Optical triangulation position sensors use reflected waves, whose source may be an LED, infrared, or laser source to pinpoint position and displacement. A sensor, usually integrally housed with the emitter, detects the beam reflected off the surface or object and provides an output that varies with the distance.
The specifications for optical triangulation position sensors can be confusing. They typically have a working range and a reference distance, also known as standoff distance. The standoff distance is the mid point in the working range. The working range provides measurement for distances either more or less the reference distance and is usually given as a +/- value. For example, a sensor with a reference of 9” and a working range of +/- 4” will have an effective total range of 8” over which it can measure, the midpoint of that range being 9” from the sensor. This means that the distance being measured must be between 5” and 13” from the sensor. Resolution is the smallest unit of distinction that the instrument can detect. Accuracy is described as a percentage of full scale.
Optical triangulation position sensors use reflected waves, whose source may be an LED, infrared, or laser source to pinpoint position and displacement. A sensor, usually integrally housed with the emitter, detects the beam reflected off the surface or object and provides an output that varies with the distance.
The specifications for optical triangulation position sensors can be confusing. They typically have a working range and a reference distance, also known as standoff distance. The standoff distance is the mid point in the working range. The working range provides measurement for distances either more or less the reference distance and is usually given as a +/- value. For example, a sensor with a reference of 9” and a working range of +/- 4” will have an effective total range of 8” over which it can measure, the midpoint of that range being 9” from the sensor. This means that the distance being measured must be between 5” and 13” from the sensor. Resolution is the smallest unit of distinction that the instrument can detect. Accuracy is described as a percentage of full scale.
The sensing part of optical triangulation position sensors can be either a charged coupled device (CCD) or else a photodiode (PSD). The sampling rate can be very important, as this can dictate which applications these sensors can be used for. Typical beam patterns can be are point, line and area. To achieve a line pattern, many point style sensors are used together in a line. To create and area scan, several sensors have to be used together in a matrix or other shape.
Optical triangulation position sensors can have either visible or invisible light beams. Sometimes a visible beam can make the sensors easy to mount and aim at a target. Occasionally a visible beam can be undesirable. For instance, in a factory or processing center where a number of humans are working, a visible beam can be distracting and lead to accidents.
The sensors can have analog current, analog voltage, frequency, and digital or even serial or parallel computer output. Output can also be an alarm or change of state in switches.
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