Thermal IR Emitter HIS180SMD-A
The HIS180SMD-A is a miniaturized thermal infrared emitter engineered for demanding gas sensing and spectroscopy applications. Built on advanced nanostructured emitter technology, it...
Thermal IR Emitter HIS180SMD-A
Miniaturized Infrared Emitter with Sapphire Window for NDIR Gas Sensors and IR Spectroscopy Systems
The HIS180SMD-A is a miniaturized thermal infrared emitter engineered for demanding gas sensing and spectroscopy applications. Built on advanced nanostructured emitter technology, it delivers broadband infrared radiation with high efficiency from within a compact 3 × 3 mm SMD housing. This combination of performance and form factor makes the HIS180SMD-A exceptionally well-suited for integration into modern sensor modules, portable analyzers, and IoT-enabled monitoring platforms.
Central to its performance is a 1.8 mm² radiating element — significantly larger than competing miniature emitters — which drives higher optical output power and stronger detection signals. At 390 mW of electrical input, the element reaches approximately 550 °C, producing up to 23 mW of optical output across the 2–6 µm spectral range. This covers the principal absorption bands of CO₂, hydrocarbons, and many other gases of industrial and environmental interest.
A glued sapphire optical window provides excellent broadband transmission while shielding the emitter from contamination, moisture, and mechanical stress. Together with its SMD footprint — compatible with automated pick-and-place assembly — these features make the HIS180SMD-A a reliable, production-ready infrared source for OEM sensor manufacturers and research system developers alike.
Understanding HIS180SMD-A
The HIS180SMD-A operates as a pulsable thermal infrared source, generating a broadband emission spectrum characteristic of a near-blackbody radiator. When electrical power is applied, a micro-fabricated resistive element composed of high-temperature resistant materials heats rapidly, emitting infrared radiation across a broad spectral band.
The 1.8 mm² emitting area is a key differentiator: a larger radiating surface produces greater total radiant flux, enabling stronger optical signals within the same compact package. The emitter’s nanostructured surface coating achieves emissivity greater than 0.9, closely approximating an ideal blackbody and ensuring efficient energy conversion.
In NDIR gas detection systems, infrared radiation from the emitter passes through a sample gas cell. Specific molecular species absorb characteristic wavelengths; a matched detector and optical filter quantify this absorption to determine gas concentration with high accuracy. The emitter’s pulsability enables lock-in detection techniques that suppress background noise and improve signal-to-noise ratio significantly.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product Model | HIS180SMD-A |
| Package Type | SMD (3 × 3 mm²) |
| Radiating Element Area | 1.8 mm² |
| Radiating Element Emissivity | > 0.9 |
| Radiating Element Temperature | ~550 °C at 390 mW |
| Optical Output Power | Up to 23 mW |
| Maximum Electrical Power | 390 mW |
| Maximum Voltage | 2.8 V |
| Maximum Current | 140 mA |
| Electrical Resistance | 20 ± 2 Ω |
| Modulation Frequency | Up to 8 Hz |
| Wavelength Range | 2 – 6 µm |
| Filter / Window | Sapphire (glued) |
| Filling Gas | Air |
Key Features and Advantages
Large Radiating Element for Enhanced Output
With a 1.8 mm² radiating area, the HIS180SMD-A generates considerably higher infrared flux than smaller miniature emitters. This directly translates to stronger optical signals at the detector, improving measurement sensitivity and enabling longer optical path lengths in gas cells.
High Emissivity Nanostructured Surface
The nanostructured emitter surface achieves emissivity exceeding 0.9, closely approximating a blackbody radiator. This ensures maximum radiant efficiency at any given operating temperature, reducing the electrical power needed to achieve target signal levels.
Broadband 2–6 µm Spectral Coverage
The emitter’s output spans the fundamental mid-infrared absorption bands of CO₂, CO, CH₄, NOx, hydrocarbons, and many other gases. A single emitter can therefore serve as the source for multi-gas detection systems when paired with appropriate bandpass filters.
