ASTECH LDS70A User manual

User Manual
LDS70A
Firmware Version 3.3X
Version 1.1

LDS70A User Manual
Page 2 ASTECH GmbH
Dear User,
You are advised to carefully read this User Manual before turning on the Laser
Distance Sensor LDS70A for the first time.
This is necessary to ensure that you will be able to use all the capabilities and
features provided by your new purchase.
This product is subject to ongoing technological developments.
Editorial deadline: April 2020
Firmware version: ≥3.3
Manual version: V 1.1
File: Manual_LDS70A_EN_V1.1.docx
Note:
Proper care has been used in compiling this document. No liability will be
accepted in the event of damage resulting from the failure to comply with the
information contained herein.
ASTECH GmbH, Schonenfahrerstr. 5, D-18057 Rostock
Internet: www.astech.de E-Mail: [e-mail]
Telephone: +49 (0)381 / 44073-0 Telefax: +49 (0)381 / 44073-20

LDS70A User Manual Contents
ASTECH GmbH Page 3
Revision History
Manual Version
Date
Changes
1.1
02.04.2020
Revision of Figure 5 and
some errors
1.0
04.02.2020
Created

LDS70A User Manual Contents
ASTECH GmbH Page 4
I. Content
1General Information..............................................................................8
2Safety advice .........................................................................................9
2.1 Basic safety advice ............................................................................9
2.2 Advice for operating device.............................................................10
2.3 Norms.............................................................................................12
2.4 Disposal ..........................................................................................12
3Operating conditions...........................................................................13
3.1 Electrical installation conditions ......................................................13
3.2 Operating and storage conditions....................................................13
3.3 Appropriate use ..............................................................................14
3.4 Improperly use –error sources........................................................14
4Device description...............................................................................16
4.1 General information........................................................................16
4.2 Technical data.................................................................................16
4.3 Laser beam image...........................................................................18
4.4 Mechanical Installation ...................................................................19
4.5 Electrical Installation.......................................................................20
4.6 Status LED.......................................................................................21
4.7 Serial interface RS232 .....................................................................22
4.8 Serial interface RS422 .....................................................................23
4.9 Digital interfaces Q1, Q2 .................................................................24
4.10 Analogue current output QA ...........................................................25
4.11 Trigger ............................................................................................27
5Parameter setup and measurement ....................................................29
5.1 General information........................................................................29
5.2 Transmission protocol.....................................................................29
5.3 Identification ..................................................................................30
5.4 Operation modes............................................................................32
5.5 Status .............................................................................................33
5.6 Parameter.......................................................................................36
6Error processing...................................................................................56
7EG Declaration of conformity ..............................................................58

LDS70A User Manual Contents
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II. List of Figures
Figure 1 : LDS70A dimensions....................................................................... 19
Figure 2: M12, 12-pin cable socket - pin page (front view) ............................ 21
Figure 3: Wiring with serial interface RS232.................................................. 22
Figure 4: Wiring with serial interface RS422.................................................. 23
Figure 5: Wiring of Q1, Q2............................................................................ 24
Figure 6: Wiring of QA.................................................................................. 26
Figure 7: Wiring of trigger output ................................................................. 27
Figure 8: Wiring of trigger input.................................................................... 28
Figure 9: Analog output behaviour ............................................................... 42
Figure 10: Switching behavior of Q1 and Q2 ................................................. 45

Contents LDS70A User Manual
Page 6 ASTECH GmbH
III. List of tables
Table 1: Technical data .................................................................................16
Table 2: Laser spot size.................................................................................18
Table 3: Connector pin assignment ...............................................................20
Table 4: Explanation of hardware status items..............................................34
Table 5: Description of gain steps..................................................................37
Table 6: Binary output - Maximum measurement frequency (MFmax).............39
Table 7: Decimal output - Maximum measurement frequency (MFmax)..........40
Table 8: Measurement window - output behavior.........................................41
Table 9: Mean value outcome.......................................................................46
Table 10: Parameter SD - Output encoding ...................................................47
Table 11: Output behavior on error ..............................................................48
Table 12: Available termination chars ...........................................................51
Table 13: Error codes....................................................................................56

LDS70A Manual
ASTECH GmbH Page 7
Used Symbols
Sign warns against emitting visible and invisible laser radiation.
Sign warns against danger of electrical power and of electric shock.
Sign warns against danger.
Sign shows information for use in hazardous environments.
Sign indicates important information regarding device use of the
device.
The sign shows protection class 3 (protective extra-low voltage).
Sign indicates degree of protection (IP) of the device.
Sign informs that special guidelines had to be applied for device
disposal.

