LaserDistanceDIN

Overview

LaserDistanceDIN is a DIN rail mount controller and measurement device. Four relays can be used to control any process and two alarming sources of information about a critical value. It uses laser light to measure the distance between the sensor and the object. The measurement is based on the ToF (time of flight) of light from the source (sensor) and is the reflection (object).

The measured distances can be shown in millimeters (mm) or inches (inches) in 18 different languages. Also, the device can be used to write measurement results in CSV files. Configuration of a device is made with LaserDistance software.

Hardware installation

The LaserDistanceDIN has to be mounted on a DIN rail. It uses 6 module spaces. Powering off the device can be done with 220VAC or 110VAC. The sensor is connected with a 1-meter-long flat cable to the device.

The sensor has two mounting holes, 20mm distance. By the mounting of the sensor, note that it needs to have a clear view of the measured object. Don't install the device in a humid environment, water tanks, etc. Also, the device must be used indoors and is not made for outdoor usage. Presents of high dust can affect the measurement. The possibility to reflect laser light can affect the measuring range.

Powering

LaserDistanceDIN uses 220VAC for powering. The power connector is on the left upper corner, marked on the PCB with "PWR". Next to the powering terminal screw, is the switching port, marked on the PCB with "P-SW". It interrupts the powering of the device. If You need this function, just install an interrupter for 220VAC. In case You don't need this function, just shortcut it, because if You remove the wire on that connector, the device still stays not powered. For the wiring, use 1.5mm² cable, the maximal current that a device need is under 300mA at 220VAC.

Sensor installation

Sensing of the distance is done with the Time of Flight technique (ToF), provided by the STMicroelectronics VL53L0X ranging sensor. It has a measuring range of up to 1200mm in ideal condition.

The sensor has to be mounted with two screws to the "zero point", looking at the 90° to the measured object. The sensor uses 5VDC to power and communicate with the I²C protocol.

The sensor is connected with a JST-XH 4-pin connector to the PCB, over one 1-meter-long flat cable.

Relay installation

The device has four independent relays. All relays can be configured to be triggered or disabled by software. The maximal current by short intervals that can be switched is 10A by 220VAC. Continuous powering (more than 10 minutes or more than 6A) is recommended to use a contractor and to power the contractor from the relays. Continuously usage of relays over 10A for a long time can produce overheating and damage the device.

To cable the relays, use 1.5mm² wire. On the PCB are tree terminal crews per relay, marked with NC, COM, and NO. NC means Normally Closed, COM is Common and NO is Normally Open. The current state of the replays is presented also with a LED on the PCB surface.