TFPM02 - Particulate Matter Sensor for ThunderFly TF-ATMON system
The TFPM02 sensor is a modular device for measuring particulate matter concentration in atmospheric research applications, particularly within the TF-ATMON system. It exists in two hardware variants:
- TFPM02A based on the Sensirion SPS30 sensor
- TFPM02B based on the Sensirion SEN5x sensor
Each variant offers distinct advantages and is optimized for different types of measurements.
TFPM02A – SPS30-based variant
This variant is built around the Sensirion SPS30 laser particulate matter sensor. It provides both mass and number concentrations of aerosol particles.
Key Features
- Mass concentration for PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4, PM10: 0 – 1000 μg/m³ (Accuracy ±10%)
- Number concentration for PM0.5, PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4, PM10: 0 – 3000 #/cm³
- Compact and lightweight design suitable for UAV deployment
Note: This variant does not provide ambient temperature or humidity data. For environmental compensation, it is recommended to use it with the TFHT02 sensor.
Connectivity
The modified SPS30 sensor is connected to PX4 autopilot-supported hardware using a ZHR-5 to JST-GH cable. Sensor is then controlled directly by the autopilot firmware and data transmitted via MAVLink.
TFPM02B – SEN55-based variant
The TFPM02B variant integrates the Sensirion SEN55 sensor module. This sensor extends capabilities by including environmental measurements beyond just aerosols.
Key Features
- Mass concentration for PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4, PM10: 0 – 1000 μg/m³ (Accuracy ±10%)
- Temperature: -10 to 50 °C (Accuracy 0.45 °C)
- Humidity: 0 – 90 %RH (Accuracy ±4.5 %RH)
- VOC: 1 – 500 (corresponding to 0 – 1000 ppm ethanol equivalent)
- NOx: 1 – 500 (corresponding to 100 to 300 ppb of NO2)
Note: The SEN55 sensor does not provide number concentration data. If this metric is important for your application, use TFPM02A instead.
Connectivity
The sensor is connected directly to the PX4 autopilot via JST-GH cable over I²C. Output is translated to MAVLink via uOrb messages, enabling logging and real-time transmission to TF-ATMON enabled GCS.
Availability
The ThunderFly TFPM02 sensors (both A and B variants) are commercially available from ThunderFly s.r.o.. Please contact info@thunderfly.cz for inquiries, pricing, or customization.
Demonstration
A typical use-case and demonstration of TFPM02 sensor in flight onboard a TF-G2 autogyro can be viewed in the following video:
