NeoSpectra Micro Chip-Scale Near-Infrared Spectral Sensor
| Origin | Imported |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Model | NeoSpectra Micro |
| Price | USD 1,400 (FOB) |
| Wavelength Range | 1250–2500 nm |
| Optical Resolution (FWHM @ 1550 nm) | 8 nm or 16 nm |
| SNR (2-s scan, 16-nm res.) | 1000:1 @ 2050 nm |
| Operating Temperature | −5 to +40 °C |
| Wavelength Accuracy | ±1.5 nm @ 1400 nm (<40 °C) |
| Wavelength Repeatability | ±0.1 nm @ 1400 nm, 0.5 A.U., 16-nm res. |
| PSD Sensitivity Threshold | > max PSD/10 |
| Configuration | Reflectance (Rx) or Transmission (Tx) compatible |
Overview
The NeoSpectra Micro is a fully integrated, chip-scale near-infrared (NIR) spectral sensor engineered for embedded material analysis in industrial and portable applications. Based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-tunable Fabry–Pérot interferometer technology, it delivers laboratory-grade spectral acquisition within a compact 14 × 14 × 7 mm package. Unlike traditional benchtop NIR spectrometers relying on grating or Fourier-transform optics, the NeoSpectra Micro employs solid-state wavelength scanning with no moving parts—ensuring long-term mechanical stability, shock resistance, and suitability for continuous-duty OEM integration. Its operational range spans 1250–2500 nm, covering critical overtone and combination bands of C–H, O–H, and N–H functional groups—enabling robust quantification of moisture, protein, fat, cellulose, and polymer composition across diverse sample matrices.
Key Features
- Monolithic MEMS-based tunable filter architecture with no rotating or sliding optical components
- Programmable spectral resolution: selectable 8 nm or 16 nm FWHM (full width at half maximum) at 1550 nm
- High photometric stability: wavelength repeatability of ±0.1 nm under controlled absorbance (0.5 A.U.) and thermal conditions
- Low-power operation: typical 120 mW power consumption, compatible with battery-powered edge devices
- Digital interface via SPI or I²C, supporting real-time spectral streaming at up to 10 Hz frame rate
- Integrated temperature compensation algorithm to maintain wavelength accuracy (±1.5 nm) across −5 to +40 °C ambient range
- Factory-calibrated radiometric response traceable to NIST-traceable standards
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NeoSpectra Micro supports both reflectance (Rx) and transmission (Tx) measurement geometries via interchangeable optical modules and fiber-coupled accessories. It is compatible with solid powders, granules, films, liquids, and semi-solid emulsions when paired with appropriate sampling interfaces (e.g., contact probes, integrating spheres, or flow cells). The sensor meets IEC 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility in industrial environments and conforms to RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH (EC 1907/2006) material restrictions. While not a standalone analytical instrument per regulatory definitions, its spectral output is suitable for method development aligned with ASTM E1655 (standard practices for NIR quantitative analysis) and ISO 12099:2017 (cereals and pulses—determination of moisture, protein, and starch by NIR spectroscopy). When deployed in validated systems, data integrity complies with ALCOA+ principles for GxP environments.
Software & Data Management
The sensor is supported by the open-source NeoSpectra SDK (v3.2+), providing C/C++, Python, and LabVIEW APIs for spectral acquisition, dark/reference correction, and basic chemometric preprocessing (baseline offset, Savitzky–Golay smoothing). Raw spectra are delivered in IEEE 754-compliant 32-bit floating-point format. For production deployment, the SDK includes configuration utilities for factory calibration import, user-defined wavelength masking, and non-volatile parameter storage. Exported spectral datasets (.csv or .jdx) are compatible with third-party chemometric platforms including Unscrambler X, MATLAB PLS Toolbox, and Python’s scikit-learn. Audit trails, user access control, and electronic signature support are implemented at the host system level—not within the sensor firmware—ensuring flexibility for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when integrated into regulated workflows.
Applications
- Real-time quality control in food processing lines (e.g., moisture content in snack foods, protein in dairy powders)
- OEM integration into handheld agricultural sensors for on-field grain and forage analysis
- Pharmaceutical blend uniformity monitoring during continuous manufacturing
- Polymer identification and additive concentration tracking in recycling sorting systems
- Non-invasive skin hydration and lipid profiling in wearable health monitors
- Embedded diagnostics in smart packaging for shelf-life prediction of perishables
FAQ
Is the NeoSpectra Micro compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The sensor itself does not implement electronic signatures or audit trail functionality; however, its digital output and deterministic timing behavior enable full Part 11 compliance when integrated into a validated host system with appropriate software controls.
Can it operate in high-humidity environments?
The device is rated IP54 when mounted in an appropriately sealed OEM enclosure; condensation on optical windows must be prevented via desiccant or active heating in ambient RH >85% conditions.
Does it require external calibration standards for routine use?
Factory calibration is stable over time and temperature; however, application-specific calibration models must be developed and verified using representative reference samples per ASTM E1655 guidelines.
What is the minimum detectable absorbance change?
At 16-nm resolution and 2-second integration, the noise-equivalent absorbance (NEA) is approximately 1.2 × 10⁻³ A.U. for a 100% reflective baseline.
Is transmission mode supported out-of-the-box?
Yes—transmission configurations are available as optional modules with collimated 1-mm beam path optics and matched source/detector alignment fixtures.
