SICK LMS500 Series User manual

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2©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Software version Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
Software version described
Software access to the LMS500/511 is password protected. As supplied the following
passwords are defined:
Software/tool Function Status
LMS500-20000 Firmware V 1.00
LMS511-10100 Firmware V 1.00
LMS511-20100 Firmware V 1.00
Device description
LMS500-10000
Device specific software module
for SOPAS ET
V 01.00.00 or higher
Device description
LMS511-10100
Device specific software module
for SOPAS ET
V 01.00.00 or higher
Device description
LMS511-20100
Device specific software module
for SOPAS ET
V 01.00.00 or higher
SOPAS ET Configuration software V 02.32 or higher
User level Password
Maintenance personnel main
Authorised client client
Copyright
Copyright © 2010
SICK AG Waldkirch
Auto Ident, Reute Plant
Nimburger Straße 11
79276 Reute
Germany
Trademarks
Windows 2000™, Windows XP™, Windows Vista™ and Internet Explorer™ are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the USA and other countries.
Adobe®Reader™ is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Version of the operating instructions
The latest version of these operating instructions can be obtained as PDF at www.sick.com.

8013796/UL20/2010-09-27 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 3
Operating Instructions
LMS500 Product Family
Contents
Table of contents
1 About this document .......................................................................................................9
1.1 Function of this document .......................................................................................... 9
1.2 Target group ................................................................................................................ 9
1.3 Depth of information ................................................................................................... 9
1.4 Symbology used ........................................................................................................ 10
2 For your safety .............................................................................................................. 11
2.1 Authorised personnel ................................................................................................ 11
2.2 Correct use ................................................................................................................ 11
2.3 General safety notes and protective measures ...................................................... 12
2.4 Quick stop and Quick restart ....................................................................................14
2.5 Environmental protection ......................................................................................... 14
3 Product description ...................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Delivery ...................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Device variants .......................................................................................................... 15
3.3 Special features of the LMS ..................................................................................... 16
3.4 Controls and status indicators ................................................................................. 16
3.5 Operating principle of the LMS .................................................................................18
3.6 Applications ............................................................................................................... 25
3.7 Measurement of objects ........................................................................................... 25
3.8 Field application ........................................................................................................ 30
3.9 Inputs and outputs .................................................................................................... 34
3.10 Data interfaces .......................................................................................................... 35
3.11 Data communication using messages .................................................................... 37
3.12 Planning ..................................................................................................................... 38
4 Mounting ........................................................................................................................ 39
4.1 Overview of the mounting steps ............................................................................... 39
4.2 Preparations for mounting ........................................................................................ 39
4.3 Mounting steps .......................................................................................................... 40
4.4 Dismanteling the system .......................................................................................... 46
5 Electrical installation ................................................................................................... 47
5.1 Overview of the installation steps ............................................................................ 47
5.2 Connections of the LMS ............................................................................................ 47
5.3 Preparing the electrical installation ......................................................................... 50
5.4 Perform electrical installation on the LMS .............................................................. 51
6 Commissioning and configuration ............................................................................. 58
6.1 Overview of the commissioning steps ..................................................................... 58
6.2 SOPAS ET configuration software ............................................................................ 58
6.3 Establish communication with the LMS .................................................................. 59
6.4 Initial commissioning ................................................................................................ 61
6.5 Connection and test measurement ......................................................................... 63
7 Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 64
7.1 Maintenance during operation ................................................................................. 64
7.2 Exchanging an LMS ................................................................................................... 64
8 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................ 65
8.1 In the event of faults or errors .................................................................................. 65
8.2 Error displays of the LEDs ........................................................................................ 65
8.3 Indications of the 7-segment display ....................................................................... 66
8.4 Detailed error analysis .............................................................................................. 66

