Particulate Matter Bricklet¶

Features¶

• Measures Particulate Matter concentration
• Measures in µg/m³ for different sizes
• Distinguishable particle sizes: PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10
• Integrated fan for air flow

Description¶

The Particulate Matter Bricklet can be used to extend the features of Bricks by the capability to measure particulate matter concentration.

The Bricklet supports the size classes PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10. Additionally it is possible to measure the count of particles in 100ml of air with the supported sizes of 0.3µm, 0.5µm, 1.0µm, 2.5µm, 5.0µm and 10.0µm.

Technical Specifications¶

Resources¶

• Schematic (Download)
• Outline and drilling plan (Download)
• Source code and design files (Download)
• 3D model (View online | Download: STEP, FreeCAD)

Laser Diode Lifetime¶

The Particulate Matter Bricklet uses a laser diode. The diode has a lifetime of about 8000 hours of continous use.

If you want to measure in an interval with a long idle time (e.g. hourly) you should turn the laser diode off between the measurements to increase the longevity of the Bricklet.

The sensor takes about 30 seconds after it is enabled to settle and produce stable values.

Test your Particulate Matter Bricklet¶

To test a Particulate Matter Bricklet you need to have Brick Daemon and Brick Viewer installed. Brick Daemon acts as a proxy between the USB interface of the Bricks and the API bindings. Brick Viewer connects to Brick Daemon. It helps to figure out basic information about the connected Bricks and Bricklets and allows to test them.

Connect the Particulate Matter Bricklet to a Brick with a Bricklet Cable.

If you connect the Brick to the PC over USB, you should see a new tab named "Particulate Matter Bricklet" in the Brick Viewer after a moment. Select this tab. If everything went as expected you can now read the Particulate Matter concentration.

After this test you can go on with writing your own application. See the Programming Interface section for the API of the Particulate Matter Bricklet and examples in different programming languages.

Case¶

A laser-cut case for the Particulate Matter Bricklet is available.

The assembly is easiest if you follow the following steps:

• Screw spacers to the Bricklet,
• screw bottom plate to bottom spacers,
• build up side plates,
• plug side plates into bottom plate and
• screw top plate to top spacers.

Below you can see an exploded assembly drawing of the Particulate Matter Bricklet case:

Hint: There is a protective film on both sides of the plates, you have to remove it before assembly.

Programming Interface¶

See Programming Interface for a detailed description.