Instruction Sheet
for the PASCO
Model CI-6630
BROAD SPECTRUM LIGHT SENSOR
thumbscrew
with washer
GAIN
1
10
100
BROAD SPECTRUM
TARE
300nm -10,000nm
LIGHT SENSOR
CI-6630
cable with DIN
connectors
012-08541B
to computer
interface
shutter bracket
Introduction
The sensing element of the Broad Spectrum Light
Sensor (CI-6630) uses a thermopile as a detecting
element. Thermopile detectors are voltagegenerating devices that act like a miniature array of
thermocouples. The thermopile is a high output, thin
film, silicon-based device which has 48 thermopile
junctions. The active or “hot” junctions are
blackened to efficiently absorb radiation. The
reference or “cold” junctions are maintained at the
ambient temperature of the detector.
The blackening material used on the “hot” junctions
is capable of absorbing radiant energy from the ultra
violet to the far infrared range. To limit the spectral
sensitivity, optical filters and windows may be placed
in front of the detector. The window installed in the
Broad Spectrum Light Sensor’s detector is BaF
which has a spectral response from 300 to 10,000
CI-6630
Light Sensor
nanometers. The hermetically-sealed detector is heat
treated and filled with argon gas to improve long-term
stability.
The absorption of radiation by the blackened area
causes a temperature rise in the “hot” junctions, as
compared to the “cold” junctions of the thermopile.
This temperature difference across the thermocouple
junction causes the detector to generate a positive
voltage. If the active or “hot” junction cools to a
temperature less than the reference or “cold” junction,
the voltage output becomes negative.
The output of the thermopile detector is presented to a
gain selectable amplifier. The GAIN switch on the top
of the sensor is used to change the signal output (voltage)
of the sensor in experiments where the output signal is too
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low, such as in dim light conditions, or when the signal
is too high, such as in bright light conditions.
Broad Spectrum Light Sensor 012-08541B
Equipment included:
• Broad Spectrum Light Sensor (CI-6630)
• 1/4-20 X .375” thumbscrew (617-008) with
0.250 I.D. washer (615-011)
• Shutter bracket (648-06954)
• 8-pin connector cable (514-06329)
Additional equipment required:
®
• ScienceWorkshop
• DataStudio
®
Using the Shutter Bracket with the Sensor
The spring-loaded shutter bracket keeps extraneous
radiated energy from heating the sensing element
either before or during measurements. The tab on the
front edge of the shutter bracket is for ensuring
constant spacing between the sensing element and a
hot object, such as when performing comparative
radiant energy measurements.
computer interface
software (version 1.8.5 or higher)
Mounting the Sensor to Experimental
Apparatus
Use the 1/4-20 threaded connector on the bottom of
the sensor box to secure the Broad Spectrum Light
Sensor to an experimental apparatus (Figure 2). The
alignment hole is for holding an alignment pin, which
is included on some PASCO products.
alignment hole
1/4-20
threaded
connector
Figure 2: Connector and alignment hole f or mounting
Attach the shutter bracket to the Infrared Sensor unit,
with the included thumbscrew and washer, as shown
in Figure 1. Do not over tighten the thumbscrew.
1/4-20 threaded
connector
shutter bracket
Figure 1: Attaching the shutter bra cket
Adjusting the Gain on the Sensor
The sensor has three gain settings: 1X, 10X and 100X.
The gain settings on the sensor, coupled with the userselectable gain on the
ScienceWorkshop interface,
allow for a very broad range of measurements with the
Broad Spectrum Light Sensor. (Note: Adjusting the
sensor’s gain only changes the signal voltage, not the
actual light intensity measurement. You can change the
gain to a maximum of +/- 10 volts.)
Adjust the gain for
the light conditions.
GAIN
1
10
100
BROAD SPECTRUM
LIGHT SENSOR
TARE
300nm -10,000nm
CI-6630
Tare
button
Figure 3: Setting the gain on the Infrared Sensor
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®
012-08541B Broad Spectrum Light Sensor
10
1
100
GAIN
TARE
1
4
3
5
2
6
7
8
Zeroing the Broad Spectrum Light Sensor
The TARE button on the top of the sensor is for
zeroing the sensor. Zeroing is particularly useful at
high gain settings where small voltage offsets may
interfere with measurements.
Collecting Data with the Broad Spectrum Light
Sensor
1. Attach the shutter to the sensor and mount the sensor to
an experimental apparatus.
2. With the 8-pin cable, connect the Broad Spectrum
Light Sensor to any analog channel (A, B, or C) on the
ScienceWorkshop interface (Figure 4). (Note: The
sensor also plugs directly into any analog channel.)
interface
ScienceWorkshop
500
E
S
R
S
P
T
G
O
O
L
Interface
1
DIGITAL CHANNELS
2
ANALOG CHANNELS
®
s
n
A
C
B
ON
=
=
GAIN
=
GAIN
GAIN
1,10:ISOLATED
1,10: REF TO GND
1: REF TO GND
5. In DataStudio, click the Start button to begin
collecting data.
Note: This instruction sheet was written assuming that
the user has a basic familiarity with DataStudio
software. Users can gain basic skills by working
through the tutorial in the DataStudio sofware.
Approximate Response of Sensor
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
percent transmittance
(%)
10
100
1000
10,000
wavelength (nm)
DIN Connector Specifications:
cable
1: analog output (+), -10 to +10 V
2: analog output (-), signal ground
3: (no connection)
4: + 5 V DC power
5: power ground
6: +12 VDC power
sensor
CI-6630
300nm -10,000nm
LIGHT SENSOR
BROAD SPECTRUM
TARE
GAIN
1
10
100
Figure 4: Plugging the sensor and cable into a
ScienceWorkshop
interface
7: -12 VDC power
8: (no connection)
3. In DataStudio, set up your experiment in the
Experiment Setup window.
4. Select a gain setting on the sensor box. If you expect
the light intensity levels in your experiment to be dim,
move the gain switch to either 10x or 100x. If you
expect the light intensity levels to be bright, adjust the
gain setting to the 1x position.
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Broad Spectrum Light Sensor 012-08541B
Limited Warranty
PASCO scientific warrants the product to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
one year from the date of shipment to the customer.
PASCO will repair or replace, at its option, any part of
the product which is deemed to be defective in
material or workmanship. The warranty does not
cover damage to the product caused by abuse or
improper use. Determination of whether a product
failure is the result of a manufacturing defect or
improper use by the customer shall be made solely by
PASCO scientific. Responsibility for the return of
equipment for warranty repair belongs to the
customer. Equipment must be properly packed to
prevent damage and shipped postage or freight
prepaid. (Damage caused by improper packing of the
equipment for return shipment will not be covered by
the warranty.) Shipping costs for returning the
equipment after repair will be paid by PASCO
scientific.
Address: PASCO scientific
10101 Foothills Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95747-7100
Phone: (916) 786-3800
FAX: (916) 786-8905
email: techsupp@pasco.com
web: www.pasco.com
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