Technical Information For Carbon Monoxide Sensors

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS5042
Technical Information for Carbon Monoxide Sensors

Figaros TGS5042 is a battery operable
electrochemical sensor which offer several
advantages over traditional electrochemical
sensors. Its electrolyte is environmentally
friendly, it poses no risk of electrolyte leakage,
can detect concentrations as high as 1% CO,
operates in a range from -40 and +70C, and it
has lower sensitivity to interference gases. With
a long life, good long term stability, and high
accuracy, this sensor is the ideal choice for CO
detectors with digital display. OEM customers
will find individual sensors data printed on each
sensor in bar code from, enabling users to skip
the costly gas calibration process and allowing
for individual sensor tracking. TGS5042 utilizes
a standard AA battery-sized package.
Specifications
Page
Features..................................................................................................2
Applications...............................................................................................2
Structure...........................................................................................2

Basic Measuring Circuit...........................................................................2

Operating Conditions & Specifications...................................................3

Mechanical Strength..............................................................................3

Dimensions...................................................................................................3
Operation Principle......................................................................................................4
Basic Sensitivity Characteristics

Sensitivity to Various Gases............................................................5

Temperature and Humidity Dependency.............................................5

Gas Response Pattern.................................................................................6
Repeatability.............................................................................6

Influence of Storage...................................................................................6

Normal Operation Test.....................................................................................7

Sensitivity Test...................................................................................7
Reliability

Interference Gas Test......................................................................................8

Long-Term Stability................................................................................9

Corrosion Test...........................................................................................9

Variable Ambient Temperature Test................................................................9

Humidity Test.............................................................................................10

Stability Tests..................................................................................................11

Sequential Test...........................................................................................11

Dust Test................................................................................................12

Water Loss Test.......................................................................................12
Marking..........................................................................................................................12
Cautions.......................................................................................................13
Appendix................................................................................................................14

IMPORTANT NOTE: OPERATING CONDITIONS IN WHICH FIGARO SENSORS ARE USED WILL VARY
WITH EACH CUSTOMERS SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS. FIGARO STRONGLY RECOMMENDS CONSULTING OUR TECHNICAL STAFF BEFORE DEPLOYING FIGARO SENSORS IN YOUR APPLICATION AND,
IN PARTICULAR, WHEN CUSTOMERS TARGET GASES ARE NOT LISTED HEREIN. FIGARO CANNOT
ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY USE OF ITS SENSORS IN A PRODUCT OR APPLICATION FOR
WHICH SENSOR HAS NOT BEEN SPECIFICALLY TESTED BY FIGARO.
TGS5042 is a UL recognized component in accordance with the

requirements of UL2034. Please note that component recognition
testing has confirmed long term stability in 15ppm of carbon monoxide;
other characteristics shown in this brochure have not been confirmed by
UL as part of component recognition.
Revised 04/13

1. Specifications
* Battery operable
* High repeatability/selectivity to carbon monoxide
* Linear relationship between CO gas concentration
and sensor output
* Simple calibration
* Long life
* UL recognized component
* Meets UL2034, EN50291, and RoHS requirements
Cap /Working electrode

terminal
Active charcoal filter
1-1 Features
Gas inlet
Gas inlet
Gasket
Gas diffusion control film
Gas sensing layer

Washer
Water
Can /Counterelectrode
terminal
1-2 Applications

*
*
*
*
*
*
Residential and commercial CO detectors

CO monitors for industrial applications
Ventilation control for indoor parking garages
Recreational vehicle CO detectors
Marine CO detectors
Fire detection
Backing Layer
Catalyst layer
Separator
(immersed by liquid
alkaline electrolyte)
Gas sensing layer
Figure 1 - Sensor structure
1-3 Structure
Figure 1 shows the structure of TGS5042. The gas sensing
layer is sandwiched between a stainless steel washer
(counter electrode) and a stainless steel cap (working
electrode), together with gas diffusion control stainless
film and backing layers. This assembly is placed in the
compartment of the stainless steel can. Water is stored in
the bottom compartment and a charcoal filter is installed
inside the stainless steel cap.
C1
1F
R1
1M
Working
IC
TGS5042
1-4 Basic measuring circuit

