Ocean Insight FLAME-NIR+ User manual

FLAMENIR+
Scientific-grade Spectrometer
Installation and Operation Manual
For Products: FLAME-NIR+, FLAME-NIR

Table of Contents
Before You Get Started .............................................. 1
Warnings & Cautions..................................................................................1
Warranty......................................................................................................3
Certifications and Compliance..................................................................3
Introduction............................................................... 6
Product Overview .......................................................................................6
Shipment Components ..............................................................................6
Calibration...................................................................................................7
Installation ................................................................ 8
Overview......................................................................................................8
Hardware Features.....................................................................................8
Accessories ................................................................................................9
Troubleshooting ...................................................... 12
I don’t see my spectrometer in OceanView............................................12
How do I know my spectrometer has power?........................................12
How do I know my spectrometer is transmitting data? ........................12
Connected to computer prior to software installation. .........................13
How do I determine if my computer is 32-bit or 64-bit?........................14
How do I check the configuration of my spectrometer? .......................14
Specifications..........................................................15
Spectrometer Specifications...................................................................15
Mechanical Diagram ................................................................................18
Electrical Pinout........................................................................................19
Detector Overview ....................................................................................22
Strobe Signals...........................................................................................23
External Triggering ...................................................................................24
Copyright © 2021 Ocean Insight
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without written permission from Ocean Insight.
This manual is sold as part of an order and subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated without
the prior consent of Ocean Insight, Inc. in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.
Trademarks
All products and services herein are the trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks or registered service marks of their respective owners.
Limit of Liability
Every effort has been made to make this manual as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is on an “as is”
basis. Ocean Insight shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information contained in this
manual.

Before You Get Started
Warnings & Cautions
This device may cause radio interference or may disrupt the operation of nearby equipment. It may be necessary to take
mitigation measures such as re-orienting, relocating, or shielding the location.
Cautions
Caution: Do not let contaminants get into the bench. Keep the protective cap on the slit aperture when not connected to an
accessory, probe or fiber.
Caution: Only change the slit aperture in a clean environment where contaminants including dust cannot enter the bench during the
procedure.
Caution: Substitution of a component or accessory different from that supplied may result in measurement error, equipment
damage, increased emissions or decreased immunity.
Caution: Be sure to install any software BEFORE connecting the spectrometer to your PC or host system. The software installs the
drivers required for spectrometer installation. If you do not install the software first, the system may not properly recognize
the spectrometer.
Caution: Repairs should be undertaken only by personnel trained or authorized by Ocean Insight. The device does not contain any
user serviceable parts.

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Caution: Do not immerse the device in any fluid, place fluids on top of, or attempt to clean with liquid detergents or cleaning agents.
This may cause an electrical hazard. Do not use if accidental wetting occurs.
Caution: Do not remove any covers. Doing so may increase the risk of electrical shock or compromise the integrity of the optical
components.
Caution: Do not gas sterilize or autoclave this device.
Caution: Consult local codes and ordinances for proper disposal of equipment and other consumable goods.
Caution: The device and/or accessories may not operate correctly if used or stored outside the relevant temperature and humidity
ranges described in the Technical Specifications.
Caution: Do not use if device is dropped and/or damaged. Have an authorized service representative check the device before using
again.
Caution: To ensure reliable operation, it is recommended that the power supply be attached prior to inserting the USB connector.
Caution: The user of this spectrometer shall have the sole responsibility for any malfunction that results from improper use, faulty
maintenance, improper repair, damage, or alteration by anyone other than Ocean Insight or its authorized service
personnel.

