TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

Technical Information for Combination Methane and

an ISO9001 company
Carbon Monoxide Sensors
The Figaro TGS3870 sensor is a
new small bead-type metal oxide
semiconductor. The sensor’s
miniature size and cyclic heater
operation enable its single
sensing element to be highly
selective to both carbon
monoxide and methane and to
show low power consumption.

Specifications Page
Features..................................................................................................2
Applications...............................................................................................2
Structure...........................................................................................2
Specifications.............................................................................................3
Standard Test Conditions........................................................................3
Dimensions...................................................................................................3
Basic Sensitivity Characteristics
Sensitivity to Various Gases............................................................4
Temperature Dependency..................................................................5
Humidity Dependency...................................................................6
Long-Term Stability...............................................................................7
Reliability
False Alarm Test................................................................................................8
Influence of Silicone Gas...............................................................................9
Corrosion Test...............................................................................................10
Variable Ambient Temperature Test............................................................11
Temperature Cycle Test.................................................................................12

See also Technical Brochure “Technical Information on Usage of TGS Gas Sensors
for Explosive/Toxic Gas Alarming”.

IMPORTANT NOTE: OPERATING CONDITIONS IN WHICH FIGARO SENSORS ARE USED WILL VARY
WITH EACH CUSTOMER’S SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS. FIGARO STRONGLY RECOMMENDS
CONSULTING OUR TECHNICAL STAFF BEFORE DEPLOYING FIGARO SENSORS IN YOUR APPLICATION
AND, IN PARTICULAR, WHEN CUSTOMER’S TARGET GASES ARE NOT LISTED HEREIN. FIGARO
CANNOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY USE OF ITS SENSORS IN A PRODUCT OR
APPLICATION FOR WHICH SENSOR HAS NOT BEEN SPECIFICALLY TESTED BY FIGARO.

TGS38700 is a UL recognized component in accordance with the

requirements of UL2075. Please note that component recognition testing
has confirmed long term stability in 60ppm of methane and 15ppm of carbon
monoxide; other characteristics shown in this brochure have not been
confirmed by UL as part of component recognition.

Revised 12/01 1
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

1. Specifications Stainless steel gauze

Charcoal filter
1-1 Features

* Miniature size and low power consumption Lead wire

* High sensitivity and selectivity to both methane Heater coil
and carbon monoxide (CO)
* Low sensitivity to alcohol vapor
* Long life and low cost

1-2 Applications

* Combination methane and CO detectors Sensing

Element
1-3 Structure Base
Overhead view
of sensor base
Figure 1 shows the structure of TGS3870. A heater
coil and an electrode are embedded in a small bead
Lead pin
of SnO2 sensing material. The heater is connected to
pin Nos. 1 and 3 while the electrode is connected to Figure 1 - Sensor structure
pin No. 2. Both the heater and the electrode are
composed of Pt wire and are spot welded to sensor plated steel. The upper opening in the cap is covered
pins (made of Ni-Fe 42% alloy). with a double layer of 100-mesh stainless steel gauze
(SUS316) and the sensor cap also has an activated
The sensor base is made of PBT (poly butylene charcoal filter for reducing the influence of
terephthalate), and the sensor cap is made of nickel- interference gases.

(1 cycle = 20 sec.)
(Operating 5 sec. 5 sec.
conditions) 15 sec. 15 sec.

VH .9V

.2V
0V

10 ms 10 ms 10 ms 10 ms 10 ms
Vc 5V
5 ms 5 ms 5 ms
5 ms 5 ms

0V

(Microprocessor
ports)

RL-CH4 H

RL-CO H

VRL CH4-IN
CO-IN

Figure 2 - Timing chart

Revised 12/01 2
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

1-4 Specifications 1-6 Dimensions

Model number TGS 3870

Sensing element type Micro-bead

Plastic base and
Standard package
metal can
Top View
Target gases Methane and Carbon Monoxide
Methane - 500~12500 ppm
Typical detection range
Carbon monoxide - 30~1000ppm
VHH = 0.9±0.02V, 5 sec.
Heater Voltage VH
VHL = 0.2±0.02V, 15 sec.
Standard circuit
Circuit voltage VC 5.0±0.2V DC pulse
conditions (refer to timing chart in Fig. 2)
φ9.2 ± 0.2
Load resistance RL Variable (>0.75kΩ)

Heater resistance RH 3±0.3Ω at room temp.

