ASTECH LDM41A User manual

Manual
LDM41A and LDM42A
Version 3.3

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 2 ASTECH GmbH
Dear User,
You are advised to carefully read this User Manual before powering on the
LDM41A and LDM42A Laser distance measuring sensor for the first time.
This is necessary to ensure that you will be able to utilize all the capabilities
and features which your new acquisition provides.
This technology is subject to continuously ongoing development.
Editorial deadline: March 2015
Firmware version: ≥7.05 and 8.06
Manual version: V 3.3
FIle: Manual_LDM41-42A_EN_V3.3.docx
Note:
Proper care has been used in compiling this document. No liability will be
accepted in the event of damage resulting from failure to comply with the
information contained herein.
Revisions history
Manual Version
Date
Changes
3.3
16.03.2015
New design
ASTECH GmbH, Schonenfahrerstr. 5, D-18057 Rostock
Internet www.astech.de E-Mail [e-mail]
Telefon +49 (0)381 / 44073-0 Telefax +49 (0)381 / 44073-20

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual Content
ASTECH GmbH Page 3
I. Content
1General.......................................................................................................7
2Safety Instructions .....................................................................................9
2.1 General Safety Instructions ...............................................................9
2.2 Intended & Conforming Use ............................................................. 9
2.3 Nonconforming use...........................................................................9
2.4 Laser Classification .......................................................................... 10
2.5 Electric Supply ................................................................................. 11
2.6 Important Operating Advice ........................................................... 11
3Technical Data..........................................................................................12
4Mechanical Mounting Conditions............................................................ 14
5Electrical Connection ............................................................................... 16
5.1 Connector Terminal.........................................................................16
5.2 Interface Cable ................................................................................ 17
5.3 Shield and Grounding......................................................................19
5.4 Termination of RS232...................................................................... 20
6Limiting Values for Voltages .................................................................... 21
7Start up .................................................................................................... 22
8Commands and Parameter ......................................................................24
8.1 General............................................................................................ 24
8.2 DT –distance tracking .....................................................................28
8.3 DS –distance tracking (<7 m)..........................................................28
8.4 DW –distance tracking with target board (10 Hz) ..........................28
8.5 DX –distance tracking with target board (50 Hz) ........................... 29
8.6 DF –distance measurement with external trigger.......................... 29
8.7 DM –distance measurement ..........................................................30
8.8 TP –internal temperature [°C] ........................................................30
8.9 SA –display/set average value [1..20] ............................................30
8.10 SD –display/set display format [d/h/s}] ......................................... 30
8.11 ST –display/set measure time [0..25]............................................. 31
8.12 SF –display/set scale factor ............................................................32
8.13 SE –display/set error mode [0/1/2]................................................ 33

Content LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 4 ASTECH GmbH
8.14 AC –display set ALARM center ....................................................... 33
8.15 AH –display/set ALARM hysterese................................................. 34
8.16 AW –display/set ALARM width ...................................................... 34
8.17 HO –display/set Temperature for heating on ................................ 34
8.18 HF –display/set Temperature for heating off 20 ............................. 35
8.19 RB –display/set distance of IOUT = 4 mA ......................................... 35
8.20 RE –display/set distance of IOUT = 20 mA........................................ 35
8.21 RMx y z –display/set remove measurement.................................. 35
8.22 TDx y –display/set trigger delay trigger level................................. 36
8.23 TMx y –display/set trigger mode trigger level ............................... 37
8.24 BR –display/set baud rate [2400..38400] ...................................... 38
8.25 AS –display/set autostart command.............................................. 38
8.26 OF –display/set distance offset...................................................... 39
8.27 SO –set current distance to offset ................................................. 39
8.28 LO –Laser on................................................................................... 39
8.29 LF –laser off.................................................................................... 39
8.30 PA –display settings ....................................................................... 39
8.31 PR –reset settings .......................................................................... 40
9Interface Connection ............................................................................... 41
9.1 Serial Interface RS232 ..................................................................... 41
9.2 Serial Interface RS422 ..................................................................... 42
9.3 Output Format on the serial interface............................................ 42
9.4 Digital Switching Output (Alarm) .................................................... 43
9.5 Analog Output................................................................................. 45
9.6 Trigger Input ................................................................................... 47
10 List of Commands .................................................................................... 48
11 Error Codes .............................................................................................. 50
12 PC Interface Cable (Option) ..................................................................... 51
13 EG Declaration of Conformity.................................................................. 52
14 Part Numbers........................................................................................... 53