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Warranty
For the most current warranty information, please visit OceanInsight.com.
Certifications and Compliance
This is an FCC Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
FCC Compliance
The authority to operate this equipment is conditioned by the requirement that no modifications will be
made to the equipment unless the changes or modifications are expressly approved by the
manufacturer.
Warning

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The WEEE symbol on the product indicates that the product must not be disposed of with normal
household waste. Instead, such marked waste equipment must be disposed of by arranging to return to a
designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Separating
and recycling this waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and
ensure that the equipment is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.
WEEE Compliance
ISO Certification
Ocean Insight, the industry leader in miniature photonics, has been certified for ISO 9001:2015
certification applicable to the design and manufacture of electro-optical equipment.
This device has been tested and complies with the following standards:
EN 61326-1:2013
This device has been tested and complies with the following standards:
Shock: IEC 60068-2-64
Vibration: IEC 60068-2-31

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This device has been tested and complies with the following standards:
ICES-003, Class A
CISPR 11:2009/A1:2010
EMC 2014/30/EU
RoHS Compliant
This device complies with the following standards:
RoHS 2015-863

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Introduction
Product Overview
Combining the small size of the Flame optical bench with an uncooled InGaAs detector, the Flame-NIR+ spectrometer opens a new
frontier in NIR spectroscopy. Without thermoelectric cooling, the Flame-NIR+’s power consumption is very low and makes the Flame-
NIR+ ideal for integration into handheld and portable systems.
The Flame-NIR+ offers a significant 6-fold enhancement in sensitivity over the previous Flame-NIR model. The additional sensitivity
has been achieved via enhancements to the optical performance of the unit. The electronics and interfacing of the Flame-NIR+ have
not been changed.
The Flame-NIR+ benefits from all the advantages of the Flame product line, including interchangeable slits and low unit-to-unit
variability. With a preconfigured range from 970 to 1700 nm, Flame-NIR+ is an ideal choice for many NIR applications including
moisture measurement, grain and feed quality, measurement of fats and oils, and pharmaceutical ingredients blending.
Shipment Components
❑Flame-NIR+
❑Micro USB Cable
❑Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet –Each spectrometer is shipped with a Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet that contains
information unique to your spectrometer.
NOTE
Please save the Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet for future reference.

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Calibration
Each spectrometer is calibrated for wavelength before it leaves Ocean Insight; however, the wavelength for all spectrometers will
drift slightly as a function of time and environmental conditions. Additionally, Ocean Insight recommends that a calibration be
performed after changing the slit on a spectrometer as it will optimize the performance of the device.
For more information on performing a calibration, or using Ocean Insight’s Calibration Services, visit www.OceanInsight.com.

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Installation
Overview
You must install the operating software application prior to connecting a Flame-NIR+ spectrometer to the computer. The Ocean
Insight spectrometer operating software installs the drivers required for the spectrometer installation. If you do not install the
software first, the system will not properly recognize the spectrometer.
If you have already connected the Flame-NIR+ to the computer prior to installing the operating software, consult Troubleshooting for
information on correcting a corrupt installation.
1. Install the spectrometer operating software on the destination computer.
2. Locate the Micro USB cable provided.
3. Insert the small end of the cable into the Flame-NIR+.
4. Insert the rectangular end of the cable into the USB port of the PC.
If you installed the spectrometer operating software prior to connecting the Flame-NIR+, the software installs the Flame-NIR+ drivers.
Once you install the software and hardware, and establish your sampling system, you are ready to take measurements.
Hardware Features
Flame-NIR+ LEDs
The Flame-NIR+ features two indicator lights that operate as shown below:
LED
Steady
Flashing
Red
Unit is on
N/A
Green
Unit is ready
Unit is acquiring data
NOTE
LEDs can be turned off in OceanView or by using a firmware command.

