Farnell expands test and analysis choices with Broadcom’s spectrometers
Miniature spectrometers and associated kits from Broadcom for field and lab use are now part of Farnell’s range of test and analysis products. Broadcom’s compact spectrometer modules are suitable for industrial sensing and mobile analytics.
The compact modular spectrometer devices can be used to take accurate measurements of ultra violet (UV), visible and near infra red (NIR) light. Typical applications include process control and monitoring, medical diagnostics, water quality, material and polymer analysis, colour measurements, environmental analysis, light measurements, ramen spectroscopy and quality control. They are flexible for process analytics and point of care detection.
The Broadcom USB spectrometers and associated evaluation kits available from stock at Farnell include the Qneo infra red spectrometer. This is designed for high volume integration supporting optical analysis in the spectral range between 950 to 1700nm. It is equipped with an uncooled InGaAs sensor array, to enable professional sensing with high sensitivity. The compact design has a footprint smaller than a credit card. According to Farnell, it combines high resistance in industrial environments, high optical performance and easy integration with several serial interfaces.
Another offering is Broadcom’s Qmini range, consisting of miniature spectroscopy with integrated electronics for mobile applications and industrial integration. The meters covering UV, visible and NIR ranges. Two out of the six models feature a wide spectral range from 190 to 1100nm. One is UV-enhanced, one is sensitivity-optimised. The Qmini’s compact design enables tight integration in applications where space is limited, for example in point of care detection. Powerful onboard electronics provide easy integration and enhanced spectra processing.
Finally, there is the Qwave2 range, also in a compact housing and designed for measurements in UV, visible and NIR regions. It has performance normally found in much larger spectrometers, says Farnell and offers high optical resolution and sensitivity, dynamic range with thermal stability. It has a high-resolution 3648 pixel linear CCD detector, making it suitable for laboratories and OEMs.
James McGregor, global head of Test, Tools and Production Supplies, at Farnell said: “Broadcom has successfully achieved high performance in a small form factor with its reliable spectrometer solutions that ensure our customers can take accurate UV-VIS-NIR measurements and complete testing and analysis for a wide range of industrial, mobile, biomedical and scientific research applications much faster.”
Broadcom provides semiconductor and infrastructure software. Its infrastructure software portfolio includes enterprise solutions for building, connecting, managing, and securing complex digital environments.
Farnell offers an extensive range of test and measurement products to support field and lab-based test engineers. Customers also have free access to online resources, datasheets, application notes, videos, webinars and 24/5 technical support.
Farnell has over 80 years’ experience in the high service distribution of technology products and solutions for electronic system design, production, maintenance and repair. It has a broad customer base, from hobbyists to engineers, maintenance engineers and buyers, and works with leading brands and start-ups to develop new products for market.
Farnell trades as Farnell in Europe; Newark in North America; and element14 throughout Asia Pacific and sells direct to consumers through a network of resellers and its CPC business in the UK.
Farnell is a business unit of Avnet.