4©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Contents Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
9 Technical specifications .............................................................................................. 67
9.1 Data sheet LMS laser measurement system ......................................................... 67
9.2 Dimensional drawings .............................................................................................. 70
10 Annex ............................................................................................................................. 76
10.1 Overview of the annexes .......................................................................................... 76
10.2 Messages .................................................................................................................. 76
10.3 Ordering information ................................................................................................ 95
10.4 Glossary ..................................................................................................................... 96

8013796/UL20/2010-09-27 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 5
Operating Instructions
LMS500 Product Family
Figures and tables
Abbreviations
BCC Block character check
CAN Controller area network = standardised fieldbus system with message-based protocol for
exchanging data
CoLa Communication Language = proprietary SOPAS ET communication language (ASCII =
CoLaFAor binary = CoLaFB)
CS Checksum
EEPROM Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
HTML Hypertext markup language = page description language on the Internet
LED Light Emitting Diode
LMS SICK AG laser measurement system
RAM Random access memory = volatile memory with direct access
ROM Read-only memory (permanent)
SOPAS ET SICK OPEN PORTAL for APPLICATION and SYSTEMS Engineering Tool = configuration
software for the configuration of the LMS500/511

6©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Figures and tables Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
Tables
Tab. 1: Target groups of this document .............................................................................. 9
Tab. 2: Authorised personnel .............................................................................................11
Tab. 3: Delivery ...................................................................................................................15
Tab. 4: Device variants .......................................................................................................15
Tab. 5: Special features of the LMS variants ...................................................................16
Tab. 6: Meaning of the LEDs ..............................................................................................17
Tab. 7: Frame for the messages with ASCII coding ..........................................................37
Tab. 8: Frame for the messages with binary coding ........................................................37
Tab. 9: Terminal assignment of the LMS500 ...................................................................48
Tab. 10: Pin assignment of the “Ethernet” connection on the LMS500 ..........................48
Tab. 11: Pin assignment of the “Power” connection on the LMS511 ..............................49
Tab. 12: Pin assignment of the “RSF232” connection on the LMS511 ............................49
Tab. 13: Pin assignment of the “I/O” connection on the LMS511 ...................................49
Tab. 14: Pin assignment of the “Ethernet” connection on the LMS511 ..........................50
Tab. 15: SOPAS ET default setting .......................................................................................59
Tab. 16: Connect the data interfaces ..................................................................................59
Tab. 17: Passwords LMS ......................................................................................................62
Tab. 18: Error displays of the LEDs .....................................................................................65
Tab. 19: Indications of the 7Fsegment display ....................................................................66
Tab. 20: Data sheet LMS500/511 ......................................................................................67
Tab. 21: Variable types .........................................................................................................76
Tab. 22: Hash values of the passwords ..............................................................................87
Tab. 23: Consumables ..........................................................................................................95

