Evaulation_Engineering_August_2020 - 27

INSTRUMENTATION

Advanced industrial distance measurement
By Alix Paultre
The precise measurement of clearances
and operational distances is a critical
factor in system efficiency, reliability,
and safety. Tolerances are the measure
of precision, and there is no accuracy
without feedback of some kind.
TIME-OF-FLIGHT SENSOR
Enabling multi-object ranging,
STMicroelectronics has extended the
capabilities of its FlightSense Timeof-Flight (ToF) ranging sensors family
by introducing the VL53L3CX, whose
patented histogram algorithms allow
measuring distances to multiple objects
with increased accuracy. The sensor
measures objects at distances from 2.5
centimeters to 3 meters, unaffected by
the target color or reflectance.

The ST histogram algorithms increase
cover-glass crosstalk immunity and
allow real-time smudge compensation,
preventing external contamination
from adversely affecting the ranging
accuracy. This is useful in applications
where equipment may be used in a dusty
industrial environment. Ranging under
ambient lighting is also improved.
In addition, the VL53L3CX has superior
linearity that increases short-distance
measurement accuracy enhancing wall
tracking, faster cliff detection, and
obstacle avoidance in equipment such
as service robots. Like all FlightSense
sensors, the VL53L3CX has an all-in-one
package design that eases integration,
as well as low power consumption to
extend battery runtime. The VL53L3CX
is available now, priced from $1.70.
Please contact ST for high-volume pricing
options. www.st.com

MLG-2 WEBCHECKER LIGHT GRID INCREASES PACKAGING
MATERIAL PROCESSING ACCURACY

SICK's MLG-2 WebChecker light grid
performs high-performance running edge
detection, as well as width and center
measurement. Used for the processing
of web-shaped packaging materials, it
is able to detect web width changes or
deviations in the web position and report
to the follow-up control system of the
packaging machine in the same work
process with an accuracy of ± 0.3 mm
and a resolution of 0.1 mm per web edge.
Available in detection zones between 150
and 3,150 millimeters, the device can also
monitor smaller formats without having
to readjust sensors or reparameterize
the light grid. The user has the choice
between different sensitivities for
different measuring tasks and surfaces
properties, and can even detect semitransparent products.
Web running control systems are
designed to guarantee stable web
running through corrections in the
machine with the aim of preventing
creases in paper webs or ensuring
perfectly adapted printing, punching and
cutting processes, among other things.
Edges are ideal reference variables in
such overrun control systems because
they can be detected with a high level
of precision and reliability using suitable
sensors. www.sick.com

NOVEL AXIAL LINEAR POSITION SENSOR FROM
CAMBRIDGEIC CAN LOCATE FREE-ROTATING TARGETS
CambridgeIC's latest axial linear position
sensor works with a rotating target and a
big gap to the sensor. The Axial sensors
can measure the precise continuous
position of a freely-rotating wireless
target, from the side and with a big
gap, without interference from nearby
magnets. Gaps of over 10mm are possible
between sensor and target, meaning the
sensor and the target can be housed in
their own packages.
Addressing applications including
valve control, hydraulic and pneumatic
actuator position feedback, liquid level,
and syringe-plunger position sensing,
the sensor can tolerate substantial
misalignment. In the float level-sensing
application this means the float can
move side to side with big clearances. In
applications such as measuring the linear
position of valves and pistons, there is
no need to add a special linear bearing to
constrain the motion of the target.

To calculate position, the sensor works
with CambridgeIC's CAM312 central
tracking unit. This chip measures and
processes sensor signals and provides
high quality position data to a host device
over an SPI interface. CambridgeIC's
resonant inductive position sensing
technology is well proven across a
wide range of high-volume applications
worldwide. For test and evaluation an
axial sensor development kit is available.
www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk

AUGUST 2020 EVALUATIONENGINEERING.COM

27
http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk http://www.sick.com http://www.st.com http://www.EVALUATIONENGINEERING.COM
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