The Tiny Ion Counter (TIC) is a device for measuring the total concentration of small ions in the sub-5 nm range, for both positive and negative polarity in parallel. The device is designed to be a simple, robust, and cost-effective solution for long-term monitoring of ion concentrations in both indoor and outdoor environments.
| Name | Tiny Ion Counter |
| Model | 203 |
| Measurement Range | positive and negative cluster ions separately, z > ±0.5 cm²/V/s |
| Measurement Principle | parallel plate mobility analysis, integrating electrometers |
| Sample Flow Rate | 2 – 9 l/min, 5 l/min typical per polarity, software selectable |
| Noise Level | TBD, 100 #/cm³ total concentration at 5 l/min sample flow |
| Time Resolution | 10 seconds typical, up to 1 s depending on signal level |
| Operating Conditions | −20 to 40 °C 500 to 1200 hPa |
| Consumables | None |
| Interface | USB type C connector. Exposed as virtual serial port device. Full communication protocol documentation available. |
| Software | Graphical and command line data acquisition and review software (Microsoft Windows 7 or newer and Linux), Python library (platform independent) |
| Power Requirement | DC 5 V, 1 A maximum, 0.5 A normal operation. Powered from the main USB data port or second dedicated USB power-only port. |
| Dimensions | H 5 cm, W 12 cm, L 16 cm |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
The TIC detects ions using two independent first-order parallel plate differential mobility analyzers (Tammet 1970 1). Ions pass an electric field and are pushed towards the collecting electrode. The depositing ions produce an electric signal which is measured using high sensitivity integrating electrometers.
The sample flow rates of both analyzers can be freely specified in the range from 2 to 9 l/min depending on the requirements of the measurement setup and the available signal level. The voltages of the repelling electrodes are automatically adjusted to keep the detected ion mobility range constant.
The voltages and flow rates of both analyzers can be freely adjusted in software which allows the device to run in various other operating modes in addition to the normal measurement mode. The TIC will automatically assess electrometer noise levels and zero currents using the “zero” operating mode that switches off all blowers and detector voltages. A “swapped polarities” mode is available to check if the detected concentrations are the same when the polarities are swapped between the two detectors. Also the detected mobility size range can be changed.
Thanks to its small size (5 x 12 x 16 cm) and low power requirements (<5 W), the device is easy to deploy and integrate into indoor air quality measurement solutions, and it is also well suited for mast and drone-based measurements.
The TIC is similar to the Cluster Ion Counter (CIC, also produced by Airel OÜ). The CIC has a better signal-to-noise ratio and lower inlet losses than the TIC. The CIC detects ions separately in three different size ranges. The TIC design focuses on low cost, small size, and very simple maintenance. Ions are detected in only one size fraction.
Tammet, H. (1970). The Aspiration Method fo the Determination of Atmospheric-Ion Spectra. (Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem). ↩︎