φ8.1 ± 0.2
120mW VHH = 5.0V DC
Heater power
PH
consumption 11mW VHL = 0.2V DC
Electrical
38mW average
characteristics
under standard test 0.35~3.5kΩ in 3000ppm methane
conditions Sensor resistance Rs
4~40kΩ in 100ppm CO

13.0 ± 0.5
Rs CH4 3000ppm
0.50~0.65
Sensitivity β
Rs CH4 1000ppm Side View
(Change ratio of Rs) Rs CO 300ppm
0.12~0.36
Rs CO 100ppm

Target gas in air

Test gas conditions
at 20±2˚C, 65±5%RH
VHH = 0.9±0.01V, 5 sec.
Standard test
Circuit conditions VHL = 0.2±0.01V, 15 sec.
conditions VC = 5.0±0.02V DC pulse
(refer to timing chart in Fig. 2)

5.0 ± 0.5
Conditioning period
≥5 days
before test

NOTE: Caution should be exercised in the selection of the 0.8 ± 0.1

load resistor (RL) to ensure that power consumption (Ps)
does not exceed 15mW. 2.54 ± 0.2

Ps = (Vc - VRL)2/Rs
Ps reaches max. value when: RL = Rs
Bottom 0.25 ± 0.05
1-5 Test conditions
View 1 2 3
Standard test conditions for all data shown in this
brochure were as follows:
Preheating of sensor: 5 days unit:mm
VH (H/L): 0.9V/0.2V (see timing chart, Fig. 2) Pin connection:
VC: 5.0V pulse (see timing chart, Fig. 2) 1:Heater (-)
2:Electrode
3:Heater (+)
All sensor characteristics shown in this
brochure represent typical characteristics. Figure 3 - Dimensions
Actual characteristics vary from sensor to
sensor and from production lot to production
lot. The only characteristics warranted are those
shown in the Specification table above.

Revised 12/01 3
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

2. Basic Sensitivity Characteristics 100

Methane
Hydrogen
CO
2-1 Sensitivity to various gases Air

Figures 4a and 4b show the sensor’s relative

sensitivity to various gases. Figure 4a shows the 10
characteristics for methane sensing, while Figure 4b

Rs/Ro
shows the characteristics for sensing of CO. The Y-
axis for each figure shows the ratio of sensor
1
resistance in various gases (Rs) to the sensor
resistance in 3000ppm of methane (Fig. 4a) and in
100ppm of CO (Fig. 4b).

As shown by Figure 4a, TGS3870 shows very good 0.1

10 100 1000 10000
sensitivity to methane and good selectivity when
Gas concentration (ppm)
compared with hydrogen.
Figure 4a - Sensitivity to various gases for methane sensing
Excellent sensitivity to CO is shown in Figure 4b as (Ro = Rs in 3000ppm of CH4)

evidenced by the sharp drop in sensor resistance as

CO concentration increases. Selectivity is also quite 1000 Methane
Hydrogen
good. In comparison to CO, sensitivity to hydrogen CO
Air
is very low as indicated by the extremely high
100
concentrations of hydrogen required to approximate
very low CO levels. Cross-sensitivity to methane is
very low according to its high resistance values.
Rs/Ro

10

0.1
10 100 1000 10000 100000
Gas concentration (ppm)

Figure 4b - Sensitivity to various gases for CO sensing

(Ro = Rs in 100ppm of CO)

Revised 12/01 4
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

2-2 Temperature dependency 10

Methane 1000ppm
Methane 3000ppm
Figures 5a and 5b show the temperature dependency Methane 9000ppm
of TGS3870. The Y-axis shows the ratio of sensor
resistance for gas concentrations under various 65% RH

atmospheric conditions (Rs) to the sensor resistance

Rs/Ro
1
at 20˚C and 65%RH (Ro) for 3000ppm of methane
(Fig. 5a) and for 100ppm of CO (Fig. 5b).

An inexpensive way to compensate for temperature

dependency would be to incorporate a thermistor in
0.1
the detection circuit. Separate compensation circuits -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Temperature (˚C)
should be prepared for CO and methane sensing.
Figure 5a - Temperature dependency for methane sensing
(Ro = Rs in 3000ppm of CH4 at 20˚C/65%RH)

10000
CO 30ppm
CO 100ppm
CO 300ppm
1000 CO 900ppm

100
Rs/Ro

10
65% RH

0.1

0.01
-20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Temperature (˚C)

Figure 5b - Temperature dependency for CO sensing

(Ro = Rs in 100ppm of CO at 20˚C/65%RH)