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Operating Instructions
LMS500 Product Family
Figures and tables
Figures
Fig. 1: Laser output aperture of the LMS ........................................................................ 13
Fig. 2: Status indicators .................................................................................................... 17
Fig. 3: Measuring principle of the LMS ........................................................................... 18
Fig. 4: Principle of operation for pulse propagation time measurement ...................... 19
Fig. 5: Reflection of the laser beam at the surface of an object ................................... 19
Fig. 6: Reflection angle ..................................................................................................... 20
Fig. 7: Degree of reflection ............................................................................................... 20
Fig. 8: Mirror surfaces ...................................................................................................... 20
Fig. 9: Object smaller than diameter of the laser beam ................................................ 21
Fig. 10: Scanning range of the LMS as a function of the target remission .................... 21
Fig. 11: Beam expansion .................................................................................................... 22
Fig. 12: Schematic layout of the distance between measured points
at different angular resolutions ............................................................................ 22
Fig. 13: Beam diameter and distance between measured points of LMS500
at 0 to 65 m (0 to 213.25 ft) ................................................................................ 23
Fig. 14: Minimum object size for detection ....................................................................... 23
Fig. 15: Measured value message request ....................................................................... 27
Fig. 16: Continuous measured value output ..................................................................... 28
Fig. 17: Principle of operation of the measurement of the fifth received echo .............. 29
Fig. 18: Principle of the field application ........................................................................... 30
Fig. 19: Protection against tampering due to shading and glare .................................... 32
Fig. 20: Examples of different evaluation field shapes .................................................... 33
Fig. 21: Logical operators for inputs and outputs ............................................................. 35
Fig. 22: Direct mounting ..................................................................................................... 40
Fig. 23: Mounting with mounting kit 1 ............................................................................... 41
Fig. 24: Mounting with mounting kit 2 and 3 .................................................................... 42
Fig. 25: Mounting with mounting kit 2 and 3 .................................................................... 43
Fig. 26: Weather protection hood, upright orientation of the scanner ............................ 44
Fig. 27: Weather protection hood, upside down orientation of the scanner .................. 44
Fig. 28: Placement of two LMS opposed to each other ................................................... 45
Fig. 29: Crosswise placement of two LMS ........................................................................ 45
Fig. 30: Placement of two LMS with parallel offset .......................................................... 45
Fig. 31: Placement of two LMS with parallel offset, one of these upside down ............. 46
Fig. 32: Placement of two LMS upside down, parallel offset ........................................... 46
Fig. 33: Placement of two LMS with parallel offset, one of these upside down ............. 46
Fig. 34: LMS500/511: USB connection at the auxiliary interface .................................. 51
Fig. 35: LMS500/511: Ethernet connection using the Ethernet cable .......................... 51
Fig. 36: LMS511: connection of the voltage supply ......................................................... 53
Fig. 37: LMS511: Communication connection ................................................................. 54
Fig. 38: LMS511: “I/O” connection ................................................................................... 54
Fig. 39: Connecting digital inputs as non-floating ............................................................ 55

8©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Figures and tables Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
Fig. 40: Connecting digital inputs as floating ....................................................................55
Fig. 41: Wiring encoder inputs ............................................................................................55
Fig. 42: Wiring inputs In 1…4 ..............................................................................................56
Fig. 43: Connection of the outputs to a PLC (active low) ..................................................56
Fig. 44: Connection of the outputs to a PLC (active high) ................................................56
Fig. 45: Wiring of the RSF232 or RSF422 interface ...........................................................57
Fig. 46: Principle of data storage .......................................................................................61
Fig. 47: Dimensional drawing LMS500 (mm) ....................................................................70
Fig. 48: Dimensional drawing LMS511 (mm) ....................................................................71
Fig. 49: Dimensional drawing, mounting kit 1 ...................................................................72
Fig. 50: Dimensional drawing, mounting kit 2 ...................................................................73
Fig. 51: Dimensional drawing, mounting kit 3 ...................................................................74
Fig. 52: Dimensional drawing weather protection hoods .................................................75

Operating Instructions
LMS500 Product Family
About this document
8013796/UL20/2010-09-27 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 9
Chapter 1
1About this document
Please read this chapter carefully before working with this documentation and the
LMS500/511 laser measurement system.
1.1 Function of this document
These operating instructions are designed to address the technical personnel in regards to
safe mounting, electrical installation, configuration, commissioning and maintenance of the
following laser measurement system variants:
•LMS500-20000 (indoor)
•LMS511-10100 (outdoor), Standard Resolution (SR)
•LMS511-20100 (outdoor), High Resolution (HR)
See device variants in section 3.2 “Device variants” on page 15.
Important In the following the variants are termed “LMS” for short, except in cases where exact
differentiation is necessary.
1.2 Target group
The intended audience for this document is people in the following positions:
1.3 Depth of information
These operating instructions contain the following information on the LMS:
•product description
•mounting
•electrical installation
•commissioning and configuration
•maintenance
•fault, error diagnosis and troubleshooting
•conformity and approval
Planning and using laser measurement systems such as the LMS also require specific
technical skills which are not detailed in this documentation.
In addition, an online help is available in the SOPAS ET configuration software supplied; this
help provides information on the usage of the software user interface, as well as on the
configuration of the LMS.
Further information on the LMS is available from SICK AG, Division Auto Ident, and in the
Internet at www.sick.com.
Activities Target group
Mounting, electrical installation,
maintenance and replacement
Factory electricians and service engineers
Commissioning, operation and
configuration
Technicians and engineers
Tab. 1: Target groups of this document

