BME688 gas sensing resolution of single compared to parallel units

[kdewaele]

Hello,

I need a VOC sensing solution to differentiate biological samples based on VOC composition. Is the resolution of a single BMD688 unit, when using different sequential heater profiles (each of which I assume tunes sensitivity to different VOCs?) equivalent to that of eight parallel BMD688 units as on the development board? If so, how fast can heater profiles be changed in sequence, for probing the spectrum of VOCs present in samples?

Many thanks!

[andyfrankseo]

The BME688 can differentiate VOCs using sequential heater profiles, adjusting sensitivity to various gases. A single BME688 with sequential profiles won't match the simultaneous resolution of eight parallel units like on the development board, which can operate multiple profiles at once.

Heater profiles can switch in milliseconds, but a full measurement cycle typically takes 3 to 300 seconds. If real-time, high-resolution VOC differentiation is needed, multiple units in parallel provide better performance than one unit switching profiles sequentially........