Revised 12/01 5
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

2-3 Humidity dependency 10

Methane 1000ppm
Methane 3000ppm
Methane 9000ppm
Figures 6a and 6b show the humidity dependency of
TGS3870. The Y-axis shows the ratio of sensor
resistance for gas concentrations under various

Rs/Ro
1
atmospheric conditions (Rs) to the sensor resistance
at 20˚C and 65%RH (Ro) for 3000ppm of methane
(Fig. 6a) and for 100ppm of CO (Fig. 6b). 20˚C

0.1
0 20 40 60 80 100
Humidity (%RH)

Figure 6a - Humiditydependency for methane sensing

(Ro = Rs in 3000ppm of CH4 at 20˚C/65%RH)

10
CO 100ppm
CO 300ppm
CO 900ppm

1
Rs/Ro

0.1

20˚C

0.01
0 20 40 60 80 100
Humidity (%RH)

Figure 6b - Humidity dependency for CO sensing

(Ro = Rs in 100ppm of CO at 20˚C/65%RH)

Revised 12/01 6
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

2-4 Long-term stability 100

Air
Methane 1000ppm
Figures 7a and 7b show long-term stability data for Methane 3000ppm
Methane 9000ppm
TGS3870. Test samples were energized in normal
air and under standard circuit conditions (see p.3). 10

Measurement for confirming sensor characteristics

Rs/Ro
was conducted under standard test conditions (20˚C,
65%RH). The initial value was measured after two 1
days of energizing in normal air at standard test
conditions (see p.3). The Y-axis shows the ratio
between measured sensor resistance and the initial 0.1
(Day 0) resistance value in 3000ppm of methane (Fig. 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Time (days)
7a) and in 100ppm of CO (Fig. 7b).
Figure 7a - Long term stability for methane sensing
(Ro = Rs in 3000ppm of CH4 at Day=0)
The characteristcis for both CO and methane sensing
are very stable for more than 650 days. 10 CO 100ppm
CO 300ppm
CO 900ppm

1
Rs/Ro

0.1

0.01
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Time (days)

Figure 7b - Long term stability for CO sensing

(Ro = Rs in 100ppm of CO at Day=0)

Revised 12/01 7
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

3. Reliability 10
Methane 1000ppm
Methane 3000ppm
3-1 False alarming test Methane 9000ppm
test

To demonstrate the sensor’s behavior under

continuous low level exposure to CO, samples were

Rs/Ro
1
tested according to the procedure detailed in UL2034,
Sec. 41.1(c)-Stability Test. Test samples were exposed
to 30ppm of CO continuously for 30 days under
standard circuit conditions. As this data shows, no
significant change can be seen in CO and methane 0.1
sensing characteristics as a result of continuous low 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Time (days)
level exposure to CO.
Figure 8a - Effects of exposure to 30ppm CO for 30 days
(Ro= Rs in 3000ppm methane prior to CO exposure)

10
CO 100ppm
CO 300ppm
CO 900ppm
test

1
Rs/Ro

0.1

0.01
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Time (days)

Figure 8b - Effects of exposure to 30ppm CO for 30 days

(Ro= Rs in 100ppm CO prior to CO exposure)

Revised 12/01 8
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

3-2 Influence of silicone gas 10

Methane 1000ppm
Methane 3000ppm
Figures 9a and 9b show the behavior of sensor Methane 9000ppm
1 hour in 10ppm HMDS

resistance (Rs) when the sensor is exposed to 10ppm

of hexamethyldisilioxane (HMDS) gas. (The test
1 hour after HMDS exposure

Rs/Ro
concentration was selected by referencing Item 5.3.13 of 1
European Standard EN50194.)

Sensor resistance was measured prior to HMDS

exposure (Ro), after which energized sensors were
placed into an environment of 20˚C and 65%RH. In 0.1
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
this environment, sensors were exposed to 10ppm Temperature (˚C)
HMDS for a period of 1 hour. After this exposure,
sensors were returned to normal air and
Figure 9a - Influence of silicone gas exposure on
measurements in the listed gases were taken. methane sensing
(Ro=Rs in 3000ppm methane prior to HMDS exposure)
As this data shows, TGS3870 possesses durability to 10
CO 100ppm
HMDS exposure. CO 300ppm
CO 900ppm
1 hour in 10ppm HMDS

1 hour after HMDS exposure

Rs/Ro

0.1

0.01
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Time (days)

Figure 9b - Influence of silicone gas exposure on

CO sensing
(Ro=Rs in 100ppm CO prior to HMDS exposure)