About this document
10 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
Chapter 1
1.4 Symbology used
Recommendation Recommendations are designed to give you assistance in the decision-making process with
respect to a certain function or a technical measure.
Important Sections marked “Important” provide information about special features of the device.
Explanation Explanations provide background knowledge on technical relationships.
MENU COMMAND This typeface indicates a term in the SOPAS ET user interface.
Terminal output This typeface indicates messages that the LMS outputs via its interfaces.
Take action … Here you must do something. This symbol indicates an instruction to perform an action that
contains only one action or actions in warnings where a specific sequence does not need to
be followed. Instructions to perform actions that contain several steps in sequence are
numbered.
This symbol refers to additionally available documentation.
Software notes show where you can make the appropriate settings and adjustments in the
SOPAS ET configuration software.
Note!
Anote indicates potential hazards that could involve damage or degradation of the
functionality of the LMS or other devices.
Warning!
Awarning indicates an actual or potential hazard. They are designed to help you to prevent
accidents.
The safety symbol beside the warning indicates the nature of the risk of accident, e.g. due
to electricity. The warning category (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION) indicates the severity of
the hazard.
Read carefully and follow the warning notices!

Operating Instructions
LMS500 Product Family
For your safety
8013796/UL20/2010-09-27 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 11
Chapter 2
2For your safety
This chapter deals with your own safety and the safety of the equipment operators.
Please read this chapter carefully before working with the LMS.
2.1 Authorised personnel
The LMS laser measurement system must be installed, commissioned and serviced only by
adequately qualified personnel.
Repairs to the LMS are only allowed to be undertaken by trained and authorised service
personnel from SICK AG.
The following qualifications are necessary for the various tasks:
2.2 Correct use
The LMS is an electro-sensitive distance measurement system for stand-alone or network
operation. It is suitable for applications in which precise, electro-sensitive measurements of
contours and surroundings are required. It is also possible to realise systems, for instance,
for collision protection, for building surveillance or for access monitoring.
It must be initialised only by qualified personnel and only in industrial environments.
In case of any other usage as well as in case of modifications to the LMS, e.g. due to opening
the housing during mounting and electrical installation, or to the SICK software, any claims
against SICK AG under the warranty will be rendered void.
The LMS is only allowed to be operated in the ambient temperature range allowed (see
section 9.1 “Data sheet LMS laser measurement system” on page 67).
Activities Qualification
Mounting and maintenance •basic technical training
•knowledge of the current safety regulations in the
workplace
Electrical installation and
replacement
•practical electrical training
•knowledge of current electrical safety regulations
•knowledge on the use and operation of devices in the
related application (e.g. crane, assembly system)
Commissioning, operation and
configuration
•knowledge on the use and operation of devices in the
related application (e.g. crane, assembly system)
•knowledge on the software and hardware environment in
the related application (e.g. crane, assembly system)
•basic knowledge of the Windows operating system
•basic knowledge of an HTML browser (e.g. Internet
Explorer)
•basic knowledge of data transmission
Tab. 2: Authorised personnel