Figure 2 shows the basic measuring circuit of TGS5042.
The sensor generates a minute electric current which is
converted into sensor output voltage (Vout) by an op-amp/
resistor (R1) combination.
Figaro recommends the following electrical parts:
R1 : 1M
C1 : 1F
IC : AD708
An additional resistor or FET is required to prevent
polarization of the sensor when circuit voltage if off.
NOTE: When voltage is applied to the sensor output
terminal, the sensor may be damaged. Voltage applied to
the sensor should be strictly limited to less than 10mV.
1-5 Operating conditions & specifications (Table 1)
Vout
Counter
Figure 2 - Basic measuring circuit

(Including equivalent circuit)
Item
Specification
Model number
TGS5042-A00 (pin version)

TGS5042-B00 (ribbon version)
Target gases
Carbon monoxide
Typical detection range
0 ~ 10,000ppm
Output current in CO
1.2~2.4nA/ppm
Baseline offset
<10ppm equivalent
Operating temperature
-10C ~ +60C (continuous)

-40C ~ +70C (intermittent)
Operating humidity
5 ~ 99%RH (no condensation)
Response time (T90)
within 60 seconds
Storage conditions
-10C ~ +60C (continuous)

-40C ~ +70C (intermittent)
Weight
approx. 12g
Standard test conditions
202C, 4010%RH
NOTE 1: Sensor output in air under operating conditions

Table 1 - Operating conditions and specifications
Revised 04/13

1-6 Mechanical strength
All sensor characteristics shown in this brochure

represent typical characteristics. Actual characteristics
vary from sensor to sensor and from production lot
to production lot. The only characteristics warranted
are those shown in the Specification.
The sensor shall have no abnormal findings in

its structure and shall satisfy the above electrical
specifications after the following performance tests:
Withstand force withstand force of 10kg (cap from metal can) along
a vertical axis
Vibration - frequency--10~500Hz (equiv. to 10G),
duration - 6 hours, x-y-z direction
Shock - acceleration-100G, repeat 5 times
1-7 Dimensions (see Fig. 3)
Gas inlet
Top view
Working electrode
49.71.0
1.250.25
0.200.12
8.50.3
Side view
Insulation tube
Counter electrode
0.
4.
Bottom view
unit: mm
NOTE: The sensor can be supplied with lead pins. Please refer to the Appendix for details
Figure 3 - Dimensions
Revised 04/13

2. Operation Principle
The electrolyte of TGS5042 is a very low concentration of mixed/prepared alkaline electrolyte
consisting of KOH, KHCO3, and K2CO3. The
mixed alkaline electrolyte acts as a buffer solution
with a pH value maintained between 7~10. When
CO passes through the backing layer and reaches
to the working electrode, electrons are generated
resulting from the reaction between CO and anions
in the electrolyte such as OH-, HCO3-, and CO32(see equations 1a~1c). By creating a short circuit
between the working and counter electrodes with
external wiring, electrons move to the counter
electrode through the external wiring. At that
point, the consumed anions in the electrolyte at
the working electrode are replenished and move to
the electrolyte by the reaction of CO2, water, and
electrons as shown in equations 2a~2c. The total
reaction is expressed as shown in equation 3.
A linear relationship exists between the sensor's
electric current and CO concentration (see equation
4). By calibrating the sensor with a known
concentration of CO gas, the output current of the
sensor can then be used to quantitatively determine
CO concentration.
Working electrode (Anodic reaction)

CO + 2OH- CO2 + H2O + 2e(equation 1a)
CO + 2HCO3- 3CO2 + H2O + 2e- (equation 1b)
CO + CO32- 2CO2 + 2e(equation 1c)
Counter electrode (Cathodic reaction)
1/2O2 + H2O + 2e- 2OH(equation 2a)
1/2O2 + 2CO2 + H2O + 2e- 2HCO3- (equation 2b)
1/2O2 + CO2 + 2e- CO32(equation 2c)
Total reaction
CO + 1/2 O2 CO2
(equation 3)
Theoretical output current value