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Change the Slit
The Flame-NIR+ allows you to change your spectrometer’s slit to match your application requirements. Be sure to calibrate your
spectrometer after changing the slit.
1. Find the SMA connector. If a fiber is attached, remove it.
2. Use the Allen key to remove the 2 the screws attaching the slit to the spectrometer.
3. Pull the slit out of the spectrometer.
4. Put the new INTSMA slit connector into the spectrometer, with the key of the connector on the left
side.
5. Install the 2 screws again. Use the Allen key to tighten the screws carefully (do not over-tighten).
6. If necessary, connect the fiber again.
Accessories
Ocean Insight provides a range of standard cables and accessories that connect the Flame-NIR+ to our large range of sampling and
light source accessories. Items specifically designed for the Flame-NIR+ are described here; they are not provided with the Flame-
NIR+ spectrometer and must be purchased separately. Visit us at www.OceanInsight.com for a complete list of products available
for all of your spectroscopy needs.
Cables and Connectors
Cables are available to connect your Flame-NIR+ spectrometer to accessories:
•Accessory cable for light sources and other accessories (DB15 Connector Cable).
•Accessory cable for HR-type connector (PAK50 Connector Cable).
•Breakout board (DD4 -BREAKOUT-BOARD) This breaks out the 40 pin DD4 connector to a set of header pins that can be used
to wire each pin, as required.

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DB15 Connector Cable (FLAME-CBL-DD4P-DB15P)
This cable connects the Flame-NIR+ to existing Ocean Insight accessories that use a DB-15HD connector.
15 PIN
DD4
Name
15 PIN
DD4
Name
1
4
Single Strobe
9
8
GPIO 2
2
3
Continuous Strobe
10
1
Ground
3
40
Vusb
11
22
Reserved for custom dev
4
2
External Trigger In
12
21
Reserved for custom dev
5
2
External Trigger In
13
5
Lamp Enable
6
7
GPIO 1
14
NC
Reserved (NC)
7
NC
Reserved (NC)
15
11
GPIO 4
8
2
External Trigger In

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PAK50 Connector Cable (FLAME-CBL-DD4P-PAK50P)
This cable connects the Flame-NIR+ to the Breakout Box.
PAK50P
DD4
Name
PAK50P
DD4
Name
1
25
RS232 Rx
16
11
GPIO 4
2
24
RS232 Tx
17
4
Single Strobe
3
8
GPIO 2
18
12
GPIO 5
4
40
VUSB
19
16
Reserved for custom dev
5
1
GND
20
3
Continuous Strobe
6
21
Reserved for custom dev
21
18
Reserved for custom dev
7
6
GPIO 0
22
13
GPIO 6
8
22
Reserved for custom dev
23
28
Reserved (do not connect)
9
7
GPIO 1
24
NC
Reserved (NC)
10
2
External Trigger In
25
5
Lamp Enable
11
9
GPIO 3
26
14
GPIO 7
12
40
VUSB
27
10
GND
13
17
Reserved for custom dev
28
NC
Reserved (NC)
14
40
VUSB
29
15
GND
15
19
Reserved for custom dev
30
NC
Reserved (NC)
For the DD4, connect shield to connector case, if shield is included.
Breakout Box (HR4-BREAKOUT)
The Breakout Box is a passive module that separates the signals from the Flame-NIR+’s DD4 40-pin connector to an array of
standard connectors and headers, enabling functionality with a wide range of accessories. In addition to the accessory connector,
the breakout box features a circuit board based on a neutral breadboard pattern that allows custom circuitry to be prototyped on the
board itself.

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Troubleshooting
I don’t see my spectrometer in OceanView.
Be sure the USB is connected. Use the Rescan button in the Device Manager to rescan for attached devices.
How do I know my spectrometer has power?
The red LED on the spectrometer should be on steadily if the unit is receiving power.
How do I know my spectrometer is transmitting data?
The green LED on the spectrometer flashes when transmitting data.