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual Content
ASTECH GmbH Page 5
II. List of Figures
Figure 1 : Measurement principle ...................................................................... 7
Figure 2 : Warning Sign Laser Radiation Class 2 ...............................................10
Figure 3 : Dimensional drawing ........................................................................14
Figure 4 : Offset against zero-edge................................................................... 15
Figure 5 : View of LDM41A and LDM42A pole assignments.............................16
Figure 6 : Interface cable with connector.........................................................17
Figure 7 : Interface cable color codes............................................................... 17
Figure 8 : Isolated Mounting............................................................................. 19
Figure 9 : Recommended terminations wiring for work with open RS-232 ..... 20
Figure 10 : Program LDMTool........................................................................... 22
Figure 11 : Help text Firmware V7.x .................................................................24
Figure 12 : Help text Firmware V8.x .................................................................25
Figure 13 : Trigger level = 1............................................................................... 38
Figure 14 : Trigger level = 0............................................................................... 38
Figure 15 : Diagram of RS232 wiring at 9-position D-Sub cable jack ................41
Figure 16 : Diagram of RS232 wiring at 25-pole D-Sub cable jack .................... 41
Figure 17 : RS232 wiring diagram ..................................................................... 42
Figure 18 : Wiring diagram of digital switching output ....................................43
Figure 19 : Digital switching output behavior................................................... 44
Figure 20 : Wiring diagram of analog output....................................................45
Figure 21 :Output current diagram for RE > RB and RE < RB............................ 46
Figure 22 : Wiring diagram of trigger input ...................................................... 47
Figure 23 : RS232 cable with power supply for LDM41A and LDM42A ............51

Content LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 6 ASTECH GmbH
III. List of Tables
Table 1 : Technical data.................................................................................... 12
Table 2 : Pin assignment connector and interface cable.................................. 18
Table 3 : Input voltages .................................................................................... 21
Table 4 : Output voltages ................................................................................. 21
Table 5 : Commands of the LDM41A and LDM42A .......................................... 26
Table 6 : Output format.................................................................................... 30
Table 7: Examples for Scale factor ................................................................... 33
Table 8 : Meaning of SE .................................................................................... 33
Table 9 : List of commands............................................................................... 48
Table 10 : Error Codes ...................................................................................... 50
Table 11 : Pin assignment SUB-D 9 F ................................................................ 51
Table 12 : Pin assignment LDM41A and LDM42A ............................................ 51
Table 13 : Part Numbers................................................................................... 53

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual General
ASTECH GmbH Page 7
1General
The LDM41A and the LDM42A are Laser sensors to measure distances from
0.1 m to more than 100 m with pinpoint accuracy.
A given target can be clearly identified with the help of a red Laser sighting
point. In terms of operating reach, the LDM41A and the LDM42A performs
depending on the reflectance, morphology and qualities of the target to be
measured.
The sensor works based on comparative phase measurement. It emits
modulated Laser light which is diffusely reflected back from the target with a
certain shift in phase to be compared with a reference signal. From the
amount of phase shift, a required distance can then be determined with
millimeter accuracy.
Figure 1 : Measurement principle
A distance measuring cycle can be triggered in three different ways:
By sending a command from the PC or another equivalent control
unit
By making appropriate prior parameter settings for the auto start
command and applying supply voltage
By external triggering (in remote-trigger mode).
For a more detailed description of these three trigger options, you should
consult chapter 8, Commands and Parameter of this User Manual.

General LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 8 ASTECH GmbH
Special performance features are:
Provides high accuracy and great reach under extreme outdoor
temperatures.
Works in a wide range of operating voltages from 10 V= to 30 V= from an
on-board vehicle supply point, an industrial direct voltage supply net or a
DC power pack.
Features consistently low power consumption of <1.5 W
1
(without IAlarm)
Up to 30 m reach for distance measurement, with potential for more than
100 m reach if additional reflectors
2
are mounted onto the target
(depending on reflectance and environmental conditions).
Visible Laser beam for easier sighting.
RS232 interface port for input of measuring functions and commands from,
and output of measured values to, a PC or a laptop.
Switching output and analog output are separately programmed.
Switching output with adjustable limit and hysteresis.
Measured values can be displayed in meters, decimetres, centimetres, feet
and inches due to.
Option for remote triggering of a measurement from an external trigger
device.
3
1
inactive internal heating for devices with internal heating (LDM41-42A /h)
2
e.g. 3M, self adhesive foil white non glossy or foil 3290 for longer distances
3
Trigger function is not available for devices with internal heating (LDM41-42A /h)

