# openQCM Q-1 · Tech specs

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_openQCM Q-1 · sheet 02 · Tech specs_

The compact, modular Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring — nanogram-level mass detection in a compact 50 g unit.

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

## Performance

- **Frequency SD, fundamental:** 0.1 Hz in air · 2.8 Hz in liquid (typical); acceptance test in liquid ≤ 2.0 Hz
- **Dissipation SD, fundamental:** 0.3 ppm in air · 3.9 ppm in liquid (typical); acceptance test ≤ 0.2 and ≤ 0.5 × 10⁻⁶
- **Typical mass sensitivity:** 4.42 × 10⁻⁹ g·Hz⁻¹·cm⁻² at 10 MHz

## 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

## Measurement

- **Electronics interface:** Network analyser: AD9851 DDS sweep, AD8302 gain and phase
- **Quantities:** Frequency and dissipation
- **Overtones:** One at a time: up to the 9th (5 MHz) or 5th (10 MHz)
- **Sampling:** ~1.0 s per overtone

## Thermal

- **Temperature sensor:** MCP9808 (I²C) in the sensor module, measurement only
- **Active thermal control:** No

## Mechanical

- **Main case:** Nylon PA2200
- **Sensor module:** Nylon PA2200; PMMA window (PTFE on request); FKM (Viton) O-ring
- **Chamber volume:** ~50 µl
- **Dimensions:** 143.1 × 66.8 × 26 mm
- **Weight:** 50 g

## Power and data

- **Power:** USB, 5 V
- **Connection:** Micro-USB, USB 2.0 to the PC
- **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/
