TGS5042 is the standard model of the TGS5000 series of low cost electrochemical carbon monoxide sensors.

The most notable feature of this sensor is its excellent stability derived from Figaro’s patented electrolyte, a very low concentration solution of KOH, KHCO3, and K2CO3.
As a result, the sensor shows excellent stability in long term operation despite having only two electrodes.

In addition, by optimizing the sensor’s internal structure, the evaporation rate of the water reservoir has been minimized. As a result, expected sensor life has been extended to 10 years for both TGS5342 and TGS5042.

Although in general electrochemical-type gas sensors are considered to be more expensive than metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) type sensors, due to Figaro’s unique electrolyte, the TGS5000 series has achieved a cost effective structure with two electrodes. As a result of production volumes of more than ten million per year and Figaro’s intensive cost reduction efforts, the price of TGS5042 has reached a competitive level against MOS sensors.

In addition, the sensor has the following features which simplify sensor handling, reducing overall cost of using the sensor for end users:
* Direct soldering to pins is possible.
* Wave soldering can be done.
* Individual sensitivity data printed on the sensor body can be used to eliminate the gas calibration procedure.
* Since the sensor is a UL recognized component, end users do not need
to pay a factory inspection fee related to the CO sensor for detectors designed
to meet the UL standard.

For customers who want to simplify detector design, Figaro can offer the ready-to-use module CMM5042 with TGS5042. This module provides analog output voltage proportional to CO concentration. CMM5042 is also capable of detecting sensor trouble.