I = F x (A/) x D x C x n
(equation 4)
where:

F : Faraday constant

A: Surface area of diffusion film

D: Gas diffusion co-efficient

C: Gas concentration

: Thickness of diffusion film

n: Number of reaction electrons
Figure 4 - Operation principle
Gas
Working electrode
Since, unlike conventional dry batteries, there is no

consumption of active materials or of the electrodes,
TGS5042 possesses excellent long-term stability
for its output signal and enables maintenance-free
operation. Furthermore, the sensor's self-generating
output current makes it ideal for usage in batteryoperated CO detectors.
Separator immersed
in liquid alkaline
electrolyte
e-
OH- ,HCO3- ,CO32-
Counter electrode
Air
Figure 5 - Schematic diagram of TGS5042

operating principle
Revised 04/13

3. Basic Sensitivity Characteristics
3-1 Sensitivity to various gases
Figure 6 shows the sensors sensitivity to various
gases. The Y-axis shows output current (Iout/A) in
each gas. The output current is linear to CO concentration, with a deviation of less than 5% in the range
of 0~500ppm. Cross sensitivity data for other gases
than those in Figure 6 are tabulated in Table Y.
Gas
Hydrogen
Methane
Butane
EtOH
HMDS (Si vapor)
Toluene
NO2
Benzene chloride
Formaldehye
Acetoaldeyde
CH3COOH
Heptane
IPA
Freon R22
Acetylene
Ethylene
Hexane
CO2
NH3
SO2
Ethyl acetate
Concentration
CO equivalent
1000ppm
<350ppm
Figure 6 - Sensitivity to various gases

1000ppm
<30ppm
200ppm
Note: The figures in this table are typical values and should not be used
as a basis for cross calibration. Cross sensitivity for various gases may
not be linear and should not be scaled. All data based on a 4 minute
exposure. For some gases, fliter saturation and gas breakthrough may
occur if gas is applied for a longer time period.
3-2 Temperature and humidity dependency

Figure 7a shows the temperature dependency of
TGS5042 under a constant humidity of 50%RH. The
Y-axis shows the ratio of output current in 400ppm of
CO at various temperatures (I) to the output current
in 400ppm of CO at 20C/50%RH (Io). Temperature
dependency is based on the difference in the
catalytic reaction rate on the electrodes, and it can be
simply compensated by utilizing a thermistor. The
data displays that even at -40C (where water in the
water reservoir is frozen), the sensor has sufficient
CO sensitivity. This linear relationship between I/
Io and CO concentration is constant regardless of
CO concentration range, according to the sensor's
operating principle.
Figure 7b shows the humidity dependency of
TGS5042 under constant temperatures of 20C and
50C. The Y-axis shows the ratio of output current
in 400ppm of CO at various relative humidities
(I) to the output current in 400ppm of CO at
20C/50%RH (Io). This data demonstrates that
humidity dependency is negligible as temperature
varies.
Revised 04/13
2.0
1.5
1.0
I/Io
0.5
0.0
-40
-20
20
40
60
Temperature (C)
Figure 7a - Temperature dependency at 400ppm CO/50%RH

(Io=sensor output current at 20C)
2.0
20C
50C
1.5
1.0
I/Io
0.5
0.0
0
20
40
60
80
100
Relative Humidity (%)
Figure 7b - Humidity dependency at 400ppm CO

(Io=sensor output current at 50%RH)
3-3 Gas response pattern

Figure 8 shows the gas response pattern of the
output signal when the sensor is placed into 30, 70,
150 and 400ppm of CO and then returned to normal
air. The response time to 90% of the saturated signal
level is within 60 seconds, and the recovery of the
signal back to 90% of the base level is within 120
seconds. This data demonstrates that TGS5042
possesses sufficient response speed for meeting UL
requirements for CO detectors.
1.0
CO 400ppm
0.8
0.6
Iout(A)
CO 150ppm
0.4
CO 70ppm
0.2
CO 30ppm
0.0
500
1000
1500
2000
Time (sec.)
Figure 8 - Response pattern
1.0
3-4 Repeatability
Figure 9 shows the pattern of the output signal
when the sensor is repeatedly exposed to 400ppm
of CO at a constant interval of 240 seconds. The data
demonstrates extremely high reproducibility of the
output signal, the deviation being less than 5%.
0.8
0.6
0.4
Iout(A)
0.2
0.0
-0.2
500
1000
1500
2000
Time (sec.)
Figure 9 - Repeatability (in 400ppm of CO)
3-5 Influence of storage

