Introduction
Hamamatsu’s C12880MA ultra-compact spectrometer is at time of writing this (May 2020) perhaps the best option for a miniaturised spectrometer to put with a micro-controller. It has 288 pixels, and 256 channels with 15 nm of resolution. The internal CMOS image sensor and optics are hermetically sealed to increase humidity resistance.
Versions
The C12880MA spectrometer is the second generation of this miniaturised sensor. Here are the specs as listed on Hamamatus’s own data sheet:
- Size: 20.1 × 12.5 × 10.1 mm
- Weight: 5 g
- Spectral response range: 340 to 850 nm
- Spectral resolution: 15 nm max.
- Hermetic package
- Wavelength conversion factor is listed on test result sheet.
Breakout boards
GetLab of GroupGets has a C12880MA Breakout Board for sale at about 400 USD. This module is also sold by DigiKey (that also stock the module by Seeed).
SeeedStudio also produces as breakout board from the same sensor. it also sells for approximately 400 USD.
In Sweden, Elfa sells the SeededStudie breakout board at approxiamtely 5,400 SEK (incl VAT).
Note that SeeedStudio also produces there own brand of Arduino compatible boards.
Sensor Module Project Nano