# openQCM NEXT · Tech specs

> Source page: https://openqcm.com/openqcm-next-tech-specs
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_openQCM NEXT · sheet 02 · Tech specs_

An advanced Quartz Crystal Microbalance featuring high-precision nanogram-level mass detection, real-time dissipation monitoring, and integrated thermal control — ideal for material science, chemistry, and biosensing.

> Reported values should be considered with the device away from electromagnetic sources such as smartphones, motors, and similar equipment.

## Noise, overtone by overtone

| | n = 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency SD, air (Hz) | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Frequency SD, liquid (Hz) | 2.8 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 2.1 |
| Dissipation SD, air (ppm) | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Dissipation SD, liquid (ppm) | 3.9 | 4.6 | 13.5 | 20.8 | 34.0 |

5 MHz crystal; the 9th overtone is marked beta.

## Sensor

- **Number of sensors:** Single quartz resonator
- **Quartz sensors:** 5 MHz and 10 MHz, 14 mm, wrapped electrode (single-side contact)
- **Frequency range:** 1–50 MHz
- **Typical mass sensitivity:** 1.767 × 10⁻⁸ g·Hz⁻¹·cm⁻² at 5 MHz

## Measurement

- **Electronics interface:** Network analyser: AD9851 DDS sweep, AD8302 gain and phase
- **Quantities:** Frequency and dissipation
- **Overtones:** Up to the 9th with 5 MHz crystals (9th in beta), up to the 5th with 10 MHz
- **Acquisition:** All overtones swept in every multiscan cycle, about 1.4 s per overtone (about 7 s for five overtones)

## Thermal control

- **Element:** Peltier, heating and cooling
- **Controller:** Thorlabs MTD415T, ±1.5 A
- **Sensor:** 10 kΩ thermistor in the fluidic module
- **Working range:** 25–45 °C (driver nominal 5–45 °C)
- **Stability:** ±0.01 °C

## Mechanical

- **Main case:** Aluminium 6061 and nylon PA2200
- **Heat sink:** Flash chrome-plated aluminium
- **Standard fluidic module:** Chrome-plated aluminium shell with PTFE core; FKM (Viton) O-ring
- **Chamber volume:** ~50 µl
- **Dimensions:** 200 × 80 × 40 mm
- **Weight:** ~260 g

## Power and data

- **Electronics:** USB, 5 V
- **Peltier:** 5 V, 2.1 A adaptor included; up to 1.6 A
- **Data:** USB serial (COM port)
- **Software:** Python, open source; CSV data

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openQCM by Novaetech S.r.l., Pompeii, Italy · Buy: https://store.openqcm.com/ · Contact: info@openqcm.com · https://openqcm.com/contacts/