This week’s EYE ON NPI (video) is super FRESH – it’s a Murata MHM Series Ionizer Module. These all-in-one modules take 12V DC in and generate a stream of ions from a high voltage dongle that hangs off of the end.

Using unique high-voltage technology and structural design, Murata’s MHM series ionizer modules achieve a smaller size and higher efficiency than conventional ionizers. This higher efficiency design allows the ionizer module to generate a class-leading level of 20 million ions typical (pcs per cc).

Additionally, Murata commissioned Nara Medical University to research the effectiveness of ozone gas generated by Murata’s ionizer module in inactivating the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The ozone gas generated by the product was proven to be effective in inactivating the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

The module comprises of an ion generator connected to a drive power supply, allowing easy incorporation inside equipment. Without changing the amount of ions, the generation of ozone can be controlled to optimum levels for specific applications such as air purification, static elimination, deodorization, and sterilization in a variety of end equipment.

There are three versions of the MHM:

• The MHM305 is ideal for air cleaning, static elimination and skin moisture keeping applications. It generates 5Mpcs/cc negative ions and 0.15 mg/h of ozone.
• The MHM306 is ideal for air cleaning, sterilization and deodorization applications. It generates 5Mpcs/cc negative ions and 0.6 mg/h of ozone.
• The MHM400 is ideal for air cleaning, sterilization and deodorization applications. It generates 5Mpcs/cc positive ions and 0.15 mg/h of ozone

Note that basically you can choose different amounts of ozone and negative or positive ions, and that affects what the module best for (although all seem to be suitable for air cleaning). What’s great about these is how integrated they are. Really all you need to do is pop 12V on the end and it starts working immediately – all the high voltage parts are taken care of for you.

We were interested to see a press release by Murata about some tests they did to see if their ozonizer/ionizers were able to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. While these are in a lab only, so may not fully apply to an everyday use case, these modules could also be very useful for scientific experimentation or product development dealing with Coronaviruses. The pricing is also really good, about $25 in volume!

While we were on the Murata site we found some other cool things you may want to check out. First up, their corporate history is a manga and it’s a fun read and very well drawn. A riveting and inspiring story about ceramic capacitors!

After you’re done with that, check out the webpage for Murataboy, a sensor-filled robot that can ride a bicycle and even balance while stopped, thanks to a well-tuned PID feedback loop with a gyro and flywheel.

There’s also a uni-cycling Muratagirl. I’ve always loved how companies can have a robotics innovation department that’s “robot friend” not “robot enemy”.

OK but back to these ionizers! MHM305, MHM306, and MHM400 are all in stock now and shipping same day from Digi-Key. Check which version you need, and then simply plug in a cable with a JST XAP-03V-1 on the end to power and monitor. You’ll be feeling fresh the very next day!

See on Digi-Key at https://www.digikey.com/short/433fp7

Twitter https://twitter.com/murata_na

Manufacturer’s video: