The control unit is the electronic counterpart to the optical measurement probe. It acquires the time-resolved detector signals, performs signal processing and calculations, manages the measurement workflow, and communicates with the host computer and the surrounding process-control system.
The optical probe determines which optical information is detected in the measurement region. The control unit determines how these signals are acquired, processed, evaluated, stored, and transferred to other systems.
Three standard control units are available: ZEON, IMEA, and CLEON. Each control unit is matched to one optical probe family and to a defined number of detector channels. The same hardware platform can support different product families. Whether a system operates as SprayQuantAI®, ParticleTensorAI®, or TSTOF depends on the probe configuration, acquisition workflow, firmware, calculation method, and evaluation software.
Overview of Control Units
| Control Unit | Compatible Probe | Detector Inputs | Used By |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZEON | LSS1 | 1 | SQA1, PTA1 |
| IMEA | LSS2 | 2 | SQA2, PTA2 |
| CLEON | LSS4 | 4 | PTA4, TSTOF |
ZEON
ZEON is the single-channel control, acquisition, and processing unit used with the LSS1 optical probe. The same hardware platform is used for SprayQuantAI® SQA1 and ParticleTensorAI® PTA1.
In SQA1, ZEON acquires and evaluates signals from individual droplets or particles using the configured classical or AI-based SprayQuantAI® algorithms. In PTA1, the acquisition and processing workflow is configured for buffered time-resolved light-scattering data and AI-based ParticleTensorAI® analysis.
IMEA
IMEA is the two-channel control, acquisition, and processing unit used with the LSS2 optical probe. It forms the electronic platform for SprayQuantAI® SQA2 and ParticleTensorAI® PTA2.
In SQA2, the two detector signals are processed for individual-event evaluation and spray monitoring. Depending on the configured measurement method, classical signal-processing algorithms or AI-based evaluation can be used. In PTA2, synchronized detector signals are acquired over a defined time interval and retained for buffered ParticleTensorAI® processing.
CLEON
CLEON is the four-channel control, acquisition, and processing unit used with the LSS4 optical probe. It provides the multi-channel hardware platform for ParticleTensorAI® PTA4 and the classical TSTOF measurement system.
In PTA4, the four synchronized detector signals are acquired and retained for AI-based ParticleTensorAI® analysis. In TSTOF operation, the same multi-channel signals are processed using the classical TSTOF evaluation concept to determine particle properties from individual measurement events.
Shared Hardware Platform
The control units are part of a modular measurement platform. The number of detector channels increases from ZEON to IMEA and CLEON, while the fundamental system architecture remains similar.
This modular approach allows the optical hardware and control electronics to be combined with different evaluation concepts. The same physical platform can therefore be used for individual-particle analysis, continuous spray monitoring, buffered AI-based material characterization, or classical TSTOF evaluation.
Process and Communication Interfaces
ZEON and IMEA communicate with the host computer via Ethernet and provide interfaces for integration into laboratory and industrial process-control environments.
| Interface | ZEON | IMEA |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Digital inputs | 4 × 24 V | 4 × 24 V |
| Digital outputs | 4 × 24 V | 4 × 24 V |
| Analog inputs | 4 × 4–20 mA | 4 × 4–20 mA |
| Analog outputs | 4 × 4–20 mA | 4 × 4–20 mA |
| Dimensions | 251 × 211 × 109 mm | 251 × 211 × 109 mm |
The digital and analog interfaces allow measurement results, status information, trigger signals, and process variables to be exchanged with external equipment. In particular, the 4–20 mA interfaces provide a standard method for connecting the measurement system to established industrial automation and monitoring systems.
The available interfaces and technical specifications of CLEON are listed separately on the CLEON product page.
From Optical Signal to Process Information
The optical probe and control unit always operate as one measurement chain. The probe converts the interaction of droplets or particles with the illumination into time-resolved optical information. The control unit acquires these signals and transforms them into data that can be evaluated by SprayQuantAI®, ParticleTensorAI®, or TSTOF.
This separation between optical measurement hardware and electronic evaluation makes it possible to adapt the system to different research and industrial applications while maintaining a common technological platform.