For your safety
12 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
Chapter 2
2.3 General safety notes and protective measures
Safety notes
Please observe the following items in order to ensure the correct and safe use of the LMS.
•The notices in these operating instructions (e.g. on use, mounting, installation or
integration into the existing machine controller) must be observed.
•When operating the LMS, the national, local and statutory rules and regulations must
be observed.
•National/international rules and regulations apply to the installation, commissioning,
use and periodic technical inspections of the laser measurement system, in particular:
– the work safety regulations/safety rules
– other relevant health and safety regulations
•Manufacturers and operators of the system on which the LMS is installed are
responsible for obtaining and observing all applicable safety regulations and rules.
•The tests must be carried out by specialist personnel or specially qualified and
authorised personnel and must be recorded and documented to ensure that the tests
can be reconstructed and retraced at any time.
•The operating instructions must be made available to the operator of the system where
the LMS is fitted. The operator of the system is to be instructed in the use of the device
by specialist personnel and must be instructed to read the operating instructions.
•The LMS is not a device for the protection of people in the context of the related safety
standards for machinery.
2.3.1 Electrical installation work
•Only authorised personnel are allowed to perform the electrical installation work.
•Only make and disconnect electrical connections when the device is electrically
isolated.
•Select and implement wire cross-sections and their correct fuse protection as per the
applicable standards.
Do not open the housing.
Observe the current safety regulations when working on electrical systems.

Operating Instructions
LMS500 Product Family
For your safety
8013796/UL20/2010-09-27 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 13
Chapter 2
2.3.2 Laser radiation from the laser measurement system
Laser radiation!
The LMS corresponds to laser class 1 (eye safe) as per EN 60825-1 (for publication date
see laser warning label on the device). Complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 with the exception
of the deviations as per Laser Notice No. 50, June 2007. The laser beam cannot be seen
with the human eye.
•Incorrect usage can result in hazardous exposure to laser radiation.
Do not open the housing (opening the housing will not switch off the laser).
Pay attention to the laser safety regulations as per IEC 60825F1(latest version).
Important No maintenance is necessary to ensure compliance with laser class 1.
Laser output aperture
The laser output aperture is the window of the front screen on the LMS.
Fig. 1: Laser output aperture of the LMS
Laser power
The laser operates at a wavelength =905 nm (invisible infrared light). The radiation
emitted in normal operation is not harmful to the eyes and human skin.
Laser warning label
The laser warning is on the LMS on the right side of the housing.
Window of the front
screen

For your safety
14 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
Chapter 2
2.4 Quick stop and Quick restart
2.4.1 Switching off the LMS
Switch off voltage supply (power supply) for the LMS or disconnect the system plug on
the LMS500 or the M12 supply cable on the LMS511.
The LMS retains parameters stored in the internal, non-volatile memory. Measured values
on the interface are lost.
2.4.2 Switching back on the LMS
Switch on voltage supply (power supply) for the LMS or re-connect the system plug on
the LMS500 or the M12 supply cable on the LMS511.
The LMS re-commences operation with the parameters last saved.
2.5 Environmental protection
The LMS has been designed to minimise environmental impact. It uses only a minimum of
power.
While working, always act in an environmentally responsible manner. For this reason please
note the following information on disposal.
2.5.1 Power consumption
•The LMS500 consumes a maximum of 24 W in operation.
•In addition, the LMS511 draws a maximum of 50 W in cycles for the heating.
2.5.2 Disposal after final de-commissioning
Always dispose of unserviceable or irreparable devices in compliance with local/
national rules and regulations on waste disposal.
Dispose of all electronic assemblies as hazardous waste. The electronic assemblies are
straightforward to dismantle.
Important SICK AG does not accept unusable or irreparable devices that are returned.