Figure 10 shows the initial action of the sensor's
output current signal in fresh air. For the purpose
of this test, sensors were stored for more than six
months under two separate conditions between the
working and counter electrodes: in short-circuited
condition, and in open-circuited condition. The
chart illustrates the behavior of sensor output
current for each group just after installation into
the operating circuit. The output current signal of
sensors stored in a short-circuited condition reaches
its saturated level quickly, while those stored with
an open-circuit exhibit much slower behavior.
Revised 04/13
Figure 10 - Influence of storage

(in fresh air)

3-6 Normal operation test
Figure 11a shows the result of the Normal Operation
Test required by UL2034, Sec. 35.3 where the
sensor is exposed to 600ppm of CO for 12 hours at
20C/40%RH. Stable output current signal can be
seen throughout the exposure.
1.5
CO 600ppm
1.0
Iout(A)
0.5
0.0
0
12
16
Time (hrs.)
Figure 11a - Normal operation test

(CO 60030ppm for 12 hours at 20C/40%RH)
In addition, Figure 11b shows the CO sensitivity

characteristics of the sensor before, during, and
after the Normal Operation Test, demonstrating that
TGS5042 is hardly influenced by exposure to high
concentrations of CO.
Figure 11b - Normal operation test

(20C/40%RH)
3-7 Sensitivity test

Figure 12a shows the results of the Sensitivity Test
as required by UL2034, Sec. 38. Under this test, the
sensor was exposed to 30, 70, 150 and 400ppm of CO
at 20C/40%RH. The period of exposure was varied
by concentration, corresponding with the maximum
time in which a CO detector should generate an
alarm for the subject concentration. Throughout the
test exposures, TGS5042 displayed a reasonable and
stable output current signal.
1
CO 400ppm
0.8
0.6
Iout(A)
0.4
CO 150ppm
0.2
CO 70ppm
CO 30ppm
0
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
Time (min.)
Figure 12a - Sensitivity test

(20C/40%RH)
Revised 04/13

In addition, Figure 12b indicates the CO sensitivity
characteristics of the sensor before, during, and
after the Sensitivity Test, demonstrating the
excellent reproducibility of TGS5042's CO sensitivity characteristics.
4. Reliability
Tests conducted in this section demonstrate that TGS5042
can meet the requirements of various testing standards
without incurring adverse long term effects from such
tests.
Fig. 12b - Sensitivity test

(20C/40%RH)
0.08
4-1 Interference gas test

Figure 13a shows the results of testing the TGS5042
sensor for durability against various interference
gases as specified by UL2034, Sec. 39. The test
was conducted by exposing the sensor to each gas
shown in Figure 13a (starting with CO 30ppm) for
two hours, then removing the sensor to fresh air for
just one hour, and followed by inserting the sensor
into the next gas. This procedure was repeated for
the full range of gases shown in Figure 13a.
Because the sensor is exposed to each of the test
gases consecutively, to some small extent the effect
of the previous test gas may affect subsequent tests
for a short period. However, despite the short-term
effects of such gases remaining after exposure, the
sensor still shows significantly less sensitivity to
each test gas when compared to 30ppm of CO, and
CO sensitivity remains unaffected.
0.06
0.04
Iout(A)
0.02
-0.02
r
Ai ppm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm ppm pm pm ppm pm
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
30 500 300 500 200 200 000 100 200 200 200 200 30
CO ne ne ne ate IPA 2 5 H3 nol ne ne one CO
t
e
a
a
a
a
a
t
t
e
h
CO N Eth olu eth cet
et Bu Hep l ac
T ro
A
M
lo
hy
Et
ich
r
T
Ai
Figure 13a - Interference gas test

