Texas Instruments DLP NIRscan EVM User Manual
DLP®NIRscan™ Evaluation Module
User's Guide
Literature Number: DLPU016C
April 2014–Revised April 2019
Contents
Preface ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1 DLP NIRscan Evaluation Module Overview.............................................................................. 8
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 8
1.2 What is in the DLP NIRscan EVM? ....................................................................................... 8
1.2.1 Optical Engine ..................................................................................................... 10
1.2.2 DLP NIRscan EVM Electronics.................................................................................. 12
1.3 Other Items Needed for Operation....................................................................................... 14
1.4 DLP NIRscan Connections................................................................................................ 14
1.5 DLP NIRscan EVM Jumpers.............................................................................................. 16
2 Quick Start ........................................................................................................................ 18
2.1 Power-Up the DLP NIRscan EVM ....................................................................................... 18
3 Operating the DLP NIRscan EVM.......................................................................................... 20
3.1 Quick Scan Mode .......................................................................................................... 21
3.2 Custom Scan Mode ........................................................................................................ 23
3.3 Slew Scan Mode ........................................................................................................... 28
3.4 File Download Icon ........................................................................................................ 32
3.5 System Information ........................................................................................................ 32
A Safety ............................................................................................................................... 34
A.1 Warnings and Cautions.................................................................................................... 34
B Power Supply Requirements................................................................................................ 35
B.1 External Power Supply Requirements................................................................................... 35
C NIRscan EVM Reprogramming Procedure ............................................................................. 36
C.1 Creating a bootable microSD Card ...................................................................................... 36
C.2 Reprogramming the DLP NIRscan EVM Application Software....................................................... 36
C.3 Upgrading the DLPC350 Firmware ...................................................................................... 39
Revision History.......................................................................................................................... 40
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Contents
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1. DLP NIRscan Evaluation Module ......................................................................................... 6
1-1. DLP NIRscan EVM Block Diagram........................................................................................ 9
1-2. DLP NIRscan EVM Optical Engine ...................................................................................... 10
1-3. 0.45-Inch DMD Diamond Pixel Geometry............................................................................... 11
1-4. 0.45-Inch DMD Diamond Pixel Array Configuration ................................................................... 11
1-5. Diamond Pixel for Vertical, Horizontal, and Diagonal Lines.......................................................... 12
1-6. DLP NIRscan EVM......................................................................................................... 13
1-7. DLP NIRscan EVM Connectors (Backside View)...................................................................... 15
1-8. DLP NIRscan Connectors (Upside-Down Side View) ................................................................. 15
1-9. DLP NIRscan Jumper Locations ......................................................................................... 16
2-1. DLP NIRscan Homepage ................................................................................................. 19
3-1. Quick Scan Screen......................................................................................................... 21
3-2. Example Quick Scan....................................................................................................... 22
3-3. Example Quick Scan Spectrum Data.................................................................................... 23
3-4. Custom Scan Screen ...................................................................................................... 24
3-5. Example Custom Scan .................................................................................................... 26
3-6. Example Custom Scan Spectral Data................................................................................... 27
3-7. Example Custom Scan Raw Data ....................................................................................... 28
3-8. Slew Scan Screen.......................................................................................................... 29
3-9. Eample Slew Scan ......................................................................................................... 31
3-10. File Download Screen ..................................................................................................... 32
3-11. Information Screen......................................................................................................... 33
C-1. MicroSD Card Slot ......................................................................................................... 37
C-2. Boot Switch Location ...................................................................................................... 38
C-3. LED Location................................................................................................................ 39
List of Figures
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List of Figures
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List of Tables
1-1. DLP NIRscan EVM Specifications ....................................................................................... 11
1-2. DLP NIRscan EVM Components......................................................................................... 14
1-3. DLP NIRscan Connections................................................................................................ 15
4
List of Tables
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The DLP®NIRscan™ EVM is a third-party implementation of the next generation DLP reference design to
enable faster development cycles for spectrometer applications requiring small form factors.
Trademarks
NIRscan, Sitara are trademarks of Texas Instruments.
DLP is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments.
Safari is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
Digi-Key is a registered trademark of Digi-Key Corporation.
Google is a trademark of Google Inc.
Internet Explorer is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Mozilla Firefox is a registered trademark of Mozilla Corporation.
Sullins Connector Solutions is a registered trademark of Sullins Connector Solutions, Inc.
About This Guide
This guide is an introductory document for the DLP NIRscan EVM that provides an overview of the system
and the systems software. Other documents provide more in-depth information of the hardware and
software features of the components of the DLP NIRscan EVM.
This document covers DLP NIRscan Software version 2.0 - version 2.0 is an update to version 1.0 which
adds the Slew Scan mode and Custom Scan - Hadamard mode of operation. For instructions on how to
update the NIRscan software from version 1.0 to version 2.0, please see Appendix C of this document.