Revised 12/01 9
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

3-3 Corrosion test 10

Methane 1000ppm
Methane 3000ppm
Methane 9000ppm
To demonstrate the durability of TGS3870 against
corrosion, samples were subjected to test conditions
called for by UL2034, Sec. 57-Corrosion Test. Over a

Rs/Ro
1
three week period, a mixture of H2S 100ppb, Cl2
20ppb, and NO2 200ppb was supplied to the sensor
at a rate sufficient to achieve an air exchange of 5
1 hour after test
times per hour. Measurements in the listed gases test

were taken one hour after sensors were temporarily

0.1
removed from the test mixture and returned to 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Temperature (˚C)
normal air.
Figure 10a - Corrosion durability for methane sensing
(Ro = Rs in 3000ppm of CH4 prior to test)
No significant effects can be seen on the CO sensing
characteristics of the sensor during and after this test,
while methane sensing characteristics were 10
CO 100ppm
CO 300ppm
unaffected by this test. CO 900ppm

1
Rs/Ro

1 hour after test

0.1

test

0.01
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Time (days)

Figure 10b - Corrosion durability for CO sensing

(Ro = Rs in 100ppm of CO prior to test)

Revised 12/01 10
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

3-4 Variable ambient temperature test 10

Methane 1000ppm
Methane 3000ppm
Methane 9000ppm
test
To show the ability of TGS3870 to withstand the
effects of high and low temperatures representative
of shipping and storage, the sensor was subjected to

Rs/Ro
1
the conditions of UL2034 Sec. 44.2-Effect of Shipping
and Storage. Unenergized test samples were
subjected to 70˚C for 24 hours, allowed to cool in 3 hours after test
room temperature for 1 hour, subjected to -40˚C for 3
hours, and then allowed to warm up to room
0.1
temperature for 3 hours. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Temperature (˚C)

No significant effects can be seen on the CO sensing

Figure 11a - Effects of variable ambient temperature test on
characteristics of the sensor during and after this test, methane sensing
(Ro = Rs in 3000ppm of CH4 at Day=0)
while methane sensing characteristics were
unaffected by this test.
10
CO 100ppm
CO 300ppm
CO 900ppm
test

1
Rs/Ro

3 hours after test

0.1

0.01
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Time (days)

Figure 11b - Effects of variable ambient temperature test on

CO sensing
(Ro = Rs in 100ppm of CO at Day=0)

Revised 12/01 11
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

3-5 Temperature cycle test 10

Methane 1000ppm
Methane 3000ppm
Methane 9000ppm
In accordance with UL2034, Sec. 41.1(e)-Stability Test, test

test samples were exposed to ten cycles (<1 hour and

> 15 minutes) of temperature from 0˚C and 100%RH

Rs/Ro
to 49˚C and 40%RH. As the two test measurements 1

taken 8 hours after the conclusion of the test period

demonstrate, sensors subjected to this test show
8 hours after test
negligible influence on CO and methane sensing by
temperature extremes.
0.1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time (days)

Figure 12a - Temperature cycle test effects on methane sensing

(Ro = Rs in 3000ppm of CH4 at Day=0)

10
CO 100ppm
CO 300ppm
CO 900ppm
test

1
Rs/Ro

8 hours after test

0.1

0.01
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time (days)

Figure 12b - Temperature cycle test effects on CO sensing

(Ro = Rs in 100ppm of CO at Day=0)

Revised 12/01 12
 TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR TGS3870

Figaro USA Inc. and the manufacturer, Figaro

Engineering Inc. (together referred to as Figaro)
reserve the right to make changes without notice to
any products herein to improve reliability,
functioning or design. Information contained in this
document is believed to be reliable. However, Figaro
does not assume any liability arising out of the
application or use of any product or circuit described
herein; neither does it convey any license under its
patent rights, nor the rights of others.

Figaro's products are not authorized for use as critical

components in life support applications wherein a
failure or malfunction of the products may result in
injury or threat to life.

FIGARO GROUP

HEAD OFFICE OVERSEAS

Figaro Engineering Inc.
1-5-11 Senba-nishi
Mino, Osaka 562-8505 JAPAN
Tel.: (81) 727-28-2561
Fax: (81) 727-28-0467
email: figaro@figaro.co.jp
Figaro USA Inc.
3703 West Lake Ave. Suite 203
Glenview, IL 60025 USA
Tel.: (1) 847-832-1701
Fax.: (1) 847-832-1705
email: figarousa@figarosensor.com

Revised 12/01 13