GSS: Minimising system power consumption

This application note explains how to minimise system power consumption when using a COZIR^®-BLINK CO2 sensor

The CozIR^®-Blink is an ultra-low power NDIR CO2 sensor using state-of-the-art solid-state LED optical technology. The CozIR^®-Blink uniquely allows users to reduce the power consumption of CO2 measurements to unprecedented levels by allowing the sensor to be power cycled, where the sensor is only powered-up for the duration of the measurement, and then powered down again to save power for battery powered or wireless interface applications.

The CozIR-Blink can be configured so power consumption is reduced down to microwatts per measurement. In such cases, it is important to consider not only how the sensor is powered-down, but also potential leakage paths from surrounding circuitry. It is critical to ensure there are no current leakage paths, especially when the CozIR^®-Blink is connected to a shared communications interface like an I2C bus.

The purpose of this application note is to explain how to connect a GSS CozIR®-Blink CO2 sensor to a host controller system and ensure there are no current leakage paths when the sensor is powered-off and not in use.