SKU: SENS-0864
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Figaro Engineering TGS3870-F00 Methane/Carbon Monoxide Sensor - MOS Micro-Bead

₹2,049.00 (Inclusive of all taxes)
Out of Stock

The Figaro Engineering TGS3870-F00 is a micro-bead MOS semiconductor gas sensor designed for dual detection of methane and carbon monoxide. It operates on a 5V DC pulsed heater voltage and is suitable for integration into consumer gas alarms and portable air quality monitors.

Features

  • Dual-gas detection of methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO) with a single sensor element.
  • Micro-bead sensing structure enables low average heater power consumption of only 38mW.
  • High selectivity with low sensitivity to interfering alcohol vapors for reliable residential use.
  • Operates with a 5.0V ±0.2V DC pulsed circuit voltage and variable load resistance (> 0.75kΩ).
  • Durable plastic base and metal can construction ensures long operational life.

Out of stock

Description

The TGS3870-F00 utilizes a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) micro-bead sensing element. By periodically applying two different heater voltages (high and low), the sensor can selectively detect both methane and carbon monoxide concentrations. This intelligent cycling allows for discrimination between the two target gases while minimizing response to common interferents like ethanol.

Designed for the consumer market, the sensor offers a robust and cost-effective solution for gas leak detection. Its miniature size and low power consumption make it ideal for integration into battery-operated or mains-powered gas alarm units. The sensor provides a resistive output that varies with gas concentration, requiring an external load resistor and signal conditioning circuit for microcontroller or logic-level interfacing.

Key Features

  • Micro-bead MOS sensing technology for compact size and fast response.
  • Dual-heater voltage operation enables selective detection of CH4 and CO.
  • Optimized for low cross-sensitivity to alcohol vapors, reducing false alarms.
  • Low average power consumption (38mW) supports energy-efficient designs.
  • High-durability construction with a metal can and plastic base for long-term stability.
  • Provides a wide-range resistive output proportional to gas concentration.
  • Tested under standard conditions (20°C ±2°C, 65% RH ±5%).
  • High-value build for cost-sensitive consumer safety applications.

Applications

  • Residential and commercial methane (natural gas) leak detectors and alarms.
  • Portable and fixed carbon monoxide monitors for home safety and indoor air quality.
  • Consumer-grade multi-gas detection systems for HVAC and environmental monitoring.
  • Battery-operated gas sensing modules for IoT and wireless safety devices.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer Part NumberTGS3870-F00
Target GasesMethane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Sensing PrincipleMetal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Micro-Bead
Circuit Voltage5.0V ±0.2V DC Pulse
Load ResistanceVariable (> 0.75 kΩ)
Sensor Resistance (in 3000ppm CH4)0.3 kΩ to 5.0 kΩ
Sensor Resistance (in 200ppm CO)2 kΩ to 40 kΩ
Average Heater Power38 mW
Package / HousingPlastic Base, Metal Can
Test Conditions20°C ±2°C, 65% RH ±5%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the TGS3870 detect both methane and carbon monoxide?

The sensor uses a single micro-bead MOS element but applies two different heater voltages in a periodic cycle. The high and low heater voltages alter the sensing surface's temperature, which changes its sensitivity profile, allowing it to respond differently to methane and carbon monoxide. External circuitry analyzes the resistance changes at these different phases to discriminate between the two gases.

What is the required operating voltage and how do I power it?

The sensor requires a pulsed heater voltage of 5.0V DC ±0.2V. This is not a constant DC supply; the voltage must be pulsed or cycled between high and low levels as specified in the datasheet to enable dual-gas detection. The sensor itself does not include the driving circuitry, so an external microcontroller or timer circuit is needed to generate the correct voltage pulses.

How do I read the sensor output and what load resistor is needed?

The output is a variable resistance between the sensor's terminals. You must connect a load resistor in series with the sensor (value > 0.75 kΩ, typical values are between 1kΩ and 10kΩ) to form a voltage divider. The voltage across the load resistor, which changes with sensor resistance (and thus gas concentration), can be read by an ADC on a microcontroller. Calibration with known gas concentrations is required for accurate ppm readings.

Is this sensor suitable for battery-powered devices?

Yes, its low average heater power consumption of 38mW makes it well-suited for battery-operated designs, such as portable gas detectors or wireless IoT safety nodes. Careful design of the pulsed driving circuit is necessary to minimize overall system power draw while maintaining the required heater cycling for proper gas discrimination.

Package Includes

  • 1 x Figaro Engineering TGS3870-F00 Methane/Carbon Monoxide Sensor

Additional Information

Weight 0.02 kg
Dimensions 9 × 7 × 2 cm