AKM releases three products suitable for NDIR flammable gas sensing: IR LED AK9703, IR sensor AK9730, and IR sensor AFE IC AK9723

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has developed the following three devices. The AK9703AJ is an infrared (IR) LED with a peak emission wavelength in the IR absorption band of Methane that is one of the most well-known flammable gas. The AK9730AJ is an IR sensor having the optical filter with a peak transmission wavelength in the IR absorption band of Methane. These products feature a high-speed driver, high reliability, and small package, which can contribute to the downsizing and low power consumption of flammable gas sensing system.

The AK9723AJ that begins selling at the same time is an IR sensor AFE IC equipped with IR LED driver. It is possible to change a constant-current driving condition of LEDs and AFE's gain in software. The AK9723AJ features low current consumption and small package.

Combining these three products makes it possible to easily configure a Non Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) flammable gas sensing system. This system is ideal for applications such as a lightweight portable flammable gas explosion lower limit detector that can be easily installed, and a leak detector for a natural gas transport facility which operates with solar cells and flexible installation.

AK9703AJ		AK9723AJ		AK9730AJ

AKM has already released a series of NDIR CO₂ sensing products: IR LED, IR sensor, and IR sensor AFE IC with LED driver. They are used in air conditioning system with a built-in CO₂ sensor to realize high efficiency and comfortable environment.

Features

AK9703AJ (High power infrared LED)

• High-speed driving: High-speed drive at 100 kHz or higher.
• High reliability: High resistance to vibration by a plastic molded package.
• Small package: 8-pin SON (2.6 × 1.9 × 0.4 mm)

AK9730AJ (High sensitivity, high-speed response infrared sensor)

• High sensitivity, high-speed response: More than 3 times higher sensitivity and 1,000 times faster responsiveness than thermopile solutions.
• Infrared absorption band passing optical filter: Built-in an optical filter suitable for methane, a typical flammable gas, detection.
• Small package: 10-pin SON (3 × 3 × 1.01 mm)

AK9723AJ (Infrared sensor AFE IC with LED driver)

• Adjustable constant-current driving condition of LEDs and AFE's gain.
• Low current consumption: Typ. 8.1 μA (Integration time: 100 μs, Measurement time: 149 ms)
• Small package: 16-pin QFN (4 × 4 × 0.7 mm)

Application

• Flammable gas detector
• Natural gas leak detector