The Model N360M measures carbon dioxide (CO₂) by comparing infrared energy absorbed by a sample to that absorbed by a reference according to the Beer-Lambert law.

The N360M uses Gas Filter Correlation (GFC) to overcome the interfering effects of various other gases (such as water vapor) that also absorb IR. The analyzer passes the IR beam through a spinning wheel made up of two separate chambers: one containing a high concentration of CO₂ known as the reference, and the other containing a neutral gas known as the measure. The concentration of CO₂ in the sample chamber is computed by taking the ratio of the instantaneous measure and reference values and then compensating the ratio for sample temperature and pressure. A nitrogen purge system is provided for the GFC wheel assembly to eliminate the eff​ects of ambient CO₂, if necessary.

Instrument functions and controls are managed through a series of integrated microprocessor-controlled modules utilizing a simple and reliable CAN Bus communications architecture. Each module is independently assembled and calibrated allowing easy and fast field replacement to maximize instrument uptime.

Intuitive operation and calibration of all N Series products is achieved through the NumaView™ Software interface. The graphical user interface (GUI) is customizable, giving the user fast and efficient access to instrument status, as well as measurement data and diagnostic parameters in either numeric or graphical form. NumaView™ Remote Software (included at no charge) provides the same virtual interface and complete instrument control, as well as access to the instrument’s large internal data storage buffer from a remote PC or tablet.​