Processor board assemblies for air-quality monitors
Air-monitor electronics — sensor channels, board revision and firmware delivery
An air-quality monitor’s processor board connects the sensing modules to the instrument’s sampling, display and communication functions. A useful assembly specification follows each sensor channel through the board and identifies the firmware that turns its data into the reported result.
Populated processor and control-board assemblies integrated into air-quality monitors, including their sensor interconnections and programmed firmware. The complete instrument is covered on Air Quality Monitor; generic PCB assembly manufacturing and standalone processor ICs have different procurement boundaries. The examples below illustrate separate board architectures.
Air-monitor electronics assembly illustrating the processor board and sensor connections; the actual board revision, firmware and channel definitions determine the supplied assembly
Follow the sensor signal through acquisition and processing
TI’s archived TIDM-AIRQUALITYSENSOR design connects a Sharp particulate sensor to the MSP430FR4133 ADC, while its HDC1000 temperature/humidity sensor communicates over I²C. Timers coordinate sensor sampling and fan operation, and the processor drives a segment LCD. These paths are specific to that reference design. [1]
For a different architecture, the reviewed AirGradient firmware initialises the indoor board’s humidity and gas-sensor interfaces through Wire, with the Senseair and particulate-sensor paths using serial objects. Its CO₂ update checks validity before storing the reading. Treat these as implementation examples, rather than assuming every sensor channel is converted by the board’s ADC. [3]
Make a channel schedule from the installed sensor part numbers. Identify the electrical signal or digital protocol, connector pins, power requirement, sampling sequence and meaning of the returned data. Keep sensor-internal processing distinct from corrections and calculations performed by the board firmware.
Request a traceable demonstration of each supported channel on the proposed assembly. Include a disconnected sensor and recovery to service, then compare the displayed and transmitted fields with the recorded channel definitions.
Channel boundary
Information needed for the board specification
Sensor to processor
Exact sensor revision, analogue range or digital transaction, supply and signal levels, harness pinout and connector orientation.
Acquisition to measurement record
Sampling trigger, readiness/error indication, units, timestamp and any raw-versus-corrected data fields.
Measurement record to display/network
Displayed quantity, averaging or correction settings, output format and handling of missing or invalid measurements.
02
Specify the board, programmed image and fitted sensor set together
AirGradient’s current assembly guide identifies the ONE PCB version and fitted sensor-module positions. It warns that confusing the similar-looking humidity and gas modules can leave the device operating while producing inaccurate readings. Record the board revision, module identity and orientation when ordering a replacement. [2]
The pinned AirGradient source selects board identity using hardware identity, display detection or persisted model information, then initialises the matching board. Its setup also loads configuration and reports the firmware version. Request the corresponding build identifier and configuration backup with the programmed assembly. [3]
State whether the quotation covers a bare fabricated PCB, a populated board or a programmed and checked assembly. For fabrication, provide the stack-up, copper and solder-mask specification, outline, mounting holes and fabrication outputs. For an assembly, add the controlled component list, placement data, connector mating parts and inspection requirements.
TI’s reference board separates its processor and particulate-sensor supply rails and provides debug/serial expansion headers. Its power-input envelope belongs to the complete design, rather than to the microcontroller supply alone. Use the actual board’s power drawing and connector specification for integration. [1]
For the named ONE kit, AirGradient specifies a 5 V, 2 A power adapter and notes that an inadequate supply can cause display or sensor problems. That adapter requirement belongs to the kit; establish the rail budget, start-up demand and cable requirement of the particular processor-board assembly. [2]
Include the stored sensor corrections and their provenance in the handover. AirGradient’s guide asks users to retain the particulate module’s serial identification for its batch corrections. Obtain the correction scheme applicable to the supplied sensor and firmware combination. [2]
Complete the mechanical definition with the fitted component heights, sensor airflow clearances, display opening and harness route. Specify environmental protection for the finished enclosure separately from the exposed PCB, and require the actual assembly’s operating limits and verification records.
03
Air-monitor processor assembly and firmware delivery record
Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.
Installed instrument: [monitor model, board revision, assembly photos and service/replacement purpose]
Sensor schedule: [sensor part/revision, signal type, connector/pin map, power and reported quantity]
Processor resources: [target processor, peripheral assignments, memory budget and build/tool release]
Board package: [bare PCB/populated/programmed scope, stack-up, copper, mask, outline and mounting]
System connections: [input supply/rails, start-up budget, display, network, harnesses and airflow clearances]
Firmware handover: [build identifier, configuration, sensor correction records, programming/debug access and recovery procedure]
Acceptance record: [channel readings/error states, display/network fields, assembly inspection and environmental boundary]
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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team.
Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review
· Page last updated 23 October 2026
Buyer questions
Must every sensor use the processor’s ADC?
Follow the actual channel architecture. TI’s reference uses an analogue particulate path and digital humidity interface; the reviewed AirGradient source also uses digital sensor connections. [1][3]
Can the board identity and configuration affect a replacement?
Yes. The reviewed AirGradient source chooses the board type and loads configuration before initialising its functions. Preserve the matching firmware and configuration with the assembly. [3]
Why record the fitted particulate module as well as the PCB?
AirGradient’s assembly guide uses the module serial identity for batch corrections. Record the sensor and applicable correction information with the supplied board. [2]
Sources and evidence scope
Sources checked 2026-10-23T19:55:18+08:00. TI’s TIDUB68A is a February 2016 reference architecture. AirGradient’s current assembly instructions and source code provide a separate modern example. The source inspection is pinned to a repository commit; it is evidence of implementation structure, not a hardware or firmware test.
