Laser sensor offers 50 kHz measuring speed and integrated controller with Ethernet interface
Micro-Epsilon has launched a self-contained laser displacement sensor that requires no separate controller and which provides a measuring speed of up to 50kHz. The optoNCDT 2300 sensor is ideal for high-speed dynamic applications such as vibration measurement and uneven, rapidly changing surfaces.
Although competing sensors in the market claim to offer similar measuring rates and resolution, Micro-Epsilon's new optoNCDT 2300 is the only sensor that offers a 50 kHz measuring speed and an integral controller. As Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd states: "This really is a step change in laser sensor performance. Whilst there are a few other competing sensor manufacturers who claim to offer laser sensors with similar measuring speeds and resolution, the high resolution is only achieved by applying a high averaging factor, which then reduces the dynamic speed of the laser. The optoNCDT 2300 achieves high resolution and high measuring speeds without any averaging."
The optoNCDT 2300 uses Micro-Epsilon's new A-RTSC (Advanced Real Time Surface Compensation) technology, which enables the sensor to automatically compensate in real time for difficult-to-measure surfaces. A-RTSC is a further development of Micro-Epsilon's patented RTSC feature, which, when combined with high-speed software algorithms, dramatically reduces signal noise at high measurement speeds. When users need to measure against a shiny surface, for example, they ideally require a sensor that is able to automatically adjust the laser pulse duration (or laser on time) of the sensor to give them the optimum exposure time on the CCD for that particular surface. This, in turn, provides a higher accuracy measurement due to lower noise level on the output signal.
The optoNCDT 2300 laser triangulation sensor is available in five models with measuring ranges from 2mm up to 100mm. Resolution is down to 0.1µm and linearity is ± 0.4µm. Data output is via Ethernet, RS422 or EtherCAT. The sensor is also extremely compact, measuring just 80 x 75 x 30mm.
Another added feature of the sensor is that it can now be configured remotely using a web browser interface. This direct connection means the user can store parameters for a particular application, which can then be uploaded to one or multiple sensors, reducing set up time considerably.
Micro-Epsilon will be launching the optoNCDT 2300 at the Mtec 2011 exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham (6-7 April 2011, stand no. 1112).
