1. Sensor Division
  2. Pyroelectric Detectors
  3. PyrIQ - Digital Detectors
Go Digital: Reaching the Goal More Quickly with Less Effort

PyrIQ – Digital Detectors for Easy System Integ­ra­tion

We are introducing: our digital detector for easy system integration with variable signal processing and improved electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Like all detectors from InfraTec, it is based on single-crystal lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) and is used in gas analysis and flame detection. In contrast to other materials, LiTaO3 offers high sensitivity and a good signal-to-noise ratio without additional cooling or temperature stabilisation.

PyrIQ - digital infrared sensor intelligence, picture credit: © Adobestock/tiefenwerft, iStock/gsshot
Type
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Number of measuring channels
Number of Channels
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TO18, TO46: 5.4 mm in diameter
TO5, TO39: 9.2 mm in diameter
TO8: 15.2 mm in diameter

Housing
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Size of the circular or rectangular aperture through which radiation hits the sensitive elements.
Aperture (mm)
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Voltage Mode: The pyroelectric current is initially converted into a voltage by an RC network followed by a conversion to lower impedance.

Current Mode: The pyroelectric current is permanently compensated by an OpAmp. The current required for this generates a voltage drop across an RC network in the feedback path which serves as the measurement signal.

Operating Mode
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Integrated signal condition like integrated junction field effect transistors (JFET) for detectors in voltage mode or integrated operational amplifiers (OpAmp) for detectors in current mode.

Amplifier
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A pyroelectric detector is sensitive to changes in temperature. Changes in ambient temperature have an influence on the measurement signal and shifts the operating point. This effect reduces a thermal compensation. Therefore, each pyroelectric element gets an additional optically inactive element, which compensates for unwanted currents.

Thermal Compensation
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Patented micromechanical chip attachment (LowMicro) by InfraTec to reduce the effects of interfering impact sounds.

Low Micro
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As a key parameter, the specific detectivity D* characterizes the signal-to-noise ratio of infrared detectors.

Specific Detectivity*
4TO8

8.5 x 8.5

Current ModePyrIQ

2.4 ***

2TO39

ø 6.0

Current ModePyrIQ

1.5 ***

* in 108 cm√Hz/W (500 K, 10 Hz, 1 Hz BW, 25 °C, without window)

** in 108 cm√Hz/W (500 K, 1 kHz, 1 Hz BW, 25 °C, without window)

*** bei Rfb = 128 GΩ, Cfb=200 fF

**** in 108 cm√Hz/W (500 K, 1 kHz, 1 Hz BW, 30 °C, without window)

PyrIQ digital detector family

Application Areas

The digital detector is ideal for simple system integration in gas analysis and flame detection. By using the digital detector, the user receives a digital measurement signal that can be read out and immediately processed. 

Further inform­a­tion about gas analysis

Further inform­a­tion about infrared flame sensor

For high-precision measurement, especially in gas analysis, synchronisation of the emitter and detector clock is necessary. For the digital pyroelectric detectors, a clock input (pin) is available for this purpose, which is used to specify the system clock or the exact sample time. This allows a time signal with a highly precise sampling rate to be generated. Another special feature compared to analogue technology of our digital detector is the “Fast Recovery after Saturation”. This function detects overdriving due to a faulty operating condition – for example, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or mechanical influences – and automatically resets the analogue front-end.

The digital detector converts the analogue signal, which can be filtered and amplified in several stages, directly into a digital signal with a 16-bit resolution. The entire signal processing is carried out by an ASIC (Application- Specific Integrated Circuit), whereby the analogue front-end acts like a classic transimpedance amplifier. Thus, users receive a digital measurement signal that can be read out via an I²C interface and immediately processed.

InfraTec Sensor Division - block diagram digital detectors

White Paper Digital Detector – Startup a Detector with Digital Inter­face

This white paper is intended to show how to put the digital detector into operation with a basic microcontroller board like the Arduino Uno. You will also learn how to configure the detector and retrieve data.

