Cubic PM1006 Infrared Particulate Matter Sensor
| Brand | Cubic |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hubei, China |
| Model | PM1006 |
| Detection Principle | Optical Scattering (Infrared LED + Photodiode) |
| Measurement Range | 0–1000 µg/m³ |
| Accuracy | ±20 µg/m³ or ±20% of reading (at 25°C ±2°C, 50% ±10% RH, calibrated against TSI AM510/8530 reference) |
| Warm-up Time | ≤8 s |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +75°C |
| Operating Humidity | 0–95% RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Supply Voltage | DC 5.0 V ±0.2 V (ripple <50 mV) |
| Operating Current | ≤30 mA |
| Output Interfaces | UART TTL (logic level 4.5 V), PWM (4.5 V) |
| Dimensions | 46.2 × 34.1 × 18 mm (W×H×D) |
Overview
The Cubic PM1006 is a compact, OEM-grade infrared particulate matter sensor engineered for reliable real-time monitoring of airborne aerosols in indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC control, smart home devices, and portable environmental monitors. It operates on the principle of light scattering—using a high-stability 850 nm infrared LED as the light source and a precision photodiode detector arranged in a non-coaxial optical geometry to minimize interference from ambient light and internal reflections. This design enables sensitive detection of particles ≥0.3 µm in aerodynamic diameter, with output directly proportional to mass concentration (µg/m³) of PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10—calculated via an embedded algorithm trained on reference gravimetric and optical benchmarks including the TSI AM510 and 8530 DustTrak systems. The sensor integrates a microcontroller unit (MCU) that executes firmware-based signal conditioning, temperature compensation across its full operating range (−20°C to +75°C), and dynamic drift correction for optical window contamination.
Key Features
- Optically optimized dual-wavelength (850 nm IR) scattering chamber with anti-reflection coating and baffled light path to suppress stray light and improve signal-to-noise ratio
- Factory-calibrated against traceable NIST-traceable reference instruments under controlled ISO 16000-17 and ASTM D6245 test conditions
- Real-time mass concentration output (µg/m³) with automatic compensation for sensor aging, dust accumulation on the optical window, and thermal drift
- Dual digital output interfaces: UART TTL (asynchronous serial, 9600 bps default, configurable up to 115200 bps) and PWM (duty cycle proportional to PM concentration, 100 ms period)
- Low-power operation (≤30 mA typical at 5.0 V), suitable for battery-powered edge nodes and continuous-duty installations
- Robust mechanical housing with IP52-rated ingress protection and RoHS-compliant materials; designed for long-term deployment without field recalibration
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PM1006 is validated for use with ambient air, recirculated indoor air, and low-velocity duct sampling streams (1 ppm), or explosive atmospheres. The sensor meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61000-6-3, EN 61000-6-1) and safety (EN 62368-1). Its calibration methodology aligns with ISO 29463-3 (high-efficiency filter testing) and supports GLP-compliant data logging when integrated with compliant host systems. While not certified to UL 2075 or EN 50291 for life-safety alarm applications, it provides the foundational sensing layer for systems seeking compliance with ASHRAE Standard 62.1 (ventilation for acceptable IAQ) and EU Directive 2008/50/EC (ambient air quality assessment).
Software & Data Management
The PM1006 communicates via open-protocol UART or time-encoded PWM, enabling seamless integration into Linux-based gateways, ESP32/Arduino platforms, and industrial PLCs. Cubic provides a documented AT-command set and register map for UART configuration (e.g., output mode selection, baud rate, auto-reporting interval). Host firmware can implement audit-ready data handling—including timestamped concentration logs, diagnostic flags (e.g., “optical fault”, “temperature out-of-range”), and CRC-verified transmissions. When deployed in regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical cleanrooms or occupational health monitoring), the sensor’s stable baseline and traceable calibration support 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data integrity when paired with validated host software featuring electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure storage.
Applications
- Real-time PM2.5 feedback control in demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) systems
- OEM integration into air purifiers, smart thermostats, and wearable personal exposure monitors
- Long-term ambient air quality mapping using low-cost sensor networks (LCNs) with post-processing correction algorithms
- Occupational hygiene screening in offices, schools, and light manufacturing facilities per OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV guidelines
- Research-grade particle emission studies in combustion labs, material handling zones, and construction sites
FAQ
Is the PM1006 suitable for outdoor ambient air monitoring?
Yes, provided it is installed in a weather-protected enclosure with filtered inlet (e.g., PM10 cyclone + hydrophobic membrane) and operated within its specified humidity and temperature limits. Long-term outdoor deployment requires periodic optical window inspection.
Does the sensor require periodic recalibration?
No routine recalibration is required under normal operating conditions. Factory calibration remains valid for ≥24 months; however, users in high-dust environments may validate performance annually using a reference monitor per ISO 12103-1 A2 test dust challenge.
Can the PM1006 distinguish between PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 fractions?
It outputs a single mass concentration value interpreted as PM2.5-equivalent, derived from its scattering response curve fitted to standard size distributions. Fractional differentiation requires multi-channel optical or gravimetric instrumentation.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
Rated for ≥30,000 hours MTBF (mean time between failures) at 25°C and 50% RH, assuming clean-air operation. LED lifetime exceeds 50,000 hours under nominal drive current.
Related Products