General Information LDS70A User Manual
Page 8 ASTECH GmbH
1General Information
The laser distance sensor LDS70A was developed for industrial applications. It
enables non-contact measurement of distances in a large working range and
with a high sampling rate up to 40 kHz to almost any diffusely reflecting
surface to 70 m and up to 320 m on reflectors. The sensor uses an eye-safe
laser radiation at a wavelength of 905 nm (infrared).
The IP67 housing of the LDS70A is impact and shock resistant and ideally
suited for use in harsh industrial environments.
The LDS70A has a selectable RS232 and RS422 interface, an analog output and
2 digital outputs.
The LDS70A is characterized by very compact and rugged design, easy
mounting, low power, adjustable switching outputs and the ability to set user-
specific parameters. This opens up a variety of uses in industrial applications.
▪Rapid process monitoring
▪Position monitoring
▪Level measurement
▪Monitoring of object movements
▪Positioning of cranes and loading equipment
▪Measurement of inaccessible points, for example in cavities, pipes and
containers
▪Particularly suitable for use in scanners
The LDS70 sensor operates on the basis of time of flight measurement. Short
laser pulses are transmitted. The light pulse reflected from the target is
detected by the receiver. The distance can be determined by the time shift.
The measurement range depends on the reflectivity and the surface type of
the measured target.

LDS70A User Manual Safety advice
ASTECH GmbH Page 9
2Safety advice
2.1 Basic safety advice
Please read the safety and operating advice carefully, and observe the advice
when operating the device.
Danger of Laser radiation
Do not open the LDS70A, otherwise Laser radiation can be emitted
that can cause eye injuries. Please observe all information and
guidelines for operating the Laser.
The LDS70A corresponds to Laser class 1 based on the standard
IEC 60825-1:2014. The radiation of class 1 Lasers does not imply
any danger to the human eye; any injury of the human eye can be
excluded.
Danger, electric shock
The LDS70A may only be opened for repair purposes by the
manufacturer. If the device is opened arbitrarily without
authorization, all warranty claims will expire.
The operating and storage conditions have to be observed (see
chapter 3). The inobservance of this advice and the adverse use of
the device can lead to injuries of the user or to damage of the
device.
Connectors may not be plugged or unplugged when voltage is
applied. All installation work may only be carried out when no
voltage is applied.
The device may only be operated as intended and in faultless
condition.
Safety installations must not be rendered ineffective.
Safety and warning signs must not be removed.
Protection Class 3, low voltage
The device LDS70A operates with low voltage of DC 10 to 30 volts.

Safety advice LDS70A User Manual
Page 10 ASTECH GmbH
Protection degree: In accordance with the Protection Degree IP 67,
the LDS70A is protected against jet water and dust, and against
short submersion into water.
When operating the device under extreme outdoor environmental
conditions, the use of additional weather protection is
recommended (e.g. a cover plate with a short distance to the
LDS70A). Rapid temperature changes can lead to humidity entering
the device.
The device is not shatter-proof. Do not let the device fall onto the
ground, and avoid any shock.
The device is delivered in a solid cardboard box, which is suited for
the transport of the device.
The device may not be used in explosive environments; otherwise
there is the danger of damage to the LDS70A and the surrounding
equipment, and of injuries of the user.
2.2 Advice for operating device
The LDS70A should not be put into operation when optical parts
are fogged or dirty. The optical components of the equipment
should not be touched with bare hands!
Dust and dirt are removed from the optical components with
extreme caution! Cleaning with solvents or mechanical means is
not allowed.
The device must be protected against overheating. The device will
not be switched off automatically when the operating
temperatures are exceeded. The persisting overheating of the
device will lead to a reduced lifetime of the laser diode.
The device must be protected from impact.
The device must be protected from extreme temperature
fluctuations. When extreme temperature fluctuations are occurring
use additional protection housing.

LDS70A User Manual Safety advice
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It is not allowed to operate the device in explosive environments.
The device corresponds to the protection degree IP 67, and is
protected against jet water and short submersion. Please observe
the conditions for the protection degree IP 67, and observe
especially the following advice:
▪The device must not be exposed to persisting driving rain or
high temperature variations.
▪If the device is exposed to humidity, the temperature
difference between the device and the environment may be
± 5K maximum.
It is necessary to observe the operating and storage conditions.

