Bosch BME680

The BME680 is an integrated environmental sensor developed specifically for mobile applications and wearables, where size and low power consumption are key requirements (source). Thanks to Bosch Sensortec, several BME680 samples were provided to assist development of the uRADMonitor-D project and support the monitor’s air quality measurements.

This tiny sensor is 4-in-1, tracking the following parameters:

• VOC sensor: the gas sensor within the BME680 can detect a broad range of gases to measure indoor air quality, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints (such as formaldehyde), lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, furnishings, office equipment, glues, adhesives and alcohol. This is a metal-oxide MEMS sensor; read more on metal oxide VOC sensors.
• Humidity sensor: features a best-in-class response time, supporting emerging applications such as context awareness, with high accuracy over a wide temperature range.
• Barometric pressure sensor: an absolute barometric pressure sensor featuring exceptionally high accuracy and resolution at very low noise.
• Temperature sensor: optimized for very low noise and high resolution. It is primarily used for temperature compensation of the gas, pressure and humidity readings, and can also estimate ambient temperature.

The BME680 comes fully calibrated for all sensor components. Its compact, low-power design makes it a strong fit for the uRADMonitor-D line of portable monitors.

The BME680 in uRADMonitor Products

The BME680 is used in the portable uRADMonitor MODEL D, where its small size and four combined measurements (VOC, humidity, pressure, temperature) suit a compact, battery-friendly device. It was also used in early versions of the MODEL A3 air quality station.

For the A3, the VOC channel has since moved to the Winsen MP503, a dedicated air quality gas sensor chosen for better long-term reliability in a fixed outdoor and indoor station that runs continuously for years. This reflects how uRADMonitor matches each sensor to the device: the BME680 for compact portable use, a dedicated gas sensor where long-term stability matters most. You can see the full range on the uRADMonitor products page, and learn how to pick the right device in our guide to what an air quality sensor is.

Featured by Bosch

uRADMonitor was featured by Bosch, in an article on their blog, for using the BME680 sensor and implementing a global-scale IoT infrastructure to help improve quality of life.