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual Safety Instructions
ASTECH GmbH Page 9
2Safety Instructions
2.1 General Safety Instructions
These safety and operating instructions should be carefully read and followed
during practical work with the LDM41A and the LDM42A.
There is danger of Laser radiation or electrical shock. For necessary
repair work, the LDM41A and the LDM42Amay not be opened by
anyone other than Manufacturer personnel. Unauthorized
intervention into the inner product space will void any warranty
claims.
Compliance with all specified operating conditions is necessary.
Failure to observe advisory notes or nonconforming product usage may cause
physical injury to the user or material damage to the LDM41A and the
LDM42A.
Cable connectors must not be plugged or unplugged under voltage.
Remember to turn voltage supply off before you begin working on cable
connections.
2.2 Intended & Conforming Use
Measurement of distances
Special measuring functions
Compliance with prescribed temperatures for operation/storage
Operation at correct voltage level
Application of specified signal levels to the appropriate data lines
2.3 Nonconforming use
Do not operate the LDM41A and the LDM42A in any other way than
described under "Intended & Conforming Use" above and only in a
proper working condition
Safety devices must not be defeated or otherwise rendered
ineffective
Information and warning signs must not be removed

Safety Instructions LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 10 ASTECH GmbH
Repair work on the LDM41A and the LDM42A must not be carried
out by anyone other than authorized personnel.
Refrain from using the LDM41A and the LDM42A without certified
protection in an explosive environment
Measurement with the LDM41A and the LDM42A pointed at the
sun or other strong light sources may produce faulty results
Measurement of targets with poor surface reflectance in a strongly
reflecting environment may also result faulty measurements.
Measurement of strongly reflecting surfaces may deliver faulty
results.
Measurement performed through transparent optical media, for
example glass, optical filters, Plexiglas, etc. may equally produce
incorrect results.
Measurement on translucent objects (materials allow light to pass
through, but are not transparency, e.g. polystyrene, wax, different
plastics etc.) can give a too large measured value, since also light is
reflected by deeper layers
Rapidly changing measuring conditions are likely to falsify the result
of measurement
2.4 Laser Classification
The LDM41A and the LDM42A are Class 2 laser product, ≤1 mW as stipulated
in EN60825-1:2007, Class 2.
Caution:
There is Class 2 Laser radiation. Do not stare into beam!
Figure 2 : Warning Sign Laser Radiation Class 2
The Laser power is limited to maximum 1 mW. The Laser radiation is visible. A
short-term exposure (duration up to 0.25 s) is harmless to the eye.

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual Safety Instructions
ASTECH GmbH Page 11
Users are instructed by Laser warning sign (see Figure 2) to do not stare into
the beam. They have to protect themselves by turn the head and/or closing
the eyes and by avoid a long look into the beam.
Do not direct the Laser beam onto persons.
The sensor can use without any additional safety protection.
2.5 Electric Supply
Use only 10 V to 30 V DC (direct voltage) for LDM41A and LDM42A operation.
Use only the specially designated connector terminal for voltage supply.
Specified signal levels must not be exceeded, in order to guarantee correct
data communication.
2.6 Important Operating Advice
To make full use of the system’s inherent performance capabilities and
achieve a long service life, you should always follow these operating rules:
Do not turn the module on if there is fogging or soiling on its optical
parts
Do not touch any of the module's parts with bare hands.
Proceed with care when removing dust or contamination from
optical surfaces!
Prevent shock impacts during transport and use of the LDM41A and
LDM42A
Prevent overheating of the LDM41A and LDM42A.
Prevent major temperature variances during LDM41A and LDM42A
operation
In accordance with IP65 internal protection standards, the LDM41A
and the LDM42A is designed to be splash proof and dustproof.
Read these safety and operating insturctions with due care and
follow them in practical use.

