SGP40 Air Quality Sensor
Detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. Provides a 0-500 air quality index indicating relative air freshness.
Say it to PAL
“Keep an eye on how stuffy the air is.”
The code PAL writes
p.onSensorChange('qwiic-sgp40', 'voc_index', (voc) => {
if (voc > 200) p.notify('Air quality degraded: VOC ' + voc);
});
await p.waitUntilStopped();When to pick it
Detects volatile organic compounds (paint fumes, cooking odors, cleaning chemicals). NOT a CO2 sensor — measures air freshness/odors.
Good to know
- First 60 seconds after power-on: readings are unreliable.
- Takes 12+ hours to learn baseline 'normal' air. First day readings will drift.
About it
A VOC sensor for indoor air quality monitoring. VOCs are released by paints, cleaning products, furniture, cooking, and biological processes. The sensor outputs a VOC Index from 0-500, where lower values indicate cleaner air. Can be used to trigger ventilation or as part of a broader air quality monitoring system.
Facts
Tested
Its driver works. We have not signed it off on a real board yet.
Current
2.6 mA
The catalog lists a typical draw of 2.6 mA for the Air Quality Sensor, copied from the maker’s description and not measured by Palpable.
Board size
25.4 × 17.78 mm
The Air Quality Sensor board measures 25.4 × 17.78 mm and stands 4.6 mm tall with its parts. It has 4 mounting holes. These dimensions are from the maker’s mechanical drawing.
Free to reuse
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This record was last changed on October 26, 2026.