Developing a Dynamic Gas Sensor Characterization Environment
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Carol Baumbauer, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Gas sensors are widely used across industries for safety, research, and environmental monitoring. These sensors provide crucial information which can be used to improve efficiency and accuracy in every industry where they are used. However, the process of developing and characterizing gas sensors requires reliable control of their operating conditions including oxygen concentration, trace gas concentration, humidity, temperature and pressure. Here we show the methods used to create simulated environments for the gas sensors through the use of a multi-gas mixing and environmental control system. The gas composition is controlled using multiple mass flow controllers (MFCs), which precisely control the flow rates of different gases to produce predetermined gas concentrations and humidity levels. Closed-loop feedback control using humidity and temperature sensors will be used to accurately replicate different testing environments. This control system will provide a flexible and accurate method for gas sensor development and characterization across a wide range of scenarios.
Developing a Dynamic Gas Sensor Characterization Environment
Gas sensors are widely used across industries for safety, research, and environmental monitoring. These sensors provide crucial information which can be used to improve efficiency and accuracy in every industry where they are used. However, the process of developing and characterizing gas sensors requires reliable control of their operating conditions including oxygen concentration, trace gas concentration, humidity, temperature and pressure. Here we show the methods used to create simulated environments for the gas sensors through the use of a multi-gas mixing and environmental control system. The gas composition is controlled using multiple mass flow controllers (MFCs), which precisely control the flow rates of different gases to produce predetermined gas concentrations and humidity levels. Closed-loop feedback control using humidity and temperature sensors will be used to accurately replicate different testing environments. This control system will provide a flexible and accurate method for gas sensor development and characterization across a wide range of scenarios.