InfraTec whitepaper download PyriQ

PyrIQ® Evaluation Kit – Detector Configuration in Just a Few Steps

The PyrIQ® Evaluation Kit from InfraTec supports customers in the initial testing of the digital PyrIQ® detectors without the otherwise required development of software, firmware and test circuits. The associated software allows the detector and IR source parameters to be set via an intuitive graphical user interface. Our Evaluation Kit offers an easy way to utilize the wide range of setting options for PyrIQ® detectors, speeding up the configuration and development process. In addition, the kit is also suitable for comprehending the mode of operation of an analog pyroelectric detector and the influences of its electronic components.

InfraTec Evalutaion Kit Showcase

Evaluation KIT for digital detectors: A quick test setup to validate or develop your own test setup and determine the right parameters for your measurement task.

Digital Pyro­elec­tric Detectors – What are the Advant­ages?

White Paper Digital Detector – Configuration of Your PyrIQ Detector

This white paper is intended to help you find a suitable PyrIQ-configuration for your application by following a “good practice”-strategy as well as stating the effects and potential drawbacks for all available PyrIQ-parameters.

White Paper PyrIQ

Analogue vs. Digital – Which Detector for which Applic­a­tion?

Analogue pyroelectric detectors have proven their worth for decades. Their integration into the device design can be made flexible but requires a high degree of electronic skill. The performance of the detectors can be fully utilised. Considering the effort required for system integration, digital pyroelectric detectors have clear advantages. The functions already integrated into the detector – although limiting the scope for design – significantly reduce the effort required for system integration. The following table provides a quick overview of advantages and disadvantages:

Digital pyroelectric detectors Analogue pyroelectric detectors
Detector series LRD, LID LIE, LME, LIM, LMM, LRM
Properties Detectors with integrated ASIC for transimpedance amplification, 16-bit A/D conversion and signal conditioning Maximum flexibility for system integration by the user (free choice of external A/D converter and interface)
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) ++ +
Integrated temperature measurement Yes Yes (available for LRM)
Flexible adjustment of feedback components Yes (Rf = 2 GΩ … 1 TΩ; Cf = 50 fF … 6.4 pF) No
Requirements for system integration on the device side Low High
Power consumption (typical) 1 mW 0.1 mW
Signal to noise ratio + Current mode ++ / Voltage mode +++
Sampling rate (maximum) 1 kHz Free to select
Max. Modulation Frequency 100 Hz 4 kHz
Supply voltage 1.8 … 3.6 V Up to ± 5V

Down­load Flyer

Download the flyer about the digital detectors and learn more about the possibilities using a digital detector.

InfraTec PyrIQ Digital Detectors Flyer
environment gasanalysis picture credits © istock/fizkes

Various Fields of Applic­a­tion for PyrIQ Detectors

Digital detectors are just as suitable for the use in gas analysis and flame sensing as detectors with analogue signal output. But especially if the environmental conditions require a compact and easy-to-integrate detector, a detector with integrated digitisation will be a good choice. Thus, among other things, the digital version is suitable for the field of air-conditioning and building technology when it comes to measuring air quality. Since this correlates well with the carbon dioxide concentration in the air, the CO2 content of the room air is used for demand-controlled ventilation control in buildings and rooms. The CO2 concentration is measured according to the principle of non-dispersive infrared measurement technology. For this purpose, suitable IR filters are integrated into the detector in order to be able to make an accurate and reproducible measurement. This ensures good air quality at all times. In this context, the compactness of the detector, which results from the integration of the entire signal pre-processing, is an advantage. Another benefit is the low sensitivity of the digital output signal to interference caused by mobile phone networks, Bluetooth or wi-fi. In flame sensor technology, pyroelectric detectors capture spectral ranges that are characteristic for burning organic substances such as wood, natural gas, petrol and various plastics. Flame sensors are used in the fields of industrial fire protection and early fire detection and withstand even the most adverse environmental conditions. Due to the low interference sensitivity of the digital detector, the risk of false alarms caused by electromagnetic interference sources is significantly reduced.