Preface
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Figure 1. DLP NIRscan Evaluation Module
Use the most recent versions of either Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, or Internet Explorer. There are
some compatibility issues noted with IE8 and IE9 so these versions are not recommended.
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Related Documentation
DLPC350 data sheet: DLPC350 DLP Digital Controller for Portable Advanced Light Control, DLPS029
DLP4500NIR data sheet: DLP 0.45 WXGA NIR DMD, DLPS032
Programmer's guide: DLPC350 Programmer’s Guide, DLPU010
Design guide: DLP Spectrometer Design Considerations, DLPA049
Technical Support
Refer to the DLP and MEMS TI E2E community support forums.
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1.1 Introduction
The DLP®NIRscan™ EVM is a complete evaluation module (EVM) to design a high performance,
affordable near-infrared spectrometer. This flexible tool contains everything a designer needs to start
developing a DLP-based spectrometer right out of the box. The EVM features the DLP 0.45 WXGA NIR
chipset. It is the first DLP chipset optimized for use with near-infrared (NIR) light. With DLP technology,
spectrometers for use in the food, pharmaceutical, oil and gas and other emerging industries are able to
deliver lab performance levels in the factory and the field. This technology brings together a set of
components providing an efficient and compelling spectroscopy system solution for:
• Process analyzers
• Laboratory equipment
• Dedicated analyzers
The new DLP4500NIR DMD is optimized for operation at wavelengths between 700 nm and 2500 nm. The
DLP NIRscan EVM is one possible implementation of this new DLP technology, operating from 1350 nm
to 2450 nm.
Chapter 1
DLPU016C–April 2014–Revised April 2019
DLP NIRscan Evaluation Module Overview
1.2 What is in the DLP NIRscan EVM?
The DLP NIRscan EVM is a complete NIR spectrometer EVM using DLP technology. The EVM package
includes:
• Near infrared optomechanical spectrometer engine:
– Transmissive sample holder with broadband visible-to-infrared tungsten-halogen lamp
– 25-µm input slit
– Collimating lenses
– 1300 to 2500 nm bandpass filter
– Reflective diffraction grating
– Focusing lens
– DLP4500NIR DMD (.45-inch WXGA, 912 × 1140 diamond pixels, NIR optimized)
– Collection optics
– 2-mm single-pixel, cooled InGaAs detector
• Electronics subsystem with the electronics consisting of five boards:
– Spectro board
• DLPC350 controller ASIC
• Sitara™ processor (AM3358) for system control and analysis
• Power management circuits
• Connectivity through Ethernet and USB
• Non-volatile eMMC flash memory
• Micro SD card slot for external programming
• Open source Linux web-server application software
– Detector board
• 2-mm, single-pixel cooled InGaAs detector with TEC and thermistor
• Low-noise differential amplifier circuit
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• Three disposable cuvettes, each 12.5 × 12.5 mm with 10-mm path length, for use during the
Figure 1-1 shows the major hardware components.
What is in the DLP NIRscan EVM?
• ADS1255 30 kSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with SPI interface
– Lamp driver board
• Low noise, constant current supply for the broadband lamp
– TEC driver board
• Thermistor feedback signal amplifier for temperature measurement
• Closed loop TEC current control with high current driver
– DMD interconnect board
– Associated cable harnesses
spectrometer evaluation.
Figure 1-1. DLP NIRscan EVM Block Diagram
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What is in the DLP NIRscan EVM?
1.2.1 Optical Engine
The DLP NIRscan EVM spectrometer optical engine is mounted on top of a thermal plate which acts as a
stable platform for mounting the optics. The configuration is a post-dispersive architecture where the
broadband light from the tungsten lamp is directed through a transmissive sample. In this specific
implementation, the lamp or sample holder module allows insertion of standard cuvettes. These cuvettes
are designed to hold liquid samples. There is also a slit in the sample holder, which allows insertion of
various thickness NIR transmissive samples such as plastic sheets and coated glass.
Each sample passes (and absorb) a specific amount of NIR light through the sample. The amount passed
(and absorbed) depends on the molecular makeup of the material, and is specific to that material, similar
to a fingerprint. The light which passes through the sample enters the engine through the input slit. Slit
size is relative to the desired wavelength resolution of the spectrometer. This spectrometer uses a 25-µm
wide slit, which is approximately 4.2-mm tall. After light passes through the slit, the light then passes
through a collimating lens, through a 1350- to 2450-nm bandpass filter where the light then strikes a
reflective grating. This grating, in combination with the focusing lens, disperses the NIR wavelengths
across the DLP4500NIR DMD in a horizontal fashion, with 1350 nm projected to one side of the DMD,
2450 nm to the other end, and all wavelengths dispersed between. When specific DMD columns are
selected as 'on', or tilted to the +12º position, the energy reflected by the selected columns diverts through
the collection optics to the single pixel detector. All other DMD columns which are not selected as 'on' are
by default 'off' (tilted to the –12º position). 'Off' DMD pixels divert the unselected wavelengths away from
the detector optical path so as not to interfere with the selected wavelength measurement.