Safety advice LDS70A User Manual
Page 12 ASTECH GmbH
2.3 Norms
The device conforms to the following norms:
EN 61326-1:2013
(IEC 61326-1:2012)
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use, EMC requirements Part1: General
requirement
EN 50581:2012
Technical documentation for the assessment of
electrical and electronic products with respect to the
restriction of hazardous substances
The following additional standards/specifications were considered:
EN 60825-1:2014
(IEC 60825-1:2014)
Safety of Laser products - Part 1: Equipment
classification, requirements and user guide
Laser Class 1
2.4 Disposal
For the disposal of the device, special environmental protection
guidelines apply. Do not dispose the device with the usual domestic
refuse. The manufacturer offers to take back the device after the
end of the product life cycle, and to dispose of the product in
accordance with the effective environmental protection guidelines.
Please note that this service is subject to a charge.

LDS70A User Manual Operating conditions
ASTECH GmbH Page 13
3Operating conditions
3.1 Electrical installation conditions
For the operation of LDS70A use only a DC voltage of 10 V ... 30 V.
The limit values for the input voltage have to be observed. Do not
wire inputs as outputs.
All outputs are short circuit proof. The housing is galvanically separated from
the sensor electronics assembly. The interference resistance at electrostatic
discharge (ESD) is 4 kV according to EN 61326-1.
Table 1 : Electrical installation conditions
Electrical installation conditions of LDS70A
Supply voltage
10 V ... 30 V DC (direct current voltage)
Power consumption
< 3 W
3.2 Operating and storage conditions
Operating temperature -40 °C … +60 °C
Storage temperature -40 °C ... +70 °C
Air humidity 15 % ... 90 % non-condensing
The mentioned operating and storage conditions have to be
observed. When the operating temperatures exceed the permitted
values, the device will not be switched off automatically. The
continuous overheating of the device will reduce the lifetime of the
laser diode.
The inner temperature of the LDS70A can be distinctly higher than
the ambient temperature. If the inner temperature exceeds 85 °C
no laser light will be emitted until the temperature falls below 85°C
again.
The temperature (check with command TP) may be higher than the
ambient temperature. Approx. 30 min after power ON the
measured temperature might be 25 Kelvin higher than ambient
temperature.

Operating conditions LDS70A User Manual
Page 14 ASTECH GmbH
3.3 Appropriate use
The device is intended for the following applications:
Distance measurement and output of measured data via RS-232 or RS-422
interface, analogue output and digital outputs.
It should be noted:
▪Operation with correct supply voltage,
▪Compliance with environmental conditions, the operating and storage
temperature,
▪Protection of windows against fogging and soiling,
▪Using data lines with specified signal levels,
▪Observing of guidelines in this manual.
Measurement through optically transparent material
Measurement through optically transparent materials such as glass,
optical filters, acrylic glass etc. can lead to erroneous measurement
results. When measuring through optically transparent material,
use the function “measurement window”. By using this function
due to setting a fixed measurement range, a wrong measurement -
caused by an optical medium in front of the laser - may be avoided.
Please take care that the surface of the medium is clean and clear.
3.4 Improperly use –error sources
The device may only be used when the safety advice described in chapter 2 is
observed. The non-observance of the safety advice can lead to damages of the
device or to injuries of the eyes.
To achieve correct measurement results, avoid the following error sources:
▪Measurement against the sun or other intense light sources
▪Measurement onto low reflective target surfaces in highly reflective
environments
▪Measurements onto highly reflective surfaces (mirror)
▪Measurements through glass, optical filter, Plexiglas or other transparent
materials can lead to measurement errors

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▪Two or more LDS70A may not be aligned in "frontal view" because the
devices interact each other
▪Operation and storage of the device under conditions that do not
conform with the specifications
The operating temperatures have to be observed. The overheating
of the device has to be avoided in any case. When the operating
temperatures are exceeded, the device is not switched off
automatically. Persisting overheating of the device leads to a
reduced lifetime of the laser diode.