(20C/40%RH)
In addition, Figure 13b shows the CO sensitivity

characteristics of the sensor before and after this test,
further demonstrating the excellent reproducibility
of the CO sensitivity characteristics of TGS5042,
demonstrating its durability against the interference
gases listed in the requirements of UL2034, Sec. 39.
Figure 13b - Interference gas test
(20C/40%RH)
Revised 04/13

4-2 Long-term stability
Figure 14 shows long-term stability data for
TGS5042. Test samples were stored in natural clean
air under a short-circuit condition and measured at
various intervals as dictated by the standard test
conditions of UL2034, Sec. 38. The Y-axis shows the
ratio of output current in 300ppm of CO at any point
in time (I) over output current in 300ppm of CO on
the first day of the test (Io). This chart demonstrates
very stable characteristics with a variation of less
than 15% for more than 7 years.
3.0
ave.
min.
max.
2.5
2.0
N=10
I/Io
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Time (days)
4-3 Corrosion test
Figure 14 - Long term stability
To demonstrate the durability of TGS5042 against

corrosion, samples were subjected to test conditions
called for by UL2034, Sec.58-Corrosion Test. Over
a three-week period, a mixture of 100ppb of H2S,
20ppb of Cl2, and 200ppb of NO2 was supplied to the
sensors at a rate sufficient to achieve an air exchange
rate of five times per hour. Figure 15 shows the CO
sensitivity characteristics before and after exposure
in the above conditions, demonstrating that TGS5042
is hardly influenced by such corrosive gases. In
addition, the sensor's stainless steel housing did not
show any sign of corrosion as a result of this test.
4-4 Variable ambient temperature test
To demonstrate the ability of TGS5042 to withstand
the effects of high and low temperature, the
Variable Ambient Temperature Test of UL2034,
Sec. 45 was conducted.
Figure 15 - Durability against corrosion
(1) Operation in high and low temperature test

Figure 16a shows the results for the Operation in
High and Low Temperature Test of UL2034, Sec.
45.1. The sensor was exposed to environments of
0C/15%RH and 49C/40%RH for at least three
hours each, with measurements taken before and
during the exposure in accordance with the test
conditions of UL2034, Sec. 38. By plotting the output
current values from these test measurements atop
the data taken prior to this test at a constant 50%RH
(representing standard temperature dependency), it
can be seen that the test data are still in line with data
taken at a constant RH. The conclusion which can be
drawn is that, regardless of exposure to extremes of
temperature and humidity, the sensor's output is not
affected by humidity. As a result, TGS5042 can meet
the requirements of UL2034, Sec. 45.1 by utilizing a
simple temperature compensation method.
Figure 16a - Operation in high and low temperature

(all data at 50%RH except Sec. 45.1 test points)
(2) Effect of shipping and storage

Revised 04/13

To verify the effects of shipping and storage, the
sensor was tested under the conditions of UL2034,
Sec. 45.2. Test samples in a short-circuited condition
were subjected to 70C for 24 hours, allowed to cool
to room temperature for 1 hour, subjected to -40C
for 3 hours, and then allowed to warm up to room
temperature for 3 hours. Figure 16b shows the CO
sensitivity characteristics before and after the test,
demonstrating that TGS5042 meets the requirement
of UL2034, Sec. 45.2.
Figure 16b - Effects of shipping and storage
4-5 Humidity test

Figure 17a shows the results of testing the sensor
under UL2034, Sec. 46A. The sensor was exposed
in an atmosphere of 523C/954%RH for a
period of 168 hours, returned to normal air for
2 days, then followed by 168 hours exposure at
223C/103%RH. The data demonstrates the
stable characteristics in both low and high humidity
conditions.
Figure 17a - Humidity test
Figure 17b shows data taken prior to the above test

at a constant relative humidity of 50%. These curves
represent the typical temperature dependency of the
sensor. When plotting measurements taken at the
environmental extremes specified on UL2034, Sec.
46A (523C/954%RH and 223C/103%RH)
onto the temperature dependency curves, it can
be seen that measurements taken at these extreme
conditions still fall in line with the temperature
dependency curve derived prior to testing. The
conclusion which can be drawn is that, regardless of
exposure to extremes of temperature and humidity,
the sensor's output is not affected by humidity. As
a result, TGS5042 can meet the requirements of
UL2034, Sec. 46A by utilizing a simple temperature
compensation method.
Figure 17b - Humidity test

