NextPM – New firmware
NextPM 1046 New Features
In our continuous efforts to improve our sensors’ performances and thanks to your feedback, we have integrated new features in the latest version of NextPM.
***Of course any dev. made for previous NextPM is fully compatible with newer version, we added new registers, none have been modified or deleted***
Please find below the details of these new features:
New registers
- 5 bins from 0.3 to 10µm in number of particle per liter:
New modbus registers added to provide the particle size distribution on the whole range of measurement of the NextPM with 5 individual bins: 0.3 – 0.5 µm ; 0.5 – 1 µm ; 1 – 2.5 µm ; 2.5 – 5 µm ; 5 – 10 µm. This provides our users the possibility to create their own particle detection algorithms for example (to train AI in order to create particle signatures and behavioral patterns).
- Total Suspended Particles (TSP) added to the modbus register:
With an extra bin providing estimated concentrations for TSP (up to 50 µm) in µg/m3. NextPM native aerolic filter stops particles with an aerodynamic diameter exceeding 10 µm at the inlet. This prevents sensors’ clogging and allows a more accurate measurement of PM10 (as particles of a bigger diameter are blocked at the inlet). To be in line with specific regulation, such as for the Asian market, we have developed a deterministic algorithm that estimates PM concentrations above 10µm, up to 50µm. As particle pollution is related to seasons and locations, it may need adjustments depending where you intend to use the sensor. Do not hesitate to contact us to ensure optimized values for TSP.
Humidity management
- Improvement of the temperature and relative humidity measures with and without heating system:
As the temperature and humidity probes are located inside NextPM, when the heating system was activated, the accuracy of these measurements was impacted thus providing less reliable data. With the new version we have modeled the impact of the heating on the temperature probe to dynamically correct the output temperature data and make it more reliable, whether the heating is on or off.
- Modification of the behavior of the heating system, with automatic regulation shifting from 0% up to 100% if relative humidity exceeds 65%:
A key feature of NextPM is its ability to remove humidity from particles, thus providing accurate measurement even above 65% of humidity. In the previous NextPM version a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) was implemented to progressively activate internal heaters based on the percentage of humidity. While being a positive thing regarding energy consumption, experience has proven that this strategy took more time to reach its full capacity to remove humidity. In the new version of NextPM, when 65 % of humidity is reached, heaters are turned on at their full intensity to accelerate humidity removal in order to provide accurate measurements even in fast changing environmental conditions.
Thank you again NextPM community for your feedback and improvement ideas. Our amazing team is working hard to meet these new technical and scientific challenges and continue to improve the accuracy of our sensors.
As always, should you have any question regarding this new version or any other topic, do not hesitate to reach out to our technical department, we will be happy to provide details and assistance. And if you have any specific requirements, please come back to us to suggest it, and it may be part of the next firmware.
