Project Overview
In 2022, a Shenzhen-based manufacturer with more than 20 years of experience in breath alcohol enforcement equipment initiated a collaborative development program with a specialist infrared sensing engineering team.
The objective was to develop a custom non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) breath alcohol measurement module suitable for integration into an evidential breath alcohol instrument intended for international markets.
The infrared sensing team focused on optical architecture, signal acquisition, calibration, compensation algorithms and module-level validation.
The equipment manufacturer was responsible for host electronics, mechanical enclosure, gas-flow integration, complete instrument engineering and certification coordination.
Engineering Challenges
Measurement Stability
Develop an infrared measurement approach addressing long-term drift and cross-sensitivity concerns associated with the earlier electrochemical design.
Instrument Integration
Coordinate the optical module with the instrument electronics, gas-flow path, mechanical design and measurement workflow.
International Testing
Support OIML R126-oriented type evaluation through calibration, repeated module testing, troubleshooting and technical adjustments.
Custom NDIR Infrared Sensing Solution
The sensing module uses infrared absorption to determine breath alcohol concentration. Its development required coordinated engineering across optical, electronic and signal-processing functions.
The engineering work included optical-path configuration, infrared signal acquisition, calibration procedures, compensation algorithms and repeated performance validation.
Module-level adjustments were coordinated with the complete instrument design to support the intended measurement application and overseas type evaluation process.
Development & Evaluation Timeline
- 2022 — Collaborative development initiated. Requirements definition, infrared optical design, sensor prototyping and calibration.
- Module and instrument integration. Iterative development of the optical system, signal chain, compensation algorithms and instrument interfaces.
- 2024 — International type evaluation. The integrated breath alcohol instrument was submitted to France for OIML R126 testing, with continuing module-level technical support.
- Reported evaluation status. Testing was described as nearing completion; final certification was not confirmed.
Platform Extension: Low-Concentration Nitrous Oxide Detection
The same infrared sensing technology platform was subsequently adapted for a customized nitrous oxide (N₂O) breath detection module.
The reported application required measurement of N₂O concentrations on the order of tens of parts per million. Exhaled carbon dioxide could reach approximately 50,000 ppm, creating a significant interference challenge.
The development approach combined customized optical sensing hardware, an independent real-time CO₂ measurement channel and a multi-component compensation algorithm.
Customized Optical Design
Optical configuration developed to reduce the response to interfering gas components.
Dedicated CO₂ Channel
Independent real-time monitoring of carbon dioxide concentration during breath measurement.
Compensation Algorithms
Multi-component correction for low-concentration N₂O measurement in the presence of CO₂.
According to the project report, the customized N₂O module was completed and CO₂ interference was reduced to within the specified product accuracy limits.
Engineering Results & Value
- Developed a customized NDIR infrared alcohol sensing module for integration into an evidential breath alcohol instrument.
- Supported overseas OIML R126 type evaluation through module testing, troubleshooting and engineering coordination.
- Extended the infrared sensing platform into a customized N₂O breath detection module.
- Demonstrated an engineering workflow linking optical sensing development, electronics integration, calibration and international evaluation support.
Related Engineering Capabilities
MIRRENO supports custom sensing and industrial electronics integration through engineering and manufacturing resources suited to application-specific development.
Optical & Gas Sensing
Custom infrared sensing modules, optical configuration and application-specific gas analysis.
Electronics Integration
Sensor interfaces, signal acquisition, embedded electronics and instrument-level integration.
Custom Development
Prototype engineering, testing, calibration and coordination across product development stages.
Need a Custom Infrared Sensing Solution?
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