UVAB Radiation Sensor 280 to 400nm RS485 Output

JW-TBQ-UVAB(LC45) UVAB Radiation Sensor is designed for continuous measurement of ultraviolet radiation across the 280–400 nm spectral range.

With a measurement accuracy of ≤3%, response time of ≤10 seconds, and multiple signal options including 0–20 mV, 4–20 mA and RS485, the sensor can be integrated into weather stations, environmental monitoring systems, data acquisition networks and scientific radiation monitoring projects.

It is suitable for applications where reliable UV radiation data is required for meteorological observation, environmental research, agricultural studies, outdoor exposure assessment and long-term field monitoring.

1. Product Description

The JW-TBQ-UVAB(LC45) UVAB Radiation Sensor is developed for measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity within the 280 to 400 nm wavelength range.

Ultraviolet radiation is only one part of the solar spectrum. For monitoring projects that specifically require UV data, a dedicated UV radiation sensor provides more relevant information than a broadband total solar radiation sensor.

The JW-TBQ-UVAB(LC45) combines a thermopile sensing element with an optical glass cover to detect changes in ultraviolet radiation and convert them into an electrical signal that can be collected by a data acquisition system.

Depending on the project architecture, users can select:

• 0–20 mV output
• 4–20 mA output
• RS485 output

This makes the sensor suitable both for standalone radiation measurement and for integration into larger environmental monitoring networks.

For other wavelength and solar radiation measurements, explore the complete JW-IoT Radiation Sensors range.

2. What Does a 280–400 nm UVAB Radiation Sensor Measure?

The sensor measures ultraviolet radiation within the 280–400 nm spectral range.

Rather than measuring all incoming solar radiation, the sensor focuses specifically on the UV portion of the spectrum covered by its optical response.

This makes the measurement useful when a monitoring project needs to understand changes in ultraviolet radiation caused by factors such as:

• Time of day
• Seasonal solar conditions
• Atmospheric conditions
• Cloud variation
• Monitoring location
• Environmental exposure conditions

The sensor does not replace a broadband pyranometer when total solar irradiance is required.

Instead, the two instruments serve different monitoring purposes.

A UVAB sensor focuses on ultraviolet radiation, while broadband solar radiation sensors are designed for a much wider solar spectrum.

3. Why Measure UV Radiation Separately?

Solar radiation is composed of different wavelength regions.

A general solar radiation sensor provides information about overall incoming radiation, but some environmental and research applications require a more specific understanding of ultraviolet radiation.

Separate UV monitoring can provide additional environmental context for:

Meteorological Observation

UV radiation data can be recorded alongside air temperature, humidity, pressure, wind and other meteorological variables.

This allows weather and climate monitoring projects to analyze ultraviolet radiation as an independent environmental parameter.

Environmental Monitoring

Long-term UV measurements can support environmental observation networks studying changes in radiation conditions at a specific site.

Agricultural and Ecological Research

Plant and ecosystem research projects may require UV radiation information in addition to PAR, total solar radiation and other environmental variables.

Outdoor Exposure Assessment

UV radiation measurements can contribute to studies of outdoor radiation exposure conditions.

Where a project requires a calculated UV Index or other exposure indicator, the radiation data should be processed according to the appropriate methodology rather than treating the sensor reading itself as a UV Index value.

Scientific Radiation Research

Research stations can combine UV radiation with other wavelength-specific measurements to obtain a more complete understanding of the local radiation environment.

4. Technical Specifications

5. Output Options for Different Monitoring Systems

Different projects require different signal interfaces.

The JW-TBQ-UVAB(LC45) therefore provides three output options.

0–20 mV Output

The millivolt version is suitable for data acquisition equipment capable of processing low-level analog signals.

This option may be useful in laboratory, research and precision measurement environments where the acquisition system is designed for millivolt inputs.

4–20 mA Output

A 4–20 mA version can be considered for industrial monitoring systems where analog signals need to be transmitted between the field sensor and control or acquisition equipment.

RS485 Output

The RS485 version simplifies connection with compatible digital data acquisition systems.

It can be considered for:

• Environmental data loggers
• RTUs
• Weather station controllers
• PLC-based monitoring systems
• Remote monitoring systems
• Centralized environmental monitoring networks
• IoT monitoring gateways

The correct output should be selected according to the input interface and system architecture of the project.

6. UVAB Sensor vs Total Solar Radiation Sensor

A UV radiation sensor and a total solar radiation sensor are not interchangeable.

For projects mainly concerned with photovoltaic performance or total incoming solar irradiance, a broadband solar radiation sensor may be more appropriate.

For projects specifically studying ultraviolet radiation, the UVAB sensor provides wavelength-focused measurement.

If you are unsure which instrument is suitable, see our complete Radiation Sensors range or contact JW-IoT with your required wavelength, output signal and monitoring application.

7. UVAB vs Near-Infrared Radiation Monitoring

Ultraviolet and near-infrared radiation represent different parts of the solar spectrum and therefore require different sensors.

This UVAB sensor covers:

280–400 nm

JW-IoT also provides a 700–3000 nm Near Infrared Radiation Sensor for projects requiring near-infrared spectral monitoring.

Using wavelength-specific sensors allows a research or environmental monitoring system to observe different portions of incoming radiation separately.

The correct sensor therefore depends on the spectral range required by the project rather than only the general term “solar radiation.”

8. Integration into a Weather Monitoring System

UV radiation normally becomes more useful when analyzed together with other environmental measurements.

A complete monitoring station may collect parameters such as:

• UV radiation
• Global solar irradiance
• Air temperature
• Relative humidity
• Atmospheric pressure
• Wind speed
• Wind direction
• Rainfall
• Other application-specific radiation measurements

The UVAB sensor can provide the UV measurement layer within such a system.

