfide (and
other sulfur containing compounds), phosphates and
A suitable circuit is shown below. In use, the bridge supply phosphorous containing substances or lead
voltage should be stable to within + 0.05 V, or the output in containing compounds (e.g. tetraethyl lead) will
clean air may change in sympathy. Although it is generally irreversibly poison the sensor. High concentrations
recommended that pellistors should be run with a constant of flammable gas may also permanently affect the
voltage supply to the bridge, it is possible to use a constant sensor response.
current supply provided that the voltage across the bridge in
clean air remains within the recommended limits. • Lower concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and other
compounds can cause a temporary loss in response.
Recommended circuit diagram This is known as inhibition. Halogenated
hydrocarbons such as Freons™, trichloroethylene,
and methyl chloride are also possible inhibitors.
Sensors generally recover most of their original
response once they are returned to fresh air.
• Specific protection may be needed in applications
where poisons or inhibitors are continuously present.
• SGX recommends using ESD protection equipment
when handling the sensor.
• Under no circumstances should the sensor pins be
soldered directly to a PCB or wires. Excessive heat
could cause irreparable damage to sensor. Information
on the recommended sockets can be found on our
website under the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
section.
• Please contact SGX Sensortech for any additional
information.

© SGX Sensortech 2020 Document subject to disclaimer on page 1 DS-0301 VQ548MP2-DA, Issue 2, 04-Dec-2020, Page 2
 SGX Europe Sp. Z o.o. T: +48 (0) 32 438 4778
Building 11
Ligocka St. 103, E: [email protected]
40-568 Katowice, www.sgxsensortech.com
Poland

CERTIFICATION

ATEX IECEx

Certificate / File: OBAC 18 ATEX 0024U IECEx OBAC 18.0001U

EN 60079-0:2012
IEC 60079-0 ed6.0 (2011)
Standards: EN 60079-1:2014
IEC 60079-1 ed7.0 (2014-06)
EN 50303:2000

II 1G Ex da IIC Ga Ex da IIC Ga
Product Marking:
I M1 Ex da I Ma Ex da I Ma

Certified
Manufacturing SGX Europe Sp. z o.o., Ligocka 103, 40-568 Katowice, Poland
Locations:

Certificate
SGX Europe Sp. z o.o., Ligocka 103, 40-568 Katowice, Poland
Address:

INSTRUCTIONS SPECIFIC TO HAZARDOUS AREA INSTALLATIONS

(Ref : EU ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU)

1. The VQ548MP2-DA Gas Sensor is component approved only and may not be used as a stand-alone item in a
hazardous area without further protection.
2. There are no user-serviceable parts in the component.
3. The end-user/installer should be aware that the certification of the VQ548MP2-DA Gas Sensor relies on the
following materials used in its construction, which are suitable for most common applications:
Enclosure PEI-ULTEM 1000 or PPS-GF40
Stainless Steel Mesh Flame Arrestor
In accordance with the Note in EN60079-0:Clause 6.1, the end-user/installer shall inform the manufacturer of
any adverse conditions that the VQ548MP2-DA Gas Sensor may encounter. This is to ensure that the
VQ548MP2-DA Gas Sensor is not subject to conditions that may cause degradation of these materials.
4. There are no user-serviceable parts in the component.
5. The VQ548MP2-DA Gas Sensor has not been assessed as a safety device (EHSR 1.5).
6. The VQ548MP2-DA has been assessed to the following entity parameters:
Ui: 10 V, Pi: 1.3 W, Li: 0 H, Ci: 0 F
7. The sensors have been determined suitable for Group I and Group II environments, provided no Group I dust
enters the sensor, for a service temperature range of -40°C to +60°C.
8. The sensors have been assessed for internal mounting only and shall not form part of the external enclosure of
the end-product.
9. The sensors provide adequate separation between internal conductors and accessible external surfaces for
voltages ≤ 10 V. The end-product designer must ensure that adequate separation is provided from conductors.
10. A minimum ingress protection rating of IP20 was considered for the purposes of the assessment. The end-
product enclosure is required to give the required ingress protection (IP) rating for the intended environment.
11. The maximum surface temperature rise of the sensor has been determined to be 28 K.
12. The end-product designer must limit the steady-state current into the sensor to less than 641 mA with
considerations made to any other applicable clauses of the standard used for the end-product.

© SGX Sensortech 2020 Document subject to disclaimer on page 1 DS-0301 VQ548MP2-DA, Issue 2, 04-Dec-2020, Page 3
 SGX Europe Sp. Z o.o. T: +48 (0) 32 438 4778
Building 11
Ligocka St. 103, E: [email protected]
40-568 Katowice, www.sgxsensortech.com
Poland

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS

All dimensions in mm
Dimensions without limit are nominal

© SGX Sensortech 2020 Document subject to disclaimer on page 1 DS-0301 VQ548MP2-DA, Issue 2, 04-Dec-2020, Page 4