The CNR 1 Net Radiometer is intended for measuring total global net radiation; the energy balance between the incoming spectral short-wave and long-wave IR radiation, from 300 to 50000 nm, relative to the surface reflected short-wave and outgoing long-wave IR radiation.

The integrated four-way sensor design of the CNR 1 incorporates an upward-facing, ISO-class thermopile pyranometer and pyrgeometer, and a complimentary pair downward-facing pyranometer and pyrgeometer. The body of the CNR 1 houses a PT-100 RTD temperature sensor (YSI 10K thermistor optional), for accurate instrument body temperature measurements. Upon manufacture, the sensitivity of all four sensors are trimmed and calibrated to a single identical sensitivity coefficient.