TI Korea (CEO Kent Chon, www.ti.com/ww/kr ) March 6, 2014 – TI (CEO Kent Chon) announced the industry's first DLP® device optimized for near-infrared (NIR) use and a supporting evaluation module (EVM) at Pittcon 2014. The launch of the DLP4500NIR and DLP NIRscan™ EVM signifies the expansion of TI's MEMS technology into transmission and reflection spectroscopy and other areas. With this DLP technology, spectrometers used in the food, pharmaceutical, oil, and gas industries can now deliver laboratory-level performance in both field and production facilities.

Henrik Skov Andersen, CEO and President of Ibsen Photonics, explained, "The integration of DLP technology into Ibsen Photonics' various OEM spectrometers is bringing about a revolutionary change in traditional spectroscopic analysis. Our latest compact programmable polychromator, equipped with DLP technology, allows for the pre-dispersion and selection of multiple wavelengths, enabling high-speed transmission or absorption measurements in the VIS-NIR range with an affordable broadband detector. This unique capability allows customers to create critical dynamic measurement structures and algorithms for target applications, while increasing speed and accuracy and protecting samples from unnecessary exposure."

"TI is constantly expanding its technological capabilities so that DLP technology can be utilized across industry boundaries in advanced scientific, industrial, and medical solutions," said Mariquita Gordon, DLP Embedded Manager at TI. "With the newly launched near-infrared DLP platform, developers of spectroscopic equipment will be able to develop a whole new level of mobile equipment that delivers the sensitivity and accuracy of laboratory equipment in the field while reducing overall system costs."

The biggest difference between the DLP4500NIR device and other components and solutions for NIR spectroscopy on the market is that the DLP4500NIR device utilizes approximately one million digital programmable micromirrors, which are the core of DLP technology. When used with a single-element detector, the DLP4500NIR can replace an expensive linear detector array, enabling the design of high-performance spectrometers while lowering the standard Bill of Materials (BOM). Optimized for light in the 700 to 2500 nanometer range, the DLP4500NIR can be programmed to select and attenuate multiple wavelengths at speeds up to 4 kHz. The DLP technology architecture provides a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding 30,000:1 over a set measurement time, allowing for faster and more accurate results compared to spectrometers using traditional solutions.

By controlling each micromirror in the DLP4500NIR, setting patterns can be generated, allowing users to more precisely adjust spectral resolution and wavelength range, as well as adjust integration time and equalize light throughput. As a result, users can optimize material analysis for various materials very quickly in a single system using adaptive scanning techniques.

The DLP4500NIR is small, enabling the implementation of a compact product form factor, which allows for the creation of systems usable in the field or factory. In addition to spectroscopic analysis, the DLP4500NIR can be used for other applications, including single-pixel cameras, laser marking, and microscopy.

The DLP NIRscan EVM offers a new alternative for engineers seeking to build a true portable, multi-functional spectrometer at a lower cost. As the industry's first DLP technology-based spectroscopic development platform, the DLP NIRscan features multiple interfaces, making it suitable for a wide range of designs. Equipped with the DLP4500NIR device featuring an integrated DLPC350 digital controller, the DLP NIRscan utilizes a single-element extended InGaAs detector compatible with a transmission sampling module and a halogen lamp.

To enhance processing performance, the DLP NIRscan utilizes TI’s Sitara™ AM3358 ARM® Cortex® A8 processor (AM3358) and the ADS1255, a 24-bit, 30kSPS delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The built-in Ethernet port and two USB ports provide wired and wireless (Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, connectors sold separately) connectivity options for connecting to a computer.

In addition, a Linux operating system and web server based on the BeagleBone Black architecture are pre-installed, allowing for immediate configuration without the need for separate downloads. Simply connect the DLP NIRscan to your computer via USB and open a web browser. The web interface provides remote connectivity to the installed system via various devices, including smartphones and tablets. Furthermore, you can utilize various support and tools provided by the BeagleBoard.org open-source community.