Sapphire Window for Durability and Transmission
The integrated glued sapphire window combines outstanding optical transmission in the 2–6 µm range with exceptional hardness and chemical resistance. It protects the sensitive emitter element from dust, moisture, solvents, and mechanical contact, extending service lifetime in industrial deployments.
SMD Package for Automated Assembly
The 3 × 3 mm SMD housing is fully compatible with standard pick-and-place PCB assembly processes. This enables cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing of gas sensor modules and portable analytical instruments without manual handling of the emitter.
Pulsed Operation for Superior Signal Processing
Support for modulated emission up to 8 Hz enables synchronous detection techniques in NDIR sensor designs. Pulsed operation reduces thermal drift, suppresses 1/f noise, and facilitates background subtraction — all of which improve long-term measurement stability and detection limits.
Efficient Power Consumption for Portable Applications
Despite generating up to 23 mW of optical output, the emitter operates from a low-voltage supply (max. 2.8 V, 140 mA), making it compatible with single-cell Li-ion battery architectures. This opens the way for truly portable, handheld, or wearable gas sensing devices.
Applications Across Industries
Environmental Monitoring
Used in NDIR gas sensors for monitoring carbon dioxide, methane, and other atmospheric gases.
Industrial Safety and Gas Detection
Integrated into industrial gas monitoring systems used in chemical plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities.
Smart Building and HVAC Systems
Used in indoor air quality monitoring devices for intelligent building automation systems.
Medical and Healthcare Diagnostics
Supports respiratory gas analysis systems and breath alcohol detection instruments.
Scientific Research and Spectroscopy
Used in infrared spectroscopy instruments, laboratory analyzers, and portable spectrometers.
Consumer Electronics and IoT
Enables compact infrared sensing in portable gas sensors, wearable devices, and smart home monitoring systems.
Why Choose United Spectrum Instruments?
United Spectrum Instruments is a specialist distributor and technical partner for advanced photonics, infrared sensing, and scientific instrumentation in India. By combining access to globally leading component manufacturers with deep application knowledge, United Spectrum enables OEM developers, research institutions, and system integrators to bring reliable infrared sensing products to market efficiently.
Key reasons to work with United Spectrum Instruments:
- Access to internationally leading photonics and infrared component technologies
- Expert application support for NDIR gas sensing and spectroscopy system design
- OEM consultation from component selection through to system-level integration
- Reliable supply for both prototyping quantities and production volumes
- Established partnerships with leading international photonics manufacturers
- Fast, responsive technical communication and application guidance
FAQs
What is the HIS180SMD-A infrared emitter used for?
It is primarily used in NDIR gas sensing systems, infrared spectroscopy instruments, and environmental monitoring devices.
What makes the HIS180SMD-A different from smaller emitters?
It features a larger 1.8 mm² radiating element, which produces stronger infrared radiation and higher signal intensity.
What is the advantage of the sapphire window?
The sapphire window protects the emitter and improves optical transmission, ensuring stable performance in harsh environments.
Is the emitter suitable for portable sensing devices?
Yes. Its compact SMD design and efficient power consumption make it suitable for portable and battery-powered instruments.
Can the emitter be integrated into automated PCB manufacturing?
Yes. The SMD package allows automated pick-and-place assembly, supporting large-scale electronics production.
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FAQs
What is the HIS180SMD-A infrared emitter used for?
It is primarily used in NDIR gas sensing systems, infrared spectroscopy instruments, and environmental monitoring devices.
What makes the HIS180SMD-A different from smaller emitters?
It features a larger 1.8 mm² radiating element, which produces stronger infrared radiation and higher signal intensity.
What is the advantage of the sapphire window?
The sapphire window protects the emitter and improves optical transmission, ensuring stable performance in harsh environments.
Is the emitter suitable for portable sensing devices?
Yes. Its compact SMD design and efficient power consumption make it suitable for portable and battery-powered instruments.
Can the emitter be integrated into automated PCB manufacturing?
Yes. The SMD package allows automated pick-and-place assembly, supporting large-scale electronics production.
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