Polytec PAS Spectrometers: Modular NIR Analysis on HALDRUP Field Test Machines

Not all testing environments are the same. Anyone who takes measurements at different locations, analyzes different crops, or needs to account for specific mounting situations on the combine harvester requires an NIR system that can be adapted without compromising accuracy or reliability.

HALDRUP integrates Polytec’s PAS spectrometer into its field testing machines. The system is based on a modular structure consisting of coordinated probes, spectrometers, and software solutions, each individually configured for the specific measurement task in the field test.

A special feature of the Polytec system: the compact ½ 19″ housing is specifically designed for mobile use on harvesters. It allows for integration even in locations where space or mounting conditions pose special requirements.

Polytec GmbH, headquartered in Waldbronn, is a German high-tech company that has been developing optical measurement technology for research and industry since 1967. PAS spectrometers are developed and manufactured entirely in-house, from the optics to the electronics.

PRECISION MATTERS

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Advantages

  • Modular system consisting of a probe, spectrometer, and software – individually configurable for any measurement task

  • Compact ½ 19″ housing specifically designed for mobile use on harvesters

  • Two spectral ranges available: 850–1,650 nm and 1,100–2,100 nm – depending on crop and parameters

  • High measurement rate due to very short measurement times – extremely low stray light

  • Multiplexer option: simultaneously monitor multiple measurement points with a single spectrometer

  • Fully manufactured in-house at Polytec – optics, electronics, and firmware from a single source

  • Compatible with common chemometrics software packages: Unscrambler, Simca, Matlab, Python, CRAN R

  • Robust probes for solids, liquids, and pasty media – available in ATEX-compliant versions

All four NIR systems in the HALDRUP portfolio are integrated into the field trial machine. The Polytec PAS system stands out for its modular design: the probe, spectrometer, and software can be individually combined—for maximum adaptability to specific measurement and installation situations. The compact ½ 19″ housing is also specifically designed for mobile use on harvesters. Those with special requirements regarding configurability, number of measurement points, or spectral range will find the greatest flexibility in the Polytec system.

The Polytec PAS system is available in two optimized spectral ranges: 850–1,650 nm and 1,100–2,100 nm. The extended range up to 2,100 nm enables the measurement of additional quality parameters that cannot be measured, or only to a limited extent, in the shorter range—an advantage for demanding analytical requirements.

The Polytec Multiplexer enables the operation of multiple probes at different measurement points using a single spectrometer. This allows different positions in the harvesting process to be monitored simultaneously—without the need for multiple spectrometers. This increases measurement depth while ensuring more efficient use of the equipment.

The system offers non-contact probes for measurements over distances (e.g., on conveyor belts), contact probes for pipes, chutes, and hoppers, as well as immersion probes for liquid applications. The PAS-H-B04 contact probe meets protection class IP66/IP68 and is ATEX- and IECEx-compliant—for use in dusty and demanding environments.

Polytec offers three coordinated software modules: PAS SERVER for fully automated routine operation in process control, PAS LABS for laboratory analysis and calibration development, and PAS S-DRV for integration into custom control systems. The software is compatible with common chemometrics packages such as Unscrambler, Simca, Matlab, Python, and CRAN R.

The Polytec system supports the development of custom calibration models using compatible chemometrics software. Existing models can be integrated and transferred between devices. For users who do not have their own calibration data, Polytec provides support for method development.

The probes are specifically designed for industrial environments—resistant to dust, moisture, pressure, and temperature. The housing, made of stainless steel or anodized aluminum with a sapphire window, complies with current production and safety regulations. Use in explosion-hazard zones is possible with the ATEX-compliant contact probe.

  • Field trial operations with specific requirements for configurability and installation flexibility

  • Applications with multiple measurement points along the harvesting process – via a multiplexer solution

  • Research facilities that benefit from an extended spectral range up to 2,100 nm

  • Research institutions and universities with their own method design and open software interfaces

  • Users with existing chemometrics workflows in MATLAB, Python, or R

  • CROs and service providers with variable, project-specific measurement configurations

  • Agricultural corporations requiring scalable, cross-site process analytics

Model Spectral Range Detector Pixels Resolution Housing
PAS-1720 850–1,650 nm InGaAs 256 < 7.0 nm 19 inches
PAS-1721 850–1,650 nm InGaAs 256 < 7.0 nm ½ 19-inch
PAS-1751 850–1,650 nm InGaAs 512 < 4.0 nm ½ 19-inch
PAS-2120 1,100–2,100 nm InGaAs 256 < 8.0 nm 19 inches
PAS-2121 1,100–2,100 nm InGaAs 256 < 8.0 nm ½ 19-inch
Parameter Value
Measurement principle Diode array spectroscopy with transmission grating
Measurement rate Millisecond range
Interface Ethernet, SMA 905 optical fiber
Power supply 110–240 V AC (19″ chassis) / 10–30 V DC (½ 19″ chassis)
Protection class Probe (contact) IP66 / IP68, ATEX & IECEx compliant
Protection class of probe (non-contact) IP64
Compatible software PAS SERVER, PAS LABS, Unscrambler, Simca, MATLAB, Python, CRAN R
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FAQ – Questions from Real-World Practice

HALDRUP offers four NIR systems—ZEISS HALOS, ZEISS Corona extreme, Perten DA 7350, and Polytec PAS—all of which can be integrated into the field trial machine. The ZEISS HALOS is suitable for beginners who want to get started right away with preconfigured curves. The ZEISS Corona extreme is the choice for users with an established calibration base of their own. The Perten DA 7350 offers a large commercial calibration library and is the only system with an integrated camera. The Polytec PAS system stands out for its maximum configurability, an extended spectral range, and open software interfaces. HALDRUP provides consultation on selecting the right system.

The Polytec PAS system is designed for users who require maximum flexibility in system configuration—such as multiple measurement points via the multiplexer, an extended spectral range up to 2,100 nm, or integration into their own software environments like Matlab or Python. It is the preferred choice for research-oriented companies and users with demanding, customized analysis requirements.

Yes. The Polytec PAS system is compatible with common chemometrics software packages such as Unscrambler, Simca, Matlab, Python, and CRAN R. Existing methods and calibration models can be integrated and further developed.

The compact ½ 19″ housing is specifically designed for mobile use on harvesters. It can also be integrated where space constraints or installation conditions require a smaller form factor—without compromising measurement precision.

Polytec develops and manufactures all components—optics, electronics, and firmware—entirely in-house. This enables fast and competent customer support. HALDRUP provides assistance with installation, commissioning, and service.

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Modular NIR Analysis for Field Trials – Custom Configurable The Polytec PAS spectrometer is integrated into HALDRUP’s field trial machines. The modular system, consisting of a probe, spectrometer, and software, can be precisely tailored to the specific measurement task and installation situation.

Two spectral ranges – more analysis options With spectral ranges from 850–1,650 nm and 1,100–2,100 nm, the Polytec system covers a broader analysis spectrum than many standard systems—for demanding quality parameters in field testing.

Multiplexer Option for Multiple Measurement Points One probe, one spectrometer—or multiple probes, one spectrometer. The Polytec Multiplexer enables monitoring of multiple positions in the harvesting process without additional equipment.

Developed and manufactured in Germany since 1967. Polytec develops all system components in-house—optics, electronics, and firmware. This guarantees consistent quality and fast support in the event of service issues.

Four NIR systems – one decision HALDRUP offers ZEISS HALOS, ZEISS Corona extreme, Perten DA 7350, and Polytec PAS as integrated NIR solutions. Each system has its own strengths – HALDRUP advises you on selecting the right system for your requirements.

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