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AR100 Operation Manual
2.
General Description
The AR100 is an ultra-compact laser diode-based distance measurement sensor
with available ranges covering 10 to 500 mm. Consult the AR100 data sheet for
exact model range availabilities. The accuracy is generally specified with an
absolute linearity of +/- 0.05% of the range with a resolution of 0.01% of the
span for ranges up to the 250 mm model, and an absolute linearity of +/- 0.10%
of the span with a resolution of 0.02% of the span for the 500 mm range model.
Linearity will vary depending on sample averaging, temperature, target stability
and surface reflectivity of the target surface. The AR100 laser sensors can be
ordered with a variety of red or blue laser diodes and a variety of data interfaces.
The sensor can be triggered externally and also has logic outputs to trigger alarms,
etc.
2.1
Principles of Operation
The AR100 uses laser triangulation principles to measure distance. The laser
beam is projected from the housing’s aperture and shines on a target surface,
where it creates a small spot. From there, the laser light is scattered in all
directions for diffuse surfaces (mirrors reflect the light specularly). A collection
lens is located behind a window in the sensor. It collects a portion of the
reflected light, which is focused on a CMOS detector array. The linear position
of this reflected spot is converted to an electrical signal which is proportional
to the target distance relative to the sensor. The position is processed and
communicated via serial, analog, or digital interfaces.
