The PMD laser sensor from
IFM Efector Inc., Exton, PA, has a 10 m sensing range, has a 42 by 42 mm housing, and is designed to provide noncontact distance measurement for industrial applications. A 4-digit alphanumeric display indicates measured distance within a few millimeters and lets you program the sensor for 2 set points or 1 set point and a 4–20 mA analog output proportional to object-to-sensor distance. The time-of-flight sensor uses a visible red Class II laser and features integrated extraneous light suppression. Applications include monitoring position in a continuous process and detecting small objects at long distances.
