Knowledge / Technology

NIR Technology & Calibration Science

Understand how near-infrared spectroscopy, advanced calibration models, and our integrated software ecosystem deliver real-time process intelligence.

The Science Behind NIR Spectroscopy

Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy measures the light absorption of molecular chemical bonds (primarily C-H, O-H, and N-H). By projecting broad-spectrum NIR light onto a sample, the analyzer measures which wavelengths are absorbed and which are reflected back. This absorption pattern creates a unique spectral fingerprint that reveals the chemical composition of the material.

USTECH leverages FT-NIR (Fourier Transform Near-Infrared) technology in its analyzer portfolio, delivering high spectral resolution across a wide wavelength range (1,350–2,550 nm). Combined with our proprietary calibration models and software ecosystem, this technology enables real-time, non-destructive composition analysis directly on the production line — eliminating the delays and costs of traditional laboratory methods.

Core Technology Advantages

Industrial-Grade Design:

Rugged analyzers engineered for harsh factory environments — vibrations, dust, temperature, and CIP cleaning.

Ultra-Wide Range:

Covers 1,350 to 2,550 nm, capturing both primary and combination chemical overtones.

Calibration Portability:

High unit-to-unit instrument similarity enables direct calibration transfer between devices without recalibration.

How It Works

From Light to Data: The Measurement Path

Trace the pathway from NIR light emission through spectral analysis to actionable process data — powered by USTECH calibration models and software.

01

Broadband Emission

A stabilized, long-lifetime halogen light source projects a continuous spectrum of near-infrared light onto the sample material.

02

Selective Absorption

Organic molecules in the sample (C-H, O-H, N-H bonds) absorb specific wavelengths depending on their concentration, reflecting the rest.

03

FT-NIR Spectral Engine

The reflected light enters the FT-NIR interferometer inside the analyzer, which separates the wavelengths and generates a high-resolution spectral interferogram.

04

caliX Calibration Models

The raw spectrum is processed through USTECH's caliX calibration models, which use advanced chemometric algorithms (PLS, AutoML) to predict chemical composition in milliseconds.

05

ProChem Process Output

Predicted values (protein, moisture, fat, etc.) are transmitted via ProChem to your PLC/SCADA system through OPC UA, Modbus, or analog outputs for real-time process control.

Competitive Edge

Why USTECH Process Analyzers?

USTECH combines robust FT-NIR hardware with intelligent calibration software and seamless industrial integration to bring laboratory-grade accuracy to the factory floor.

Parameter USTECH FT-NIR Solution Traditional FT-NIR Diode Array (Dispersive)
Solution Architecture Integrated hardware + software ecosystem: FT-NIR analyzers, caliX calibration suite, and ProChem process automation. Standalone spectrometer requiring third-party chemometrics and integration software. Basic hardware with limited software support and manual data export.
Industrial Readiness Production-Ready. Purpose-built for inline mounting on conveyors, mixers, pipelines, and reactors. Laboratory-Focused. Requires controlled environments; not designed for continuous process use. Limited. Some inline options available but with restricted spectral range and software support.
Spectral Range & Resolution Full NIR Range (1350 – 2550 nm). Captured at high interferometric resolution. Excellent Range & Resolution, but overkill and fragile for field operations. Limited Range (usually 900 – 1700 nm). Lower resolution, missing critical absorption overtones.
Calibration & Software Integrated. caliX AutoML builds models automatically; ProChem deploys them to all connected instruments with one click. Manual. Requires expensive third-party chemometrics software and manual calibration transfer. Basic. Limited built-in chemometrics; calibration transfer between units is difficult.
Process Integration Native. ProChem connects directly to PLC/SCADA via OPC UA, Modbus, 4–20 mA, and REST API. Limited. Typically requires custom middleware or third-party OPC servers for PLC connectivity. Basic. Usually limited to analog output or proprietary protocols.
Total Cost of Ownership Optimized. Competitive hardware pricing, included calibration software, and minimal ongoing service requirements. Very High. Expensive hardware plus annual licenses for third-party chemometrics and integration software. Moderate. Lower hardware cost, but limited capabilities require additional investments in software and support.