SKU: SENS-0852
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Winsen MQ138 VOC Gas Sensor - SnO2 Semiconductor, 5-500 ppm Range

₹2,749.00 (Inclusive of all taxes)
Out of Stock

The Winsen MQ138 is a semiconductor VOC gas sensor module designed for detecting a range of organic vapors including toluene, acetone, and alcohol. It operates on a 5V supply and provides an analog output signal, making it compatible with microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi for air quality monitoring projects.

Features

  • Detects multiple VOCs: Toluene, acetone, alcohol, hydrogen, and methanol.
  • Wide detection range from 5 to 500 ppm for comprehensive air quality assessment.
  • SnO2 semiconductor sensing element with high sensitivity (Rs(air)/Rs(50ppm toluene) ≥ 2).
  • Standard 5.0V ±0.1V heater voltage (AC or DC) with low power consumption (<900mW).
  • Bakelite base with metal cap encapsulation for stable performance.

Out of stock

Description

The Winsen MQ138 VOC gas sensor utilizes a tin dioxide (SnO2) semiconductor as its sensing material. In clean air, the conductivity of the SnO2 layer is low. When exposed to reducing gases like VOCs, the conductivity increases proportionally to the gas concentration. This change in conductivity can be converted into a corresponding output voltage signal via a simple external load resistor circuit.

The sensor requires a preheat time of over 48 hours for optimal stabilization and features a standard bakelite and metal cap construction. It is designed for operation under controlled test conditions of 20°C ±2°C and 55% ±5% relative humidity to ensure consistent sensitivity readings. Its output voltage is specified to be ≥0.5V when exposed to 50 ppm of toluene.

Key Features

  • Multi-Gas Detection: High sensitivity to a broad spectrum of volatile organic compounds including toluene, acetone, alcohol, and methanol.
  • Stable Semiconductor Sensing: Utilizes a reliable SnO2 sensing element for repeatable VOC concentration measurement.
  • Low Power Heater Circuit: Heater consumes less than 900mW at 5V, suitable for portable and continuous monitoring applications.
  • Analog Output Interface: Provides a variable voltage output proportional to gas concentration for easy ADC reading by microcontrollers.
  • Durable Encapsulation: Housed in a standard bakelite base with a metal cap for physical protection and thermal management.
  • Defined Performance Metrics: Characterized sensitivity ratio and concentration slope ensure predictable sensor behavior across its range.

Applications

  • Residential Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitors and VOC gas alarms.
  • Industrial safety systems for VOC gas leakage detection in workshops and storage areas.
  • Portable handheld VOC gas detectors for environmental safety inspections.
  • HVAC system integration for demand-controlled ventilation based on air quality.
  • Laboratory and educational setups for studying gas sensor principles and VOC monitoring.

Technical Specifications

Model NumberMQ138
Detection GasesToluene, Acetone, Alcohol, Hydrogen, Methanol, Organic Vapors
Detection Range5 – 500 ppm VOC
Heater Voltage (VH)5.0V ±0.1V AC or DC
Heater Resistance (RH)29Ω ±3Ω (at room temperature)
Heater Power Consumption (PH)≤ 900 mW
Sensitivity (S)Rs(in air)/Rs(in 50ppm toluene) ≥ 2
Output Voltage (in 50ppm toluene)≥ 0.5V
Concentration Slope≤ 0.6 (R200ppm / R50ppm toluene)
Standard Test Circuit Voltage (Vc)5.0V ±0.1V
Preheat Time> 48 hours
Operating Temperature (Test Condition)20°C ±2°C
Operating Humidity (Test Condition)55% ±5% RH
Load Resistance (RL)Adjustable
Standard EncapsulationBakelite Base, Metal Cap
Weight4.1 g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the required heater voltage and power supply for the MQ138 sensor?

The MQ138 sensor's heater requires a stable 5.0V ±0.1V, which can be either AC or DC. The total heater power consumption is less than 900mW. A separate circuit voltage (Vc) of 5.0V ±0.1V is also used in the standard test configuration for biasing the sensing element.

How do I read the output from the MQ138 sensor with a microcontroller like Arduino?

The MQ138 provides an analog voltage output that varies with VOC concentration. Connect the sensor's output pin to an analog input (ADC) pin on your Arduino. You will need to place an adjustable load resistor (RL) between the output and ground. The output signal can then be read using analogRead() and mapped to ppm values based on your calibration data.

What is the preheat time and why is it necessary for the MQ138?

The MQ138 requires a preheat time of over 48 hours (more than two days) before its first use or after a prolonged storage period. This extended preheating is necessary to stabilize the SnO2 semiconductor sensing material, burn off any contaminants, and ensure the sensor delivers consistent, accurate, and repeatable readings throughout its operational life.

Can this sensor distinguish between different types of VOCs like toluene and alcohol?

No, the MQ138 is a broad-spectrum semiconductor VOC sensor. While it has high sensitivity to compounds like toluene, acetone, and alcohol, it cannot selectively identify or distinguish between individual gas species. It responds to the total concentration of reducing gases (VOCs) present, making it ideal for general air quality assessment rather than specific gas analysis.

Package Includes

  • 1 x Winsen MQ138 VOC Gas Sensor

Additional Information

Weight 0.0041 kg
Dimensions 6 × 4 × 3 cm