MQ4 Sensor

A GAS sensor or a GAS Detector is defined as a chemical sensor that detects/measures the concentration of gas in its vicinity. MQ4 sensor also known as Methane Gas sensor ideal for the detection or measuring of natural gas concentration at a range from 300 to 10000ppm. It offers very good sensitivity and fast response to Methane and also shows a small sensitivity to propane and butane. This makes it ideal for use in natural gas monitoring systems. The MQ4 sensor operates at a voltage of 5V DC and draws around 750mW. It provides a lower conductivity to clean air as a gas sensing material. When the target gas contains the content of methane, the sensor’s conductivity goes higher alongside the gas concentration rising.

MQ4 sensor is a Tin oxide semiconductor sensor designed with higher sensitivity to Methane. This sensor can detect gas either by digital pin or by analogue pin. The digital low signal light is accessed through the IO ports on the Microcontroller. The analogue output is a concentration, i.e. increasing voltage is directly proportional to increasing concentration. The resistance varies inside the sensor on the detection of methane. By using the external load resistance the resistance variation is converted into a suitable voltage variation. A small potentiometer in this sensor permits the adjustment of the sensitivity of the sensor circuit. Therefore more the Methane content exhibits the lower the resistance. This sensor features long life, low cost, and reliable stability make it particularly suitable for natural gas monitoring applications.

Application

• Domestic gas leakage detector
• Industrial Combustible gas detector
• Portable gas detector