Technical Data LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 12 ASTECH GmbH
3Technical Data
Table 1 : Technical data
Measurement range4
0.1 m up to 30 m with natural surfaces,
depending on target reflectance or reflectors
more than 100 m achievable5
Measuring accuracy6
2 mm under defined measuring conditions7
3 mm (+15 °C up to +30 °C)
4 mm in DS mode <0.5 m (+15 °C … 30 °C)
5 mm (-10 °C up to +50 °C)
Resolution8
0.1 mm, user scalable, standard 1 mm
Reproducibility
0.5 mm
Measuring time
0.24 to 6 s setup or auto Mode DT
0.1 s (10 Hz) mode DW at white surface
20 ms (50 Hz) mode DX at white surface
(only LDM42A)
Target motion speed
≤4 m/s in DX-Mode (LDM42A only)
Acceleration
≤2,5 m/s² in DX-Mode (LDM42A only)
Operating temperature
-10 °C up to +50 °C
-40 °C up to +50 °C (only with –h option)
Storage temperature
-40 °C up to +70 °C
Supply voltage
10 V ... 30 V DC (protected against polarity
reversal)9
Power consumption
Depending on operation mode
< 0.4 W in Standby
< 1.5 W for distance tracking
< 24 W with heating active (only with –h option)
Data interface
RS232 or RS422, baud rate 9600 (2400..38400),
4
dependent on target reflectance, stray light influences and atmospheric conditions
5
e.g. 3M, self adhesive foil white non glossy
6
statistic spread 95 %
7
for measurement at a planar white target surface in continues movement or still standing, +15
up to +30 °C
8
dependent on target reflectance, stray light influences and atmospheric conditions
9
Please use only 24V DC For devices with heating (LDM41A-h and LDM42A-h) The heater is
connected directly to the power supply.

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual Technical Data
ASTECH GmbH Page 13
ASCII, Format 8N1 (fix)
Digital output
„high-side-switch“, programmable switching
threshold and hysteresis, rated for max. load of
0.5 A, HIGH = UB - 2 V, LOW < 2 V
Analog output
4 mA ... 20 mA current output,
Adjustable distance range limits, programmable
on error event 3 mA oder 21 mA,
Load resistance ≤ 500 Ω,
Accuracy ± 0,15 %,
Temperature drift< 50 ppm/K
Digital input10
External trigger, trigger pulse 3 up to 24 V, pulse
length≥ 1 ms, start of measurement 5 ms +
trigger delay, trigger slope and delay can be set
(0 ms ... 9999 ms),
EMC
EN 61326-1
Shock resistance
10 g / 6 ms
Persistence shock DIN ISO 9022-3-31-01-1
Laser Class
Laser class 2, under EN60825-1:2007, Class 2
Wave length
650 nm (red visible)
Laser divergence11
0.6 mrad
Laser angle tolerance
Better than ± 1° to the ground plane
Average service life
100,000 h at 60 °C Laser temperature (intern)
Connector
12-pol. M18-male socket, Binder Serie 423
Dimensions (LxWxH)
212 mm x 96 mm x 50 mm
Mounting
100 mm x 85 mm, 4 x M6 holes
Weight
approx. 760 g
Protection class
IP 65 (spatter water and dust protection)
10
trigger function is not available for devices with internal heating (LDM41A-h and LDM42A-h)
11
at 10 m distance the beam diameter is 6 mm, at a distance of 50 m it is 3 cm and at a distance of
100 m it is 6 cm

Mechanical Mounting Conditions LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 14 ASTECH GmbH
4Mechanical Mounting Conditions
The casing consists of a rugged, corrosion-resistant extruded aluminum profile
with front-side and rear-side covers also in corrosion-resistant design. Four
mounting holes are provided in the base plate for mechanical attachment of
the LDM41A and LDM42A.
1 Equalizer tube at front cover
2 Casing
3 Protective cap for flange-mount connector
4 Receiver optics
5 Sender optics
6 Mechanical mounting holes (4x)
7 12-pole M18-flange-mount connector (Binder Serie 723)
Figure 3 : Dimensional drawing
To protect the sensor’s optical surfaces from dust, physical contact,
mechanical impacts, etc., the casing has a protection tube attached to it.
Optionally different protection windows and optical filters are available.

