Laser distance sensor

The Acuity AR700 laser distance gauge is a triangulation sensor that measures distance using a laser beam, a camera and a microprocessor. A variety of models are available, with measuring ranges varying from 3.175 to 1270 mm.

The AR700 acquires distance by projecting a beam of laser light that creates a spot on a target surface. Reflected light from the surface is viewed from an angle by a CMOS detector array inside the sensor. The distance to the target is then calculated from the image pixel data using the sensor’s microprocessor.

The accuracy is generally specified with a linearity of about ±0.03% of the range, and resolution is at 0.005% of the range. The sample rate can be specified from 0.2 up to 9400 Hz. Background light elimination, sample priority and exposure limit controls enhance the performance. Sampling may be turned on and off and it can even be triggered using an input signal wire or a serial command.

The distance is transmitted through serial communications or analog outputs. RS232, RS422, 4-20 mA current loop, 0.10 V voltage and limit outputs (two switches) are available.

A variety of configuration settings can be selected via the serial port or by using the function button and the function display LEDs. After making changes to the configuration, it can be viewed, saved in non-volatile memory and restored. When turned on, the sensor uses the most recently saved configuration settings.