BSI - Model Q and M-Series - Single-Channel Sensors
From Single-Channel Rediometers
Biospherical Instruments offers a variety of small, single-channel radiometers for use in the laboratory; deployment with profilers, CTDs, gliders, floats, and meteorological stations; use in aquaculture and biofuel plants; and for many other marine or terrestrial applications. The instruments are available in a large number of configurations with respect to spectral response, directional response, depth rating, signal output, packaging, cabling, and accessories.
Details:
Our Q-Series instruments measure Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR). Monochromatic instruments (M-Series) measure radiation in a narrow wavelength band, which can be selected from over 25 wavelengths in the UV and visible. Measurement geometries include cosine irradiance,scalar irradiance, and radiance. Depending on the model, measurements are outputted as either a digital data stream, or as 'linear analog' or 'logarithmic analog' signals.
A variety of our sensors have been interfaced with Sea-Bird CTD and data logging systems including the QSP, QCP, QSR, and QCR. Please consult Sea-Bird for the proper sensor selection.
Featured Sensor
BSI has recently introduced a new class of single-channel sensors for laboratory applications, called theAdvanced Multi-purpOse Usb Radiometer (AMOUR). In contrast to Q- and M-Series sensors discussed on this page, the AMOUR sensor is based on microradiometer technology, and features a dynamic range of more than 10 orders of magnitude and a high-speed USB interface. The instrument is very versatile as the user can select different front-optics (e.g., scalar irradiance, cosine irradiance, radiance, and SMA fiber interface).
Selection Guide for Single-Channel SensorsOverview
Q- and M-Series single-channel sensors are available in a large number of configurations. The following matrix provides an overview of the most commonly available combinations of features, and the associated model numbers. Models are identified by a three‐letter code followed by a four‐digit number. The different options are explained in detail below the matrix.
Spectral Response, Collector, and Depth Options
- Spectral response: Two options (“Q” and “M”) are available: PAR or Monochromatic. All sensors are calibrated using standards of spectral irradiance that are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- PAR sensors measure Photosynthetically Available (or Active) Radiation. Sensors are equipped with a proprietary combination of multilayer interference filters and absorbing glasses to achieve a near-constant quantum response between 400 and 700 nm.
- Monochromatic sensors employ a narrow‐band multi-cavity interference filter with a bandwidth of approximately 10 nm. Additional absorbing glass filters are used to further reduce out-of-band response.
- The spectral response is encoded in the first letter of the model designator, which is “Q” for PAR sensors (short for quantum response) and “M” for monochromatic sensors.
- Collector: Sensors can be equipped with three different collector types to measure either scalar irradiance, cosine irradiance, or radiance.
- Scalar irradiance collectors are insensitive to the direction of the incident radiation. The solid angle of acceptance is close to 4π (pi) steradians.
- The sensitivity of cosine irradiance sensors varies with the cosine of the angle between the incident radiation and the normal vector of the collector.
- Radiance sensors have a field of view of typically 10°.
- The collector geometry is encoded in the second letter of the model designator, which is “S”, “C”, or “R”, for scalar irradiance, cosine irradiance, and radiance, respectively.
- Environment / Depth: The third letter of the model designator is either “P”, “L”, or “R” and indicates the environment of operation. “P” specifies profiling underwater sensors used for continuous immersion. Maximum depths are 2,000 m, 6,800 m and 10,000 m, depending on model. The letter “L” is used for laboratory sensors, and “R” indicates reference above-water radiometers.
Output Options
Most sensors are available as analog and digital output models. The four‐digit number following the three-letter model designator indicates the electrical interface of the sensor:
- Digital binary output (2100 series): a 24 bit analog-to-digital converter provides a binary output at a fixed sampling rate of approximately 4 Hz. Sensors are designed for use with “Logger 2100” software, which provides real-time display and data logging on a PC.
- Digital ASCII output (2150 series): the sensor uses a 24 bit analog-to-digital converter with low noise and excellent stability. Sampling rates range from 250 Hz to 1 sample average per hour. Output is provided as a calibrated ASCII text data stream with optional inclusion of sensor temperature. Sensor is designed for use with “Logger 2150” software but the data format is also ideally suited for integration with third-party software, for example, in multi-parameter monitoring systems.
- Linear-analog output (2200 series): the sensor features a high-quality, low-drift, electrometer-grade amplifier. Output is voltage (0‐5 V). A 16 bit or higher analog-to-digital converter is recommended for optimum performance. Normally, SeaWiFS guidelines are used to set the saturating irradiance or radiance values for a sensor, although a wide range of levels is available upon request. Instead of a voltage output, a 'direct-from-the-photodiode' current output is also available.
- Compressed analog voltage output (2300 and 2350 series): these sensors use a 24‐bit analog-to-digital converter to sample the signal, the logarithm is computed and the result is converted into an analog voltage (0‐5 V) that can be satisfactorily digitized by most data acquisition systems. This output configuration is particularly useful for users that acquire their sensor readings through a CTD or other data acquisition system equipped with a limited dynamic range.
- Multiple Instruments. Multiple digital output (2100 series) sensors can be connected together with a Biospherical Instruments DSM sensor multiplexer. Data from all sensors are logged via a single PC serial or USB port. Multiple sensors may be powered via the same USB port. Data rates depend on the number of sensors; for example a system with four sensors has a maximum data rate of approximately 3 Hz.
Connectors
- Digital binary output (2100 series) underwater models (QSP-2100, QCP-2100, MCP-2100) use a Teledyne-Impulse MCBH-5-FS bulkhead connector, which is rated to a maximum depth of 6,800 m. (Note that the QSP-2100 is rated only up to a maximum depth of 2,000 m because of the scalar collector.)
- Digital ASCII output (2150 series) underwater models (QSP-2150, QCP-2150, MCP-2150) use a Teledyne-Impulse MCBH-4-MP bulkhead connector, which is rated to a maximum depth of 6,800 m. (Note that the QSP-2150 is rated only up to a maximum depth of 2,000 m because of the scalar collector.)
- Analog output (2200 and 2300 series) underwater models use a Teledyne-Impulse LSG-4-BCL bulkhead connector, which is rated to a depth of 2,000 m.
- Surface reference sensors (QSR and QCR series) use a splash-proof Switchcraft EN3P5M connector.
- High-pressure (-HP) versions of the QCP series have several connector options:
- Models QCP-2200-HP and QCP-2300-HP use a Teledyne-Impulse XSG-4-BCL-HP bulkhead connector, which is rated to a maximum depth of 6,800 m.
- Model QCP-2350-HP uses a BH-4-MP connector. The sensor is rated up to maximum depth of 10,000 m.
Additional Options
Additional features and options are available, including specialized spectral sensitivity (e.g., photopic and “blue light hazard” responses), specialized connectors, direct photodiode current output (option “-PD”), housings tailored for specific platforms (gliders), and extended operating depths of up to 10,000 m for cosine collector‐equipped sensors. Please contact sales if you cannot find the configuration most suitable for your application.
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