Mass Airflow sensors in Medical Devices
Unidirectional Mass airflow sensor
Bidirectional Mass airflow sensor
Wide flow range:
12SLPM, 20SLPM, 35SLPM, 50SLPM, 100SLPM, 150SLPM, 200SLPM, 300SLPM, 500SLPM, 950SLPM
Analog or I2C output.
What Are Mass Airflow Sensors?
Mass airflow sensors are detection devices that are used to measure mass flow rate, and they play a critical role in the function of various medical equipment. Respirators, ventilators, anesthesia equipment, oxygen concentrators, and many other medical devices rely on mass air flow sensors to monitor and control the flow of air, oxygen, and other gasses for various diagnostic and treatment procedures.
How Mass Airflow Sensors Work?
Mass airflow sensors detect the flow of gas, air, and oxygen. This data is converted into measurable signals and transmitted to the system’s computer to monitor flow rate, volume, and other important factors. The exact role of a mass air flow sensor depends on the type of equipment it is used in. Common equipment includes:
Ventilator systems. Mass airflow sensors are used in ventilation systems to monitor the patient’s breathing cycle. The flow of inhaled and exhaled gas is converted into electrical signals, which are transmitted to the processing unit to detect and monitor minute ventilation, inhaled and exhaled tidal volume, and flow rate. This data will help determine any abnormalities.
Anesthesia machines. Mass air flow sensors measure the flow of oxygen, air, and nitrous oxide to create the proper gas composition for the patient. It also detects the concentration of anesthetic gas to ensure that the machine administers a safe and effective amount.
Oxygen machines. Mass air flow sensors are used to monitor and control air flow rate from the oxygen machine.
How it Works?
Mass air flow sensors contain a thermal sensor and a heating source. Once gas begins flowing through the heating source, it transports the heat away, which changes the temperature difference between the heating source and the thermal sensor. This change is used to determine the energy required to maintain the sensor at the same temperature, which is then interpreted into a value. This value is transmitted through a communication interface to calculate flow.
Electrical characteristics |
|||
Test conditions: VIN = 12 ± 0.01 VDC, Ta = 25 ° C. Relative humidity: 40% <relative humidity <60% Maximum operating temperature range -25°C to +85°C |
|||
|
Flow range(1) |
Unit(2) |
Maximum flow rate(m/s) |
S4003V |
0-12 |
SLM |
0.527 |
S4004V |
0-20 |
SLM |
0.877 |
S4005V |
0-35 |
SLM |
1.535 |
S4100V |
0-50 |
SLM |
2.193 |
S4101V |
0-100 |
SLM |
4.387 |
S4102V |
0-150 |
SLM |
6.58 |
S4103V |
0-200 |
SLM |
8.773 |
S4104V |
0-300 |
SLM |
13.16 |
S4105V |
0-500 |
SLM |
35.5 |
|
Specifications |
Minimum |
Default |
Maximum |
Unit |
Supply voltage |
8 |
12 |
24 |
VDC |
Supply current |
30 |
|
20 |
mA |
Analog voltage output (3) |
1 |
|
5 |
VDC |
Zero voltage |
0.95 |
1 |
1.05 |
VDC |
Zero drift |
— |
— |
0.2 |
%F.S |
Resolution (4) |
— |
0.1 |
— |
%F.S |
load |
— |
100 |
— |
KΩ |
Accuracy |
— |
1.5 |
2 |
%F.S |
Response time |
— |
20 |
30 |
mSec |
Overall material |
Silicon carbide, epoxy resin, polyphenylene sulfide, FR4, silicon as a seal |