The DLP NIRscan EVM size is mostly driven by the size of the optical engine and measures
approximately 197-mm long, 112-mm wide, and 96-mm tall.
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Figure 1-2. DLP NIRscan EVM Optical Engine
DLP NIRscan Evaluation Module Overview
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Table 1-1 lists the specifications of the light engine.
The optical engine includes the DLP4500NIR 0.45-inch DMD with 1039680 mirrors, arranged in 912
columns × 1140 rows with the diamond pixel array geometry and configuration shown in Figure 1-3 and
Figure 1-4. Due to the diamond pixel configuration, the array produces smooth diagonal lines, with jagged
vertical and horizontal lines, as shown in Figure 1-5. Conceptually, the spectroscopy application running
on the DLP NIRscan GUI uses vertical columns to select wavelengths. These vertical lines are
programmable in width as selected in the DLP NIRscan GUI software. Wider columns tend to provide
more light to the detector, but less digital resolution. Narrow columns provide higher digital resolution, but
less light to the detector.
What is in the DLP NIRscan EVM?
CAUTION
Do not disassemble the optical engine. The optical engine contains lenses,
gratings, and detectors that have been calibrated at the factory. Loosening or
tightening screws and optical components may move pieces out of alignment
and cause decreased system performance. Removal of the cover may allow
dust intrusion, which can also decrease system performance.
Table 1-1. DLP NIRscan EVM Specifications
PARAMETER MIN TYP MAX UNIT
Supported wavelengths 1350 2450 nm
Spectrometer typical power 12 W
Tungsten lamp typical power 4 W
Figure 1-3. 0.45-Inch DMD Diamond Pixel Geometry Figure 1-4. 0.45-Inch DMD Diamond Pixel Array
Configuration
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What is in the DLP NIRscan EVM?
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Figure 1-5. Diamond Pixel for Vertical, Horizontal, and Diagonal Lines
1.2.2 DLP NIRscan EVM Electronics
The DLP NIRscan EVM contains five boards which support all the electrical and software capabilities of
the spectrometer. The five boards are:
• Spectro board: The spectro board is the largest board in the DLP NIRscan EVM. The board provides
the following:
– Sitara processor: The Sitara processor (AM3358) runs a webserver which provides an HTML-based
method of controlling the spectrometer and displaying the results of sample scans. The Sitara
formulates and streams unique wavelength specific patterns to the DLPC350 for display on the
DMD while synchronizing the sampling of the spectrometer's ADC. The Sitara runs a Linux-based
spectrometer application on an open source Linux kernel. The user controls the web pages through
an RNDIS connection over USB, or by IP address over Ethernet connected to the local area
network.
– DLPC350 ASIC: The controller of the DLP4500NIR-based DLP system, the DLPC350 device
receives the pattern data from the Sitara over a 24-bit RGB bus. The DLPC350 decodes the pattern
information and converts the information into the correct format for the DMD. The device controls all
the DMD signals and synchronization, thereby directing each individual mirror to its desired state.
– External interfaces: The spectro boards provide multiple interfaces to the outside world. Standard
interfaces for communicating with the DLP NIRscan EVM are Ethernet-over-USB and a standard
RJ45 ethernet connection. To leverage the DLP NIRscan EVM platform for new product
development using the Sitara processor, the spectro board also contains a Sitara debug port, which
can be used with console software to control and debug the EVM software.
– Internal interfaces: The spectro board is at the center of the spectrometer electronics and software.
All boards plug into the spectro board though either a hard board connector or wiring harness.
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• DMD board: The DLP4500NIR DMD is located in the optical engine portion of the system. The DMD
• Detector board: The detector board is located within the optical engine and connects the InGaAs
• TEC driver board: The TEC driver board uses the feedback from a thermistor located in the detector
• Lamp driver board: The lamp driver board provides an extremely-low noise, high-power source for the
Figure 1-6 shows the spectro, TEC driver, and lamp driver boards. The detector board is located within the
optical engine. The DMD board plugs into the backside of the spectro board and connects it to the DMD
located inside the optical engine.
What is in the DLP NIRscan EVM?
board plugs into the spectro board and connects the DLPC350 to the DMD.
detector to the TEC driver board. The detector board also houses the differential amplifier circuits
which source the detector signal to the TI ADS1255 ADC. The ADS1255 ADC is used to over-sample
the resultant signals being routed from the detector for each wavelength-specific pattern being
displayed on the DMD.
to provide electrical current to the detector TEC in a closed-loop control circuit, thereby cooling the
detector to approximately –40°F and reducing detector noise.
tungsten-halogen lamp, which illuminates the sample. A low-noise source is important for a
spectrometer which has a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
The DLP NIRscan EVM electronics contain many devices by TI, which are critical to the design and
performance of the DLP NIRscan EVM (see Table 1-2).
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Figure 1-6. DLP NIRscan EVM
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