Pulse ranging technology can be used within all sizes of sensor

Paul Boughton
Pepperl+Fuchs is refining its pulse ranging technology (PRT) so that, for the first time, it can be used in sensors of all sizes for a wide range of industrial applications. Unlike indirect measuring processes such as phase-correlation and analogue chip-based processes, the PRT technique measures distance directly. The first of the new sensors with PRT are said to deliver outstanding performance.

According to Pepperl+Fuchs, the superiority of pulse ranging technology is primarily due to the transmission of light pulses containing energy up to one thousand times more intense than sensors emitting permanent light beams. A laser diode transmits short pulses of light that are reflected back from the target object and detected by a light-sensitive receiver element; the time-of-flight measurement is then used to calculate distance. Other methods of measurement can be substantially affected by environmental issues such as extraneous light, surface colour and quality, moving objectives and interference from other sensor systems, but PRT is claimed to be immune to these influences.

Pepperl+Fuchs' portfolio includes several sensors with PRT starting with the cost-effective VDM28 distance sensor enclosed in a standard photoelectric sensor housing with an impressive measurement range of 8m suitable for a wide range of tasks. The VDM100 distance measurement device offers a maximum range of 300m, a repeat accuracy degree of <0.5mm and is suitable for rapid precision positioning. The VDM70 has a maximum range of 250m and is suitable for the simple positioning of gantry cranes, lifters, elevator cars or for measurement tasks, while the VDM54 with a maximum range of 6m is optimised for collision-prevention applications on overhead conveyor systems.

For more information, visit www.gb.pepperl-fuchs.com

Recent Issues