DFRobot
RS485 Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) Sensor (400-700nm)
· MPN: SEN0641
The RS485 PAR Sensor measures photosynthetically active radiation in the 400–700 nm wavelength range — the light spectrum that plants use for photosynthesis....
The RS485 PAR Sensor measures photosynthetically active radiation in the 400–700 nm wavelength range — the light spectrum that plants use for photosynthesis. It converts incident radiation into a signal proportional to light intensity, with cosine-corrected angular response for accurate readings at varying sun angles.
Built for outdoor deployment with an IP67-rated aluminium housing and a specially treated dust cover, this sensor delivers reliable measurements in harsh environments. It communicates via RS485 using the Modbus-RTU protocol and operates on a wide 5–30V DC supply, making it easy to integrate with Arduino and other platforms.
Key Features
- 400–700 nm Spectral Range – Measures the full PAR band used by plants for photosynthesis
- 0–2,500 µmol/m²·s Range – Covers low-light to full-sun conditions
- ±5% Accuracy – At 1,000 µmol/m²·s, 550 nm, 60% RH, 25°C
- 1 µmol/m²·s Resolution – Fine-grained measurement for research applications
- 10 µs Response Time – Near-instantaneous readings
- Cosine Corrected – ≤±10% cosine response for accurate angular measurements
- RS485 Modbus-RTU – Standard industrial communication protocol
- IP67 Rated – Dust-tight and waterproof for outdoor installations
- 5–30V DC Supply – Wide voltage range, <10 mA working current
Specifications
- Measurement Range: 0–2,500 µmol/m²·s
- Wavelength Range: 400–700 nm
- Accuracy: ±5%
- Resolution: 1 µmol/m²·s
- Non-Linearity: <±1%
- Annual Stability: ≤±2%
- Operating Temperature: -25°C to +60°C
- Protection Level: IP67
- Sensor Cable Length: 20 cm
- Adapter Cable Length: 70 cm
Ideal For
- Agricultural monitoring and crop growth optimisation
- Greenhouse light management
- Photovoltaic and solar radiation monitoring
- Environmental and ecological research
Package Contents
- 1× RS485 PAR sensor
- 1× Adapter cable
- 1× Screw package
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- IP67
- An ingress protection rating meaning the enclosure is dust-tight and can survive temporary immersion in water under specified test conditions. This matters when choosing a sensor for outdoor, wet, or wash-down environments.
- Modbus
- Modbus is an industrial communication protocol used by many meters, sensors, PLCs, and automation devices. Modbus support matters because it can make the controller easier to integrate with existing industrial equipment.
- ModBus-RTU
- ModBus-RTU is a common industrial protocol for sending sensor readings and control commands over serial links such as RS485. Knowing the sensor uses ModBus-RTU helps you choose software libraries, data loggers, or controllers that can request and interpret its readings.
- RS485
- RS485 is a robust wired serial communication standard often used in factories, farms, and buildings where cables may be long or electrically noisy. It matters because it lets this controller connect to industrial sensors, meters, and control equipment over longer distances than typical hobby serial wiring.
- Torque
- A twisting force that causes something to rotate, usually measured in newton-metres or kilogram-centimetres. It matters when choosing motors, servos, gears, and tools because higher torque is needed to lift heavier loads, turn larger wheels, or move mechanisms without stalling.
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Sensors & Input
Supplier page — dfrobot.com
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