Operating Instructions
LMS500 Product Family
Product description
8013796/UL20/2010-09-27 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 15
Chapter 3
3Product description
This chapter provides information on the special features and properties of the LMS laser
measurement system. It describes the construction and the operating principle of the
device, in particular the different operating modes.
Please read this chapter before mounting, installing and commissioning the device.
3.1 Delivery
The LMS delivery includes the following components:
Section 10.3 “Ordering information” on page 95 provides an overview of the systems
available and the accessories available.
3.1.1 Contents of the CD-ROM
•SOPAS ET configuration software
•operating instructions “LMS500/511 Laser measurement system” in German and
English as PDF
•freely available software “Adobe®Reader™”
The latest versions of the publications and programs included on the CDFROM are also
available for download at www.sick.com.
3.2 Device variants
The LMS comprises four components:
•the housing
•the sensor head with the opto-electronic acquisition system
•the application module, this defines the functionality of the LMS
•the system plug with the configuration memory (the system plug contains all electrical
connections)
Quantity Components Comment
1 An LMS laser measurement system LMS500-10000, LMS511-20100,
LMS511-10100, depending on order
1Device instructions with electrical circuit
diagram for getting started
Is included in the LMS packaging
1CDFROM “Manuals & Software Auto Ident” Contents see 3.1.1
Tab. 3: Delivery
Type Special features Range Heating Enclosure rating
LMS500-10000 Indoor variant max. 65 m
26 m @ 10%1)
1) object remission
Without IP 65
LMS511-10100 Outdoor variant max. 65 m
26 m @ 10%
With IP 67
LMS511-20100 Outdoor variant max. 65 m
40 m @ 10%
With IP 67
Tab. 4: Device variants

Product description
16 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
Chapter 3
3.3 Special features of the LMS
3.4 Controls and status indicators
3.4.1 User interface
In normal operation the laser measurement system operates fully automatically without the
intervention of an operator.
The interactive configuration is carried out using the provided SOPAS ET configuration
software. The software used for this purpose runs on a PC that is connected to the LMS via
one of the interfaces.
Use the graphic scan view in SOPAS ET to verify the generated measured values and to
verify the measurement area online. During this process, note that the field evaluation
monitor cannot display the data in real-time and therefore does not display all measured
values.
Variant Special features
All •field of view maximum 190°
•resolution of the angular step width: 0.167/0.25/0.33/0.5/0.66/1°
•rotation frequency 25/35/50/75/100 Hz
•flexible system configurations
•configuration/measured value request using messages (command
strings)
•data interfaces Ethernet, RSF232/-422, USB, CAN
Measured value output (raw data)
•electro-sensitive, active measurement technique
•measurement of objects with almost any shape
•measured value output for all reflection pulses (echoes), e.g. in rain or on
measurement through a window
Integrated field application
•10 configurable evaluation fields
•monitoring of the evaluation field contours
•switching of the evaluation fields using digital inputs
•encoder inputs
•additional output of the evaluation field (unoccupied or infringed) via
digital outputs or messages
LMS500-10000
•scanning range up to 65 m (213.25 ft) with > 100% object remission
(26 m (85.30 ft) with 10% object remission)
•housing with protection class IP 65
LMS511-10100 •scanning range up to 65 m (213.25 ft) with > 100% object remission
(26 m (85.30 ft) with 10% object remission)
•outdoor housing with protection class IP 67
LMS511-20100 •scanning range up to 65 m (213.25 ft) with > 100% object remission
(40 m (131.23 ft) with 10% object remission)
•housing with protection class IP 67
Tab. 5: Special features of the LMS variants

Operating Instructions
LMS500 Product Family
Product description
8013796/UL20/2010-09-27 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 17
Chapter 3
3.4.2 Status indicators
The LEDs and the 7Fsegment display indicate the operational status of the LMS.
Fig. 2: Status indicators
Important •On the LMS, along with the standard displays described below, the indication functions
of the LEDs and the 7Fsegment display can be configured in SOPAS ET.
PROJECT TREE,LMS…, PARAMETER, NETWORK/INTERFACES/IOS, DISPLAY.
LEDs
Further information see section 8.2 “Error displays of the LEDs” on page 65.
7?segment display
Used for diagnostics on occurring errors or malfunctions (see section 8.3 “Indications of the
7-segment display” on page 66).
Display Possible cause
LMS in operation, no evaluation field is signalling an event
LMS in operation, at least one evaluation field is signalling an event
front screen contaminated
Switching output OUT1 switched (see section 3.8.3 “Operator for the
evaluation cases on the output” on page 33)
Switching output OUT2 switched (see section 3.8.3 “Operator for the
evaluation cases on the output” on page 33)
Tab. 6: Meaning of the LEDs

