After a series or many meetings during the first months of the year, the IEEE working group developing the IEEE P2520.1 draft has reached its final stage of development, bringing the baseline standard for machine olfaction devices and systems closer to completion. This draft defines a common testing framework for these devices, with the goal of measuring their performance in differentiation, recognition, and quantification tasks.

   The new IEEE standard P2520.1 is designed to provide a baseline performance standard that can be applied across a wide range of machine olfaction technologies. The document makes clear that it is intended as a foundation for the broader P2520 series, allowing more application-specific standards to build on top of a shared testing structure. Mr. James Covington, convenor of this initiative, recently talked about this new standard in the 24h-MOM.

   VDI/VDE 3518 Part 4 is a new technical guideline that defines standardized test procedures and test-gas mixtures for VOC detectors used in indoor air quality (IAQ) measurements. Titled "Multigas sensors – Standardized test instructions and test gases for VOC detectors for indoor air quality measurement" it was published in April 2025 under ICS 71.040.40. This 42-page guideline aims to ensure that VOC-detector measurements are comparable and reproducible across different sensor technologies and manufacturers.

   The guideline is primarily aimed at manufacturers of VOC detectors and multi-gas sensors, testing laboratories, certification bodies, and experts in indoor air hygiene and building services engineering. It provides a framework for evaluating sensor performance, including sensitivity, selectivity, response time, and long-term stability. By defining standardized environmental conditions, gas mixture compositions, and test sequences, VDI/VDE 3518 Part 4 establishes a methodology designed to enable more reliable assessments of indoor air quality. Does it succeed? Read on to find out.