(all data at 50%RH except Sec. 46A test points))
4-6 Stability test
Revised 04/13
10

(1) False alarm test
To show the sensors behavior under continuous
low level exposure to CO, samples were tested
against the procedure detailed in UL2034, Sec.
41.1(c)-Stability Test. Test samples were exposed to
30ppm of CO continuously for a period of 30 days
under standard circuit conditions. Figure 18 shows
the CO sensitivity characteristics before and after
the exposure test, demonstrating that detectors
using TGS5042 will not give a false alarm as a result
of continuous low level CO exposure.
Figure 18 - False alarm test
(2) Temperature cycle test

In accordance with UL2034, Sec. 41.1(e)-Stability
Test, test samples were exposed to ten cycles
(<1 hour and >15 minutes) of temperature from
0C/100%RH to 49C/40%RH. Figure 19 shows
CO sensitivity characteristics before and after the
cycle test, demonstrating that TGS5042 is hardly
influenced by the extreme conditions of the
temperature cycle test.
Figure 19 - Temperature cycle test
4-7 Sequential test

In UL2034, Sec. 41.3, a single lot of sample detectors
are to be subjected to the following sequence of
tests: Section 38, Section 41.1, Section 39, Section
45, and Section 46A. While TGS5042 meets the
requirements of each of these test individually (as
shown elsewhere in this brochure), this test is designed
to demonstrate the sensor's ability to withstand all
of these test when conducted in sequence. Figure 20
shows the results of sequentially testing the same
lot of sensors. The good stability of the sensor's
output signal indicates that TGS5042 can satisfy the
requirements of UL2034, Sec. 41.3-Sequential Test.
4-8 Dust test
To judge the effect of dust contamination on TGS5042,
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o
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B
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B
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B ter r S
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Af Afte
Af
Figure 20 - Sequential test
Revised 04/13
11

approximately 2 ounces (0.06 kg) of cement dust, capable
of passing through a 200 mesh screen, was circulated for
1 hour by means of a blower, enveloping the sensor in the
test chamber. Air flow was maintained at an air velocity of
approximately 50 fpm (0.25 m/s) at 20C/40%RH.
Figure 21 shows the sensor's CO sensitivity characteristics
before and after the dust exposure test. This data
demonstrates that the dust test of UL2034, Sec. 53 has a
negligible effect on CO sensitivity.
4-9 Water loss test
For evaluating the life expectancy of TGS5042 from the
viewpoint of its water reservoir (which prevents the
electrolyte from drying up), the weight loss of TGS5042
was periodically measured when stored at 20C/40%RH
and 70C/5%RH respectively. Figure 22 demonstrates
that the sensors weight decreased linearly with time due
to evaporation of the water. The rate of water loss under
various temperature was related with the water vapor
pressure at each temperature. According to calculations
based on this rate of water loss and the differences in
water vapor pressure in 20C and 70C, the water (>4.5g
initially) will last more than 10 years under natural
residential conditions such as 20C/40%RH.
Figure 21 - Dust test
0.00
-0.02
20C
70C
-0.04
-0.06
Weight loss (g)
-0.08
-0.10
0
20
40
60
80
100
Time (days)
5. Marking
The TGS5042 comes with a sticker attached to the sensor
housing which contains important information. The one
dimensional bar code indicates the sensor's sensitivity
(slope) in numeric value as determined by measuring the
sensor's output in 300ppm of CO:

xxxx = x.xxx nA/ppm
In user readable format, the sensor's sensitivity per ppm
(nA) is printed below the one dimensional bar code
and the sensor's Lot Number is printed to the left of the
sensitivity data. Please note that three decimal places
should be added to the sensitivity reading (e.g. 1827
should be read as 1.827 nA/ppm).
Figure 22 - Water loss test
One dimensional bar code

FIGARO
TGS5042
041124
1827
Lot No.
Sensitivity to CO (nA/ppm)
(Ex.1827 = 1.827nA/ ppm)
Figure 23 - TGS5042 markings
(NOTE: UL Mark may appear on shrink tube)
6. Cautions
6-1 Situations which must be avoided
Revised 04/13
12

1) Disassembling the sensor
Under no circumstances should the sensor be disassembled, nor should the sensor can and/or cap be deformed.
2) Contamination by alkaline metals
Sensor characteristics may be significantly changed when
the sensor is contaminated by alkaline metals, especially
salt water spray.
3) Exposure to high concentration of basic (non-acidic) gases
Sensor characteristics may be irreversibly changed by the
exposure to high concentrations of basic gases such as
ammonia.
4) High temperature exposure
At temperatures of 80C or higher, the sensing membrane
may deteriorate, resulting in irreversible change of sensor
characteristics.
5) Contact with water
Sensor characteristics may be changed due to soaking or
splashing the sensor with water.
6) Application of excessive voltage
If higher than specified voltage is applied to the sensor,
breakage may occur or sensor characteristics may drift,
even if no physical damage or breakage occurs. Do not
use the sensor once excessive voltage is applied.
6-2 Situations to avoid whenever possible
1) Exposure to silicone vapors
Avoid exposure of sensor where silicone adhesives, hair
grooming materials, or silicone rubber/putty may be
present. Silicone vapors may cause clogging of the gas
diffusion route.
2) Dew condensation
If severe dew condensation occurs for a long period
inside of the sensor or on the sensor surface, it may cause
clogging of gas diffusion route or deterioration of the
sensing membrane. Mild dew condensation which occurs
in normal indoor air would not cause any significant
damage.
3) Storage in sealed container
Do not keep the sensor in a sealed containers such as
sealed bag. Due to ambient temperature change, dew
condensation may occur inside the sensor if the sensor is
stored in this manner.
4) Freezing
When subjected to temperatures below 0C, it is possible
that the water in the reservoir may freeze. Since water
volume will expand when freezing, the sensor can may
undergo some deformation. Care should be taken in
the design of the detector to ensure that the sensor is
not placed too close to other components or the circuit
pattern on a PCB, as such deformation may cause the
sensor to come in contact with these items. In addition,
if the freezing process were to occur very rapidly,
Revised 04/13
water leakage may occur inside the sensor, irreversibly

changing its characteristics. This risk greatly is increased
if the sensor is positioned with the cap facing down (for
more information, refer to Item 3-1 Position Dependency of
the Sensor in the document Application Notes for TGS5042).
5) Exposure to hydrogen sulfide or sulfuric acid gas
If the sensor is exposed to hydrogen sulfide or sulfuric acid
gas, sensor components such as the gas diffusion film, can,
and cap may be corroded, resulting in the sensor damage.
6) Vibration and shock
Vibration and shock may cause an open or short circuit
inside the sensor.
7) Dust and oil mist
Extremely high concentrations of dust or oil mist
may cause clogging of the sensor's internal structure.
When such conditions are expected to be encountered,
installation of an external air filter is recommended.
8) Flux for soldering
Manual soldering is recommended since high concentrations of flux may affect sensor characteristics when the
sensor is soldered by wave soldering. When wave soldering
is used, a test should be conducted before production
starts to see if there would be any influence to sensor
characteristics. Please refer to Item 5-3 of Application Notes
for TGS5042 for advice on manual soldering conditions.
9) Exposure to organic vapors
If the sensor is exposed to organic vapors such as alcohols,
acetone, or volatile oils, these gases may adsorb on the
sensor surface, resulting in temporary sensor drift.
6-3 Additional cautions for storage and installation
1) Store and ship in a short-circuited form.
2)This sensor requires the existence of oxygen in the
operating environment to function properly and to exhibit
the characteristics described in this brochure. The sensor
will not operate properly in a zero oxygen environment.
Figaro USA Inc. and the manufacturer, Figaro Engineering
Inc. (together referred to as Figaro) reserve the right to make
changes without notice to any products herein to improve
reliability, functioning or design. Information contained in
this document is believed to be reliable. However, Figaro
does not assume any liability arising out of the application
or use of any product or circuit described herein; neither
does it convey any license under its patent rights, nor the
rights of others.
Figaro's products are not authorized for use as critical
components in life support applications wherein a failure
or malfunction of the products may result in injury or
threat to life.
13

FIGARO GROUP
HEAD OFFICE
OVERSEAS
Figaro Engineering Inc.

