Sensirion inside: DFRobot Gravity SFA40 Formaldehyde Sensor Module

Precise formaldehyde detection with minimal interference

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a harmful indoor air pollutant that can be released from furniture, building materials and household products. Reliable detection at very low concentrations is essential for monitoring indoor air quality, supporting effective air purification and helping building owners reduce the health risks associated with poor indoor air quality. At the heart of DFRobot’s new module is Sensirion’s SFA40 sensor, which uses advanced electrochemical sensing technology to deliver reliable formaldehyde measurements with exceptionally low cross-sensitivity to other gases.

Key features include:

•    High selectivity: less than 0.3% cross-sensitivity to ethanol, minimizing interference from common substances such as alcohol and perfume.
•    Precise measurement: detection range of 0–1000 ppb, with a typical accuracy of ±20 ppb or ±20% of reading within the 0–200 ppb range.
•    Environmental compensation: integrated SHT4x temperature and humidity sensing for improved measurement stability.
•    Low power consumption: average operating current of just 80 µA at 2 Hz.

Simplifying integration for developers

By combining Sensirion’s sensing technology with DFRobot’s standardized Gravity interface, the module makes formaldehyde detection accessible for rapid prototyping and product development.
Its compact 32 × 22 mm design, standard 4-pin connector and compatibility with Arduino and Raspberry Pi enable straightforward integration into a wide range of applications. Comprehensive development resources, including Arduino and Python libraries, further simplify implementation.
Potential applications include indoor air quality monitors, smart home systems, air purifiers, building ventilation systems and portable formaldehyde detectors.

Combining sensing expertise with easy integration

“This collaboration with Sensirion addresses a key market need – air quality detection moving toward precise quantification,” says Ashley Gong, Marketing Director at DFRobot. “By combining Sensirion's advanced electrochemical sensing with DFRobot’s modular design, the Gravity SFA40 Formaldehyde Module delivers low cross-sensitivity with precise quantification, along with steady output and easy integration.”

“This partnership marks a key step in making precise quantification sensing more accessible,” says Bailey Dong, Channel Manager at Sensirion. “Leveraging the strengths of Sensirion’s SFA40 and DFRobot's plug-and-play modular ecosystem, we have created a formaldehyde solution that balances professional performance with easy integration.”

The DFRobot Gravity SFA40 formaldehyde sensor module is now available through the official DFRobot online store.

Related links:

•    Sensirion SFA40 formaldehyde sensor
•    DFRobot Gravity SFA40 formaldehyde sensor module