Cubic Gasboard-2600 TDLAS-Based Oxygen Sensor Module

Overview

The Cubic Gasboard-2600 is a high-performance, OEM-grade oxygen sensor module engineered for continuous, in-situ gas concentration measurement in industrial process control, combustion optimization, medical gas monitoring, and environmental emission monitoring applications. It employs Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS)—a first-principle optical technique that exploits the unique near-infrared absorption line of molecular oxygen at ~760 nm. Unlike electrochemical or zirconia-based sensors, TDLAS delivers inherent selectivity, zero drift over time, and immunity to cross-interference from CO₂, H₂O, CO, or hydrocarbons. The sensor integrates a temperature-stabilized laser diode, a precision-machined multi-pass gas cell with proprietary surface treatment, and real-time pressure/temperature compensation algorithms—enabling accurate O₂ quantification across the full 0–100% volume range under dynamically varying ambient conditions.

Key Features

• True TDLAS architecture with wavelength-scanned laser source and photodetector—ensuring trace-level specificity and long-term calibration stability
• Optimized gas cell design with thermal management and active pressure compensation, delivering ±0.3% FS accuracy across operating temperature (−10 to +50 °C) and humidity (0–95% RH, non-condensing)
• Ultra-fast response: 100 ms (10–90%) at 350 mL/min flow rate; 170 ms at standard 150 mL/min—suitable for dynamic process feedback loops
• Modular mechanical footprint (180 × 60 × 30 mm) with standardized mounting interfaces and dual-output capability: digital (RS-232 default, RS-485 optional) and analog (0–1 V)
• Integrated dual-gas option: configurable with an NDIR-based CO₂ channel, enabling simultaneous O₂ and CO₂ measurement via single electrical and pneumatic interface—reducing system integration complexity and footprint
• Designed for >10-year operational lifetime with no consumables, no electrolyte replacement, and minimal field maintenance requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Gasboard-2600 is validated for use with dry or humidified air, flue gas, biogas, medical breathing circuits, and inert gas streams. It meets IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (EMC emissions) standards. While not intrinsically safe certified, it is suitable for Zone 2/Class I, Division 2 environments when installed with appropriate barrier systems. Its measurement methodology aligns with ISO 14687 (hydrogen purity—oxygen impurity verification), ASTM D6245 (industrial gas analysis), and supports compliance with EPA Method 3A (oxygen in stack gas) when deployed in certified extractive sampling systems. Data integrity features—including timestamped output and stable zero/span behavior—facilitate GLP/GMP-aligned documentation workflows.

Software & Data Management

The sensor communicates via ASCII protocol over RS-232, supporting configuration, real-time data streaming, and diagnostic queries (e.g., laser health status, internal temperature, signal-to-noise ratio). Cubic provides a Windows-compatible PC utility for commissioning, calibration verification, and log export (CSV). For industrial integration, Modbus RTU mapping is available upon request for RS-485 variants. All analog and digital outputs maintain synchronized timing, enabling correlation with external process variables. Audit-trail-capable SCADA and DCS systems can capture raw sensor values alongside environmental metadata—supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with compliant host software.

Applications

• Combustion efficiency monitoring in boilers, furnaces, and incinerators—optimizing excess air control to reduce NOₓ and fuel consumption
• Medical device OEM integration: anesthesia machines, ventilators, and portable oxygen concentrators requiring rapid, drift-free O₂ verification
• Biogas upgrading plants—real-time O₂ monitoring pre- and post-membrane separation to prevent explosion hazards
• Controlled atmosphere packaging (CAP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) lines—verifying purge gas composition before sealing
• Environmental emission monitoring systems (CEMS)—compliant O₂ measurement for dilution correction per EPA and EU EN 14181 requirements
• Lab-scale reactor monitoring and fermentation process control where dual O₂/CO₂ kinetics inform metabolic activity modeling

FAQ

Does the Gasboard-2600 require periodic calibration?

No routine calibration is required due to the physics-based TDLAS measurement principle; however, annual verification against a NIST-traceable reference gas is recommended for regulatory compliance.
Can it operate in high-humidity or condensing environments?

It is rated for 0–95% RH non-condensing operation; for saturated or condensing streams, a heated sample line or permeation dryer must be used upstream.
Is the dual O₂/CO₂ configuration factory-configured or field-upgradeable?

Dual-gas functionality requires factory assembly and firmware integration; field retrofitting is not supported.
What is the minimum detectable O₂ concentration in low-oxygen applications?

The sensor maintains 0.01% vol resolution across its full 0–100% range, including sub-1% concentrations typical in inerting or glovebox monitoring.
Does it support Modbus TCP or only serial protocols?

Standard delivery includes RS-232/RS-485 (Modbus RTU); Modbus TCP requires external protocol converter or host-side bridging.