1-5-11 Senba-nishi
Mino, Osaka 562-8505 JAPAN
Tel.: (81) 72-728-2561
Fax: (81) 72-728-0467
email: figaro@figaro.co.jp
www.figaro.co.jp
Figaro USA Inc.

121 S. Wilke Rd. Suite 300
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA
Tel.: (1) 847-832-1701
Fax.: (1) 847-832-1705
email: figarousa@figarosensor.com
APPENDIX
TGS5042 Lead Configurations
Leads are connected to sensor electrodes when of open-circuit storage in fresh air. Nevertheless,
the sensors are shipped. There are two lead the period to reset sensor polarization depends
configurations available:
on storage conditions which includes amount
of gases, temperature and humidity, storage

A00 : Stainless steel (SUS) pin version
period, and customers circuit. As a result,

B00 : Flexible nickel ribbon version
Figaro recommends measuring the required
When ordering, please be sure to specify the stabilization period of sensor output in air at the
lead configuration. Please refer to Figure 24 on customers actual production process.
Page 15 for sensor dimensions on each model.
TGS5042-B00
TGS5042-A00
Flexible nickel ribbon version
Stainless steel (SUS) pin version
For applications where there is insufficient
The solid SUS pins of the A00 version enable space for mounting TGS5042-A00, such as in
the sensor to be more easily mounted and/or portable CO monitors, the TGS5042-B00 is
directly soldered onto a PCB.
a suitable alternative. This model can also be
directly soldered onto a PCB.
Mechanical strength:
Withstand force - 6kg along a vertical axis (lead Mechanical strength:
from metal can)
Withstand force - 1.5kg along a vertical axis
Vibration - frequency--10~500Hz (equiv. to 10G) (metal ribbon from metal can)

duration--6 hours
Vibration - frequency--10~500Hz (equiv. to 10G)
direction--x - y - z

duration--6 hours
Shock - acceleration of 100G, repeat 5 times
direction--x - y - z
Shock - acceleration of 100G, repeat 5 times
NOTE: When the sensor is shipped, the
working electrode and counter electrode are NOTE: The nickel ribbon leads are provided for
not connected (i.e. open-circuited). To obtain the purpose of electrical connection and should
stable sensor output, the sensor should be short- not be used for affixing the sensor to a PCB. To
circuited by connecting to a measuring circuit. secure the sensor and prevent disconnection of
Figaro's tests have shown that one hour should be the leads, affix the sensor to a PCB using wire,
enough to stabilize sensor output after 6 months two-sided tape, or other appropriate measures.
Revised 04/13
14

APPENDIX (cont.)
TGS5042-A00
TGS5042-B00
3.01.5
4.150.8
Top view
2.01.0
4.01.0
8.30.05
0.80.05
20.90.05
4.00.1
904
Working electrode
1.250.25
0.200.12
8.50.3
(Ribbon thickness:
0.15 mmT)
Side view
49.71.0
50.21.5
49.71.0
Ribbon*1
Cutting point
14.10.6
14.10.6
Insulation tube
20.90.05
4.00.1
0.80.05
904
3.01.5
2.01.0
4.01.0
7.50.1
8.30.05
0.80.05
4.150.8
Counter electrode
Bottom view
unit: mm
Figure 24 - TGS5042 Dimensions
(lead configurations)
When the sensor is shipped, the working

electrode and counter electrode are connected
(i.e. short circuited) by a metal ribbon in order to
avoid polarization of the electrodes. To measure
Revised 04/13
the sensor output, the ribbon should be cut and

the sensor connected to a measuring circuit. The
cutting point as indicated can be used to cut the
ribbon easily.
15

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS5042