Further Possible Applic­a­tions for the Digital Detector:

  • Agricultural industry, for example for monitoring the atmosphere in greenhouses and in research projects on plants

  • Gas detectors for explosive gases, for example for mining or drilling platforms

  • Process gas analysis, for example for measuring exhaust gases in industrial plants

Detector Search

InfraTec offers different product groups including approximately 50 standard pyroelectric detectors. Detectors with reduced microphone technology and integrated operational amplifier as well as digital detectors are part of our product range.

Choose your suitable infrared detectors with the help of our detailed detector search.

Sensor division InfraTec detectors overview

Pyroelectric Infrared Detectors from InfraTec

An infrared detectors (also called infrared sensor, ir detector, thermal detector or pyroelectric infrared detector) is an optoelectronic component and represents the core element of gas analyzers, flame sensors, devices of spectral analysis, as well as non-contact temperature measurement.

Single channel detectors from InfraTec

Single Channel Detectors

Single-channel for gas analysis, flame detection and radiometry.

  • TO18 or TO39 housing

  • Thermal compensation

  • JFET or CMOS amplifier

PYROMID® Multi Channel Detectors

PYROMID® Multi Channel Detectors

Choice between different PYROMID® detectors

  • Dual, quad and eight channel detectors for gas analysis and flame detection

  • Individually customizable, e.g. with option for JFET, operational amplifier, integrated beam splitter, etc.

Planar multi channel pyroelectric detectors from InfraTec

Planar Multi Channel Detectors

Choice between different standard planar multi channel detectors

  • Two, three or four spectral channels in one housing

  • Individually customizable, e.g. with option for JFET, operational amplifier etc.

PYRONEER-High-Performance-Detectors - Group

PYRONEER – High-Performance Detectors

Detectors based on LiTaO3 or DLaTGS for analytical instruments and spectroscopy.

  • High performance

  • Flat spectral response

  • Precious metal black coating

Learn More About Pyroelectric Infrared Detectors from InfraTec

Infrared sensors from InfraTec

Infrared Sensor – IR Sensor

An infrared sensor (IR sensor) is a radiation-sensitive optoelectronic component with a spectral sensitivity in the infrared wavelength range 780 nm … 50 µm. IR sensors are now widely used in motion detectors, which are used in building services to switch on lamps or in alarm systems to detect unwelcome guests.

Sensor division InfraTec detectors overview

Infrared Detector – IR Detector

Infrared detectors (also called infrared sensors or pyroelectric detectors) are optoelectronic components and represent the core element of gas analyzers, flame sensors, devices of spectral analysis, as well as non-contact temperature measurement.

InfraTec detector manual - handling recommendations

Sensor Technology

Sensor Technology is a technical science that describes the acquisition of measured values by means of sensors and their conversion into electrical or optical output signals for effective processing. In addition to the transducer for converting the physical or chemical input signals, sensors often contain signal pre-processing as well for an interference-free, partially standardized interface to the downstream device electronics including power supply.

Infrared sensors from InfraTec

Infrared Sensor – IR Sensor

An infrared sensor (IR sensor) is a radiation-sensitive optoelectronic component with a spectral sensitivity in the infrared wavelength range 780 nm … 50 µm. IR sensors are now widely used in motion detectors, which are used in building services to switch on lamps or in alarm systems to detect unwelcome guests.

Sensor division InfraTec detectors overview

Infrared Detector – IR Detector

Infrared detectors (also called infrared sensors or pyroelectric detectors) are optoelectronic components and represent the core element of gas analyzers, flame sensors, devices of spectral analysis, as well as non-contact temperature measurement.

InfraTec detector manual - handling recommendations

Sensor Technology

Sensor Technology is a technical science that describes the acquisition of measured values by means of sensors and their conversion into electrical or optical output signals for effective processing. In addition to the transducer for converting the physical or chemical input signals, sensors often contain signal pre-processing as well for an interference-free, partially standardized interface to the downstream device electronics including power supply.