Acuity - AR700 Laser Displacement Sensor

AR700 Laser Displacement Sensor

Acuity introduces the AR700 series of laser displacement sensor for measuring position and object dimensions. Built on a decade of success with the predecessor AR600 laser sensor, industry users demanded faster and more accurate non-contact metrology equipment. The AccuRange 700 boasts output speeds to 9400 Hz and resolutions (model dependent) as low as one sixth of a micrometer. The unit is very compact, measuring approximately 1 x 2 x 3? (25 x 50 x 75 mm), almost 80% smaller than its AR600 predecessor.

Key Features

• Measuring Range from 3 to 1270 mm
• Selectable speeds up to 9.4KHz (when using 3-Byte Binary Data format)
• A special trigger mode to initiate sampling via serial command or discrete hardware triggers
• Resolution of 0.005% (of the measurement span) for all models in this series
• The linearity specification is +/-0.03% of the sensor’s measuring span
• Standard serial and analog outputs

SPEED

• This Acuity digital sensor has selectable speeds up to 9400 Hz (when using 3-Byte Binary Data format). Don’t be fooled by competitor’s claims of higher speeds. Acuity laser distance sensors are unique and our specifications are straightforward. The device will in fact output 9400 distance readings in a single second. This is unlike our competitors who often quote the maximum sampling rate of their detector. This number is not real because the user will never see data output rates that high through serial or analog interfaces or the cumbersome controllers that are required to operate their sensor heads.
• A special Trigger Mode permits users to initiate sampling via serial command or discrete hardware triggers. This trigger can be used for synchronizing multiple sensors. The maximum speed using the hardware trigger is reduced to 4500 Hz.

RESOLUTION

• Optics and digital detectors have improved greatly over time and Acuity’s AR700 laser distance sensor offers a three-fold improvement of resolution over its previous model. Resolution is the smallest increment of distance that can be detected by the distance sensor. AR700 sensors specify a 0.005% (of the measurement span) resolution for all models in this series. Resolutions are measured on targets of 85% diffuse reflectance (white) and in static conditions. Contact us if you have any questions about our specifications.

COMPACT SIZE

• Measuring approximately under 8 cubic inches, this unit is ultra compact because it houses all electronics for measuring. No external controller or amplifier needed. Each sensor includes the sensor head and 6 feet (2 m) of cable. Note that longer-range sensors have longer mechanical enclosures.

The Acuity AR700 laser displacement sensor employs triangulation measurement principles whereby it projects a beam of visible (or optionally, infrared) laser light that creates a spot on a target surface. Reflected light from the surface is viewed from an angle by a digital CMOS line scan camera inside the AR700 sensor. The target’s displacement is computed from the image pixel data.

The AccuRange 700 series includes thirteen measurement ranges from 1/8th inch to 50 inches (3.2 mm to 1.3 m). The linearity specification is among the best in the industry, +/-0.03% of the sensor’s measuring span.

This distance sensor, similar to the AR200 is standard with a variety of serial and analog outputs. On either RS232 or RS422, data formats include ASCII English, metric, native and two binary outputs. The sensor can output error codes for: Target too near, Target too far, Target not seen and Laser off. Analog outputs include a 4-20 mA current loop, 0-10V outputs and two NPN sinking limit switches. All parameters and settings are selectable from push-buttons on the sensor or through PC serial commands.