Device description LDS70A User Manual
Page 16 ASTECH GmbH
4Device description
4.1 General information
The laser distance meter LDS70A is designed as a compact range finder
dedicated for easy integration. It provides serial data interfaces (RS232,
RS422) as well as digital and analog outputs. The housing is classified IP 67.
The automatically controlled heating element ensures the operating
temperature of the components and free optics (no condensation) of the
LDS70A.
4.2 Technical data
Table 1: Technical data
Measurement
Measurement principle
Laser pulse - Time of flight measurement
Measuring range
Total range
On target board 1) 2)
Onto natural surface, 80 % reflectivity 1)
Onto natural surface, 10 % reflectivity 1)
0.2 m … 270 m
0.5 m … 270 m
0.2 m … 125 m
0.2 m … 70 m
Measuring accuracy 3)
±60 mm (single measurement, 1 σ)
Repeatability 4)
±25 mm (1 σ)
Resolution
1 mm (decimal output ≤ 15 kHz)
Maximum measuring rate
40 kHz
Measurement modes
Single, continuous, programmable auto-
start
1) Dependent on target reflectance, influence of extraneous light and atmospheric conditions
2) e.g. Scotchlite Cube 3000x
3) Accuracy can be ± 100 mm for close-up ranges up to 1 m.
4) Repeatability ± 50 mm at measurement distances above 70 m.
Laser
Laser wavelength
905 nm (invisible, near-infrared)
Laser divergence
2 mrad x 0.4 mrad
Laser class
Laser class 1, EN 60825-1:2014

LDS70A User Manual Device description
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Electrical
Power supply
+10 V DC…30 V DC
Power consumption (maximum)
≤ 3 W
Connector flange (on device)
Standard M12, male connector, 12-pin, A-
coded
Interfaces
Serial data interface
RS232 or RS422, Max. baud rate 921.600
baud/s
Digital output
2x “High-Side” switch, max. load 0.2 A
Analog output
4 mA … 20 mA, programmable distance
ranges
Trigger
1x in/out, programmable delay
Environmental
Operating temperature
-20° C … +60 °C (without heating)
-40° C … +60 °C (with enabled heating)
Storage temperature
-40 °C … +70 °C
Humidity
10 % … 90 %, non-condensing
Integrated heating
Yes, automatically controlled
Mechanical
Housing protection class
IP 67
Shock / Vibration
DIN ISO 9022-3
Dimensions
98 mm x 46 mm x 25 mm (L x W x H) incl.
connector
Weight approx.
137 g
MTTF
> 5 years ( > 44.000 hours)

Device description LDS70A User Manual
Page 18 ASTECH GmbH
4.3 Laser beam image
Divergence of Transmitter: 2 mrad x 0.4 mrad
Divergence of Receiver: 5.8 mrad
The table below shows the size of the laser spot on the target in dependence
on the distance. In this sight the lenses of the RF70A are installed vertical
above each other.
Table 2: Laser spot size
Distance
Laser spot Width
Laser Spot height
Footprint
(not true scale)
0.2 m
14 mm
9 mm
1 m
14 mm
10 mm
5 m
15 mm
19 mm
10 m
17 mm
30 mm
20 m
19 mm
51 mm
70 m
32 mm
157 mm
150 m
52 mm
327 mm
290 m
87 mm
625 mm
The above-mentioned laser spot holds approx. 50 % of the entire laser energy.
An aura with less energy forms around that spot.

LDS70A User Manual Device description
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4.4 Mechanical Installation
The LDS70A can be mounted in 3 different ways:
▪Front with 2 screws M3
▪Bottom side with 4 screws M3
▪Small side right with 3 screws M3
The required length of the screws depends on the counter piece. It is
recommended to use screws with washer and ring washer. Exact positions of
the screws are shown in Figure 1.
Mounting screws are not included in scope of delivery.
Figure 1 : LDS70A dimensions

Device description LDS70A User Manual
Page 20 ASTECH GmbH
4.5 Electrical Installation
Connector pin assignment
Table 3: Connector pin assignment
Pin
Color
Signal
Description
1
Brown
Q1
Digital output Q1
2
Blue
VDC -
GND of supply voltage
3
White
RS422 / RS232
Setting pin RS422 or RS232
4
Green
TX+
TxD
RS422 transmission data +
RS232 transmission data
5
Pink
RX-
RS422 receiving data -
6
Yellow
TX-
RS422 transmission data -
7
Black
Q2
Digital output Q1
8
Grey
RX+
RxD
RS422 receiving data +
RS232 receiving data
9
Red
VDC +
Supply voltage 10 V … 30 V DC
10
Violet
TRIGIO
Trigger signal IN / OUT
11
Grey / Pink
QA
Analogue current output
4 mA … 20 mA
12
Red / Blue
GND
Ground for interfaces
(QA, RS232, Trigger)
▪The LDS70A provides inverse polarity protection
▪Overvoltage protection is provided up to max. 42 V DC.
▪Recommended cable socket: Standard M12, female, 12-pin
The shield of the cable should be connected to the connector
housing. Open, unused cable wires must be insulated.