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual Mechanical Mounting Conditions
ASTECH GmbH Page 15
Please note that measurement cannot be guaranteed to function correctly if
the equalizer tube is removed by unqualified action!
The interface connector is located on the back cover. Interface cables with
different length are available (standard 2 m, optionally 5 or 10 m).
Figure 4 : Offset against zero-edge
The LDM41A and LDM42A’s zero-point is located 7 mm behind the outer
surface of the front cover or 137 mm before the back cover outside face
respectively. This zero-point has been introduced for constructional design
reasons. It can be compensated with the help of parameter “OF“ (see section
8.26 OF –display/set distance offset)

Electrical Connection LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 16 ASTECH GmbH
5Electrical Connection
5.1 Connector Terminal
Located on the back cover is a connector terminal. A 12-pole round-type
(flange-mount) series 723 connector from Binder has been selected for this
purpose. It is sealed against the casing to comply with IP 65 requirements. This
connector type guarantees optimized screening and a high IP degree.
The required counterpart is a cable jack (series 423 from Binder) with grading
ring.
Interface cables with different length are available (standard 2 m, optionally 5
or 10 m). Under RS232 C or RS422 norm it’s possible to extend the length with
a high quality screened cable.
Figure 5 : View of LDM41A and LDM42A pole assignments

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual Electrical Connection
ASTECH GmbH Page 17
5.2 Interface Cable
Caution: The cable end is exposed! The user is responsible to take
precautions that will prevent any kind of shorts! The cable shield has
to be connecting to earth with low resistance.
Figure 6 : Interface cable with connector
Interface cable wiring assignments are as follows
12
:
Figure 7 : Interface cable color codes
12
TRIG is not connected in devices with internal heating (LDM41A-h and LDM42A-h)
Shield

Electrical Connection LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 18 ASTECH GmbH
Table 2 : Pin assignment connector and interface cable
Pin
Color
Assignment
Function RS232
Function RS422
A
Green
TxD / RX+
RS232
send data
RS422 receive data+
B
Yellow
RxD / RX-
RS232 receive data
RS422 receive data-
C13
Brown
TRIG
External trigger input
External trigger input
D
Red
IOUT
Analog output
Analog output
E
Black
TX-
RS422 Send data -
RS422 Send data -
F
Violet
TX+
RS422 Send data +
RS422 Send data +
G14
orange
VCC
Supply voltage
Supply voltage
H
White
ALARM
Digital switching
output
Digital switching
output
J
Grey
GND
Ground potential
Ground potential
L
blue
GND
Ground potential
Ground potential
GND wires are connected to an internal collective ground point. They provide
the reference potential for all voltage values quoted below.
Caution: If input signals are applied to an output port, this may
damage the LDM41A and LDM42A!
Do not connect the current output IOUT (red) to the power supply
(10 ... 30 V). This will destroy the interface board!
For data communication via RS232, you are recommended to use cable 4
(grey, GND) for signal ground and cable 7 (blue, GND) for supply ground!
The limiting values of voltages, load rates and logic levels are in accordance
with RS232 and RS232 standard requirements.
All outputs are protected against steady short-circuit currents.
13
Trigger function is not available for devices with internal heating (LDM41A-h and LDM42A-h)
14
In case of interface cable with length of 10m the color of pin G, VCC can also be pink.

LDM41A and LDM42A Manual Electrical Connection
ASTECH GmbH Page 19
5.3 Shield and Grounding
The cable shield must be grounded with low resistance. For cable extension
use only high quality shielded cable e.g. type „10XAWG224CULSW “.
Carrier base and control box should be having equal potential. Potential
differences are reason for electrical current and can cause EMC problems (no
correct measurement function or switch off/on of the gauge necessary).
If no potential equalization is possible, mount the LDM41A and LDM42A
isolated (3) from the carrier base (use Nylon screwing and washers).
Use screened cable, e.g. “10XAWG224CULSW“, remember to extend also the
cable screen (1). Connect screen to power supply reference potential GND on
cable end (2).
For integration with vehicles use also this isolated mounting.
Figure 8 : Isolated Mounting

Electrical Connection LDM41A and LDM42A Manual
Page 20 ASTECH GmbH
5.4 Termination of RS232
RxD and TxD data lines should be kept as short as possible in all cases, because
they tend to have an interference emitting and interference receiving effect,
notably, when in open state. Especially in environments with strong spurious
radiation there may be faults that may in some cases require a reset (turning
the LDM41A and LDM41A off and on again). In cases where no RS232 interface
communication is required after parameterization, you should provide for a
termination wiring as shown in Figure 9.
Make sure you leave no data line end opne. It
will be highly sensitive to interferences (EMC).
A terminator circuit should be installed when
the RS232 is unconnected. This circuit must be
provided by the customer (see diagram on the
left)
Please keep the RS232 norm. The maximal cable length of the RS232 is 15 m.
Use alternatively a RS232 connection (use shielded twisted pair cable,
maximum 300 m, termination resistor 100 Ω).
Figure 9 : Recommended
terminations wiring for work
with open RS-232