We present results on research and development of catalytic sensors fabricated by planar technology
on anodic alumina membranes. A method to detect methane was developed which prevents humidity
from affecting the sensor performance and, at the same time, reduces energy consumption. The method,
based on step heating the sensor during measurements, enables the power consumption of the sensor to
decrease from 35 mW typical of the conventional measurement method to 1.2 mW. As a result, a wireless
sensor node equipped with a planar sensor and powered by three AA batteries could operate for about
one year.