Teledyne M300EM User Manual

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Theory of Operation 
Teledyne API – Technical Manual - Model 300E Family CO Analyzers 
242  
11.5.3.4. IR Photo-Detector  
The IR beam is converted into an electrical signal by a cooled solid-state photo-conductive detector.  The 
detector is composed of a narrow-band optical filter, a piece of lead-salt crystal whose electrical resistance 
changes with temperature, and a two-stage thermo-electric cooler.   
When the analyzer is on, a constant electrical current is directed through the detector.  The IR beam is focused 
onto the detector surface, raising its temperature and lowering its electrical resistance that results in a change in 
the voltage drop across the detector.   
During those times that the IR beam is bright, the temperature of the detector is high; the resistance of the 
detector is correspondingly low and its output voltage output is low.  During those times when the IR beam 
intensity is low or completely blocked by the GFC Wheel mask, the temperature of the detector is lowered by the 
two-stage thermo-electric cooler, increasing the detector’s resistance and raising the output voltage. 
 
 
 
11.5.4. SYNCHRONOUS DEMODULATOR (SYNC/DEMOD) ASSEMBLY 
11.5.4.1. Overview 
While the photo-detector converts fluctuations of the IR beam into electronic signals, the Sync/Demod Board 
amplifies these signals and converts them into usable information.  Initially the output by the photo-detector is a 
complex and continuously changing waveform made up of Measure and Reference pulses.  The sync/demod 
board demodulates this waveform and outputs two analog DC voltage signals, corresponding to the peak values 
of these pulses.  CO MEAS and CO REF are converted into digital signals by circuitry on the motherboard, then 
used by the CPU to calculate the CO concentration of the sample gas. 
Additionally the synch/demod board contains circuitry that controls the photo-detector’s thermoelectric cooler as 
well as circuitry for performing certain diagnostic tests on the analyzer. 
04288D DCN5752