Product description
18 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
Chapter 3
3.5 Operating principle of the LMS
The LMS is an electro-optical laser measurement system that electro-sensitively scans the
perimeter of its surroundings in a plane with the aid of laser beams. The LMS measures its
surroundings in two-dimensional polar coordinates. If a laser beam is incident on an object,
the position is determined in the form of distance and direction.
Fig. 3: Measuring principle of the LMS
Scanning takes place in a sector of 190°. The scanning range of the LMS is maximum 65 m
(213.25 ft) on light, natural surfaces with an object remission > 100% (e.g. a white house
wall).

Operating Instructions
LMS500 Product Family
Product description
8013796/UL20/2010-09-27 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 19
Chapter 3
Distance measurement
The LMS emits pulsed laser beams using a laser diode. If such a laser pulse is incident on
an object or a person, it is reflected at its surface. The reflection is detected in the laser
measurement system’s receiver using a photodiode.
Fig. 4: Principle of operation for pulse propagation time measurement
The distance to the object is calculated from the propagation time that the light requires
from emission to reception of the reflection at the sensor. This principle of “pulse
propagation time measurement” is used by radar systems in a similar manner (see also
section 3.7.4 “Measured value output for a 5-echo reflected pulse” on page 29).
Direction measurement
The emitted laser beams are deflected using a mirror and scan the surroundings in a
circular manner. The measurements are triggered at regular angular steps using an angular
encoder.
The LMS scans with a scanning frequency of 25, 35, 50, 75 or 100 Hz. During this process,
alaser pulse and therefore a measurement is triggered after an angular step of 0.167°,
0.25°, 0.33°, 0.5°, 0.66° or 1°.
Influences of object surfaces on the measurement
The signal received from a perfectly diffuse reflecting white surface corresponds to the
definition of a remission of 100%. As a result of this definition, the remissions for surfaces
that reflect the light bundled (mirrored surfaces, reflectors), are more than 100%.
Fig. 5: Reflection of the laser beam at the surface of an object
Send pulse
Receive pulse
t

Product description
20 ©SICK AG · Division Auto Ident · Germany · Subject to change without notice 8013796/UL20/2010-09-27
Operating Instructions
Laser Measurement Systems of the LMS500 Product Family
Chapter 3
The majority of surfaces reflect the laser beam diffusely in all directions.
The reflection of the laser beam will vary as a function of the surface structure and colour.
Light surfaces reflect the laser beam better than dark surfaces and can be detected by the
LMS over larger distances. Brilliant white plaster reflects approx. 100% of the incident light,
black foam rubber approx. 2.4%. On very rough surfaces, part of the energy is lost due to
shading. The scanning range of the LMS will be reduced as a result.
Fig. 6: Reflection angle
The reflection angle is the same as the angle of incidence. If the laser beam is incident
perpendicularly on a surface, the energy is optimally reflected (Fig. 5 on page 19). If the
beam is incident at an angle, a corresponding energy and scanning range loss is incurred
(Fig. 6 on page 20).
Fig. 7: Degree of reflection
If the reflected energy returned is over 100% (basis: Kodak standard) the incident beam is
not reflected diffusely in all directions, but is reflected in a specific direction. As a result a
large portion of the energy emitted can be received by the laser distance measurement
device. Plastic reflectors (“cats’ eyes”), reflective tape and triple prisms have these
properties.
Fig. 8: Mirror surfaces
At mirror surfaces the laser beam is almost entirely deflected (Fig. 8 on page 20).