Fermion: MEMS Ethanol Gas Sensor - Compact EtOH Detector (1-500ppm, Breakout)

The Fermion MEMS Ethanol Gas Sensor is an ultra-compact breakout board designed for qualitative detection of alcohol vapours and volatile organic compounds across a 1 to 500ppm range. Operating at 3.3V to 5V with a low current draw under 20mA, it is ideal for students, hobbyists, and makers building portable breathalyzers, food quality monitors, or ambient air safety projects.

Ultra-compact low-power footprint

Measuring only 13 by 13 by 2.5mm and drawing less than 20mA of current, this miniature MEMS sensor is tailor-made for compact wearables and battery-powered hardware. Its small dimensions allow easy integration into handheld instrumentation without adding noticeable bulk or power drain.

Microcontroller integration and wiring

The breakout board features standard 3.3V to 5V DC operation and outputs a 0 to 5V analog signal directly to an Arduino or compatible development board. It provides rapid response times under 30 seconds with minimal preheating requirements.

Qualitative EtOH and VOC sensing

Engineered for qualitative sensing across 1 to 500ppm EtOH with a sensitivity rating of R0/Rs 3 or greater at 50ppm, the module detects both ethanol and general VOC vapours. Please note that this sensor is intended for qualitative threshold detection rather than calibrated quantitative measurements.

Robust lifespan and operating precautions

Solid-state MEMS construction provides an operational lifespan of 5 or more years under normal conditions. Users should remove the protective film before use, preheat the module for 24 hours after long storage periods, and keep it clear of silicone vapours, corrosive gases, water, and extreme environments.

Applications and package contents

Typical use cases include DIY breath analysis tools, food and beverage freshness monitoring, laboratory vapour detection, and smart home air quality systems. The package includes one Fermion MEMS ethanol gas sensor breakout board and one 2.54mm pitch pin header.

Downloads & documentation

• Product wiki (DFRobot)