DFRobot has launched the Fermion: BMV080, a compact air quality sensor that measures PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 particles for $30 (€28). The module uses Bosch's BMV080 fanless sensor, which relies on laser-based light scattering instead of mechanical fans to detect particles as small as 0.5 micrometers. This design eliminates fan noise, dust buildup, and mechanical wear while promising a service life of up to 10 years. The sensor measures particulate concentrations from 0 to 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter with 1 microgram per cubic meter resolution and accuracy within 10 micrograms per cubic meter for low concentrations.
The module supports both I2C and SPI interfaces and consumes around 70 milliamps in continuous measurement mode with just 6 microamps in sleep mode, making it suitable for battery-powered applications. It measures 2.4 x 2.0 x 0.4 cm (0.9 x 0.8 x 0.2 inches) and operates between negative 10 and positive 40 degrees Celsius (14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), though Bosch specifies a 15 to 35 degrees Celsius (59 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) range for highest accuracy. The sensor outputs data at 0.97 hertz in continuous mode or at lower rates in duty cycling mode.
The fanless design comes with a significant caveat. Because the BMV080 measures particles in free air without drawing them through a fan, it requires at least 35 cm (13.8 inches) of clear space in front of its roughly 60 degree sensing field. Surfaces closer than that can cause laser reflections that spike the readings, making it unsuitable for compact devices like smartwatches or wall-mounted thermostats. This is a more restrictive placement requirement compared to fan-based sensors like the PMS7003 or SDS011.
DFRobot provides PDF schematics, component diagrams, and 3D STEP files for the module, along with Arduino code samples on GitHub. The repository notes that ESP32 boards work well with the sensor, though it lists Raspberry Pi Pico, Arduino Uno, and BBC Micro:Bit boards in the "work wrong" column at the time of writing. The Fermion: BMV080 is available now from DFRobot's store for $30 (€28).
