Introducing the BMV080: The World’s Smallest Particulate Matter Sensor
- Industrial Representatives Inc.
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Air quality is increasingly becoming a critical global concern. With rising urbanization and industrialization, the challenge of monitoring and improving indoor and outdoor air quality has caught the attention of governments, researchers, and businesses worldwide. At the forefront of innovation in this field is Bosch Sensortec’s BMV080, the world’s smallest particulate matter (PM) sensor. With groundbreaking design and performance, the BMV080 sets a new standard for monitoring air quality in real time.
What is the BMV080?
The BMV080 is an ultra-miniaturized particulate matter sensor designed to revolutionize air quality measurement. Measuring just 4.4 x 3.0 x 3.0 mm³, it is the smallest PM sensor available today. Despite its compact size, it offers exceptional precision, noiseless operation, and maintenance-free usability.
What truly sets the BMV080 apart is its ability to measure PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations in real time. Unlike conventional PM sensors that rely on mechanical fans to guide air through the system, the BMV080 uses a fan-free design, leveraging ambient airflow to measure particulates. This means no dust buildup, no noise, and greater reliability over time.

Key Features and Benefits
Ultra-Compact Size
With dimensions of 4.4 x 3.0 x 3.0 mm³, the BMV080 fits seamlessly into the smallest of devices. Whether you're building a wearable air-quality tracker, a smart thermostat, or a portable air purifier, this sensor offers unprecedented integration capabilities.
Fanless Design
Traditional PM sensors rely on mechanical fans, which are prone to dust accumulation and wear over time. The BMV080 eliminates this with its innovative fanless architecture. The result? A noiseless, maintenance-free device that enhances durability.
Unmatched Measurement Precision
The BMV080 provides accurate readings across a wide range of particulate concentrations:
PM2.5 Measurement Range: 0–1000 µg/m³
Precision:
·
±10 µg/m³ for concentrations between 0–100 µg/m³
±10% of measured values for concentrations between 101–1000 µg/m³
This precision ensures that businesses can rely on actionable data to monitor and optimize air quality effectively.
Maintenance-Free and Reliable Operation
Dust accumulation within traditional sensors often leads to degradation in accuracy over time. The BMV080’s fanless design, coupled with robust laser technology, prevents dust buildup, ensuring consistent performance without the need for regular maintenance.
Low Power Consumption
Designed for IoT applications, the BMV080 boasts efficient power usage, with an average current of less than 68mA during operation. It also offers customizable measurement modes, such as duty cycling, to further optimize energy consumption for battery-operated devices.
BMV080 Target Applications
The BMV080’s compact size and powerful performance make it ideal for use in a variety of applications, including:
Air Quality Monitors
Track PM levels in real time for better decision-making in indoor environments.
Smart Thermostats
Integrate air quality sensing to manage indoor ventilation and heating systems more effectively.
HVAC Systems and Air Purifiers
Automate air cleaning processes by activating filters or exhaust systems when air quality deteriorates.
Wearables
Measure local air quality on-the-go, enabling users to monitor pollution levels in real time.
Cooking and Fireplaces
Detect and respond to particulate emissions during cooking or when using wood-burning fireplaces, ensuring a safer indoor environment.
Public Spaces
Devices such as wearables or localized air quality monitors in subway stations can alert individuals about when to wear a mask for health protection.
The flexibility of the BMV080 allows it to seamlessly integrate into compact IoT devices, enabling smarter solutions across industries.
BMV080 Technical Specifications
The BMV080 delivers excellent performance, as demonstrated by its robust technical specifications:
Dimensions: 4.4 x 3.0 x 20 mm³ (including connector)
PM2.5 Measurement Range: 0–1000 µg/m³
PM2.5 Output Resolution: 1 µg/m³
Laser Class: IEC 60825-1 Class 1
Sensor Weight: 0.092 g
Supported Interfaces: SPI, I²C
Power Usage:
Active Mode: <68 mA
Sleep Mode: <30 µA
This small but powerful sensor opens up endless design possibilities, even in previously inaccessible form factors.
Why Is Air Quality Monitoring Critical?
Air pollution poses significant risks to public health and safety. Breathing particulate matter, particularly PM2.5 or smaller, has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as reduced life expectancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maintaining annual PM2.5 concentrations below 5 µg/m³, but many urban areas far exceed these guidelines.
Monitoring air quality is no longer a luxury but a necessity for enabling healthier living environments. High-quality, localized data provided by sensors like the BMV080 empowers users to make smarter decisions to reduce exposure and mitigate risks in real-time.
How the BMV080 Stands Out
What makes the BMV080 the top choice for air quality monitoring?
450x Smaller in Volume
The BMV080 is over 450 times smaller than comparable PM sensors, making it the most compact solution in its class.
Fanless Free-Space Measurement
Its innovative design measures particulate matter naturally through ambient airflow, free of obstructions and mechanical fans.
Award-Winning Innovation
The BMV080 earned the prestigious Best in Show Award at the Embedded World Event 2023, recognizing its groundbreaking design in the sensors category.
Precise PM Detection
Accurate readings across PM size ranges, paired with high resolution, allow for actionable insights tailored to the end-user’s specific monitoring needs.
Recognized Excellence
The BMV080 is already making waves in the electronics and IoT industries. It has been integrated into next-gen devices like the PurpleAir PIXEL, which leverages its capabilities to deliver real-time PM2.5 readings in an easy-to-use, silent format.
Industry experts have praised the BMV080 for its innovative features. Adran Dybward, Founder and CEO of PurpleAir Inc., shared his thoughts on its impact, noting, "The BMV080 is revolutionary due to its ultra-small size and completely silent operation. It’s enabling groundbreaking products that extend the reach of air quality monitoring solutions."
Take the Lead in Air Quality Innovation
Whether you're designing cutting-edge IoT devices, redefining HVAC systems, or creating wearable air quality solutions, the BMV080 is the ultimate tool to bring your vision to life. By combining precision, compact size, and reliability, Bosch Sensortec’s latest innovation ensures actionable insights that can drive healthier decisions and environments.
Don’t just monitor air quality; revolutionize it.
Learn More About the Bosch Sensortec BMV080:
Or contact us at engage@irirep.com
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