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Connected to computer prior to software installation.
Windows Operating Systems
If you connected your Ocean Insight Flame-NIR+ device to the computer prior to installing your spectrometer operating software
application, you may encounter installation issues that you must correct before your Ocean Insight device will operate properly.
Follow the applicable steps below to remove the incorrectly installed device, device driver, and installation files.
Remove the Unknown Device from Windows Device Manager
1. Open Windows Device Manager. Consult the Windows operating instructions for your computer for directions, if needed.
2. Locate the Universal Serial Bus Devices option and expand the Universal Serial Bus Devices selection by clicking on the "+"
sign to the immediate left.
3. Locate the unknown device (marked with a large question mark). Right-click on the Unknown Device listing and select the
Uninstall or Remove option.
4. Click the OK button to continue. A warning box appears confirming the removal of the Unknown Device. Click the OK button to
confirm the device removal.
5. Disconnect the Flame-NIR+ from your computer.
6. Replug the spectrometer into your computer.
The system should now able to locate and install the correct drivers for the USB device.
NOTE
If these procedures do not correct your device driver problem, you must obtain the Correcting Device Driver Issues document
from the Ocean Insight website: www.OceanInsight.com or contact our customer support.
NOTE
Improperly installed USB devices can also appear under the Universal Serial Bus Controller option. Be sure to check this
location if you cannot locate the unknown device.

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Apple Mac OSX Operating Systems
Since there are no device files for the Flame-NIR+ Spectrometer in a Mac operating system, you should not encounter any problems if
you installed the spectrometer before the spectrometer operating software.
Linux Operating Systems
For Linux operating systems, all you need to do is install the spectrometer operating software, then unplug and replug in the
spectrometer. Technically, the driver files for Linux simply give nonprivileged users permission to use newly connected hardware.
There isn’t any long-term harm to plugging in the device before installing the software.
How do I determine if my computer is 32-bit or 64-bit?
Errors can occur if you download the wrong version of software (for 32-bit or 64-bit computers). To verify your computer version for
most Windows computers, go to the Properties window (under Computer or My Computer). If no version is listed, then your system is
a 32-bit.
How do I check the configuration of my spectrometer?
Check the label on the bottom of your spectrometer. You can also check your configuration using your spectrometer operating
software. In OceanView, open the Schematic window and double click the spectrometer icon.

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Specifications
Spectrometer Specifications
FLAME-NIR
FLAME-NIR+
Spectroscopy
Integration Time1
1 ms to 65 seconds1
Dynamic Range
6000:1
Signal-to-Noise (single acquisition)
6000:1
Resolution (FWHM with 25 µm slit)
10 nm (typical)
Wavelength Range
950 –1650 nm
970 - 1700 nm
Scan Rate (max) 2
400 Hz
Thermal Stability
0.08 nm/C (0.014 pixel/C)
Triggering
4 modes
Triggering Jitter
5 µs
Detector
Detector
InGaAs linear image sensor

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Pixels
128 pixels
Invalid Pixels
Minimum:0 Maximum: 2
Electronic Shutter
Yes
Readout Noise (single dark spectrum)
9 counts (typical)
Corrected Linearity3
>99.8%
Electrical
Power Requirement (spectrometer functions)
250 mA at +5 VDC
Supply Voltage
4.75 –5.25 V
Connectors
Micro-USB and JAE DD4 (DD4RA40JA1) 40-pin connector
Micro-USB Absolute Maximum Ratings: VCC
+ 5.5 VDC
DD4 Absolute Maximum Ratings:
VCC (Pin 40)
+ 5.5 VDC
Voltage on any pin (other than input power)
+4VDC
Interface
USB 2.0
Mechanical
Input Fiber Connector
SMA 905
Entrance Slit4
25 μm

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Physical Dimensions
88.9 mm x 63.5 mm x 31.9 mm (excluding feet)
Weight
265 g
Storage Temperature
-30° to +70° C
Operating Temperature
0 to 50° C
Humidity
0% - 90% noncondensing
1 Because the baseline will rise rapidly with temperature and extended integration times Ocean Insight recommends integration
time be kept below 5 seconds when using the FLAME-NIR+.
2 Scan rate is dependent on the operating computer and not the spectrometer. These figures assume a non-real-time operating
system.
3 Linearity is measured at 25°C using the linearity correction dark subtraction and the electronic dark correction (if applicable).
4 Alternative slit options available by request.