The RS485 version is particularly suitable where multiple environmental sensors need to connect to a centralized data acquisition architecture.

For integrated meteorological monitoring, JW-IoT also provides weather monitoring solutions such as the PV Weather Monitoring Station for Distributed Solar Plants.

For larger projects requiring environmental sensing and centralized monitoring, refer to the PV Environmental Monitoring System with Solar Radiation.

9. Application Scenarios

Meteorological UV Radiation Monitoring

Weather observation stations can add UV radiation as a dedicated monitoring parameter alongside conventional meteorological measurements.

This is suitable for collecting long-term radiation datasets and comparing UV conditions with changing weather conditions.

Environmental Monitoring Stations

Environmental monitoring networks can use the sensor to collect site-specific UV radiation measurements as part of wider atmospheric or ecological monitoring programs.

Outdoor UV Exposure Research

UV radiation measurement can provide quantitative field data for outdoor exposure studies.

For applications that require exposure indices or health-related interpretation, sensor measurements should be combined with the appropriate assessment methodology.

Agriculture and Crop Research

Agricultural research projects studying light conditions can measure UV radiation alongside other environmental parameters.

UV data can complement measurements such as solar irradiance, PAR, temperature, humidity and soil conditions.

Ecological and Climate Research

Long-term radiation monitoring can provide an additional environmental variable for ecological and climate-related studies.

Scientific Field Stations

Research teams can integrate the RS485 or analog version into scientific monitoring systems for synchronized data acquisition.

Solar and Atmospheric Radiation Research

The UVAB sensor can be used together with other radiation instruments when a project needs to distinguish between different spectral regions.

10. From Sensor to Monitoring Platform

A complete environmental monitoring architecture normally contains several layers:

UVAB Radiation Sensor

↓

Data Logger / RTU / Controller

↓

Communication Device

↓

Monitoring Platform or Database

The UVAB sensor is responsible for field measurement.

The data acquisition equipment then collects and processes the signal before the monitoring system stores, displays or analyzes the data.

When selecting the sensor version, it is therefore important to identify the interface supported by the existing acquisition equipment first.

For example:

Existing analog acquisition system

→ Consider 0–20 mV or 4–20 mA according to the input requirement.

Digital environmental monitoring network

→ Consider the RS485 version.

Complete weather monitoring project

→ Confirm both the sensor interface and the data logger architecture before ordering.

11. Installation and Monitoring Considerations

The quality of radiation measurements depends not only on sensor specifications but also on installation conditions.

For a UV radiation monitoring project, consider the following before installation:

Keep the Optical Surface Unobstructed

The sensor should have a suitable view of the incoming radiation without unnecessary shading from nearby structures or equipment.

Avoid Artificial Shadows

Mounting poles, antennas, weather station components or surrounding structures may affect incoming radiation if they cast shadows over the sensing surface.

Keep the Optical Surface Clean

Dust, deposits or other contamination on the optical surface can influence radiation transmission.

The sensor should therefore be inspected and maintained according to the operating environment and project maintenance plan.

Maintain Consistent Installation Conditions

For long-term monitoring, the installation method should remain consistent so that changes in the recorded data are more likely to reflect actual environmental variation rather than changes in sensor position.

Confirm the Output Interface Before Wiring

0–20 mV, 4–20 mA and RS485 versions have different system integration requirements.

The required output type should therefore be confirmed before installation.

12. How to Select the Right UV Radiation Sensor

Before choosing a UV sensor, clarify the following project requirements.

1. What wavelength range needs to be measured?

This model is designed for 280–400 nm ultraviolet radiation.

If another spectral range is required, a different radiation sensor may be necessary.

2. What output does the data logger support?

Confirm whether the existing acquisition system accepts:

• 0–20 mV
• 4–20 mA
• RS485

3. Is the project standalone or part of a complete weather station?

A standalone research installation may only require the radiation sensor and acquisition device.

A larger environmental monitoring project may require additional meteorological sensors, communication hardware and a remote monitoring platform.

4. What other radiation parameters are required?

Depending on the monitoring objective, a project may require UV radiation together with:

• Total solar radiation
• Near-infrared radiation
• Net radiation
• Photosynthetically active radiation
• Other spectral measurements

JW-IoT provides multiple instruments within the Radiation Sensors category for different wavelength and environmental monitoring requirements.

13. When Should You Choose RS485?

The RS485 option is suitable when the UVAB sensor needs to become part of a digital monitoring system rather than operate only as an analog sensing element.

Typical situations include:

• Multi-sensor weather stations
• Remote environmental monitoring stations
• Centralized data acquisition systems
• Research observation networks
• IoT environmental monitoring
• Industrial monitoring architectures

Before integration, confirm the communication and data requirements of the receiving controller or data logger.

If you are designing a complete monitoring system rather than purchasing only the sensor, JW-IoT can help evaluate the measurement parameters and required interfaces based on the project architecture.

14. Need a UV Radiation Monitoring Solution?

Whether you need a standalone 280–400 nm UVAB radiation sensor or want to integrate UV measurement into a complete weather or environmental monitoring system, the first step is to define the wavelength, output interface and data acquisition architecture.

JW-IoT provides radiation sensors and environmental monitoring equipment for meteorological observation, agriculture, solar monitoring, environmental research and industrial monitoring projects.

Explore our Radiation Sensors or Contact JW-IoT with your project requirements.

When contacting us, please include your required output signal, monitoring application and existing data acquisition interface so that we can recommend the appropriate configuration.