MQ-4 Methane and Natural Gas Sensor Module

Features:

• Methane Detection: Designed for detecting methane (CH₄), a major component of natural gas.

• Combustible Gas Sensitivity: Responds to changes in the concentration of methane and certain other combustible gases.

• Semiconductor Sensing Technology: Uses a tin dioxide (SnO₂) sensing element whose electrical resistance changes when exposed to target gases.

• Analog Signal Output: Provides a changing analog signal that can be monitored by a microcontroller or electronic control circuit.

• Digital Output on Compatible Boards: Some modules include a comparator circuit with an adjustable threshold for digital gas detection.

• Arduino Compatibility: Suitable for Arduino and other compatible microcontroller projects when connected with appropriate voltage levels.

• Compact Design: Ideal for embedded electronics, prototyping, and educational experiments.

• Simple Interface: Can be integrated into basic gas-monitoring circuits with suitable signal processing.

Specifications:

• Model: MQ-4

• Product Type: Semiconductor gas sensor module

• Sensing Material: Tin dioxide (SnO₂)

• Primary Target Gas: Methane (CH₄)

• Other Gas Response: May respond to other combustible gases; selectivity depends on operating conditions and sensor characteristics

• Typical Detection Range: 300–10,000 ppm methane, according to the sensor datasheet

• Heater Voltage: 5.0V ± 0.2V AC or DC, depending on the sensor specification

• Circuit Voltage: Typically 5V for common modules; the bare sensor's circuit voltage rating differs from the heater voltage

• Heater Power Consumption: Up to approximately 900mW for some MQ-4 versions

• Output Type: Analog; digital output is available on compatible breakout boards

• Interface: Depends on the module design and onboard circuitry

• Controller Compatibility: Arduino and other compatible development boards

• Package Contents: 1 × MQ-4 gas sensor module

Note: Pin labels, digital-output availability, dimensions, and exact electrical characteristics vary by breakout-board version. The MQ-4 is primarily intended for methane and natural-gas detection; it should not be treated as a dedicated carbon monoxide (CO) sensor.

Applications:

• Natural gas leak detection prototypes

• Methane monitoring projects

• Arduino-based gas detection systems

• Educational electronics and sensor experiments

• Microcontroller-based monitoring systems

• Robotics and automation projects

• Portable gas detector prototypes

• Laboratory demonstrations of gas-sensing technology

• IoT environmental-monitoring projects

• Gas alarm circuit development