BMV080 Sensor

Other
1

We purchased the BMV080 sensor from SparkFun, which came as a complete package with the glass and sensor covering included. During our initial testing, we kept the original glass and covering provided by SparkFun. We observed the same behavior with the Bosch breakout board sensor as well.

As part of our investigation, we replaced the removable glass on the SparkFun sensor. Since the glass is not removable on the Bosch board, we could only perform this test on the SparkFun version. After replacing the glass, we noticed a change in the measured values, and the new results were more closely aligned with some validated PM data.

This has led us to suspect that the glass may be influencing the readings. Has anyone tested this before? We would appreciate any suggestions or insights regarding this.

2

I haven’t used this sensor yet, but was interested, so I spent some time reading posts and blog articles by people who have tested it in action.

There are a number of gotchas that affect the readings, such as the requirement for a substantial, unobstructed volume of air visible to the sensor and well separated from walls and floors, so I’m not at all surprised that the glass cover affects the readings. Do your research!

Example discussion (among others): We Put Bosch's Revolutionary Tiny PM Sensor Through Its Paces

Also, motion affects the readings. See this forum post: BMV080 Reads “Obstructed” When Unit Is Shaken — Works Fine Stationary